Socktoberfest

Look what I got yesterday in my mailbox! ^^

This is my prize for the kokoshnik (Whiplash September). *^-^*
"Last Minute Knitted Gifts" by Joelle Hoverson (I already have some favourite patterns I'd like to knit! ^^), and a 4 oz. skein of handmade yarn from Natasha Fialkov - it's a colour #151 called "punk rock" - funky! ^^
(Although I don't know yet what I could do with it - it's only 4 oz., any suggestions, please?... I thought about naalbinded purse - since it's handmade it would be highly appropriate to use it in this way, but I'm still deciding)


Socktoberfest questions: (and answers ^^)

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?
Several months ago I decided it's time to try dpns and knitted my first sock (which is still a single, because I don't like the yarn I used for it, let's just say it was done for practice purposes! ^^)
What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?
My first pair were Lithuanian socks from "Folk Socks" by Nancy Bush.
What would you have done differently?
Used bigger needles and cast on more stitches - I really like them, I wish they fitted my feet...
What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
I love the OPAL yarn because of the self emerging pattern I get from a single skein! ^^
Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
Only tried 5 dpns, must check the other methods.
Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
No preferences.
How many pairs have you made?
I'm a beginners in this field - one pair (Lithuanian socks from N. Bush's book), one Waffles sock (the first practice one), one long sock from a strange yarn (awful stripes, decided to frog it!), one OPAL sock (I hope to make the second one this October! ^^)

Happy Tuesday, guys! I'm coming back to my sewing machine right now! ^^