Here is our interview with Nell, our second winner.
How long have you been knitting and how did you learn?
I learned to knit and crochet at about 7. (I’m 30 now.) I’ve dabbled over the years but it never really stuck. I picked up the needles for good around June 2005. I took a class at The Nova Studio (www.thenovastudio.com) where I had been learning to make soap, bath bombs, and lots of other fun stuff! If you’re in the Bay Area, it’s a great place to take fun classes!
When did you start knitting socks?
March 2006. Can you believe it’s only been 2 years?!?! Sock knitting is an addiction. My queue just keeps getting longer and longer.
Did you start stashing sock yarn right away?
I started with 1 ball/project at a time. But then, my list of projects and yarn grew. Finally, I started listening to podcasts that described all these beautiful Indie yarns and I was hooked. The stash has taken on a life of it’s own since then.
How many pairs of socks can you knit with your stash?
144. yikes.
What is your favorite way of knitting socks?
I have size 11 feet. So I prefer toe up. That way, I know I won’t run out of yarn with just a little bit to go.
Do you knit socks mostly for yourself or for other people?
Mostly I knit for myself. But lately, people have been putting in requests. I think I’m going to start offering lessons instead of socks from now on!
What are your favorite sock yarns?
Any yarn I love has to have the squish factor. Socks that Rock and ShiBui definitely fall into that category. I also love to support those smaller independent dyers- Yarntini, Yarn Pirate, Scout’s Swag, and on and on. I like to try lots of different brands. Hence the stashing issue.
Do you match your hand knit socks to your clothing or shoes?
Nope. I try to have them go together rather than match. Now that I’m in nursing school, I’m pretty much in sneakers. Every sock goes with gray Converse All-Stars!
Do you wear your socks with special shoes? Cute clogs or something else?
I haven’t taken that step yet. But I do have a couple of knitting T’s. So clear clogs can’t be too far off!
Do you collect something else than sock yarns or have other past times?
No other collections. (I’m actively avoiding accumulating items with chickens on them.) I make soap. (Not a lot lately but you can find it at www.brownbagsoap.etsy.com) Otherwise, school has taken up most of my time (and money!)
What is your favorite food?
That’s a hard one because I LOVE food. Probably french fries- the ones with the skin still on from the fair doused in vinegar. Or grilled cheese sandwiches. Or Hot Tamales. Or brownies. Or fresh baked bread. Shocking that I’m constantly trying to shed a few pounds, huh?
If you had to share something totally goofy about yourself what would you choose?
I’m really, really clumsy. I have unidentifiable bruises all the time. I swear no one beats me! I just fall or walk into something almost daily. I also overuse parenthesis and exclamation points. (in case you hadn’t noticed by now!)
How many socks do you knit per week?
I probably knit a pair a month. So, with some quick math, I have 12 years of sock yarn in my stash. OMG! That’s a new way to look at it. Yikes. Send help!
Can we peek inside your sock drawer? If you have a picture we’d love to see it!
But there are only a couple of handknit pairs in there. The rest are in the laundry!
Thanks so much! Nell
