Nov 03 2005

Hole in One

Published by lolly at 7:54 am under Socktoberfest 2005

By revealing this to you, I run the risk of exposing myself as the novice sock knitter that I am! However, bad things do happen… and I have a hunch that this has happened to others as well… even if you don’t talk about it out in the open.

This was not supposed to happen… My somewhat new sock is already worn out!


Holey Moley!

O wise sock mavens! Help me in my time of need!

Surely others of you have "worn out" your socks too!

  • What do you do when you have a sock that needs some help?
  • What are your sock "problem areas"?
  • How do you combat against these problems?

This hole just appeared–maybe I was a little too rough on it–I expected the little sock to keep up with me as I marched around work, school, and home. Before I knew it, my toe was sticking out. Brrr! (updated to add: This is my Trekking XXL sock–it is a good strong yarn for the most part, which leads me to believe that it was my knitting that was the problem!)

As you may have noticed, I shrunk my sidebar down to its original size. The list of Socktoberfest 2005 participants is still in tact, however. Don’t forget to check in on the knitters you met through the knitalong :)

All of the Socktoberfest prizes were claimed in a timely manner, and should be arriving on the winners’ doorsteps soon. Another congratulations to the winners!

So, what’s next on the *Lolly* knit list? Well, I still have my socks to finish… and my Klaralund, and my Hourglass, my KSH camisole, and I desperately want to start the ribbed sweater for Kris… BUT, all this will have to wait. Because Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire movie comes out this month! That means I need to get rolling on my Weasley knitalong item!

Heather and I are big time HP fans… So, we decided to knit Gryffindor "Azkaban" style scarves–I knit hers, she knits mine. How cute is that? The thing is, she already started, so she is way ahead! I am getting a little nervous–my school work kicked into high gear, so I have to turn this scarf out FAST–in time for the movie’s opening on Novemeber 18th! Can I finish H’s scarf in time? I sure hope so!

A BIG thanks to Wendy for the lovely gift! I received this package when I got home from school last night… it was so well-timed! Thank you so much! The colors are beautiful :)


Lorna’s Lace Shepherd Sock in Irving Park! mmm

Guess what? Socktoberfest updates are still coming in! Go check out these fabulous finished pairs!

  • Teresa restarted her blog! Go give her a big welcome, and make sure and see her two finished pairs!
  • Kate finished knitting her pair of socks with her very own handspun yarn!
  • Amy finally got the chance to make some socks for herself!
  • Leisel’s new socks have a great little picot cuff!
  • Angela finished her second pair for Socktoberfest!
  • Kira finished another pair and started on new ones right away!
  • Kim’s Log Cabin socks look so comfy and warm!
  • Lori’s socks are born to be wild — great colors!
  • Michelle finished some great autumn socks for her kids, and then is working on a lovely pair for herself!
  • Mary’s stashbusting socks turned out beautifully!
  • Yuvee’s new socks are so bright and cheery–guaranteed to put a smile on your face!
  • Petra’s zebra socks are wild and wonderful!
  • Cheryl finished some great stripey socks too!

Make sure and email me or leave a comment if you have a finished Socktoberfest pair to share with the group–I will put an update in my next blog entry :)

**Still addicted to knitting socks? Check out Ariane’s Holiday Sock Exchange! She is one dedicated sock knitter! Email her by November 7th to be a part of the group!

As I mentioned earlier, school has really picked up in this second part of the semester. Reading and writing are pretty much all I am doing! Unfortunately blogging and knitting time are going to suffer because of it… I wish that was not the case… so, see ya when I see ya!

…and for Indigo Muse Tanya–some juxtaposed fall foliage!


Last week’s tree sighting: Palm trees in Waikiki, Hawaii
This week’s tree sighting: Maple tree in our neighboorhood in Maryland

56 Responses to “Hole in One”

  1. # Jeanieon 03 Nov 2005 at 9:01 am

    Hey Lolly! Sorry to hear about your sock :-( Unfortunately, as one who has yet to even finish a complete PAIR of socks, I have no advice to offer you on how to fix it.

    I also need to get cracking on my Weasley for the KAL and will move that up to position number 2 on the UFO to-do list! Of course, Klaralund is still on that list as well. Ayayayae…..

