Sunset In Sedona Two Needle Socks REVISED!

Sunset In Sedona Two Needle Socks (Revised)

Finished sizes about: 6 ½- 7 (7 ½, 8, 9, 9 ½)” foot circumference.

Yarn used: 1 skein of Aslan Trends Natural Luxury Yarns Santa Fe 1334 yarn from their Kettle Hand Dyed Collection. 50g / 1.75 oz. 85% Merino Wool / 15% Polyamide. Approx: 180 yards / 165 meters

Needles size: One pair of straight needles size US 0-3 (2-3.25 mm) or whatever size is needed to obtain the gauge of 7 stitches per inch in St st. (Personally, I used US size 5 needles to obtain gauge, but I‘m just weird that way).

Other supplies: Some stitch holders or scrap threads to hold stitches on. You may find a row counter to be helpful in keeping track of rows while knitting the heel flap.

Special skills you need to make this sock: Flat seam (aka- Bickford seam)

Leg Portion

Cast on 44 (52, 56, 64, 68) sts. Work a 2 x 2 rib stitch (knit 2, purl 2), for one inch or until you‘re tired of knitting it.

Now, working in stockinette stitch, (knit on the right side and purl on the wrong side), continue until the sock measures 5 inches from the top. (And yes, I know what you are thinking, “It’s just a freaking square. I wanted a sock, not a wonky dishcloth. WTF!” Just hang in there with me, its about to get interesting.)

Dividing Section

 First row:  (With right side facing you), Knit the first 11 (13,14,16,17) stitches. Place these stitches on a stitch holder. Now continue knitting to the end of the row.

Next row: (wrong side) purl 11 (13, 14, 16, 17) stitches. Place these stitches on a stitch holder. Continue across remaining stitches.

At this point you should have 22 (26, 28, 32, 34) stitches left on the needle. These stitches will become your instep or top half of your foot. *Please note- it is from this dividing point that you will measure for your foot length.

With 22 (26, 28, 32, 34) stitches now on your needle, continue in stockinette stitch until the piece measures two inches less then your desired total foot length. (You are going to start the next row with the right side facing you. You have been warned!)

Touch Your Toes

 Row 1: (RS) knit 1, skp, knit to the last 3 stitches, k2tog, (knit two stitches together), knit 1.

(* Note- skp means to slip the next stitch, knit the following stitch and then take the slip stitch and pull it over the knit stitch. This creates 1 decrease.)

Row 2: Purl

Repeat these two rows until there are 10 (12, 14, 16, 18) stitches remain. Ending again with right side facing you.

Row 3: (RS) knit 1, skp, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, knit 1

Row 4: Purl 1, p2tog, (purl two together), purl to last 3 stitches, p2tog, purl 1.

Continue these two rows until 2 (4 , 6, 8, 10 ) stitches remain.

Place these stitches on a stitch holder. Cut yarn leaving a nice long tail for weaving.

(See, that was painless. Now for the fun part!)

Take the stitches that have been hanging out on the other two stitch holders, and with both right side facing you, place these stitches onto your needle.

Knit one row. Then purl the next row. (I know, amazing instructions there, right?)

Heel Flap Time

 Row 1: (RS) *Slip 1 stitch pwise, (purl-wise) wyb, (with yarn in back) knit 1; rep from*

Row 2: Slip 1 pwise,  wyf, (with yarn in front) purl to the end.

Repeat these two rows until a total of 22 (26, 28, 32, 34) rows have been made. (And yes, the number of stitches you have on the needle right now is the same as the number of rows you will knit for the heel flap. It was a total freaking mind-blowing epiphany when I realized that!)

Let’s Take This Heel For A Turn

 Row 1: (RS) Knit 13 (15, 16, 18, 19) stitches, skp, k1, turn your work.

Row 2: (WS) Slip 1 pwise, purl 5, p2tog, purl 1, turn.

Row 3: Sl 1 pwise, knit to the 1^st stitch before the gap made from the previous row, skp using the 1^st stitch before the gap and the 1^st stitch right after the gap, K1, turn.

