Socktoberfest- My Sock History

Okay, here is my sock history- its rather short :)

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?

I started making socks about a month and 1/2 ago. I taught myself using tons of online patterns and the Cat Bordhi Socks on 2 Cirs book.

What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?

I have only made 1/2 a pair- sad huh?

What would you have done differently?

I would have been less lazy on the toe and not done the three needle bind off- it is way too lumpy, but I just couldn't imagine grafting together that toe!

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?

Just because I have only knit one whole sock doesn't mean I haven't stashed a ton of sock yarn! My favs are Yarn Pirate, Merlinthecat, and Yarntini- I can't imagine buying Lorna's Laces or any mass produced stuff with the beautiful stuff on Etsy available...

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?

I am Magic Loop all the way- I finised Hot Lava cardigan right before starting my sock, so I knew that is the technique I wanted to use- I do plan on learning to use dpns though- I bought a pair of addis, I just have to play with them and figure it out...

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)

I don't quite understand the difference yet- I mean I do, I have done some modular knitting with the short row stuff, but how they look on socks and stuff, I am a little clueless- my first sock had a flap.

How many pairs have you made?

1/2, but I have a pair on the needles about 1/4 done (two at once on magic loop) and I am casting on another as soon as I make it past the heel of those.

SOCKTOBERFEST!!

Okay, now that I have the National Debt due to my excessive purchases of sock yarn, I am ready to set my goals for SOCKTOBERFEST!!

I am right now digging through hundreds of pattern to decide on the lucky three! I will post my final choices by midnight tonight!!

Okay- I am going to be REALLY wild here-
1) Jaywalkers using merlinthecat yarn from Etsy in Winter Night
2) Baudelaires (I can't believe I am going to attempt these!!) in YarnPirate Storm yarn
3) Badcauls in Spooky from YarnPirateFinally, if I can get another skein of Shiver Me Timbers from YarnPirate, I am going to start some knee socks!Talk about lofty goals!! But I am excited! :)