  2. # Chelseaon 03 Nov 2005 at 9:16 am

    Oh! I hate when that happens! Mine usually wear out on the bottom of my foot. Something about the way I walk I guess. But my striped socks got a hole where I had to pull the yarn through the remaining stitches. Obviously, my finishing skills still leave much to be desired. I just used some of the sock yarn to sew it closed and you can’t tell but now I am afraid to wear them in case it happens again. Darning probably would be a good skill for the both of us to learn. Maybe we should look into that.

  3. # Cathyon 03 Nov 2005 at 9:37 am

    Wow Lolly! That is so sad :( Poor socks! poor toes! I guess I’d ask what the fiber content of the yarn was first - I’ve learned that some yarns are better for socks and hold up better than others. I’ve also just tried using Wooly Nylon as a reinforcement (don’t have personal experience on it yet). The Socknitters List is a great place for getting the scoop on anything and everything to do with socks. The members are a great help and they have a huge database of information. Maybe you already know about it, but here is the link just in case ;) http://www.socknitters.com/

    You commented on the Lace Artist Glove on my blog….. Ei is the one who told me what pattern she made and where to order it. I fell in love with the ones she had on her blog last year. I found your site through hers! Small world :)

    Dont’ work too hard at school and have a great day!
    Cath

  4. # Joanon 03 Nov 2005 at 9:54 am

    Poor Lolly. The only thing I can offer is to make sure your gauge is tight. The gauge on the label on regular yarn is meant for a sweater gauge. Socks need to be knit much tighter. When I use a worsted weight yarn I use a #3 or #4 needle and mine have lasted several years. Also, save a bit of the yarn for darning and get a darning egg.

  5. # Jennaon 03 Nov 2005 at 10:21 am

    I fear the day when I, too will have holes in my lovingly handmade socks, and I fear that day will be coming soon. Be sure to share whatever information you find on fixing them, I’m sure it will be useful to many.

    School may be crazy but at least you have some beautiful Lorna’s to fondle. Don’t let it get you too crazy and remember, it will be over soon! Hope to see you soon!

  6. # Teresaon 03 Nov 2005 at 10:27 am

    Oh, how sad ;-(! Here is a site all about darning holes-hope it helps. Good luck!!

    http://www.hjsstudio.com/darn.html

    ps-I can’t wait for Nov. 18 either-I just love Harry & Ron!!

  7. # anneon 03 Nov 2005 at 12:12 pm

    Oh no! But you should be able to fix that. I haven’t had toes come apart, but I am continually plagued by loose stitches in the gusset decreases — guess it’s time to convert completely to short row heels!

  8. # heatheron 03 Nov 2005 at 12:33 pm

    Your sock has the ICK! eek! help!

    Did you know that Dan Radcliffe may only do up to HP5? wahh!

  9. # Annetteon 03 Nov 2005 at 12:37 pm

    Lolly, is the yarn broken or are the stitches unraveling? You could rip out the toe and re-knit it if it’s just unraveled.

  10. # catherineon 03 Nov 2005 at 12:38 pm

    your poor sock! i haven’t had that happen to me yet, but i haven’t worn my socks as often as you… i still remeber your socks first public outing to the hockey game, oh how they grow up ;) can’t wait to see the camisole, i am really excited about that project!

  11. # Kirstion 03 Nov 2005 at 12:46 pm

    Is it the toe grafting that’s come undone? I use a 3 needle bind off to join my top-down socks as my LYS manager swears that she has never had a toe poke through a sock finished in that way - whereas even some of her Kitchner grafted socks would do what yours have done. Are there enough live stitches that you can unravel a way, join in some new yarn, and reknit the last half dozen rows or so?

  12. # Erinon 03 Nov 2005 at 1:07 pm

    Only twelve more days until the HP movie comes out!!! I’m right there with you and Heather! Can’ wait till it opens! Also, those scarves you two are making are so cute (I saw Heather’s started one!) Such a great idea.

  13. # Mouseon 03 Nov 2005 at 1:08 pm

    Awww.. poor sock- poor Lolly! I just ordered my first sock yarn and am waiting for its arrival.. but I have to admit that I’d be upset if I saw a hole in my handknits too. I hope you can fix them.. they are so gorgeous!

  14. # Jesson 03 Nov 2005 at 1:25 pm

    Go girl, you can crank that scarf out….

    re: socktober socks… phew! Started them on the last day of the month after all… so will email you once they are completed.

  15. # Angelaon 03 Nov 2005 at 1:29 pm

    HOLY (or HOLEY)! Do you have an interweave subscription? In their sock corner or their tips and tricks section, there’s a pdf on how to darn your socks. I think that would come in handy. How many times have you worn that pair?

