Socktoberfest: sock history

Lolly, Ms. Socktoberfest herself, has asked us to write about our past experiences making socks...

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class? I first started knitting socks this past holiday season (so, late December 2005). My first socks were a pair of basic ribbed socks in Cascade 220 in Christmas colors - perfect for socks finished December 24th! And I was so proud of those little green toes sticking out of the red feet! I used this Knitty tutorial and off I went!

What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time? Those same socks work very well as "house socks" now that the weather is cooling down again. My first "real" pair (ie, w/ "real" sock yarn) were for Coffeeboy out of Meilenwiet Mega Boots Stretch; and then, for myself, out of Lorna's Laces. Both seem to be holding up great!

What would you have done differently? Nothing, I'm happy with what I did! (Except the fiddly hole by the ankle, but I (mostly) don't do that anymore.)

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed? I really like my Lorna's Laces socks. I also enjoy working with Trekking and Regia. I have some Fleece Artist socks that are also very nice, but a little fragile. I have some Cherry Tree Hill and some Mountain Colors Bearfoot that I'm looking forward to trying out!

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method? No crochet here (except for borders). I'm just learning the magic loop, but otherwise prefer DPNs.

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?) I think I find the short row less bothersome to knit without the pesky heel flap, which always slows me down, but I think the heel flap fits better.

How many pairs have you made? 7 pairs and counting!

Shawl progress...
3 shells remaining! It will be done in the next day or two! And now that it's mostly off the needles, I see how gi-normous it is!