Socktoberfest Questions

Lolly asks....

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?
-- I took a class last fall (October, I think) at my LYS to learn sock knitting.
What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?
-- My first pair was done with Knit Picks Simple Stripes. They have a huge hole on the one side at the beginning of the gusset, but I still wear them anyway. Since they are less than a year old, they are holding up well. Here's a pic.

What would you have done differently?
-- Fixed the top of the gusset so there wasn't a hole.
What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
-- I've liked all the yarns I've used, so far.
Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
-- Before I learned to knit socks, I crocheted them. Now, I use DPNs. Here are a few pics of my favorite crocheted socks.

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
-- I currently use only a heel flap because that's all I know. Someday I'll branch out and try other things.
How many pairs have you made?
-- Crocheted = 10, Knit = 8 for me (and 2 more on the needles), 2 for the kids, and 1 for an infant