The Summer of Socks Heats Up

Well folks, we're four weeks into Summer of Socks, and the competition is really heating up. We caught up with front-runner Jeannie of Sewing, Knitting and Beyond to find out exactly what it takes to knit so many pairs of socks. Constance Fitzperky has this report.

"Thanks, John. I'm here with the amazing Jeannie who has already completed 12 pairs of socks for the Summer of Socks 2007. As you mentioned, she's currently the front-runner in the "Most Socks Knit" contest."

Constance: Thank you, Jeannie, for giving up some of your sock knitting time to chat with us today.

Jeannie: Thank you.

Constance: So, Jeannie why did you join SOS 2007?

Jeannie: I've wanted to join some sort of sock-a long and this one showed up at the right time. I've been on a sock yarn shopping spree earlier this year, and SOS gives me the opportunity to focus on socks and use up some of that stash.

Constance: Did you have any goals going into the competition?

Jeannie: The initial goal was at least one pair of socks a week. I have blown by that goal. Now, my goal is two pairs a week.

Constance: Amazing! Do you normally knit this quickly or have you stepped it up for the Most Socks Knit competition?

Jeannie: I am competitive (ask my husband), but this is how fast I normally knit socks.

Constance: Haha! So, what is the fastest pair of socks you've ever knit then?

Jeannie: My Fiesta Boomerang socks were the fastest. They took slightly over a day while we were camping. If it weren't for having to hike to visit the bathroom and limited day light in a wooded area, I would have finished them in a day.

Constance: Wow! Funny how nature gets in the way. haha! Get it? Nature?

(silence)

Constance: OK, so... you mentioned that you went on a shopping spree earlier this year. You must have a big stash? Watcha got in there?

Jeannie: We won't speak numbers, but yes there is a stash. Perchance to Knit, Vesper, Yarn Pirate, Cherry Tree Hill, Lime & Violet, Cider Moon, Fleece Artist, Regia, Knit Picks, Zen String, Jojoland, and more.

Constance: Any favorites?

Jeannie: My favorite for wild colors is Perchance to Knit. For something subtle, I like Scarlet Fleece.

Constance: Would you say that any lend themselves to speed knitting?

Jeannie: Sport weight socks knit with a pattern are the fastest to knit. It's too bad that I don't have that many sport weight yarns in my stash.

Constance: Ooh, true... Now you've already completed 12 pairs or socks, and you told me earlier that you usually knit two socks at once using (looks down and reads from notes) the... magic... loop... (looks back up) That sounds efficient. Can you tell our audience what you're doing to pace yourself for the event?

Jeannie: I'm trying to use different patterns that will keep my interest. My first sock was stockinette, but I'm not doing anymore of those during SOS.

Constance: And you have two kids that you homeschool? Are they on "do not disturb" orders?

Jeannie: Our homeschooling year is finished and that has freed up a lot of my time for knitting. We'll see how it goes when school starts back in September and SOS is still going.

Constance: Some people are wondering if you have super-human powers to be able to knit so fast? How do you do it?

Jeannie: I'm a Mom. All Moms must have super-human abilities just to keep sane. Knitting also helps keep that sanity too, so knitting is a necessity for me. ;-) It also helps to know your feet and know your gauge. I've knit enough socks that by looking at a sock or pattern, I know how many stitches I'll need in circumference. Most fingering weights -- that's a 72 stitch sock in stockinette or a 64 stitch sock in a lacey pattern. After that, it's just a matter of memorizing the pattern. You can't knit fast if you have to check the chart on every row.

Constance: Oh good information for our viewers. You must have a lot of socks. Do you knit mostly for yourself?

Jeannie: Most of my socks are for myself, but lately I've been making more for others. When you have surpassed owning 40+ socks, it's time to share the hand knit socks love. ;-) Other recipients are my kids, my husband, my mother-in-law, my Mom, and my sister.

Constance: Oh I bet it's great to have so many hand knit socks. Do you knit anything else?

Jeannie: I like lace. I like stoles the best, but I do have some triangular shawls too. I do occasionally knit for the kids -- sweaters, hats, scarves, bags, etc. Their feet are perfect to use up my leftover sock yarn. My daughter has a few socks that match mine.

Constance: Oh cute! So, I'm sure a lot of people are wondering how long you've been knitting, and specifically how long you've been knitting socks.

Jeannie: I started knitting in September 2005 because of socks.

Constance: Excellent, the socks started it all! Then did you do anything special to train for Summer of Socks?

Jeannie: I trained by knitting socks and more socks. I messed around with various stitches and found my favorites during training. I didn't learn any new techniques, but sometime during SOS I want to try the toe-up gussett heel.

Constance: What are you going to do if you win the most socks contest?

Jeannie: I'm going to visit LACE! I miss it and there are several things that I want to do there.

Constance: If your socks are any indication, I'm sure your lace will be divine. I think that's about all the time we have. Do you have any parting words for aspiring SOS competitors or current contenders?

Jeannie: Know your feet, know your gauge, memorize the pattern, and GO!!!

"Well there you have it: the secret to sock success. Back to you, John."

Thank you, Constance. The Summer of Socks organizers want to remind everyone to enter their pairs as they are knitted. They suspect that there are others who have also knit an astonishing number of socks but have simply not registered them. Get your socks in there, folks!

Comments

[Jean]

Excellent post. Love the format. Jeannie is amazing!

[Jen]

Please stop by and check out my blog post for today. I was nominated for the Rockin' Girl Blogger award! In turn, I have to nominate 5 other ladies to receive this award. I chose you as "one of my 5". :) Come steal my Rockin' button award and pass it on. Thanks for being such a GREAT girl blogger!!

Jen

[Jessica]

Now *that* was an awesome interview/post! Great idea!