Basic Ankle Socks! Learn to Knit Socks

[Shandeh]

It's true! Making the heel can be scary.
It's the most exciting part of the project.

I made a video last night, and will post it tomorrow.

[Shandeh]

Still trying to get YouTube to upload my video.

In the meantime, you can take a look at the progress I've made on my heel.

Heel Started by Shandeh, on Flickr

[Shandeh]

I just posted more videos! I hope they help you all with making your socks.

[tjwjlove]

I guess its my turn to be sick. I have the flu right now. Just to weak to do any thing. Hopefully I'll be better in a couple of days and can get my (Make the Heel) work done. I just watched the video and it was great. I understand what's going on now and how to move the stitches.

[Shandeh]

oh no! So sorry you have the flu!
I had influnenza A last year, and I know what you mean about weakness.
I hope you get better soon!

[tjwjlove]

I just couldn't help my self. I saw the video and had to try it. Everything worked out great. I LOVE watching your video's. They way you explain things are perfect, makes it so much easier to understand .

I have found that most of Bernat's patterns are harder to read. I'm so glad I waited for the video. I would have messed up on the Sl-1 for sure. I printed the Bernat Knitting Abbreviations and I would have slipped the next stitch Knitwise. I also have 3 other how-to books, but working Bernat's patterns I wanted there instructions. I'm so new to knitting and don't understand a lot. I know with time and practice I will get better. I make notes all over my papers too. It now reads to Sl1P, Purlwise. I print Excel right on the back of the pattern sheet to keep track of what I have to do and where I am. That helps a lot too. I love the way the heel is working, almost making a design.

The Influenza is much worse than the flu. I think the worst is over and I'm starting to feel a little better. It usually takes a lot to put me down. I fight that too. I remember you were sick a couple of weeks ago and I can tell your getting better and back in the swing of things.

[Shandeh]

I've noticed that most sock patterns don't specify whether the stitch should be slipped knit-wise or purl-wise when working the heel. It's always puzzled me. But, after making more than 25 pairs of socks, I've learned through experience that the heel works best when the stitches are slipped purl-wise if there is no indication in the pattern.

Bernat patterns are written with an industry standard that has been used for quite a long time now. They can be a little confusing at times, but I've learned that if I stop and read every word, it "clicks". I always feel very smart when I figure it out. So, their patterns are satisfying to me.

I believe that experience makes any pattern easier to work over time. So, I KNOW that one day you will be a knitting superstar to the rest of the world - you already ARE to me!

[tjwjlove]

Oh No, I could never be as good as you. I will be happy just to be able to knit something and have it look alright. There is always something new to learn. Even in crochet, people just keep coming up with different things. I think that is just wonderful and that's what keeps me so interested in it. You get to keep learning new things. Like all the beautiful things you make, I love looking at them and hoping one day my stuff will turn out that good. I can't tell you how much you have inspired me, I will always be grateful to you for that.

[Shandeh]

You have a great attitude - being open to learn new things. I need to be more like that. I sometimes find myself resistiing change, and preferring to stick to the old ways. Must be my Irish heritage. Ha!

[Shandeh]

Okay Bernat buddies, I have completed the heel shaping on my sock, and made a video of the process. Unfortunately, my camera and computer refused to communicate with each other, and the video was corrupted. But, I'm not giving up! I am DETERMINED to show you how to do EVERY STEP of the sock knitting process....SO, I have unravelled my sock back past the heel shaping, and am making another video today. Stay tuned!

Heel Shaping Complete by Shandeh, on Flickr