Layl writes:
<<That's interesting about the Merino Superwash not working for sox
because I too have seen it recommended for that purpose.>>
The problem with merino and other finewools is not whether it's easy to
wash--handwashing socks is really not a big deal--but its resistance to
abrasion. Merino isn't resistant. Socks need to be, or you will be
darning holes nearly every time you wear them (of course, it's easier to
darn with the socks off unless you're a contortionist :)
Medium wools like Border Leicester and Romney, mixed with about 10-20%
mohair by weight, wear very very well. I can easily get 50 hours of
wear (3 ply handspun WITHOUT a lot of twist, knit at 8 stitches to the
inch) before there's even a thin spot to think about reinforcing.
Likewise, they can be machine washed, on gentle in warm water, without
felting, though I would be hesitant about drying them in the machine
(never had a sock I wanted to donate to that cause :)
The afterthought heel might be good--but for me it wouldn't be enough.
I wear out nearly as much at the ball of the foot as at the heel.
So I just check my handspun socks every time I put them on, and if
there's a thin spot I take them right off and darn them before wearing
them again. I've got 2 pair of handspun knee socks, and 4 or 5 pair of
handspun ankle-length socks in my drawer. Two pair need some work.
Another thing about handspun socks is you really, really don't want to
use wool that's been commercially processed into roving. Wool is broken
up by the picker, even good, strong wool. You can have really nice
looking roving, but it's got a lot of short fibers in it now, and WILL
wear out faster than if you processed it yourself by precarding and
drumcarding, or by handcombing.
Voice of experience, here :)
Holly
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