Row 4: Sl 1 pwise, purl to the 1^st stitch before the gap, p2tog using the 1^st stitch both before and after the gap, purl 1, turn.

Now repeat rows 3 and 4 until all the stitches have been worked. Do NOT freak out if you find that you can not end with a knit 1 or purl 1 in your repeats. Depending on your initial cast on number, you may end that last repeat with a skp or a p2tog. Make sure to end with the right side facing you.

Guess What? It’s Gusset Time!

 For this gusset, you will be picking up one extra stitch at the selvage edge corner. I find that adding that extra stitch at the corners helps make for a cleaner sewing edge when the time comes. Don’t you worry though, you will make these extra two stitches disappear shortly after both sides of the gusset in done.

(Of course you can knit this section without the two extra stitches and it will still turn out just fine. It's just something that I like to do. I'm allowed my little quirks from time to time.)

Now, using the needle that your stitches are already on, pick up 12 (14, 15, 17, 18 ) stitches along the salvage edge. Now knit across these stitches and the stitches that were already on your needle.

Once you reach the end of the row, with the same needle, pick up 12 (14, 15, 17, 18 ) stitches on the other side of the salvaged edge. Now, purl across all stitches. (Your stitches will feel and look a bit bunched up on your needles, but don’t fret. Things will start to loosen up in a bit here.)

Knit 11 (13, 14, 16, 17 ) stitches, skp, knit across heel turn stitches, k2tog, then knit the remaining 11 (13, 14, 16, 17 ) stitches.

Next row: Purl

(See, I told you that you would send those two extra stitches away!)

Row 1: (RS) knit 1, skp, knit to last 3, k2tog, knit 1.

Row 2: Purl across row

Repeat these two rows until 22 (26, 28, 32, 34 ) stitches remain.

Now continue in straight St st until piece measures 2 inches less then your desired foot length.

Toe Time!

 Row 1: (RS) knit 1, skp, knit to the last 3 stitches, k2tog, knit 1.

Row 2: Purl

Repeat these two rows until there are 10 (12, 14, 16, 18) stitches remain. Ending again with right side facing you.

Row 3: (RS) knit 1, skp, knit to last 3 stitches, k2tog, knit 1

Row 4: Purl 1, p2tog, purl to last 3 stitches, p2tog, purl 1.

Continue these two rows until 2 (4 , 6, 8, 10 ) stitches remain.

Graft these stitches with the others you have sitting on the stitch holder.

Now you have some hand sewing to do. No moaning allowed. It’s not as hard as you think.

To seam the sock we will NOT be using the mattress stitch and I will tell you why. *Stepping up on top of soapbox* The mattress stitch subtracts rows from the sides of the foot and the back of the leg. Also, it leaves a bulky seam that, even after you steam it down, can still be felt.

Instead, we will close the seams by using the Flat Seam, also sometimes called the Bickford Seam. It makes a flat, clean seam that is almost invisible when done correctly.

The Bickford seam is one of those things that you have to see to understand, so please stop right now, go check out an online video on how to do it, then return to your sock and seam it up. (I’ll still be here waiting when you get back. I promise.)

Once you seamed up your sock, maybe you should seriously consider knitting the other one. Socks are usually better in pairs. (If you just want to relish in your one sock glory, I’m cool with that too. I won't judge.)

So, now you've got both socks knitted and seamed. Guess what? You’re done. Yup, that’s it. You’re finished. Now make like a hockey stick and get the puck out of here!

Re-knitting An Old Friend

A while back, when I first started designing, I made grand plans to take over the world with my two-needle sock knitting. I even created my first minion, "Sunset In Sedona" sock, which was to be the start of my sock army.

Well, a lot has changed since then. I no longer have plans to take over the world, (just my own little corner of the world). I also found that even though I love knitting socks, I much prefer knitting other accessories- especially those that are worn around the neck.

But the Sunset In Sedona sock is still one of my most popular patterns. Many people have commented about how it has helped them to make their first sock and get over the fear of knitting with small needles. Those who have found it awkward to knit in the round have shown relief in finally being able to enjoy the pleasures of sock knitting.

