What's New on Ravelry: Sock Edition
Welcome back to "What's New on Ravelry"! This week, I am going to focus my pattern selections on socks. Why socks, you ask? Well, here in Portland, in conjunction with Sock Summit, this week has been declared Sock Knitting Week by the mayor of Portland.
Even if you're not local to Portland, why not cast on a pair of socks in spirit with us? Summer is the perfect time to knit socks. They're small, so you don't have to deal with a lap full of wool, and they're portable, so they're small enough to tuck away in your overnight bag. If you're new to knitting socks, Knit Purl has a variety of patterns for even the newest of knitters, from baby socks (perfect for getting the technique down on a smaller, quicker size) to simple adult socks (a good pattern full of clear diagrams and photos). Now, on to the new patterns!
Flocked Socks, by Sara Morris/Rose City Knits
First off, I'd like to share a new pattern we have here at Knit Purl, Flocked Socks.
Designed by prolific knitter/designer Sara Morris of Rose City Knits, these socks include attractive details like garter stitch 'seams', and a cute flocked stitch pattern. I really love how Sara takes something traditional, in this case, a traditional Norwegian stitch pattern, and makes it her own. She is so clever! Best of all, the pattern includes a range of sizes, from child to adult male! You can knit matching socks for the entire family, if they are all knit-worthy, that is.
While her original design used Malabrigo Sock, I would love to see some of the new Tactile BFL sock yarn knit up in this pattern. Those natural dyes just glow!
My picks:
Pomegranate / Graphite / Denim
Sock Knitting Master Class, by Ann Budd. Available here.
We just got a really cool book in called Sock Knitting Master Class. It has a lot of great sock patterns by well-known sock designers like Nancy Bush, Cookie A, Anne Hanson, Cat Bordhi, and so many more. If the designers aren't enough to draw you in, there's much more in here for sock novices and sock aficionadi alike. With topics like sock design, toe up and top down construction, and the best bind offs for toe-up socks, this book will take you from zero to sock in no time. It also includes a bonus DVD, perfect for learning new techniques and a bit of extra explanation.
My favorite pattern from the book is probably the cover socks, Thigh High Stripes. I know they are a bit wild, but they remind me of socks I wore as a child - I guess I am a bit nostalgic. It seems like a great way to use up scraps, practice my stranded technique, and keep things interesting with the different colors.
If these aren't quite your style, don't worry! There are plenty of other dazzling patterns to choose from, like Stranded Socks from Nancy Bush, Mock Cables by Chrissy Gardiner, and Intarsia bloomed socks, to name a few (all shown below). This book is a perfect way to either get starting knitting socks, keep your sock momentum going, dipping a toe into the waters of designing, or somewhere in between.
Lastly, I would like to share a free pattern with you.
In the most recent issue of Knitty, the Bosnian Slipper Socks caught my eye. The bold, graphic colors , vikkel braid, and Bosnian toe-shaping called my name. There's even an article about how to tension yarn using your neck! Seriously, check it out.
Whether you are attending Sock Summit or not, I hope this post has you inspired and ready to cast on a pair of socks for the summer! Please let me know if there are any sock patterns you are wild about. Thanks for reading!
Even if you're not local to Portland, why not cast on a pair of socks in spirit with us? Summer is the perfect time to knit socks. They're small, so you don't have to deal with a lap full of wool, and they're portable, so they're small enough to tuck away in your overnight bag. If you're new to knitting socks, Knit Purl has a variety of patterns for even the newest of knitters, from baby socks (perfect for getting the technique down on a smaller, quicker size) to simple adult socks (a good pattern full of clear diagrams and photos). Now, on to the new patterns!
Flocked Socks, by Sara Morris/Rose City Knits
First off, I'd like to share a new pattern we have here at Knit Purl, Flocked Socks.
Designed by prolific knitter/designer Sara Morris of Rose City Knits, these socks include attractive details like garter stitch 'seams', and a cute flocked stitch pattern. I really love how Sara takes something traditional, in this case, a traditional Norwegian stitch pattern, and makes it her own. She is so clever! Best of all, the pattern includes a range of sizes, from child to adult male! You can knit matching socks for the entire family, if they are all knit-worthy, that is.
While her original design used Malabrigo Sock, I would love to see some of the new Tactile BFL sock yarn knit up in this pattern. Those natural dyes just glow!
My picks:
Pomegranate / Graphite / Denim
Sock Knitting Master Class, by Ann Budd. Available here.
We just got a really cool book in called Sock Knitting Master Class. It has a lot of great sock patterns by well-known sock designers like Nancy Bush, Cookie A, Anne Hanson, Cat Bordhi, and so many more. If the designers aren't enough to draw you in, there's much more in here for sock novices and sock aficionadi alike. With topics like sock design, toe up and top down construction, and the best bind offs for toe-up socks, this book will take you from zero to sock in no time. It also includes a bonus DVD, perfect for learning new techniques and a bit of extra explanation.
My favorite pattern from the book is probably the cover socks, Thigh High Stripes. I know they are a bit wild, but they remind me of socks I wore as a child - I guess I am a bit nostalgic. It seems like a great way to use up scraps, practice my stranded technique, and keep things interesting with the different colors.
If these aren't quite your style, don't worry! There are plenty of other dazzling patterns to choose from, like Stranded Socks from Nancy Bush, Mock Cables by Chrissy Gardiner, and Intarsia bloomed socks, to name a few (all shown below). This book is a perfect way to either get starting knitting socks, keep your sock momentum going, dipping a toe into the waters of designing, or somewhere in between.
Lastly, I would like to share a free pattern with you.
Bosnian Slipper Socks, by Donna Druchunas, Knitty First Fall 2011
In the most recent issue of Knitty, the Bosnian Slipper Socks caught my eye. The bold, graphic colors , vikkel braid, and Bosnian toe-shaping called my name. There's even an article about how to tension yarn using your neck! Seriously, check it out.
As I learn more about knitting, I find myself becoming more interested in wordly techniques, and learning just how many different ways there are of knitting and designing things. This Bosnian Sock could be just the thing to take your sock knitting in a different direction.
If you want to find out more about sock knitting techniques from different cultures, please read Around the World in Knitted Socks. It is truly an inspiring read, with gorgeous photography and fascinating information about all sorts of techniques for knitting socks. It's a must-read for any knitter!
Whether you are attending Sock Summit or not, I hope this post has you inspired and ready to cast on a pair of socks for the summer! Please let me know if there are any sock patterns you are wild about. Thanks for reading!
Labels: new patterns, Ravelry, socks
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