  16. # margeneon 03 Nov 2005 at 1:37 pm

    Oh dear…looks like you just need to reknit the toe. I usually save the left over yarn for just such a mishap.

  17. # anmiryamon 03 Nov 2005 at 1:40 pm

    Sorry about the sock. RIP. What yarn did you use? I had one friend have the same thing happen with some of the Regia Cotton, so maybe it was the yarn’s fault?

    Gotta knit that scarf! School can wait. I’m on the HP bandwagon too. Yikes, only 16 more knitting days. Thank goodness my DD is still kinda small.

  18. # Caraon 03 Nov 2005 at 2:14 pm

    Hey Lolly - I had a BLAST with Socktober - thank you so much for organizing the whole thing! You ROCK!

    So sorry about your sock - maybe you could take it out and reknit the top? God help me if any of my socks break. I’ll die.

    Good luck with all the school work - it’s gotta end soon right?

  19. # Monion 03 Nov 2005 at 2:44 pm

    I had the same problem with my sockies! will you post any answers you get? I’d love to know what to do, too :)

  20. # Nicolaon 03 Nov 2005 at 5:21 pm

    This happened to me once in the same spot after I had worn the socks once. and what I discovered happened was that when I snipped off my end after weaving it in, I had accidentally snipped a bit of the sock, too.

  21. # Blisson 03 Nov 2005 at 5:24 pm

    You will probably need to reknit the last few rows of the toe. I know that I have “terminator toes” the only skinny, pointed things on my body. I also have that weird 2nd toe longer than my big toe. I have had this happen to me a couple of times. I have a friend who has the 2nd toe longer like mine, and she wears a bandaid over her longest toe when wearing her hand knit socks! Hee.

    I always got a run in my hose or knee-hi’s in the toes. If you recognize this as a trend for you too, then you might want to reinforce your toes by adding the reinforcing yarn (sold in little cards with a couple hundred yards.) It can be purchased many places that sell sock yarn (Carodan Farms has it online.) You can also use wooly nylon - sold in fabric stores for sergers. If you don’t recall having this problem with stockings, then I would assume it was a one time thing.

    The other possiblity is if the tail of your yarn was not securely woven inside. With the super wash yarn’s non felting properties - it doesn’t stick well and needs more weaving to stay secure in high stress areas.

    The first socks I knitted I wore around the house and wore out the heels on carpeting. Wah!

  22. # francoiseon 03 Nov 2005 at 5:28 pm

    Can’t wait to see the new Harry Potter. I’ll be racing my children to the cinema doors !!!
    I love the picture of the maple tree, what a treat to the eyes…

  23. # Nannetteon 03 Nov 2005 at 5:52 pm

    You can darn the dern hole!
    http://www.hjsstudio.com/darn.html

    There’s also a great article in the Fall ‘04 issue of Spin Off. Pretty sure its that issue. Of course I can’t find the mag to double check.

    Finished my Socktoberfest socks! Got them done just in time for Trick or Treating. Made the chilly damp night nice seem toasty warm! =D

  24. # Jennon 03 Nov 2005 at 6:54 pm

    It’s funny that you mention the hole in the sock (funny weird, not funny haha) because I have been afraid to wear my pretty new socks because I’m afraid that they will fall apart! Hope you can figure out a good way to fix it.

  25. # Monaon 03 Nov 2005 at 7:07 pm

    Liebe Lolly,
    ach du liebe Zeit, der arme Socken! Was hast du nur damit angestellt? ;-)
    Ich bin mir sicher du kannst das reparieren, viele Maschenstiche und Geduld werden dabei helfen.

    Herzliche Grüße,
    Mona

  26. # Donnaon 03 Nov 2005 at 10:07 pm

    Oh my Miss Lolly! Sorry to say I don’t have any tips for you and your uh umm….”hole”….That hasn’t happened to me yet! Probably because I just completed the first pair of socks that I’ve kept for myself! That Lorna’s Laces is just gorgeous…LOVE IT….LUCKY (in the Napoleon voice of course). xo Donna

  27. # Karmaon 03 Nov 2005 at 10:22 pm

    OOooh, Irving Park is one of my favorite colorways in LL. Well, if you can choose a favorite, that is! Welcome home from paradise. I hope the transition isn’t too difficult for you. :)

  28. # Zarahon 03 Nov 2005 at 10:50 pm

    Go Lolly Go! I’m sure you can crank out that HP scarf in no time. Excuse my ignorance, but what is an Azkaban scarf? Is it different that the striped house scarves I’ve been seeing around the blogs?

