Monkey - Day 1

[fakoriginal]

Today was day 1 of my first sock attempt (I cast on after midnight, so it counts). I am currently halfway down the first leg, with the wonders of turning heels, gussets, and kitchenering ahead of me.

Comments

John Lewis

[fakoriginal]

If I'm buying yarn in person (much the best way to do it if you can) I use John Lewis as I don't have a specialist yarn shop near me (unless I go hunting around London). They also have specialists that hang out in the wool/haberdashery section who can answer questions, even the "stupid" ones.

Failing that, if you have a Hobbycraft near you they'll often offer the same yarns, but in a slightly wider range of colours than John Lewis (depending on how big the wool/haberdashery/general craft sections in).

John Lewis is where I got that yarn, which isn't as vibrant in person - the flash has a lot to answer for.

Re: John Lewis

[fakoriginal]

Knitting can be an expensive hobby, but it doesn't have to be. I've knit a jumper for about £30 in wool (which I figured was pretty reasonable) but have known people who've spent £75 on a pashmina type scarf. You can always subsitute a cheaper yarn for an expensive one (you pretty much just need to match the guage information, which is printed on the ball band) and knowledgeable staff can help with that. They appreciate that not everyone can afford hand-dyed silk and any sale's better than no sale. They can also advise on alternatives for material allergies