Friday, July 27, 2007

DPNs and I

Okay, I admit it. I am dpn challenged. I've tried and tried and used language you wouldn't expect a grammie to use. All these needles sticking out all over the place - how are you supposed to knit. I've read all the books, seen the tutorials, and watched it done with ease on Knitty Gritty. But I just couldn't do it. They tell me - you are only knitting on two needles at a time - ignore the other needles. How can I ignore needles sticking into my hands with stitches falling off them? They said it would get easier after the first few rounds - I couldn't get past the first few rounds! I did learn to knit socks using one long circular needle - it worked. But there is still this 40" cord twisting every which way and curling up when you are halfway through with the socks.

How I envy people who consider knitting socks on dpns to be mindless knitting. They can do it while watching t.v.,reading a book, driving a car, giving birth. So, I decided, today was the day. I'm going to do it. And LOOK!

Can you see? Those are three needles with two pointy ends- the fourth is empty for now and I have a whole inch done! Now mind you, these are what you call 'vanilla socks' - one inch of ribbing and then just straight knitting around. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can! I'm using Patons Kroy self patterning yarn and size 3 dpns. Wish me luck!!!!

4 comments:

Lyndsey-Jane said...

i love knitting socks on dpns but understand its not for everyone, and I still hate those first few rounds when the needles just go all wobbly. Knitting socks toe-up on dpns eliminates this but i still love my cuff down heel flap socks too much. Well done, for completing the hard part the rest is easy. As they say practice makes perfect - i also find buying shorter dpns (about 5") as opposed to the longer length (7.5") helps as there is less needles sticking out. Good Luck with the rest of the sock can't wait to see progress

dobarah said...

Perhaps it is how we learn to knit socks? I learned mittens on dpns, so using them for socks was just a small change in construction. Still, I LOVE to knit them toe up with dpns, yet beginning the sock cuff down seems to have sticks flopping around. You can do it...it just takes some practice! Say, I have the same book on my computer table!

aksunflour said...

The worst part of knitting w/dpns is joining the blooming circle. As for the knitting part- I love it. stop anywhere and start anywhere. I knitted most of a sock during a dance concert- only added 1 extra stitch during the most exciting dance. Just wish I could figure out where I stashed all of mine.

Anonymous said...

hello from your vvssp! knitting socks with dpn are ok but I much prefer using the magic loop with 1 40" circular needle. It is really, REALLY easy. You should try it!