true tartan hose (not diced+lines)

[Droid]

So, what's the deal with modern single color kilt hose? I bought some cream colored kilt hose at a Scottish fair shortly after getting my kilt. It wasn't until I started posting on these boards that I became aware that colored kilt hose seems to be the preferred way to go. Should I lose the cream colored plain knee high wool socks and get something more colorful?

[JSFMACLJR]

So, what's the deal with modern single color kilt hose? I bought some cream colored kilt hose at a Scottish fair shortly after getting my kilt. It wasn't until I started posting on these boards that I became aware that colored kilt hose seems to be the preferred way to go. Should I lose the cream colored plain knee high wool socks and get something more colorful?

Yes! I won't go into the reasons why...that's what the search button is for, but white/cream coloured hose just look out-of-place.

[chrisupyonder]

Yes! I won't go into the reasons why...that's what the search button is for, but white/cream coloured hose just look out-of-place.

Just soak them in a bucket of strong tea or coffee. There's a thread on here somewhere about it. I used a about 10 tea bags with boiling water and let it brew for 10 mins then poured some cold water in so it was just warm then soak the hose in overnight. Wash in look warm water after and the colour stays.

[chrisupyonder]

Don't know much about knitting but I remember my mother knitting hose for my father on 4 needles to make a tube with no seam and then she cast a few stiches each row to make the toe, even shaped the heel by adding extra stitches on one side. They were only plain though.

[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.