  29. # yahairaon 04 Nov 2005 at 12:04 am

    oh no!! I’m sure you can darn the hole or reknit the toe and make sure the kitchener is nice and even.

    You’ll get the scarf done in time, just focus on it a little more than your other projects (wait for me to start the ribbed sweater! hint! hint!)

    Hope you kick ass in school and you post when you can.

  30. # Danaon 04 Nov 2005 at 12:38 am

    Oooh…sorry about your sock hole! I wish I had some advice but I’ve only made one pair and they were a gift. Good luck with the rest of your semester. Glad you had a great time visiting your sister in Hawaii. Cheers

  31. # martion 04 Nov 2005 at 3:05 am

    your poor sockie! that happened with a short row heel on a pair of socks i made one of my daughters, not sure what exactly happened there either.

  32. # Barbon 04 Nov 2005 at 4:01 am

    Oh my, poor sock. Duct tape won’t work :( When my niece’s cat ate the scarf I gave her, I was able to undo the “broken” rows and reknit them, just weaving in the tails. Good luck!
    I’m looking forward to Harry Potter. The last book was great.

  33. # catrinon 04 Nov 2005 at 4:39 am

    Can´t wait to see the next Harry Potter film… I want to read the last book NOW - i need to know whats gonna happen..

    The colour of the maple tree - just fantastisc! Here in Stockholm all the leafs on the maple trees are gone.

    / Catrin - i´m still knitting on my last socktober fest sock..

  34. # mrspilkingtonon 04 Nov 2005 at 6:41 am

    looking forward to harry potter this time around — ralph fiennes should be fantastic! i’m so sorry about your sock…
    love the tree photographs!

  35. # Amyon 04 Nov 2005 at 8:04 am

    I’m so sorry to hear about your poor sock. I’m sure you will have someone help you. By looking at our huge Socktoberfest family, there are a LOT of expert sock knitters out there.

    Thank you for your fall foliage picture. We don’t get much of that in Houston.

    Amy

  36. # arianeon 04 Nov 2005 at 8:52 am

    Hi Lolly, thank you for mentioning me! I really wish that I could read your blog (remember, my computer “small word” problem) I’m sure it’s very interesting:o) I continue to visit you as long as you have photos;o)

    …::Ariane::…

  37. # Jennyon 04 Nov 2005 at 9:08 am

    Hey Lolly! Thanks for the comment on my scoop — I just wish I could have finshed some socks for you but that short row heel is killing me!

  38. # tachaon 04 Nov 2005 at 9:51 am

    Sorry about your sock. I haven’t yet experienced that but I am sure it must be a common problem. Perhaps if you reknit it you should also use some reinforcing thread to be on the safe side next time. I am off now to check the German opening dates for HP.

  39. # Mary (Ruby Plaid)on 04 Nov 2005 at 12:45 pm

    Hi Lolly!

    Thank you and congrats for a fun and successful Socktoberfest. In between socks, I’m also doing the Hourglass-my first attempt at a sweater. I’m also anxiously awaiting Harry Potter–it’s funny how many knitters are into Harry Potter. I wonder what that says about knitters in general?!

  40. # chrison 04 Nov 2005 at 1:50 pm

    Oh no, Lolly!! Your poor sock! (And your poor foot!) I wish I had some great insight to offer, but I don’t know enough about sock knitting to be able to help. Reading through your comments, everyone has such great ideas- I need to file them away for when this happens to me, as I’m sure it will, soon. You’re so cute in your HP glasses! The fam thought it was the cutest thing. I know you’ll get your scarf done in time- but I sure hear you about the school crunch. Don’t they know we have Christmas gifts to knit??! :-) And I think I recognize those palm trees- outside the Aquarium, right? Take care! Love, C

  41. # Wandaon 04 Nov 2005 at 3:03 pm

    Honestly I have to say, I’ve never had that problem. I’m sure there are others that it has happened too.

  42. # Lelahon 04 Nov 2005 at 4:15 pm

    Oh poor sockie! And I second that emotion on the HP movie!! It’s going to be the best one yet! Book 6 was such a tease for book 7. But I do love that Dumbledore line… you know the one I’m talking about!

