Knitting kilt hose?

[sydnie7]

Never had any difficulty finding good needles, not sure where that comment would have come from. I'd suggest starting with a size 4 or 5 at first, worsted or DK size wool, then going smaller as you get comfortable/if you want a finer end result. Worsted can result in a rough feel to the sole of the sock, one possible way around that is the "princess sole" in which you purl the sole of the sock so that the purl bumps are on the outside and the smoother knit side is against your skin.

Then there's the choice of heel -- several different schools of thought there. I like the Fleegle heel (find her blog through Google) which is quick and simple. It may not be the most wear-resistant, tho.

Have you checked out Ravelry.com? Lots of free patterns, tutorials, forum boards for advice. The Kilt Hose group there is not too active (as Okiwen has discovered) but lots of regular sock activity and most beginning kilt hose questions are about basic sock construction.

[frank_a]

Never had any difficulty finding good needles, not sure where that comment would have come from. I'd suggest starting with a size 4 or 5 at first, worsted or DK size wool, then going smaller as you get comfortable/if you want a finer end result. Worsted can result in a rough feel to the sole of the sock, one possible way around that is the "princess sole" in which you purl the sole of the sock so that the purl bumps are on the outside and the smoother knit side is against your skin.

Then there's the choice of heel -- several different schools of thought there. I like the Fleegle heel (find her blog through Google) which is quick and simple. It may not be the most wear-resistant, tho.

Have you checked out Ravelry.com? Lots of free patterns, tutorials, forum boards for advice. The Kilt Hose group there is not too active (as Okiwen has discovered) but lots of regular sock activity and most beginning kilt hose questions are about basic sock construction.

Wow! Thanks for all the tips. I have not checked out ravelry.com, but have watched a few YouTube videos on basic knitting. I will check out ravelry.com later today and/or over the weekend. Plus my book should be here today when I get home.

Still a workin stiff, so one thing at a time. Plus been busy with leather belt making this week. Love to make stuff!

Frank