I like to knit two socks at a time, to avoid second sock syndrome, the condition of getting one sock done and then wandering off and never finishing the second. (There is a related syndrome for mittens and gloves. I have a wonderful stranded mitten that has been without a partner for years.)
I use two sets of double pointed needles and knit each section on both before moving on to the next – first the both cuffs, then the legs, then heel flaps, etc. This means that one unfinished sock is always stuffed in the sack on its five needles while I work on the other. Needles get dislodged, or caught, and I found myself frequently having to thread them back into loops, trying to pick stitches back up before they run down the rows.
I bought some cardboard tubes that worked quite well for a while. but they are starting to bend on the corners by the cutouts and catch on the yarn as I slide them. Plus, they are fairly utilitarian – not much charm.
Then I found a pattern by the Nome Knitter for cloth dpn holders. I think I saw it on Pinterest first and then followed the link to the blog. Plenty of room for charm because I could pick my own fabrics!
I made two sets. They are super simple. Small amounts of fabric, some interfacing, some snaps. A very quick project.
My only real issue came when I discovered that the snap package came with only 7 snaps. Why an odd number?! I needed 8, and of course didn’t check the package carefully so I could only complete one of the sets. I’ve already ordered some colorful plastic snaps online, so I will be making these again. And lots of other things that need snaps – the bundle came with 100 of them. I won’t go short again!
I’m using the first set already, and it is working well. No pulled out needles, and the holders stayed closed while tumbling in a bag in the bottom of my work tote. I can see making them in lot of colors so I can match them to whatever yarn I’m using.
(P.S. These are Village Socks, a free pattern by All Knit Up. A simple, stretchy stitch pattern that is easily memorized. The yarn is some Knit Picks Stroll bare sock yarn that I dyed in jars. A little splitty but springy yarn.)
They are cute! I too wonder why they put odd numbers in snap sets, I know on button card sets they will have at times 3 or 5,at least you can see it quickly enough.
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In all fairness, it does say 7 on the package but I was so focused on the type of snap to buy I didn’t see it until I got home. I’ve ordered a multi-color pack so will never run out again.
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Clever use of fabric bits!! (Nice socks, too.)
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