I am a lazy knitter in general, but with socks I am especially reluctant to do anything that requires me to look at a pattern. I have made enough socks that I can take some yarn, guess at the gauge, and get going. Self-striping yarn is a real bonus, because then it looks like I did something difficult, at least to a non-knitter.
However, I am trying to knit most of the projects in Drop Dead Easy Knits, so I pulled some light blue sock yarn out of the stash and cast on for the Idlewild Socks, designed by Kirsten Kapur. (photo by Gale Zucker)
I can’t find the yarn label for the yarn I am using. I think it is some Periwinkle Sheep I got at Sock Summit in 2009. So yeah, it is well-aged. I will use no yarn before its time!
Back to the socks. I did have to look at the pattern initially, but they are really drop-dead easy. (Branding, ya’ll!) There is only one round out of four that requires attention. I even took it to a St. Paul Saints game last night, and made good progress. 
Truth in advertising! These are named for Idlewild Airport, because they are a good design to work on while waiting, and I agree.
I generally prefer to make socks on bamboo double points. I have a routine where I cast on one cuff, then the other, and do my two-at-time on-double points. This hasn’t been working so well for this pari. One thing I learned is that bamboo knitting needles must get more brittle with age. I am using US 0 needles, and have broken 2 so far. Granted, I am a bit careless with where and how I stash a project bag, so I cannot blame it entirely on the needles.
To safeguard my remaining needles, I switched to magic loop. I bought a set of tiny Chia Goo interchangeables a couple of years ago in a weak moment, and I have never used them. Now is the time.
I do really like them. The cord is nice and flexible, the points are pointy, and so far I have not broken them, or even bent them. So far. I dislike doing two at a time on one long circular, so I have to make do with sequential sock knitting.
By this time of year I generally have some socks set aside for holiday gifts, but as of today I have two only pair of heavy Oxbow socks, and now 1.5 Idlewild socks. If I intend to do gift socks, I’d better get cracking.
Are you still knitting socks? Got a drawerful yet?
Yarnerinas 
My sock drawer is full but I do have a list of people who want socks. I also have the Drop Dead Easy book, and I also bought that same ChiaGoo set which I also haven’t used. So I think you have decided my next project for me. Some pale green yarn will do. Thanks for the guidance. I hope they are as easy as you and the book claim!
They look good so far!
I have a lot of socks, but they’re getting to be of an age at which I should be knitting replacements faster than I am…
Thanks for reminding me about that little Chiaogoo set. I need to dig mine out. Now I’m thinking about a pair of Idlewilds in self striping sock yarn…
Those look great! Use no yarn before its time !
Ps I can’t get my brain around 2 socks on dpn’s . You never cease to amaze me ML!
I’ve got the book, and have been looking for more easy lace socks. Very timely post!
Those look like fun socks! And I think I must take a look at the book, too… I enjoy knitting socks, but lately have been frustrated by difficult patterning.
(Found you through your comment on Chris’ post. The one about the manic pixie dream girl.)
I have lots of socks, but I stashed most of them in giant ziplock bags at the beginning of summer…and now most of the single-strand ones are missing! There is a big ziplock somewhere in the house.
I am on my 7th pair of socks for the year – almost all gifts. I have a drawer full of socks but none are lace. I decided to not make lace socks any more because it’s just asking for trouble – making socks with holes already started. That said, I have that book and I also have a skein of plain sock yarn that would probably look really good in that pattern …
Lovely! and yes – I do have a drawerful, how did you know? I need to get cracking on socks for Rick for the holidays – I try to do one small thing each for him and the girls. I’m almost done with a cowl for Tess, so I’d better start planning the rest!
This makes me want to return to knitting! I haven’t done it for a while so I may have to take a class again…
About to embark on my first pair of socks, wish me luck!