Knitting projects - learning to knit a sock

On New Year's Eve I stopped by my LNS and bought some yarn, double-pointed needles (dpns), and two books on sock knitting that were recommended by the owner. I figured that since I was going to try to learn it out of a book, two references might be better than one.

I made my gauge swatch (trying to learn THIS right), and it turned out nicely 7 stitches/inch. So I started casting on stitches, and after successfully moving them on to 3 dpns, I started knitting in the round. I was going pretty good (in my opinion) until I realized I'd added a stitch a row or two back. I am absolutely horrible at trying to un-knit or un-purl stitches that I just decided to rip everything back and start over again. I also thought I'd try a different pattern for the rib, thinking it might be a little easier and less-prone to mistakes.

Round 2 was going along so-so, and then I dropped a stitch. Ripped it back out. Okay, I'd really rather do this right, so I'll just start again. A little knit across then purl across for several makes the edging curl up some before getting into the ribbing.

Round 3 actually seemed to be going along well. I finished the cuff and I started the leg pattern (basically another knit across, then purl across) when I realized something was wrong. The purl side and the knit side were opposite where they were supposed to be. I couldn't figure out why, because the curled up edging was the way it was supposed to be. And that's when the light bulb blew (it didn't just turn on, it blew right then and there). I was knitting INSIDE OUT. I had been doing that since my first attempt and just hadn't caught it until then. No wonder my work didn't look like the photos in any of the books. :( And I couldn't even turn it right side out and make it work, because then the curl at the top of the sock would be going in the wrong direction.

So, I ripped it all out and wound the yarn back on my skein. Then I cast on again, trying to make sure that my stitches weren't twisted, and I very carefully and deliberately started knitting and purling on the outside around. I also decided that I didn't really love the curling and the knit-1, purl-1 ribbing, so I went back to the original knit-2, purl-2 ribbing, which looks much nicer. I've tried to be even more careful about not adding or dropping stitches, and this time things seem to be working out better (so far...). I'm through with the cuff and the leg (fairly short), and I'm now working on the heel flap. Whew! PLEASE don't let me drop or add any stitches, I just don't think I could take it! :)

Sock #1 done, January 16, 2008!

Now... to knit the mate and hope that it's the same size (the pattern will not be identical because I'm not starting it at the same point in the yarn).

Sock fits!

Both socks finished