Bunnies

I found this video on the Twisted blog today and had to post it here. Do NOT click on this link if you have a problem with cuteness!

Angora Rabbits from Patrick Russell on Vimeo.

They don't mention it in the video because fiber people know this but angora rabbits produce angora fiber. Angora goats produce mohair. I love both fibers but not in full force.

I have an angora sweater that I plan on recycling into yarn but it's a little itchy. Maybe I should hold one strand with something else together? Anyone have angora thoughts they want to share?

In conclusion, Bunnies are cute. Also, you need to see Desdemona, the cookie stealing rabbit if you agree.

Lantern Socks

So now that we are getting caught up again, it occurs to me that there was a missing something...

Have you actually seen the final pattern in the Socks For All Seasons collection?



Lantern Festival is celebrated on the last day of Chinese New Year. Traditionally, thousands of colorful lanterns are hung or paraded around during the full moon at the beginning of a new year. At this time, people try to solve puzzles written on lanterns, eat yuanxiao (元宵) (glutinous rice ball) and enjoy a family reunion.



Knit your own beaded lantern socks today, and solve the riddles at the end of the pattern for fun.



Size: This pattern is written for 3 sizes: Small (Medium, 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).

Yarn: Fingering-weight sock yarn that gives you proper gauge, 350 - 425 yards; Sample shown: Hazel Knits Artisan Sock [90% SUPERWASH Wool, 10% Nylon; 400yd per 120 gram skein]; color: Wheatberry: 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 markers, tapestry needle, tiny crochet hook (I used a steel 10 – 1.25 mm), 28 size 6 seed beads.



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I am still here

Hi world, knitters, friends, you!

It's been a weird, difficult six months but I am looking forward to returning to the world of sharing (or over-sharing) my life and design stuff... starting today. Hi!

I'll catch you up on the last few patterns in the Socks for All Seasons club, the recent publications I've been wanting to share, and the status of the Socks For all Seasons e-book (drumroll... delayed!)...

AND did you think I would forget the 2011 Tour de Fleece? Sock Summit? Of course you did. I mean didn't.

To ease us back into hanging out together and again, today's post will have some photographic teases of posts to come.












This last one - Model: Sorren Puddlefish. Photo by: Vivian Aubrey. Many thanks.

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:

download now

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.



The pattern is $3.99
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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:

download now

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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The Socks For All Seasons Club is $14.99 and provides you with a year's worth of sock patterns:
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