I am paralyzed with indecision! Help.

Medieval Reenactor · May 30, 2014

Okay, I am ready to try some toe-up socks. I've been reading comments here and collecting patterns, but when it comes time to pick up the needles and yarn, I am totally paralyzed. There are so many choices - I can't even figure out the cast-on. Everyone seems to vehemently have a favorite. I THINK I want to do DP needles as I don't like the fiddliness of magic loop.

I need a kick in the pants to overcome my terror of just getting stated!!!!!! :|

mopgenorth · May 30, 2014

it's not brain surgery! Find a good video to follow along to start the toe and then go from there - if you fumble a little bit, just start over or work at it and keep going. You will have learned something from every stitch even if it is in reverse! and don't forget to BREATHE!

here is a great beginner pattern to help you get started:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/beginner-toe-up-socks-for-magic-loop

It says for magic loop, but you can use any needle method you choose, including DPNs.

Dee in DM · May 30, 2014

Pick an easy pattern to start with and some yarn and go for it!

jadancey · May 30, 2014

Read thru a few patterns and pick one that you understand and you feel comfortable with. The first sock will be the hardest. After that one, you'll feel so good that each sock will just get easier. Good luck.

MrsMurdog · May 30, 2014

Dpns work great if you are good with tension. I tend to have issues with a bit too big of stitches at the change of needles stitch. I use a 12" circular dop down and that goes away. I do use the dpns for cast on and first few rows and then again to shape heal and toe.

Grandma G. · May 30, 2014

3 kicks coming your way!!!

Gerripho · May 30, 2014

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/basic-toe-up-socks-with-a-heel-flap---fingering-weight-yarn

Here's one for you. The good thing about this one is that it has You-Tube videos to go along with the pattern. Each step where you need to learn something new, you can watch her videos for the exact help you may need.

judyh47 · May 30, 2014

Magic loop is not fiddley! It is just a different technique .... don't make your mind up before you try it!

Medieval Reenactor · May 30, 2014

I used magic loop 35 years ago, before it was named! I started knitting sweaters for my little girl in the round because I didn't like matching rows to sew them up and I couldn't afford another needle so had to figure out how to use the other end of the one when doing the sleeves. The reason I like DPN is that you just keep on knitting, don't need to stop and pull up the loop. That's what I find fiddly.

I had thought I'd use the figure 8 cast on for the toes, but one site I found says it's too loose. So, off to read more patterns and instructions.

Thank you all for all your advice!

docdot · May 30, 2014

OK. So you want to go swimming. Cold pond. JUMP!
Write home (KP) for more encouragement/info..

Medieval Reenactor · May 30, 2014

docdot said:
OK. So you want to go swimming. Cold pond. JUMP!
Write home (KP) for more encouragement/info..

Thanks

burgher · May 30, 2014

Medieval Reenactor said:
Okay, I am ready to try some toe-up socks. I've been reading comments here and collecting patterns, but when it comes time to pick up the needles and yarn, I am totally paralyzed. There are so many choices - I can't even figure out the cast-on. Everyone seems to vehemently have a favorite. I THINK I want to do DP needles as I don't like the fiddliness of magic loop.

I need a kick in the pants to overcome my terror of just getting stated!!!!!! :|

I like this method of casting on for toe up socks.

http://www.persistentillusion.com/blogblog/techniques/magic-cast-on/magic-cast-on-2

seamer45 · May 30, 2014

Consider yourself kicked, big time. Get your needles, take the first toe up pattern you come to and start.

katyas01 · May 31, 2014

mopgenorth said:
it's not brain surgery! Find a good video to follow along to start the toe and then go from there - if you fumble a little bit, just start over or work at it and keep going. You will have learned something from every stitch even if it is in reverse! and don't forget to BREATHE!

here is a great beginner pattern to help you get started:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/beginner-toe-up-socks-for-magic-loop[/quote)
$77.00 USD for a pattern?

gloxsk8 · May 31, 2014

I know the feeling. My Addi Kingsize knitting machine is still in the box.

jmai5421 · May 31, 2014

KP has two workshops on toe upmsocks. One with magic loop and one with two circulars. The teachers are just a PM away if you need help. If you go to the top of this page under home scroll down to workshops with designer 1234. You will see many workshops some open and some closed. The sock are closed but all the information it there and as I said the teacher is just a PM away if you don't find your question answered.

ramram0003 · May 31, 2014

Medieval Reenactor said:
Okay, I am ready to try some toe-up socks. I've been reading comments here and collecting patterns, but when it comes time to pick up the needles and yarn, I am totally paralyzed. There are so many choices - I can't even figure out the cast-on. Everyone seems to vehemently have a favorite. I THINK I want to do DP needles as I don't like the fiddliness of magic loop.

I need a kick in the pants to overcome my terror of just getting stated!!!!!! :|

My thing here is................ what do you have to lose? Just pick up your needles and start knitting. Try all the cast ons and see what one YOU like. Every one is different and the ones that don't like one way may be YOUR way. Just give them all a try. That is what I like about knitting. There are several ways and you can find what one suits you.
Good luck!!! I, personally, like cuff down. My pea sized brain can't get the heel part in the right area of my foot. I have the cuff down pattern down pat.

Again, Good luck. Can't wait to see the first pair of socks.

jonibee · May 31, 2014

The first step..find the pattern, materials and begin with what ever method you choose to do..Read the pattern through to see if there are any surprises in store for you..if you don't understand, query this site as to what it means..Make yourself a cup of tea or beverage of your choice..sit in your special place and delve right in. Because you care ..sometimes decisions can be difficult..better to make a decision then to choose to do nothing..

sbel3555 · May 31, 2014

I am just finishing my 2nd pair of socks. They are not as complicated as you think. I used the German Caston (Utube) and $1. fish lip heel pattern from Ravelry.

Marny CA · May 31, 2014

Medieval Reenactor said:
Okay, I am ready to try some toe-up socks. I've been reading comments here and collecting patterns, but when it comes time to pick up the needles and yarn, I am totally paralyzed. There are so many choices - I can't even figure out the cast-on. Everyone seems to vehemently have a favorite. I THINK I want to do DP needles as I don't like the fiddliness of magic loop.

I need a kick in the pants to overcome my terror of just getting stated!!!!!! :|

What's your worse case scenario??

My take is that even frogging is a teaching tool.

I know the feeling of 'paralysis' - when it comes time to tackle the messes in my house. So overwhelming that I don't do anything.

Compared to that, frogging is a piece of cake.

I look forward to seeing your socks!!

I am paralyzed with indecision! Help.

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