Hi Marie,
With the new super washed wool sock yarns you wouldn't believe how soft they are. You might not know they are wool. I am a handspinner and the problem with commerical yarns is the use to many chemicals in the wool and this what makes the scratchy and itchy.
I found the best sock pattern booket it is call Comfy cozy socks by Janet Rehefeldt & Mary Jane Wood. They look knitted and you do the heel almost like you are knitting but with a crochet hook.
If you don't like wool for socks your can just use a acrylic sportweight yarn. But it is hard to find in Wal Mart of even a baby fingering yarn. Anne