Toe Up Experiment

Knitting socks has been my nemesis for years. I guess some things just come seemingly easy to me, such as lace knitting, but socks and mittens sure are not. Since I knew how I have knitted socks the (to me) classic way: top down, dutch heel, mostly star toes. And even though that is a very good way to knit socks it seems like it's not always the most efficient route. Most socks I knit are from one skein or ball, and I seem to have a lot of yarn left over as I am pretty conservative, worried about running out in the middle of sock #2. (I did start using a scale, which helped but did not entirely solve the problem.) Btw: I do think it is a good idea to give away a small bit of yarn with each pair of socks as it is nice to have when mending is needed one day. But I digress.

Well, that era is coming to an end now. I am working on my first toe up sock! And yes, I am pleased how actually non frightening it turned out to be. The toe anyhow... with this tutorial. I still got to figure out how to work a short row heel, and that's going to be some adventure. Oh yea...

So what is YOUR favorite method: do you swear by top down, toe up or something completely different? Do you have ulterier motives altogether or do you use a method as it fits your project at the time? Just curious, really...