Redd Soxx

Seeing as how January is right around the corner and I have yet to share with you December's offering from the Socks for all Seasons club, today seemed like the perfect day to do just that.



This month is a funny one for me. It combines a couple of guilty pleasures: gorgeous yarn and filthy comedy. My coworkers will tell you when the boxes of Malabrigo yarn show up, I start singing the Sanford and Son theme song, using the word "Malabrigo" for the melody. Aaaand guess who has a birthday in December? Redd Foxx! Just one day after mine in fact. So, Redd Soxx are here, and they are knee socks, even.



Comedian Redd Foxx is an unlikely inspiration for for a pair of knee socks, sure. In his autobiography Malcom X called Foxx "Chicago Red, the funniest dishwasher on this earth." He was one of the first black comics to play Vegas. And when things in my own life get tough, I can hear him saying “I’m coming Elizabeth!” Which was his character’s recurring statement when a situation turned stressful on Sanford and Son. Check out the coloring book page at the end of this pattern to see this moment, ready for coloring.



Sizes: Women’s Small (Women’s Large)

Foot circumference:
7 (8) inches 17.5 (20 cm) unstretched. Will stretch to fit 8 (9) inches 20 (23 cm).

Yarn: Fingering-weight yarn that gives you proper gauge. Sample shown: Malabrigo Sock
[100% SUPERWASH Wool; 440yd per 100 gram skein]; color: Ravelry Red: 2 skeins.



Needles: 1 set of US 1 (2.25 mm) AND US 1.5 (2.5 mm) 32” circular needles (magic
loop), or 2 sets of 24” circulars or double pointed needles in size to get gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers, cable needle, tapestry needle.

Gauge: 32 sts/48 rows = 4” in Stockinette Stitch



Special thanks to Lorna for test knitting, Shawn X for the sample knitting, and Grant Law for the coloring book page.

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Day of the Dead

Welcome to the 9th month in the Socks For All Seasons Pattern club! We have options for you this month. The pattern is written for multiple gauges and you can knit the sock as is, or add embroidery when done!



Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a holiday to be spent gathered with family and friends to remember loved ones who have died. The celebration occurs on November 2 in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2).

Traditions connected with the holiday include building altars honoring the deceased using decorated sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. The Day of the Dead is not a time for mourning, so knit and decorate these socks using bright, festive colors and wear them to party.



At the end of the pattern you will find a sugar skull paper craft pattern. Decorate that too! These socks give the knitter options. A simple sock can be decorated by embroidering marigolds along the eyelets. A skeleton can be embroidered along the side if desired.

Sizes: This pattern is written for four sizes: (See foot circumference chart to determine appropriate size) 1. Women’s Small (2. Women’s Medium/Men’s Small, 3. Women’s Large/Men’s Medium, 4. Women’s X-L/Men’s Large)

Foot circumference: 7 (8, 9, 10) inches 17.5 (20, 23, 25.5 cm) unstretched. Will stretch to fit 8 (9, 10, 11) inches 20 (23, 25.5, 28 cm).

Yarn: This pattern is written for four gauges: (See yardage requirement chart to determine yarn selection) Sample shown: sport-weight: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Mediumweight [100% SUPERWASH Wool; 380yd per 155 gram skein]; color: Pallas Athena: 1 skein.



Needles: 1 set of 32” circular needles (magic loop), 2 sets of 24” circulars or double pointed needles in size to get gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers, scrap yarn or embroidery floss, tapestry needle.

Because of the large file size, this time the "extra" is in a separate pdf file. Both the pattern and paper craft are available to you through the link.

Special thanks to Lorna for test knitting and Grant Law for the photos and the sugar skull paper craft.



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Pancreatic Craftacular Part 2

So, remember when I decided to donate $1 for every sale in August towards Pancreatic Cancer Research?

I wanted to update you on how that turned out...

This morning I added everything up and...

it wasn't really very much!

So I rounded up and donated $50 anyway - YAY!

Thanks to everyone who donated. Have a pretend cupcake!

Long Night's Journey into Day

Socktober is here once again. It's the month that hits you, if you actually think you are going to knit any gifts for the holidays you better get cracking now.

Socks are an ambitious gift, but worsted-weight socks are a little more reasonable, and FAST. Which brings me to...



Welcome to the 8th month in the Socks For All Seasons Pattern club! I decided to look ahead to the changing seasons and embrace the cooling weather with a cardigan-like buttoned sock.



Backstory: It was a dark and stormy night. The teapot whistled and a fire was lit. She reached into the top drawer and slipped on the coziest pair among the bunch…

As the seasons change and the nights grow longer we need small comforts to protect us from the evening chill. This pair starts with the cuff, then stitches are picked up for the foot. You can even knit the foot in a contrasting yarn if you’d like. When completed, real buttons function like a cardigan sweater for added warmth. This pattern also includes some hot drink recipes for you to explore while knitting your own pair of extra thick socks.



Sizes: Women’s Small (Women’s Medium, Women’s Large)

Foot circumference: 7 (8, 9) inches 17.5 (20, 23 cm) unstretched. Will stretch to fit 8 (9, 10) inches 20 (23, 25.5 cm).

Gauge: 20 sts/34 rows = 4" in st st

Needles: 1 set US #3/3.25mm straight or circular needles (CUFF) AND 1 set US #4/3.5mm (SOCK) 32” circular needles (magic loop), 2 sets of 24” circulars or double pointed needles, or size to get gauge.

Yarn: Worsted-weight yarn that gives you proper gauge. Sample shown: Dream in Color Classy [100% Superwash Wool; 250 yd per 4 oz skein]; color: Crying Dove: 1 (2, 2) skeins. Sample is a medium which used 300 yards.

Notions: Tapestry needle, cable needle, 10 - 3/4” buttons.



I hope you enjoy the fat gauge this month. Special thanks to Lorna for test knitting and Grant Law for the photos and the Tom & Jerry recipe. (did you think I would come up with a hot, eggy drink?)

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I guess it's fall now?

Not that we had much of a summer around here! I'd like to take a break from my busy non-blogging schedule to update you on what's current here in the free world.

1. Vogue Knitting Fall 2010! I've got a pair of over-the-knee socks in this issue. Check out the 360 video here. The story line is called "Steppin' in Style - Exquisite knee-highs dress up the fall's must-have minis."



These were a fun project and the cashmere yarn from Artyarns was downright luxurious. I still feel like the pattern would have worked better in a solid yarn though. Oh well!

2. Interweave Knits Fall 2010! The pattern is Pizzicato Scarf from the Pure and Simple storyline. The project is a three-color brioche knit but you can't tell from the magazine.










So, here is my version, in a similar pose (!)

3. Here is where I tell you I've got 2 more knee sock patterns coming in the next issue of Vogue! So, that's why I'm not here as much as I should be.

4. Got a new bread machine (thanks papa and tutu!) so accepting the return of fall will be met with yeast and salt and sugar.

5. I have to get to the library to pick up the ten bread machine baking books I put on hold this week.

Have a great weekend! I'll be at the pirate festival in Cathedral Park... knitting.

Life Cycle Socks

September is here, somehow. My thoughts are wandering to the cozy months ahead that bring rain and cold. I'm imagining pots of hot tea and time spent inside spinning and knitting.

September also brings a new pattern for the Socks For All Seasons club: Life Cycle Socks.



These socks pay tribute to the time of harvest, the culmination of a thousand tiny miracles that embody the growing season. Earthworms work the soil at your feet, restoring the biological dross of previous years to the promise of new life. A leafy stalk, heavy with fruit, bursts from the gusset on top of your foot; there to dry in the waning summer sun, in anticipation of the approaching harvest. Sow your stitches carefully and prepare to reap a beautiful pair of hand-knit socks...and the cycle of life continues.



Details:

Foot circumference:
7 (8, 9, 10) inches 17.5 (20, 23, 25.5 cm) unstretched. Will stretch to fit 8 (9, 10, 11) inches 20 (23, 25.5, 28 cm).

Sizes:
This pattern is written for four sizes: Women’s Small (Women’s Medium/Men’s Small, Women’s Large/ Men’s Medium, Men’s Large)

Yarn:
Any Fingering weight yarn that gives you proper gauge. Sample shown: Wollmeise 100% Merino Superwash [100% Merino; 575yd per 150g skein]; color: Olio Vergine; <1 skein. NOTE: Sample socks used 88 grams/337 yards for the Women’s Medium size.

Gauge:
32 sts/48 rows = 4” in Stockinette Stitch

Needles:
1 set of US 1 (2.25 mm) 32” circular needles (magic loop) OR 2 sets of 24” circulars (two circulars) OR double pointed needles OR size to obtain correct gauge.

Notions:
Tapestry needle, scissors, 5 stitch markers, cable needle.



IMPORTANT:
This advanced-skill level sock pattern is worked from the toe up using multiple charts. Stitches include, bobbles, cables, lace, twisted stitches and dropped yarn-overs.



Pattern includes bonus earthworm trivia!

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Pancreatic Craftacular

I was looking around this evening at my favorite craft blogs and saw my pal Lee is participating in a fundraiser for pancreatic research and I had to jump in.

First I bought her new Swerve pattern for (a mere) $2.50. She's donating $1 of that sale to the cause and I get a fabulous new pattern to play with. She INVENTED a new cast on for these, so that alone should intrigue you. I've been hearing about it for a while and can't wait to try it out!



Then I wanted to do more. My grandpa died because of pancreatic cancer when I was 13 and it still feels unfair. Everyone in my family misses him. He was the sort of guy who made friends everywhere he went. Plus he drove a taxi in New York for a bit. I wish I could hear those stories!

So...

From August 5th through September 1st, $1 of every pattern and club membership I sell on my site and through Ravelry will go to The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research inspired by Kim Werker’s Pancreatic Craftacular. Kim is trying to raise $2500 by Sept 12th along with many other designers, yarn makers, and crafters too.



Here is the Ravelry page where you can see all I have for sale if you want to support the cause that way. You can donate directly on Kim's site too.

Thanks to Kim for starting this and having the moxie to give it such a bonkers name. Thanks to Lee for sharing the idea of participating. Thanks to you for reading this :-)

Pinata Socks!

This is August 1st, which means it's time for another pattern release. This offering is the August installment of the Socks For All Seasons Club 2010. Have you joined yet? Come on already! Ravelry member? Peek here.

Welcome to summer, full of picnics, aguas frescas, piñatas and calcetines calientes! This top-down sock pattern is full of texture, especially created to showcase bright, variegated yarns.



Sizes: This pattern is written for four sizes: (See foot circumference chart to determine appropriate size) 1. Women’s Small (2. Women’s Medium/Men’s Small, 3. Women’s Large/Men’s Medium, 4. Women’s X-L/Men’s Large)



Foot circumference:
7 (8, 9, 10) inches 17.5 (20, 23, 25.5 cm) unstretched. Will stretch to fit 8 (9, 10, 11) inches 20 (23, 25.5, 28 cm).



Yardage Requirement Chart: (just approx. - always have enough yarn!)

Women’s S:
Fingering: 350
Sport: 275
DK: 250

WM/MS:
Fingering: 375
Sport: 300
DK: 275

WL/MM:
Fingering: 400
Sport: 325
DK: 300

WXL/ML:
Fingering: 425
Sport: 350
DK: 325



Gauge: This pattern is written for four different gauges:

9 sts per inch / US 0 (2 mm) / Fingering
8 sts per inch / US 1 (2.25 mm) / Fingering
7 sts per inch / US 2 (2.75 mm) / Sport
6 sts per inch / US 3 (3.25 mm) / DK



Pattern includes a bonus crypto-gram puzzle!

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Freshman Cabled Socks

It was a year ago now that Knitscene Fall 2009 hit the shelves with a sock pattern I designed...



I’m still really inspired by the way you can draw simple lines and geometric shapes with basic cables; the design happens from the placement of the cables, rather than the detail of the cable itself.



This project uses cables that are elongated and stacked in a spiraling, angular design. The left and right sock mirror each other for added interest.



I originally wanted these socks to be like your freshman year in a new endeavor… jump in and get started!

But maybe these are just socks to wear to the library. Either way. Many people actually call these library socks. (I'm looking at you Lucy Anne!)

I recently updated the pattern to include two sizes and information how to modify the pattern to make an in between size too. Yay!

Buy the new and improved pattern here for $5.50:

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Tour de Fleece 2010

It's time! The Tour de France is coming again! It begins on Saturday, July 3rd. I can hardly believe it's been another year but here we are again and I am really excited. Welcome to the fifth annual Tour de Fleece - an online spin-along for people who spin yarn and play with fiber.

This year we will have teams and prizes, just like last year!

The first Tour de Fleece was in 2006. We had 16 spinners and a lot of fun. 2007 was much bigger, with 138 spinners, and even more fun. 2008 was HUGE, with over 400 spinners. 2009 I stopped counting at 1500. I wonder how many we'll get this year?

The concept is simple, They spin, we spin. A real spinning themed spin-along.



Want to participate?

1. It's all on Ravelry... check out our group. If you're not yet on Ravelry, do yourself a favor and join. It's free of course, just do it already!

2. We also have a Flickr pool here. Join the group and show off your homespun in the pool!

If you want to give it a try, or just follow our progress, or are a fan of the Tour de France, JOIN!

Guidelines (NOT RULES):

1. Spin every day the Tour rides, if possible. Saturday July 4th through Sunday July 25th. Days of rest: Monday July 12th, Wednesday July 21st. (Just like the actual tour)

2. Spin something challenging Thursday July 22nd. (The Tour’s toughest mountain stage from Pau up the legendary Col du Tourmalet)

3. Take a button if you want one. Then we can use the button on our blogs in show of solidarity. Take it from here or grab a clean one from the flickr pool.

4. Wear yellow on Sunday July 25th to announce victory. Why not wear yellow on any day you feel particularly successful? (Yellow is the color of the race leader in the Tour - but here we are all ‘race leaders’)

5. Other colors if desired: Green (sprinter - think FAST), Polka-dot (climber - as in uphill), and white (rookie)

Teams: Join one, or many, or none. Sign up in the Ravelry group. (I can't stress enough how great the Ravelry group is)

- Peloton (The main group. Everyone is in the peloton at some point)

- Rookies (first years)

- Sprinters (fast and/or high mileage like lace)

- Climbers (conquer mountains, big personal challenges)

- Breakaway (Art yarns)

- Lantern rouge (You will participate as much as possible but you may skip days here and there. Cheerleaders welcome.)

- Wildcards (This is for people who want to form their own team. This includes sponsored teams, like those affiliated with a specific fiber shop or people who live in the same town, etc.)

The teams are inspired by the actual Tour de France.

Prizes:

So far we have some fantastic fiber-related prizes donated... yes we do. To win them you must play along on Ravelry.

On your marks...



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At last check: There are 2516 Tour de Fleece members on Ravelry! (and growing)
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Tour de France Socks

Welcome to another month in the Socks For All Seasons Pattern club. This time I felt compelled to design something in honor of the Tour de France. I have been a little obsessed with le tour for almost ten years now and finally got around to making some socks.



These socks have all that the Tour de France promises and more: cobblestones, winding roads, and a mountain peak inspired by the Alpe-d-Huez (The most famous climb in the world of cycling).

Seed stitch suggests the famous cobbles of Paris and cables act as a twisting road winding it’s way through the French countryside and up Alpe-d-Huez. It’s not the longest or the steepest mountain, but it sure takes it’s toll on a cyclist. It means something to make this journey, and in some ways it symbolizes the Tour de France itself. Cyclists know what it takes to survive the climb, and it bonds them in a unique way.



To me, that is the heart of knitting a fine pair of socks by hand. They aren’t the hardest to do, but they require time and effort. Pull on the maillot jaune and cast on now!



The bonus included with this month's pattern is a connect the dots puzzle crafted by my pal Lee Meredith, aka Leethal. Check out her adventures in crafting on her site here - If you like connect the dots, you should be warned that she makes stitching kits with connect the dots puzzles screened on fabric. So cool!

I hope you enjoy the cobbles and cables this month. Special thanks to: Lorna for test knitting and tech editing, Lee for the connect the dots puzzle, and Grant Law for the photos.



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William Smart Socks

Greetings! It's rained 20 says in a row here in Portland and I'm entertaining the idea of building an ark. Lacking ark-constructing skills, I may just knit instead.

William Smart Socks!



The story:

Even though father’s day has only been an official holiday in America since Richard Nixon made it so in 1972, there is no shortage of silly junk marketed as appropriate gifts for pop. Making your dad hand-knit socks lets him know he’s worth the time, effort and yarn invested. It says you care enough about him to not get him a tie with a golf tee motif.

My own papa is famous for reading, questioning authority, and attracting a hand totaling 12 in blackjack. I wouldn't dare buy him such a tie. But I digress... let me tell you about my latest sock design!



Details:

Sizes (4): 1. Women’s Small, 2. Women’s Medium/Men’s Small, 3. Women’s Large/Men’s Medium, 4. Men’s Large

Foot circumference:
7 (8, 9, 10) inches 17.5 (20, 23, 25.5 cm) unstretched. Will stretch to fit 8 (9, 10, 11) inches 20 (23, 25.5, 28 cm).

Gauge: 32 sts/48 rows = 4" in st st

Needles: 1 set US #1/2.25mm 32” circular needles (magic loop), 2 sets of 24” circulars or double pointed needles, or size to get gauge.

Yarn: Fingering-weight yarn that gives you proper gauge. I’m using: Zwerger Garn Opal Uni Solid 4-ply [75% Wool, 25% Nylon; 465yd per 100 gram ball]; color: 1416: 1 ball.

Notions: Tapestry needle, cable needle.

Please note that because of the cables, this pattern uses more yarn than a plain sock.



Backstory:

While mother’s day has been a holiday for around 100 years, father’s day has only been official in America since Richard Nixon made it so in 1972. The first father’s day is believed to have been observed on June 19th, 1910 in Spokane, Washington. A young woman named Sonora Smart Dodd attended a mother’s day sermon at the Central Methodist Episcopal Church on a Sunday in May, 1909. She was inspired by the message and immediately thought of her own father’s sacrifices. Sonora’s dad, William Jackson Smart, was a Civil War veteran. When his wife died, he took over the parenting of all six children.

Sonora spent a year arranging a tribute to her father in the spirit of the first mother’s day, organized by Anna Jarvis. Anna handed out carnations for mothers, and Sonora handed out roses for fathers. A red rose honored a living father and a white rose was worn in memory of a deceased father. Sonora even traveled around town in a carriage, delivering roses to folks who were house-bound.

Dodd supported the newly growing commercialization efforts of the holiday. In this way, father’s day evolved differently from mother’s day. Anna Jarvis used to protest the commercialization of her mother’s day, where Sonora Dodd personally endorsed organized efforts to increase commercial potential.

The concept of father’s day as an official holiday was slow to catch on. Despite support from YMCA and YWCA, the public thought of it as a joke. Congress refused to make the holiday official, even though President Wilson supported it in 1916. Coolidge tried in 1924 to make father’s day a holiday but it never gained momentum. President Johnson proclaimed the third Sunday to be father’s day but it wasn’t until 1972 that it became a national holiday thanks to Richard Nixon.

Oh yeah, this pattern includes a bonus puzzle of cryptograms: Father’s day crypto-quotes!



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