true tartan hose (not diced+lines)

[sockknitter]

That is correct, Chrisupyonder. Your mother would have knit in the round if she was knitting w/ one color. So - hose w/ cables and texture, or ribs would definitely be knit in that manner.

But when adding color, all bets are off, especially if it's necessary to use bobbins/butterflies. You might be able to knit some patterns in the round, but not all. Shepard's plaid? Maybe. Argyle/Tartan? knit it flat to the heel, then join in the round.

You were very observant of your mother's technique. She would be pleased!

[CelticSire]

I know nothing of knitting, but I have a very dear friend who knits and has agreed to knit a pair of diced hose for me. (She wanted something to keep her occupied on a long car trip coming up.) The cost of the wool was $76, so it's not surprising that diced and argyle hose are as expensive as they are.

[piperdbh]

That trip must be to the moon and back. Tartan/diced hose take a long time to make, unless they're made from big yarn on big needles.

[CelticSire]

That trip must be to the moon and back. Tartan/diced hose take a long time to make, unless they're made from big yarn on big needles.

It's a two week trip, not sure how much time she will actually have with the needles. But hey, it's worth it, even if she has to finish them after she gets home. I've got time, and patience...

[sockknitter]

Sock wt yarn, or maybe even sport wt, if you need the perfect color match, and in an 80/20 or 75/25 blend of wool/nylon. The nylon adds to the sock's wear-ability. Would hate to have her do all that work, then have your toe or heel wear a hole in her good work.

But you might need to get a 100% wool, to get the right color(s). If that's the case, use something to re-inforce the heels and toes. Some yarn shops sell little cards of 80/20 re-inforcing yarns in a variety of colors? or I think you can use serger thread, called wooly-something? Maybe wooly nylon? Straight nylon can cut through the yarn over time.

Sweet talk her.