  43. # Melissaon 05 Nov 2005 at 10:46 am

    Hi Lolly - sorry about your sock! It makes you feel better, check out my first sock, finally finished! I definitely need some practice at sock knitting!

  44. # Beckyon 06 Nov 2005 at 7:25 am

    Aww….look at that poor sock. He’s crying for some darning!

    I think you look so cute with those HP glasses. Care to lend them to me so I can wear them when I have a ball watching GOBLET OF FIRE??? (Ah! Just a few more weeks!!!)

  45. # Tamon 06 Nov 2005 at 4:43 pm

    Hey Lolly! I finished my Soctoberfest socks–finally! Thanks for hosting the Knit Along. Seeing great fun seeing all the different socks. =)

    P.S. Please let us know how you repair your Trekking socks. I figure it’s only a matter of time before something like that happens here…=)

  46. # Stacyon 06 Nov 2005 at 7:31 pm

    Your poor sock! I want to cry just looking at it! :) I wish I’d been able to get at least a sock done for Socktoberfest but I was working so hard on baby gifts that the closest I got to a knit sock was a bootie!

    Stacy

  47. # karenon 06 Nov 2005 at 10:31 pm

    lolly: sorry I never joined Socktoberfest but I knew that I would never get around to casting on for any socks… such is the way things are. Seeing the success of this year’s round of S-fest, I bet we’ll be doing it again in the future. I’ll plan on it!

    My first pair of socks gotten eaten by a crazy (but cute) poodle a few years ago. I found this site helpful.

    http://www.hjsstudio.com/darn.html

    The poodle damage, of course, had to happen on the gusset, and the holes were pretty big. I was able to fix them and now I can’t even tell which sock had been the mangled one! Good luck!

  48. # karenon 06 Nov 2005 at 10:33 pm

    I see that someone has already recommended that site; well just count me as seconding that motion!! :)

  49. # eyeleenon 07 Nov 2005 at 12:32 am

    Oh your poor sock, I’ve got my one socktober sock done but I’ve put off the 2nd until I finish my HP scarf. I can’t wait for the new movie.

    Have a great week and Happy Knitting!

  50. # FanniePieon 07 Nov 2005 at 1:17 am

    Lolly, it’s hard to tell from the picture but it looks like the tail end of the kitchner stitching came loose and they unraveled a little. At least it looks like no yarn is worn through or broken, correct? If so, you can re work the loose stitches and re kitchner them up… I agree with the person who said superwash can be slippery. You really have to weave the ends in quite a bit to keep them secure. Thanks for the continued socktoberfest updates and good luck with the repair!

  51. # kimberlion 07 Nov 2005 at 6:12 am

    Thanks! Long days here in China and I took a moment to peek at your blog (which I’m weeks behind on!) and the photo of you with the HP book - TOTALLY CRACKED ME UP!
    Yeowza!!!It made me laugh out loud and made everyone in the room look my way!
    Cheers! xx Kimberli
    PS…any plan to come to NYC? It’s awfully Puuurty around the holidays!

  52. # Susanon 07 Nov 2005 at 8:59 am

    Your poor sock! I always wondered about darning needles and darning eggs, which quite frankly didn’t look like that much fun to use. They were also a throwback to times when people needed to darn socks because of the difficulty (finances, time to knit, etc) of getting new socks, and in post World War II consumer society, we just throw socks with holes away. So, I wish I knew more about darning holes in socks, but I don’t, so I’m going to have to go with reknitting.

  53. # tonion 07 Nov 2005 at 12:29 pm

    That stinks! I’m sure you’ll figure it out though!

  54. # Vickion 07 Nov 2005 at 3:59 pm

    Doh! I’m sure there are words of wisdom somewhere in this list of comments that will get that toe mended so I’ll just think happy thoughts for you. That pic of you with the HP glasses cracks me up everytime - too funny!

  55. # Staceyon 07 Nov 2005 at 9:11 pm

    Hi Lolly, I finished my socks for socktober :) My very first pair ever, so, thanks to Socktoboer! :)

    Here the post with a pic!
    http://battygrrrl.blogspot.com/2005/10/sockcandy.html

  56. # redthreadon 08 Nov 2005 at 8:50 am

    Hi! This is quite the blog project you’ve got going here! Just wanted to say thanks for your comment about my dragon scarf :) And that you should come into Celtic Knot in Ellicott City sometime and say Hi! I work Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday. I just moved to the area and am still trying to meet people, especially knitters! email me if you’d like to meet up sometime :)

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