Favorite Yarn and Needles for Socks?

[Quilter]

I'm a returning knitter after spending many years strictly as a quilter. I'm now enjoying both!

However, the knitting world has changed greatly in the past 20 years. I'm discovering the joy of knitting socks, but I'd like to get your opinion:

• What yarn do you most enjoy using - and wearing - for socks?
• What kind of needles do you use? I'm using a size 3 bamboo (Fiddlesticks) now, but I wonder if another type would be better if I go to a lighter weight yarn.
• Do you have a favorite pattern?

I'll appreciate any suggestions and look forward to hearing from you.