Socks v. Scarves-- Instant Gratification

or........ "How my LYS deluded me"

Maybe when I first discovered my LYS they highlighted sock yarn. I can vaguely remember a display towards the front of fine, verigated yarns that were called "sock weight" but I also remember displays patterns for sweaters and hats and vitrually everything else to do with the yarns.

I do know that I've never, ever seen in their flyer an advertisment for a sock class. I can attest to this because I've been playing with the idea of making socks for years but I've been a bit skeeered of the whole heel/toe process.

So, I've knit scarves-- a whole bunch of scarves. The ones that I haven't given away are on a 6' curtian bar I installed in my bedroom as they took up too much space in the hall closet. Now they are functional wall decore.

But through scarves (primarily novilty yarn scarves) I was told I'd get instant gratification, they are quick and the yarns are interesting and make cool fabric. Sounds great, eh? Trouble was that not only did the yarn loose it "oooooo" factor after I knit 6 inches or so, but they weren't as totable as I'd imagined and most would languish until I was struck with a massive finishitis virus or a need.

But socks, with socks I've found interesting color changes in verigated yarns, I've found patterns galore which I've yet to delve into and I haven't even had issues with SSS as I've WANTED to wear each and every cushy sock that's come off my needles so far (which would be 2 pair done, two first socks on needles now). I can walk while knitting a sock, I can stand and talk to someone, hell I can stand in line on Black Friday and almost not mind. I love socks, I love the little stiches, the way it grows without becoming huge and how seemingly fast all those tiny stiches knit up. And I love that everyone else love socks too-- so many patterns and books. So much yarn (my hookup: brooke5653 on ebay-- hand dyed merino to die for).

Everyone loves socks, except apparently my yarn store--that vision of desire that is only 3 blocks from my house, that house of refuge from the cruel outside world where I should spend countless hours fondling yarns.

They have sock yarn, one tiny-tiny display case of mostly self striping (puke) yarns at the very back of the store.

But they have novelty. Want to knit a jelly purse? And you thought we were so over the 80s.