HI,
I am going to learn how to make some socks and accidently purchased cotton yarn. Does anyone have any ideas on a beginner project made of cotton yarn. Preferably something small. Scarves are such a big/long project, I am in search of short term gratification! 
Thanks.
Dishcloth/facecloths, and there’s a zillion of them at the dishcloth boutique in lots of different stitch patterns.
I don’t know what weight your yarn is or how much you have, but these patterns all call for cotton yarn:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/basketweave-headband
It’s a little hard to make broad suggestions not knowing what your skill set is … some of these may be a little beyond what you’re looking for right now, but I assume that since you are giving socks a try that you are at least up for the challenge of learning a new technique or two with your next project! :knitting:
I’m a new knitter, and I’m an instant-gratification girl. So, for now, I’m finding it satisfying to make dishcloths. I have only done a couple in one pattern, but plan on trying some other patterns to learn new stitches soon. They go fast, and I could probably make a couple in one day if I could devote long periods of time to it.
Happy knitting!
Kmaclean…not everyone uses Ravelry. I always suggest joining, but try to give links outside it even if I look there. 
It would help TL if we knew the weight of the yarn…:??
If you have a baby or know one bibs are good and easy and who can’t use more dishcloths!?. These are my favorites- I prefer textured rather than a picture -
http://www.peaches-creme.com/freeknitbath.htm
http://traciknits.blogspot.com/2008/01/basket-rib-dishcloth-free-pattern.html
These are fun to do and a good way to use up different colors.
Totally agree with the comments above! I would use my cotton for face cloths and fingertip towels! They won’t get the abuse that dishcloths get.
I love mine!
The simple lace edgings are not hard to learn. Just a bunch of yarnovers followed by K2T’s or SSK’s. You would stretch your expertise a bit!
If you can make yarnovers and k2tog you can make a string market bagby knitting two rectangles with this pattern stitch. It is only a two row rattern and one row is all knit. The pattern happens when you knit 2tog and yarnover across the needle, then knit the second row. It gives a diagonal line with lattice like pattern.
I really like this bag…
Fingerless gloves, dishcloths, soap sacks, head bands, if you want baby bootties, slippers. you could even try a shirt if your feeling so inclined. I perfer knitting with cotton, I like stuff that washes up and holds shape and doesn’t strech out too bad. Really just pick a pattern and use cotton. I haven’t really had any problems doing that.
Apologies if this was posted already…I’m late to this party!