Welcome, Pawsitive! Another KT'er here. Like Donna, I always have socks on the needles, no matter what else is on needles! Currently, I have socks, 3 sweaters, and a scarf at least, going. One sweater is a dark purple with lots of cables that I keep getting lost in, one a pretty aqua blue, that I can't find the rest of my yarn for, and a dark green with a black thread running thru it in a Wallaby, think pull over hooded sweatshirt with a kangaroo pocket, sweater for my grandson. That one is finished as far as the arm hole, and half of one sleeve. The purple one is for my DD and will wait until I have the patience to work on the dratted cables again. The aqua one is for me, and I have torn the place apart looking for the rest of the yarn! Tami

YES!!!! My dad has diabetes. He always complains that store bought socks make his toes sore, because of the seams. I made him a pair of socks. Mom washes them & as soon as they are dry, they are back on his feet!!!! I knit mine cuff down and kitchener the toes closed. NO irritation! My first knit project was a dish cloth. 2nd was a baby sock, 3rd was my first pair of socks for me. I started with double points, but after about a year, the magic loop method was found by the owner of our local store. I have done them that way ever since. I also do not switch to dbl pts to do the toe. I have never seen any reason to. I have tried the 12" needles, but don't like them. Also, I have 2 sets of circular needles for socks. I start both socks at the same time, especially good for the new self striping yarns, and my gauge is much more likely to match for both socks. I do a few inches on one, then work on the other for a while, then switch back again. I use Ann Norling's Basic Adult sock patter, which gives you your choice of 3 different weights of yarn and the instructions to match. You have also been given excellent advice above. I always have socks on needles, as they are easy take along projects and fit in your purse or a small bag, for dr. appts, ect. Tami

Be sure not to twist those cast on stitches when you connect on Row 2. If you do, it will twist the entire piece and you'll need to start over. Check it carefully being sure the cast on edge is always down. I love using circular needles even when a pattern calls for straight needles. You don't have all that needle to deal with and it feels much less clumsy. If you are making a pattern that is written to be knit in the round, you will find that it is so nice to always be able to KNIT round and round with no PURL rows to worry about ! It magically turns out beautifully. Have fun !!

Thinking only good thoughts for you Mary Ann. Praying all the test results are good ones. Waiting is so hard. Big healing hugs for you. (((((((Mary Ann & Jammer))))))