Switch from knitting in the round to knitting flat?

[Susie]

They're not as bad as they look - I can do them (I can only do one kind though ) - if you can knit on double pointed needles (or magic loop) you can do socks. I love handknitted socks, I find them very functional!

[Puddleduck]

I might give it a try then. I've got a funky pattern for socks with pompoms that I'm dying to try but keep chickening out!!!

[half_pint]

I use magic loop for knitting socks, I don't like knitting with all those double point needles, take an eye out if your not careful

[ina]

What's a magic loop?

I knit the continental way, you need 5 needles for socks; I find it less dangerous (you seem to move about a lot less with your needles!), and it's easier to see what you are doing, as on 4 needles you can always lay out the knitting flat (whereas on 3 you have it in a triangle kind of thingy).

Just trying to gear myself up to starting a new jumper - like others, I've been doing socks all summer, but I need something warmer now! My preferred pattern is Guernsey (or Gansey); I love the fact that there's no sewing up to do at the end!

[snapdragon]

hiya Ina ( ello - not seen you for ages)

back to topic - socks I do on 5 dpns or small circulars (I twist the working needle and have my thumb through the loop - guess I need a photo to show how)
I didn't know ganseys were done in a one-er but online I found a top down/in one/no sewing recipe that is so better than pieces (where I get half way through the second sleeve and lose the will )

[half_pint]

Magic loop is using two needles connected with a wire, the sock is split into two sections and you knit the front then slide it around to the other half and knit that. hmmm its hard to explain, have a look for some youtube videos. I do all my knitting on short needles connected with wires.