However, the pattern did have a few glitches in it and as more people attempted to make the socks, they brought to my attention those pieces in the pattern which needed some correction.

So, currently, I am revising the pattern in the hopes of making it more user friendly. I still plan to have the pattern available for free. I believe it is an excellent pattern for beginners and I enjoy reading the wonderful comments from beginner knitters who find the written out instructions to be very helpful.

I hope to have the pattern back up and running this week for all to enjoy.

Stepping Out In Luxury

"Why on earth would anyone want to knit socks? Socks are so cheap, Who would want to waste the time and money knitting a pair?"

 

The next time anyone near you makes the above statement, please send them to this blog page and after reading it, see if they don't change their mind about handknitted socks.

 

Socks may be small, but they are still big business as seen by the ever growing number of designer socks that come with a price tag to match. Below are just a few samples of high-end luxury for your feet.

Tom Ford Socks (photo by buddah is)

These socks by Tom Ford comes in pretty cheap for mass-produced designer socks. Having your man sport a pair of these will only set you back about $75.00

[caption id="attachment_1128" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Christian Dior Stockings"][/caption]

 

When it comes to high fashion, the sky is the limit, and apparently, so is the price. These pretty little stockings by Christian Dior will beautifully help cover the shocking white hue from fainting after you see the price tag on these babies- $540.00

 

[caption id="attachment_1129" align="aligncenter" width="420" caption="Mui Mui Embellished Knee Socks"][/caption]

Mui Mui gives some sparkle to the legs with their embellished knee socks, but all that glitter comes with a price. $340.00 surely isn't too much to ask for all that bling.

Part of a Balanced Breakfast

I'm a huge fan of Breakfast. I never leave home without it. I have to eat something within a half hour of waking up or my chronic morning sickness kicks in. So breakfast to me is almost like a second religion. Yes, I bow down to the all mighty spoon and bowl. I eat in private after my Boy Toy goes to work. (I'm lucky enough to be married to a man who can't stand the smell of food early in the morning which means I don't have to wake up at some un-godly hour to fix him breakfast before work.)

While I'm eating, I'm usually doing something knitting related. Either reading a knitting magazine, writing in my knitting journal or actually doing some knitting. There is just something about knitting and eating that just seem to go together- even though knitting wisdom would tell you it is not wise to knit with food around.

Never had knitting with breakfast? I strongly suggest trying it. Knitting is a great way to balance out those morning jitters you keep getting from your double shot of espresso.  Not a breakfast person? Why not use breakfast as another excuse to get in more knitting time. And besides, isn't your doctor always telling you that you need more fiber in your diet?

Working Breakfast photo by Lindamade

[caption id="attachment_1059" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="Coffee and Knitting by freakapotimus"][/caption]

 

Have It Your Way Breakfast Photo by Maggie.M

Sticky Finger Breakfast Photo by Louveciennes

 

[caption id="attachment_1060" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="Breakfast Photo by beetsie"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1061" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Breakfast photo by Lizrincon"][/caption]

All Hail Crochet!

So, the other day I'm at Valley Radiology for an MRI. I'm dressed in the latest medical fashion of open back gown, pants and mary janes.

I'm directed to a waiting room right outside the MRI room to wait my turn. I take out my knitting and proceed to relax into the wonderful medical tradition of 'hurry up and wait'.

A few moments later an elderly woman is escorted into the waiting room wearing the same fashionable gown as me. She carries with her a grandmother purse. You know, the kind of oversized purse that -like Mary Poppin's famous bag-  is capable of storing everything but the kitchen sink.

The elderly lady sat across from me and watched as I knitted.

"Oh, I could never get the hang of that. I always wanted to but no matter how I tried, I just could never make it work. I admire you for being able to knit."

"Why, thank you.", I said. A nice warm compliment was much appreciated, considering that I was knitting with my entire back side being blasted from the air conditioner.

She continued by saying, "Unfortunately, all  know how to do is crochet. Not very fancy stuff, but I manage to get by."

