Why would you knit socks when you can buy them? I'm not trying to insult knitters I was just wondering if they're really that great?
2007-12-14 07:19:38 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
aside from what Grace said, they probably last a lot longer than store-bought ones and knit up faster than some other knitting projects like sweaters and afghans. Oh and I've never seen a pair of cable-knit socks in the store :)
and have you ever been able to buy socks like these?:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/regn_och_slask/223519213/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/st-carrie/2058814866/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/peskymac/1515885643/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kamicha/1504761109/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/betsyjean79/300086142/
2007-12-14 08:29:58 · answer #1 · answered by Kimmy 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As a sock knitter (among other things), if I may, why knit socks? Because once you've had a pair of handknit socks that fit your foot, not some generic foot sized 9 - 12, in colors that coordinate with your clothes, or your mood (trust me, at 57 I wear my handknit socks in some pretty wild colors with my Birkies and skirts to work, and, yes, I work as an administrator in 3D on a college campus) you don't want to go back to the 6 pairs for $6 stuff from Wal-Mart. I'm also a diabetic and handknit socks are easy on my feet and legs as well. Plus they wear well. I have some that have been in and out of the washer and dryer weekly for seven years with no problems, no repairs. I don't have any pairs of store bought socks that can say that. Aside from that knitting them is like eating potato chips, highly addictive
2007-12-14 13:03:48 · answer #2 · answered by mickiinpodunk 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Both of my grandmothers were talented in different ways. Mum's mum was good at crochet work, table mats, chair back covers etc. and she taught me a few basic stitches. I cannot do what she did though. My dad's mum was an absolutely fabulous embroiderer. It was so neat that either side could be used as the right side. She taught me how to do that and I can almost do it as neatly as she did but my poor eyesight now prevents me doing it. Knitting socks and repairing them very neatly was another of her skills. She taught me to darn also (but I've never like knitting) and my darning wasn't bad at all but I would not wish to do it now. Grandad and Dad has home made socks from her and appreciated them. We, the grandkids, received scarves, gloves and the boys received balaclava helmets also. Most people of that generation had skills which resulted in someone receiving something to wear made by them. Not having a T.V. leaves more time to use these skills. Everyone spends too much time either watching T.V. or using the internet to revive these old skills. Sad really.
2016-04-09 03:13:14 · answer #3 · answered by Beverly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Besides fit, comfort, value answers you've gotten, there is also the fact that a sock is a simple carry along project, too. I always have at least one pair of socks on the needles, that I can toss into my purse or tote bag whenever I'm doing errands or just need an "inbetween" project. I've fallen in love with hand knit socks to wear; so has my husband. And my son and daughter in law want to know when they are getting their "drawer full".
2007-12-15 13:59:47 · answer #4 · answered by Catlady 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because knitters have an addiction to yarn and needles. Sometimes we decide to make a sweater or an afghan. But then we realize just how big sweaters and afghans are. They're huge. Gigantic. After 2 months of getting our butts kicked we decide to get a quick high by knitting some socks.
They're so much smaller than afghans. And you wouldn't think it to look at socks, but the heels are really bizarre to make. Every time you get past the heel you feel like a genius and you turn to your boyfriend and say "LOOK HONEY!!! I MADE SOCKS!!" then he looks back and is like...uhhh... why don't you just buy them.
Or worse, he says "Great, make me some!"
and his feet are like 81 inches long.
2007-12-15 08:33:56 · answer #5 · answered by yokum b 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, you can buy sweaters and afghans too, but people still knit them. There's lots of reasons. I've never knit a pair, but from all accounts, they are very comfortable. There are no seams and a good knitter can custom make them to fit the person's feet. The yarn choices are lovely; much more beautiful than store bought.
2007-12-14 07:53:29 · answer #6 · answered by gracel313 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
There's lots of reasons to knit socks. For me, I like the portability of the project. It is something I can just pop in my purse and have it with me everywhere. Also, Like Robert S, I have a son who has size 14 feet, so knitting is a practical solution to a problem. Also, knitting socks is an expression of love. You only bother to knit something that is meant to wear out (although it takes quite a while), for someone you really care about. Hubby loves the socks I knit for him, and I love knitting them for him. Not everybody can do it, and I don't knit socks for just anybody. So it is a true mark of how I feel about you. Love, comfort, compassion, sharing...........THAT's why you knit socks.
2007-12-15 14:26:21 · answer #7 · answered by Alyson N 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I got tired of knitting scarves and hats, I taught myself how to knit socks, and am hooked on hand knit socks. I love to wear them and so does everyone that has received a pair of my hand spun socks. Used to buy sock yarns, was costly as I knitted a couple of pairs a week, at least. Saw a spindle demo at the State Fair and joined the Guild to learn how to make my own yarns. Drop spun my yarns for three years until the Ashford came into my life last Spring, now I'm working raw wool and alpaca fleeces to dye and spin. SO MUCH FUN! At our annual sale I sell them for $25-$40. Mary from Alaska
2007-12-15 11:46:32 · answer #8 · answered by buckwheat 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The question has been asked and answered before.
They fit. Why bother to purchase cheap socks or expensive socks that *don't* fit? If you want something unique, make it yourself or "commission" it from a reliable person. Fit is critical for diabetics and for folk with uncommon feet (extra long and narrow, extra short and wide, small feet and long legs to be fitted with 1/2-socks).
Commercial socks may fit most, but they don't fit *all*, either by shape and/or decorative design.
2007-12-14 22:46:23 · answer #9 · answered by h_brida 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh my......
Just imagine making your own necessities and not having to give your hard earned money to these big corporations who in turn pay people of foreign land next to nothing to stitch them then turn around and sell it for insane prices..
ya know...its a different style, a different scene.. creAting what you wear is so awesome..
I wish i could knit,, but i do sew and just one day hope to never ever buy from a huge company that exploit people from beginning to end.. peAce..
2007-12-14 10:31:17 · answer #10 · answered by Julie 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