Sock Obsession

Something strange and wonderful happened to me a few weeks ago.

I caught Sock Obsession.

I've been knitting socks for a long time - long before self-patterning sock yarn. It was fun. Occasionally I'd make a pair of socks - and usually mess up the sizing somehow. Some were too tight at the cuff, some were too loose. Never wore the socks I made. But they were fun to make.

Since opening the store last October, I've knitted a few socks to demonstrate yarns I carry, including a self-patterning Lana Grossa yarn. I taught myself the short row heel. They were fun to make - but not any funner than any other kind of knitting I do.

Then, one day a few weeks ago, I decided to teach myself how to knit socks with two circular needles. I chose a nifty skein of coral-colored Fortissima Socka (wool/cotton) yarn which I assumed had gradual color striping judging by the look of the ball.

To my amazement and delight, this yarn *did* self-pattern, and in a very cool way... it was hard to set down the sock and give my fingers a rest. In addition, knitting with two circulars was a revelation! I always liked working with 5 double points but I never *loved* working with them. I *love* working with two circulars - the process is so much more fluid.

I made the first sock in three days. I completed the second sock three days after that.

I am now on my third pair of socks... I'm trying every color of Sockotta I carry.

My first pair was knitted with Susan Bates circulars needles, knowing full well that the needle of choice for many sock knitters is the Addi Turbo. After completing the first coral Fortissima Socka sock, I felt Sock Obsession permeate my being, and I knew I had to carry Addi Turbos if I wanted to spread the Obsession. It's kinda like Invasion of the Body Snatchers, really. Once obsessed, I must spread the obsession to everyone I know and love.

I now carry Addi Turbos. I'm also excited to be an official Opal sock yarn dealer - my first shipment should arrive today. I've ordered plenty of sock yarn for the fall. And, last but not least, I am planning a Sock Knitters' club - members will get lots o' sock yarn and plenty of discounts. More details will follow later in June.