The elderly lady then proceeded to dig in her bottomless purse. She emerged moments later with what I could only describe as a jaw-dropping wonderful example of crochet lace.

"So, what are you making?",  I finally got around to asking after a few speechless moments in utter awe.

"Oh this thing? It's just a tablecloth. I've made one for each of my kids and grandkids. Now my oldest grandchild just had a baby of her own so I'm making one for her to put into her daughter's hope chest. It's really nothing fancy. Just something to keep my hands busy. Its nothing like the knitting you're doing."

That was true, it was nothing like my knitting. I looked down at my simple sock. My knitting needles suddenly grew a tail and had it tucked  between its legs, wanting to crawl back into my knitting bag. Apparently they didn't feel worthy of being in the same room with such beautiful work. And I had to agree.

"Mame, I don't think that in my lifetime I could ever knit something as beautiful as what you are crocheting."

"Well, thank you dear. That's very sweet of you to say."

I was then called back for my MRI. As I tucked away my things and followed the nurse to the room, I took a small glance back at the woman to say goodbye. I noticed her cheeks had become a little rosier then they were before.

There is this strange stigma that still lingers among some crafters that somehow crochet is less than or beneath knitting. Well, its NOT! Crochet is just as beautiful and valuable as any knitted garment. With both crafts holding an almost equally  long rich history, I see no reason to ever think that either craft is easier or better than the other. Some of us- myself included- enjoy doing both. And now we are even starting to see an increase in patterns that combine both crafts within the same garment.

For those of you who strictly crochet- never ever let any knitter look down their nose at what you do. Never feel you have to justify or compensate for the fact that you don't knit. Be proud of your crochet. And if any knitter ever gives you static about crocheting just remember, a lace pineapple tablecloth done on a size 00 crochet hook trumps a knitted cardigan any day!

[caption id="attachment_996" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Crochet Pineapple Tablecloth"][/caption]

Well?

Well....

I finally got some really cute pictures of my Boy Toy wearing my first ever male socks. And, of course I can't show them to you because the swatch for it is being sent off for consideration in another knitting magazine.

My room looks like a giant mutant yarn moster stumbled into it after having way too many jager and redbull shots and threw up all over the place. There is yarn everywhere- but in the oh so wrong kind of way.

I just found my bobbin lace pillow, finished the lace edging that's been hanging off that thing for like the past three years and have now started another lace piece. (Yes, I do bobbin lace. Unlike Latin, its not completely a dead artform. And once I take over the world with my two needle knitting I will then require all scholl age children to spend two hours a day learning bobbin lace. Yes, I AM an evil dictator!)

The Boy Toy has finally raised the white flag saying he has given up on trying to understand how I can have so many different craft projects going on at the same time. "I still can't pat my head and rub my belly at the same time. How the hell do you manage to do so many things at once?"

After several tall adult drinks, I think I've finally come to terms with the fact that unless someone is willing to give me an all expenses paid trip, I will not be going to Sock Summit this year. (Wait, I think I may need another drink. The pain is starting to come back.)

I just realized that once my sock design gets published I still need to come up with a plan to get three TNNA members to write letters of introduction for me. Anyone out there willing to volunteer? I'm willing to send a free pair of hand knitted socks to you for your time. (Yes, I will stoop so low as to knit my way into TNNA. I am never above grovaling!)

And, well...

I'm working on another sock design that I will try to post here on the blog next week. Yup, its going to be a free one, yeah!!!

 

Has The Dust Cleared Yet?

Well, I don't want to jinks myself, but it would seem that life has finally settled down for the time being.

I am more than happy to be seeing the month of May's ass walking away from me. It was a bad time and we are much better off parting ways with each other.

June seems to hold a bit more promise. I got an early gift from June in the form of my very first ever Jury Duty Summon!

Socking as it may seem, yes it is my very first time up for jury duty. You think that's strange, my mom is 63 years old and has never been called for jury duty! She has even called and asked to be put on the list and still no luck.

I've been serious about turning in my sock designs for consideration into various knitting magazines, hence th lack of patterns being posted as I am waiting to see if any of my designs have been accepted.

