Jolly Christmas Socks ~

This year I've stepped up early and have already begun my holiday decorating.  I sort of had to as we are going away for Christmas and if I didn't decorate early there wouldn't be any decorating at all. And where's the fun in that?  In general though, it is my preference to decorate closer to the holiday and then enjoy the decorations through New Year's Day. I'm old school that way.  And in probably lots of other ways as well.

So ho-ho-ho here I am wearing my Christmas Stockings.  That I absolutely love.  Unseemingly so, given my age. And in full candor they are knit in a light fingering yarn so probably won't wear well at all. What was I thinking?  I should know better than this.  But don't I look like a cute elf wearing them?

I did not use a pattern for these socks.  After my last post on being a self confessed "pattern hog" I felt the need to say that.  I simply used my favorite sock techniques to create these "so not your basic sock" socks.  When knitting with a hand dyed yarn it's all about knowing when to back off and let the yarn itself shine, jingle and two step into the limelight.  Anyone care to do-si-do?  No?  Perhaps after you've had a spiked eggnog or two. Shoes are optional. Especially when you have super cool socks on.

This is just a quick post because I'm hoping to have a Christmas post up before we leave on our Christmas break. But in case that doesn't happen (it requires delicate timing and participation by Steve) and I'm gone until after Christmas I wanted to leave you with a message that I hope will resonate with everyone everywhere no matter what side of the aisle or ocean you are on.  It's a wish for peace on earth and goodwill toward all mankind.

Particulars:  There is no pattern.  I simply used a combination of my favorite sock techniques.  I actually plan on writing up a sock pattern in the Spring so stayed tuned if you are a new sock knitter and are looking for a good basic sock pattern.  I used LYDIA sock yarn; 460 yrds/100g light fingering (75% merino /% nylon) in the colorway "Tis the Season," purchased with a mini contrasting green sock yarn.  I actually have 60 grams of the main color left over which is enough for another pair of socks so long as I use a contrasting cuff, heel, and toe yarn again.  I really enjoyed knitting with this yarn and colorway but recommend that you use a bright contrasting color as I did to bring it to life.

I love knitting socks and this blog abounds with them.  Here's some links to socks previously featured on the blog: Orzivals; Sock Love; Embossed Leaf; Cabled Rib Socks; Knee High Socks; Smaug; Ripple Effect; Kelmscott; Halloween Goth; Monkey Socks; Basket Weave Socks; Dublin Bay; Serpentine Socks; Bird of Paradise socks (featuring Mr. Puffy, bless his heart) and there are others too but this gives a good selection of different patterns.  Of these I believe the Dublin Bay and Orzival are free patterns.

Until next time be well, love well and have a jolly time decorating for the holidays!

Will She or Won't She???

I have been a bit of a sockamaniac for a while, but have only recently joined Sockamania a fun Knitalong ("KAL") hosted by Anni. Each month Anni provides, gratis, an original sock pattern and those who finish by the end of the month are entered into a drawing for sock yarn. How cool is that? It will be close but, I'm afraid, I probably..... won't be finished by the end of the month. Here's where I'm at:



This is a really great cable pattern and while I'll (probably) be a late finisher, my real goal with this KAL is to use some of my accumulated sock yarn stash (so I can buy more - yeah!). I'm using Sundara's sock yarn (petal's collection) and US 2 Needles. This sock is an absolutely perfect fit for Steve and he's very pleased that this pair will be his (slight jealousy issues with Mr. Puffy).

Why do I knit socks, you wonder? Only someone who hasn't worn a pair of handknit socks could possibly wonder that! I consider handknit socks one of "life's small pleasures" in the same category as a good cup of tea and a box of chocolates. And, while I haven't exactly been a prolific sock knitter, I have knit a dozen or so pairs and here is one of my favorites:

Yarn: Lornas Laces - US 1 Needles

Free Pattern: Dublin Bay Socks ~Compliments of Mossy Cottage ~