Scrappy socks

I was inspired by the Summer Lee Knits Stash Dive Scarf, to knit a similar pair of scrappy socks. The aim of the Stash Dive Scarf, is to solve the problem of leftover yarn. By holding the yarn double with a common colour, you can nicely avoid awkward colour combos, making the whole piece look intentional whilst simultaneously using up remnants, scraps, odds and ends. I made two of these scarves during the pandemic, it provided the perfect mindless knitting project during that difficult time. I ended up giving both of the resulting scarves away but I thoroughly enjoyed the process of making them.

Using that pattern as inspiration, I recently made myself a pair of scrap-busting socks. I thrifted some tapestry yarn whilst vising Perth with my bestie and had planned to use this to experiment with weaving. After playing around with a vintage kids’ weaving loom for a few weeks, I realised knitting is my original and truest love and decided instead to use the yarn to make a pair of socks. I held the tapestry yarn double with Drops Kidsilk to create a marled effect that would look intentional and create that delicious warm, fuzzy halo.

This yarn was the perfect combination of autumnal colours, especially when held double with green mohair. The resulting short plain sock, knit using a vintage sock pattern, has already had a decent amount of use in the cooler evenings. I’m not a massive fan of the technique to finish the toe, you decrease at either side of the toes and then graft the remaining stitches together. It creates quite a square toe with a ridge where the grafted stitches come together. I would like to investigate other techniques for my next set of socks, something that creates a softer, more rounded toe.

I feel like I’m slowly getting to grips with sock knitting. It’s taken some dedication and trial and error, they can be fiddly and annoying projects, but on the other hand they’re small and portable. I’m not sure I’ll ever have the patience for lace or cable knits on socks, but a plain or ribbed sock can be a satisfying small project. Sometimes you want a project that can be popped in a backpack for a trip to a cafe or weekend away and socks are perfect for that. They’re also great for souvenir yarn, since you don’t generally need more than a skein or two. It makes them more affordable and a nice way to remember a lovely holiday. I’m very pleased with this stash dive approach as well, it will be a great way to turn odds and ends into something useful and practical. Plus, look at those beautiful scraps!