I've only let one deadline slip through my fingers, mainly due to poor time management and that whole little bit of moving from one state to the other.

Now all my stash is finally in one place and my life- though not taking the shape I had hoped- is starting to take on something that could pass for normal.

So, what's on my needles now?

I'm working on something wooly that i hope to turn in to Knitty.com for consideration. Sorry, must continue with the secrets. But I can tell you that I'm halfway through spinning that baby poo green fiber and when it's all spun I plan to knit a pair of socks knitting it straight from the spindle. Yup, I'm going to knit it without washing the yarn and relaxing the twist. I want those twist to be alive and wirery. It should be fun.

Socks Fit For A Duchess

Surprisingly, I managed to stay up and watch the whole royal wedding. It was an awesome sight. I'm a huge fan of the Queen, so while everyone else was wondering what the bride was wearing, I got all giddy seeing the Queen in her elegant spring time yellow attire.

However, the day was not about the Queen, but instead it was about the future of the monarchy the now Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

I, like so many women (and some well figured men), will now be on the hunt for that form-fitting gown worn, not by the bride, but by Pippa, the bridesmaid. As soon as I saw the dress I text my Boy Toy, "Pippa's Dress, I Want It!"

Surprisingly, through the last night to early morning hours of watching the ceremony, the drugged feeling from my pain killers, and the pain of my sickle cell crisis, I managed to finish the royal sock that I promised you.

The sock is made with size 10 crochet cotton held doubled and knitted on two straight needles. (of course!) The jewelry used was 4mm pink beads and an antique button. Very danity and elegant. I was really hoping to make one dripping in diamonds and gold, but the bank laughed at me when I asked them for a loan for that very purpose.

So, now it is with great pleasure that I present to you my tribute to Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, the Royal Wedding Sock:

Sock Yarn Saturday

These two sock/fingering yarns are the work of Lena Brown of Lena Brown Designs. These yummy yarns are made with Angora fibers that are sure to give your socks that warm and fuzzy feeling every time you slip your feet into them. Just click on either picture to learn more about the yarn and the many others she has for sale at her Etsy store.

[caption id="attachment_744" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Carmel Delight Handpainted Angora Alpaca Wool"][/caption]

Pixie Handpainted Angora Superwash Merino

 

Sock Yarn Saturday

[caption id="attachment_711" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Eilis Yarn By Three Irish Girls"][/caption]

Shown above is Eilis from Three Irish Girls. This luscious yarn comes with its own warning:

"Fair warning: add Eilis (eye-lish) to your stash only if you want to forsake all other knitting projects and immediately cast on with it."

You know you just have to add this yarn to your collection, so order it here.

I Can Hear The Bells

Well, its taken a long time for me, but I finally caught the bug. I've got royal wedding fever! It's surprising that I hadn't gotten into it earlier with almost every magazine talking about it. (of course, going to see Walt Disney Princesses On Ice may have had something to do with the sudden fever.) I've always been more of a Queen Elizabeth fan. Will and Kate have just taken a long time to grow on me.

[caption id="attachment_691" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Prince William and fiance Kate Middleton"][/caption]

Will I be watching the wedding on tv along with millions of other people around the world? Most likely not. It's not that I don't want to, but the moment I plan to watch some big event on television, something major happens in my life. Don't believe me. Here, I'll prove it. I really had planned on watching the 2008 summer Olympics.  I was even looking forward to hosting a few Olympic-themed parties during the event. I woke up from my coma the day after the opening ceremonies! And all the award shows that have happened so far this year? Either I was in the hospital or at the airport. Go figure. So, I'm not pressing my luck on being able to see any part of the wedding on tv the day of the event. Instead, I'll catch the highlights on YouTube.



But in  honor of the upcoming wedding, I do plan to make a pair of socks in celebration of this royal event. They will be elegant, soft, feminine and fit for a princess. I hope to have the pattern posted before wedding day.

April Is National Donate Life Month

As the title says, April is NAtional Donate Life Month.

This month is dedicated to honoring those who have chosen to be organ donors and the lives they have saved.

Donate Life is an organization that helps to dispel myths surrounding organ transplants and educate the public about the importance of becoming an organ donor. You can find out more about them at http://www.donatelife.net

I want to share a little story with you-

Cory was a loving brother, devoted father and proud grandfather. Cory loved to go fishing and was always the joker. On August 8, 2008, Cory , at the age of 44, died of a brain aneurysm.

A few states away lay a young woman in the hospital. She was 30 years old, a wife and mother. She was also dying. An acute liver failure had put her in a week-long coma, unaware that her life was slowly slipping away. The doctors had only hours left to find a suitable liver that could save her life. Two previously offered livers were not a good match. With only a handful of hours left before the high toxin levels in her body would render her brain dead, a liver was found. The transplant was a success!

That liver donor was Cory and the young woman’s life he saved was mine.

To honor my organ donor, Cory, I have made a pair of socks for him.

For the entire month of April all profits made from the sale of the sock pattern will go to Donate Life. If it was not for Cory’s decision to be an organ donor, I would not be here today. Everyday, I am thankful for the selfless act of Cory and all those who have chosen to be organ donors. Thank you!

[caption id="attachment_628" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Cory's Socks"][/caption]

If you would like to purchase the pattern you can click on the link here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/corys-socks

Sockupied Is Back With Avengence

Interweave Press has returned with another installment of Sockupied, and this time these socks mean business!

Where, with the first issue of Sockupied, I wasn't so impressed with the offerings versus the price, in this new installment, Interweave Press has made me eat my words. They really listened to the response from knitters, especially sock knitters, and added lots more features and goods. Filled with even more videos, patterns and techniques, Sockupied Spring 2011 is well on its way to being one of the most sought after knitting downloads this spring.

You can learn more about the newest Sockupied here: http://www.interweavestore.com/Knitting/eMags/Sockupied-Vol-2-Windows.html?a=kp110324

[caption id="attachment_586" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Sockupied Spring 2011 From Interweave Press"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_587" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Contents Inside the New Sockupied Spring 2011"][/caption]

Knitting and Crochet Blog Week 2011: Sexy Men I Want To Get My Socks On

We all have those fantasies about famous people we would love to meet, date, marry, molest back stage at an award show, tie up to your bed and. . . well, you get what I mean.

I also have the above mentioned fantasies as well as a sort of quirky one. Since I am happily married and know that I have about a snowball chance in hell of meeting, let alone dating anyone famous, I instead like to fantasize about knitting socks for my favorite hotties. So, here is a list of my top six sexy men I would love to get my hands. . .wait, I mean, socks on.

[caption id="attachment_614" align="aligncenter" width="340" caption="6. Johnny Depp"][/caption]

Admit it ladies. When you are knitting something for your man, don't you secretly wish you were knitting it for Johnny Depp? I know I do!

5. Robert Pattinson

Because ten million screaming teenage girls can't be wrong.  I loved him back before he became a vampire with emotional issues.

[caption id="attachment_609" align="aligncenter" width="375" caption="4. Josh Groban"][/caption]

Yes, he has the voice of an angel. And I would be more than happy to knit the devil out of some socks for him.

[caption id="attachment_606" align="aligncenter" width="460" caption="3. Jamie Cullum"][/caption]

Well, you know what they say about short british guys with big feet, right? (I meant that they can sing really well. Get your mind out the gutter, you hussy!) However, he does wear his pants really loose and his wife always has a smile on her face, so hummm. . . .

[caption id="attachment_607" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="2. John Mayer"][/caption]

Yes, John Mayer, the bad boy himself. There are some naughty lessons I could teach him with my knitting needles. A night with me and I'll have him cashmere-whipped!

[caption id="attachment_605" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="1. Jackson Rathbone"][/caption]

Jackson Rathbone is give-me-a-straw-'cause-i-just-want-to-suck-him-up damn sexy! Does there  need to be any other reason to knit him some socks?

Knitting and Crochet Blog Week 2011: You Got Skills!

All this week my postings are a part of the 2nd Annual Knitting & Crochet Blog Week. To learn more about it, just click here.

[caption id="attachment_564" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="My Very First Two Needle Sock"][/caption]

Looking back on where I was this time last year, I am just amazed at just how much I've grown in regards to my knitting.

If you had told me last year that by this time I would have a pattern available on Ravelry, I would have laughed in your face. What started off as just me taking on another knitting challenge to conquer by knitting my first pair of socks, has now turned into a passion of wanting to make and promote two needle sock knitting. 

I can still remember being frustrated at how I was all thumbs trying to knit a sock on double-pointed needles. And how jealous I was watching Cookie A working on her latest sock at the local knitting group. She could make almost any sock yarn her bitch and I wanted to be able to do that.

I watched every YouTube video I could find on how to knit socks using various methods. I tried toe up and top down, sideways, knitting loom and even crochet. It was some random obscure pattern that I ran across online that finally made it all come together for me. Child socks knitted on two needles with a seam down the back and on the sides. Pure magic! 

After knitting my first sock with this pattern everything just started to make sense for me. I studied other sock patterns, learning about sock history and sock construction. Soon I was able to read a top down sock pattern and be able to convert it into a two needle pattern. Now, I have sketch books  full of ideas and thoughts of publishing my own book of two needle sock designs!

[caption id="attachment_565" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="A Recent Sock Design"][/caption]

I have learned and grown a lot. But I am nowhere near considering myself an expert by any means.  I am not ashamed to confess that there are still things I have yet to learn in knitting. My lace knitting is a true testament to resisting the urge to frog. I still have never done a cable pattern. My  I-cords look more like I-won'ts. And no matter how hard I try, I suck at Faire Isle.

The wonderful thing about the needle arts is that you are encouraged to always keep growing and learning and just when you think you've learned it all, there is always something new just waiting around the bin.

So, what new skills / techniques have you learned this past year?

Sock Inspiration Sunday

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="458" caption="Lotta Whimsy Sock Pattern"][/caption]

These socks were designed by Becka of Whimsical Knitting designs. You can find the pattern and learn more about Becka at:

http://whimsicalknittingdesigns.blogspot.com/2008/11/lotta-whimsy-socks-pattern-aka-touch-of.html

Sock Yarn Saturday

 

Imagination Hand Painted Sock Yarn By Knit Picks

Content: 50% Merino Wool 25% Superfine Alpaca, 25% Nylon
Weight: Fingering Weight
Knitting Gauge: 7 - 8 sts = 1 on # 1-3 needles (2.25mm-3.25mm)
Crochet Gauge: 21 – 32 sc = 4'' on B - E hooks (2.25mm-3.5mm)
Amount: 219 yards/50 gram hank
Care: Hand Wash/Dry Flat

Interested? Find out more about this yarn at:

http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Imagination_Hand_Painted_Sock_Yarn__D5420173.html

My Cute Little Sock

Okay, I just couldn't wait to share my freshly made sock. Just clipped the last piece of thread before I snapped a picture of this lovely creature.

Yes, a pattern for the sock will be posted soon. But right now I feel like a proud mamma showing off my little baby. Isn't it just percious?

First Sock Design Rejection

Well, last week I got my first sock pattern rejected by the online knitting and crochet magazine, Tangled.   It was the Sunset In Sedona sock that I posted on the site Sunday.

I figured that as I make and submit socks for consideration in magazines, any that get rejected will be posted on Ravelry for all of you to enjoy.

It's odd, but I don't feel at all bad about being rejected. I was able to create a pair of wonderful socks in a yarn that I love  and I finally sat down a wrote out a sock pattern- which wasn't too painful. The best part is that I got to share it with all of you. So that makes me happy.

One of my friends jokingly congratulated me on my rejection. "Your first rejection? That's great! Now you're just two more rejections away from being offered a book deal."

Well, it would be nice if that happened. But until then, I'll just keep knitting more socks and seeing where this yarn covered road takes me.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

Photo rights belong to Cauchy09

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY!

Make sure to show some green love today. Unless you like getting pinched. ;-)