I have the book "Crocheted Socks! 16 Fun-To-Stitch Patterns" BUT

[poemfish]

I just got this book and I though I was going to like it. Actually, the directions are pretty clear BUT the yarn they use is the problem.

The easiest sock pattern (they start with easy and go to more complicated) uses Lana Grossa Meilenweit Cotton Fun (45% cotton, 42% wool, 13% nylon). No way I will ever find this yarn anywhere near where I live out in the middle of nowhere. The pattern doesn't give a clue as to the weight of the yarn (fingering?) The guage is 6 sts and 6 rounds = 1" with a D hook. Why can't they use common yarns that anyone can find?

michele

[poemfish]

Ok, I found the yarn online. It is fingering weight. It costs $7.35 a ball and I would need 2 balls plus shipping.

I like the look of these socks. I am going to try to work them up with some cheapo fingering yarn just to make sure I can conquer the technique before I invest that kind of money in a pair of socks! (I have to admit, the yarn is pretty).

michele

[mimi_mia]

That's a great idea to try them in a cheaper yarn, just in case you don't like them, and if you do like them you can always go for it and buy the more expensive yarn. Please post a picture when you're done :hook

[jpr54_]

most of the socks in book are made with sock weight yarn-

i very rarely use the same yarn as in books/instructions

www.knitpicks.com (http://www.knitpicks.com-good) yarn and very decent prices

www.elann.com

www.yarnware.com

[shawnMichelle72]

I have that book and I had the same problem. I not only can't find any of the yarn they use in the book in my area, but I simply just cant afford to spend that much on a pare of socks.

What I ended up using was baby yarn, the thinnest I could find.
Even though it's not what was called for, I'm very happy with how they turned out, and they fit in my shoes. As a matter of fact, my mother in-law fell in love with them and I had to make a pare for her for Christmas. With her socks I crocheted a thread of elastic along side the yarn on the cuff. It was a bit of a pain, but since they were a gift, I thought I would go to the extra effort. She seamed to be very pleased with them.

I didn't use the elastic on the pair I made for my self though and I haven't had any problems, but I did shorten the length to make them ankle socks.

Here is what my socks look like. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/12323159@N00/63534541/in/set-1124522/) :hook

[deneen]

All of the socks made in that book use fingering weight yarn (Lion Magic Stripes is a readily available yarn for this, as are most of the sock yarns from Knit Picks).

I went to Yarndex http://yarndex.com and the yarn you mentioned (http://yarndex.com/yarn.cfm?yarn_id=1502) is fingering weight.

[angelmira]

Ok, has anyone had a problem getting the measurements right in that book? I have the book, and I started with the first pattern, and I used magic stripes from lion brand. Now, one thing I was confused about... when it says to measure from floor to whatever height the pattern calls for (that one is 8 1/2 I believe), I'm short and average sized, but when I measured up 8 1/2 inches and measured around it was 13 inches because of my calf starting. The highest the pattern called for was like 9 1/2. So I worked with the largest stitches called for, and I ended up with it being wayyyy too long. I spent so much time on it and the sock was great except the leg, that I havent attempted the second sock or any of the other patterns. If anyone has any input, I'd greatly appreciate it!

[Dejhia]

Ok, has anyone had a problem getting the measurements right in that book? I have the book, and I started with the first pattern, and I used magic stripes from lion brand. Now, one thing I was confused about... when it says to measure from floor to whatever height the pattern calls for (that one is 8 1/2 I believe), I'm short and average sized, but when I measured up 8 1/2 inches and measured around it was 13 inches because of my calf starting. The highest the pattern called for was like 9 1/2. So I worked with the largest stitches called for, and I ended up with it being wayyyy too long. I spent so much time on it and the sock was great except the leg, that I havent attempted the second sock or any of the other patterns. If anyone has any input, I'd greatly appreciate it!

Most of the patterns in the book tell you to crochet in the in pattern for X (your example was for 8.5in) number of inches... If you think that the sock is to high up on your leg, try crocheting for less inches.... And, if you know ahead of time how high you want to make the sock, you can measure the diameter of your leg at the point that you want the socks. One of the best things about hand made socks, is that they can be adjusted to fit the wearer perfectly....

BTW - I love the book,too. But , I don't think I have ever done a project useing the yarn from the pattern. I pick out whatever yarn I like (and that I can afford/find at the time )....

[angelmira]

Thanks for the input, I am going to measure where I want the sock to end. My legs are sooo short I think that is the problem!

[Dejhia]

Thanks for the input, I am going to measure where I want the sock to end. My legs are sooo short I think that is the problem!

Glad my ideas where of use... I don't think it's that your legs are to short.. It's just that everyone likes there socks at differnt lengths... My mom and dad like knee-highs, my husband likes 5 1/2 in, and my little brothers like their socks almost exactly inbetween those two lengths.... After you've made a pair or two, you are going to be able to really customize your socks to fit your feet perfectly....

[angelmira]

I really appreciate your help. I just LOVE the book, but was feeling a bit frustrated about how my first one turned out. I am going to give it another go. Maybe I should start with a toe up one as my first project so I can try it on and get my measurements down pat. I also joined the feet need socks CAL so I can't wait to get started. I stopped at the store and got more sock yarn yesterday!

[Dejhia]

My first pair of socks didn't turn out right, either.. My husband is nice and wears them as slippers... They really aren't that good... I just kept at it... And, they got better... Don't give up !

[tygger428]

The authors, Janet Rehfeldt and Mary Jane Wood are two ladies I happen to know personally; I can direct them to crochetville so they can answer your questions directly.

[tygger428]

using the exact yarn it calls for is not as important as making sure that the yarn you DO use yields the same gauge as called for. Thicker yarn would require using smaller hooks, thinner yarn, depending on how MUCH thinner, would require a larger hook, and if REALLY thin, double stranding. It always pays to swatch.