The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Food & crafts => Crafts => Topic started by: Bionic on December 31, 2012, 09:51:31 am
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I have really got into sock making but so far have only made socks with pretty sock bought wool so wondered if anyone spins wool good enough for socks and if so do you have any tips.
My own spinning is a bit hit and miss, sometimes thick and then thin. I wonder if its my preparation at fault a bit so maybe I will try with some of the wool tops that came with the wheel and which I have never used.
Sally
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I have done and I'm sure SITN does.
Worsted spun makes for harder-wearing socks, though not especially soft. You can buy tops with nylon carded in, which would make the yarn even more hardwearing.
Generally though, I buy coloured sock yarn when it's on sale and keep my handspun for longer–lasting, more visible things.
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I haven't yet but am definitely going to.
My researches have led me to conclude that 3-ply is best, lots of twist, two of the singles spun clockwise and one anti-clockwise, then all plied together anti-clockwise.
I have 2 bobbins of clockwise-worstead-spun Blue-faced Leicester (supposed to be a good fibre for socks, you need a reasonable length staple) of a reasonable weight and consistency, awaiting the third (anti-clockwise-spun) bobbin to be spun up...
It's taken me a while to get to the level of proficiency to make singles that wouldn't be over-thick as 3-ply.
I am encouraged by having knitted up and worn socks made from Wensleydale sock yarn, bought from a destashing Raveller. It's from Sheepfold originally, 4 very lightweight singles plied together, knits beautifully and so far, wears beautifully too. :) Wensleydale of course has a tremendously long staple, so that will help.
I do have some Teeswater, but I've dyed it and I think it's too glorious to be hidden away inside shoes / wellies...
I do intend to make socks from our own fleece, since I have an inexhaustible supply of that. But I thought I'd start with a fibre recommended for socks, so I have a benchmark to compare with.
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Sally my singles are probably as thick as your 3 ply ;D
I would like to make some chunky socks but at the moment there won't be room for my feet in the boots if I knit this into socks. I will have to refine my technique,
Sally
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I have just finished my first pair of hand spun knitted socks for my hubby. They are Jacob and Alpaca. The toe and the heel are Jacob only. I spun the first yarn one way then the second in the opposite direction, then plied them to together (this is supposed to make it more hard wearing). They are too thick to wear with shoes/ boots but are lovely to put on in the evening ;) they're not elegant, but I'm pleased with them.
I have just finished spinning some Southdown fleece which I spun much thinner and am thinking of knitting socks out of these.
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they look fab sts. timely thread - Ive just spun one reel , so will spin next in opp direction (what about plying then - either direction?) Then just need to tackle first pair of socks :knit: :knit: .
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STS the are lovely. Would they be of any use in walking boots?
Sally
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Thanks :D
FiB, yes, ply either direction.
Sally, I think they would be OK for walking boots. Next time I would think about spinning in or knitting in some fine elastic to help them stay up.
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I knit my socks with a k3p1 rib, and they don't seem to fall down at all. Alpaca isn't sproingy, but the Jacob should compensate for that?
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Ooh I love those socks STS. Socks are on my list of ' to learn ' . Just trying to get the making of a wool ball correct at the moment after forgetting to wash the skein :innocent:
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STS they look really cosy. I am definitely going to knit some socks this year. :knit: