Chirality, part 3

It's here! Clue 3 of the mystery sock knit-along.

Click here to download both clue 1, clue 2 and clue 3:

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Chirality in progress

Hobbit Cakes

New pattern!



Having recently read “The Hobbit” I was intrigued by life in the Shire and the luxuries hobbits afford themselves on a daily basis. They love cake! These socks are meant as a celebration to honor the January 3rd, 1892 birth of J. R. R. Tolkien, creator of all things Hobbit.



There is a bonus crossword puzzle at the end of this pattern to commemorate Tolkien in an unconventional way. You cut out the puzzle and twist it into a möbius strip before solving, like an infinity ring.

Come, let’s sit and enjoy the Hobbit Cakes together, shall we?



Size: This pattern is written for 4 sizes: Small (Medium, Large, XL)

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: Fingering-weight sock yarn that gives you proper gauge, 350 - 425 yards; 20 yards each of 4 colors of Contrasting Colors; Sample shown: Size Large. (MC) Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Lightweight [100% SUPERWASH Wool; 360yd per 127 gram skein]; color: Rose Quartz: 1 skein.



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

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

Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle.

Special thanks to Lorna for test knitting and Grant Law for the photos and the crossword puzzle.



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Chirality, part 2

It's here! Clue 2 of the mystery sock knit-along.

Click here to download both clue 1 and clue 2:

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Chirality

Happy New Year! To get the year started right I am doing a free mystery sock knit-along. I'll release the first clue today and each subsequent clue once per week until the end of the month.

Wha? Yes!

The technique is mosaic knitting which I am quite fond of. No pictures yet, because that would spoil the surprise.

Sizes: Women’s Medium (Large)

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

Yarn: Fingering-weight sock yarn that gives you proper gauge. Sample shown: Barking Dog Yarns Opposites Attract [100% SUPERWASH Merino Wool; 200yd per 50 gram skein]; 1 skein each color.

Needles: 1 set US #1/2.25mm 32” circular needles or double pointed needles, or size to get gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle.

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

NOTES: This pattern is worked from the cuff down with two colors. It includes mosaic knitting, a heel flap, and a grafted toe. The slipped stitches create a fabric that is slightly less stretchy than standard stockinette st. Keep this in mind when choosing yarn and sock size.

What is mosaic knitting? Describing mosaic knitting is harder than actually doing it. Barbara Walker named the process of slipping stitches while alternating rows of color “mosaic knitting” because it naturally lends itself to geometric design. Unlike stranded knitting, you only work with one color at a time. You will slip stitches to give the illusion of colorwork. In this pattern, you will work 2 rows of one color across the round, slipping the stitches that are indicated as the second color, then work 2 rows of the other color, slipping the other stitches. In the charts, The MC is represented with white and the CC is shaded.

Download the first clue now

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?)

The pattern is $3.99
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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 :-)