#2 - The Cotton Socks

I have acheived one goal...to knit some cotton socks. Well cotton/bamboo blend. And they show off my new sock blockers :)

Maybe I'll do better this year....

Last year I finished one pair and started two. One of those two is still on the needles (but I'm on sock two now!!).

Goals for this summer:

1. Try new patterns. I just got Cat Bordhi's New Pathways for Sock Knitter's Book One. I'd like to try several of her patterns.
2. Use up some of my sock yarn stash (can't promise not to buy more, but I would like to end the summer with less stash than I have now). ETA: Current count on Ravelry is sock yarn for 30 pairs of socks, not counting the cream patonyle I bought for dyeing.
   

I've been playing with the sample socks in New Pathways -- this morning I finished this pair:

They're out of 8ply rather than sock yarn, so they were pretty quick. I'm currently working on the Coriolis practice sock.

--Karen from Karen's Craft Odyssey (spinweaveknit on Ravelry)

Somebody up there doesn't want me to finish these socks...

Pattern: Monkey by Cookie A

Yarn: Collinette Jitterbug in "Mist"

Rounds left before I finished the sock: 6

Language used when I realised I'd flattened the battery in my car and thus couldn't drive the half-hour to LYS for black Patonyle to finish the $#%^&*!!! sock: Profane

Days before the LYS is open again to sell me said Patonyle: 4

ETA: I keep forgetting to link to my blog - sorry! Kiss My Frog

getting started

On the way at last this summer. Last week end I pulled out all my sock stash so I could refresh my memory as to just what and how much was in there. How much? Quite a lot. Quite a lot indeed. What was it? Lots of bits and pieces, some single socks which I have now frogged because these were early efforts from years ago and they were far too big and sloppy for me and quite a lot of wool including my latest acquisitions. So it's all sorted and like brands stored in bags together and all in a big tote.

However, as I was in the middle of my big sorting job last Sunday, my brother rang to tell me mum was being admitted to hospital several stations up the line. I've spent some time there this week but knitting hasn't really been possible. She's 88 and has had a stroke. Tests also showed that she had an electrolyte imbalance which was making her very weak. Saline etc drips haven't remedied that yet and no one knows why. On top of all that, she has shingles and is in an isolation room in the stroke ward. Her speech is very slurred and she was confused but seems to be better mentally now. She's very tired and complains that sitting up to eat exhausts her and she sleeps for three hours after that. Personally, I think we might have her for Christmas time but probably not much more. Scary thought.

So I finished the sorting today, along with a whole lot of other spring cleaning. Lots and lots of sock wool. I could make socks all summer long and still have a lot left, I guess. I've found a lacy pattern I like and will be designing a sock when i finish charting the pattern.

I have managed some knitting at work. I've been making and have almost finished some footies from the seacell I won as a prize here last year. I just love the colours and have given a rolled edge to the socks. It's easy stuff to knit with and the pattern is very basic because of the constant interruptions at work. I'm about halfway down the foot of the second sock.

So my goals for this season? I'd like to try to use up some of the stash in children's socks to give away. I have a couple of airs which I want to turn into FOs. Other than that, perhaps some more to designs of my own. We'll see. Last year saw me knitting as some serious stress relief. This year will be much more for my own enjoyment and also personal satisfaction in being able to give to others not so blessed and fortunate as I am.

New Flickr Group

Just a quick update to let you know that if you are on Flickr, there's now a Flickr group for Southern Summer of Socks.

Head on over and join in so you can post your photos there, as well as here!

Bells

First challenge met.

I have met my first challenge, learn to knit a pair of sock toe-up. These were done 2 at a time on 2 circulars using Silver's sock class toe-up tutorial.

Sock time is here again!

I had so much fun reading about everybody else's sock knitting adventures on the blog last year that I couldn't wait to join in this year.

My personal challenges for this year are:
* Start & finish a pair of gift socks that I promised someone over a year ago
* Learn magic loop
* Finish all my wip's - I seem to have developed a serious case of SSS (I keep on buying more stash & then can't wait to start knitting it up)
* Step out of my comfort zone & start knitting more complicated patterns.

Ciao all.

First goal reached

The second sock of the Moda Vera in the grey colourway is finished. They are fraternal [not identical] twins. I call them topsy-turvy socks. Why? The self-patterning of the yarn is upside down in the second sock.

I've achieved my first goal! That's 100% better than last SSoS!

PS Pop over to my blog for the longer version.

Just found out SS of S is on again

I would like to be in again. My only challenge is to try some new ways of making socks. I would also like to take part in any swap. Cheers

Crocheted socks #1

To be honest, I started them on September 22, but the second sock was started on October 2, so it kind of counts, right?



I used Wollmeise sock yarn in the Sonne colourway. The pattern is "Pebbled Sand" from the Crocheted Socks book by Janet Rehfeldt. I love these socks. The colour is eye-bleedingly vivid. Can't wait until autumn next year when I can wear them.

The rest of the story (and more photos) is here.

Cheers
Michelle (quiltingmick)

Try again

I didn't meet my goals last Summer, so I'll set some more realistic ones this Summer.... probably along the lines of: knit from stash, and finish some xmas socks. I probably should add in: learn a new technique - maybe toe-up, or magic loop. I'm looking forward to lots of socky inspiration.

(I seem to be missing from the sidebar list, although I might have once been confused with Nette Knits - could you add me in, pretty please?)

Nettie

goodies in the mailbox

Yarn pr0n indeed! Two parcels were waiting for me in the mailbox when arrived home from work a few minutes ago. Well, three actually, but one was batteries for my hearing aids, not exciting at all, even if essential.

The top three skeins are from Katie at Live2Knit. From the left, Lilacs, Spring and Voodoo. The other two underneath are from Daphne at the Knittery. Dark green is called Rainforest and the other is Daisy. Again I love these too. They are in the slim sock wool category of her website. By the way, both these shops are under "need yarn?" section in sidebar of this blog.

I'm particularly happy with both green skeins. I like green but somehow seem to have missed out on much sock knitting in that colour. I love these. The rainforest does not show really well here. It's a lovely rich green. Spring green from Katie is just that. A bright, chirpy spring green, quite a contrast to the Rainforest but again a colour I'm really glad I chose.

Wool from these two suppliers is always gorgeous to knit, so now I will let them tell me what to do.


The other day when shopping, I bought a copy of the ABC's cooking magazine, delicious. As a freebie there was a pack of the tiny post-it notes which can be used to mark pages in books. These came with cooking type labels on them like "desserts." Six sections. I used them to work my way through a couple of stitch dictionaries to mark possibilities for sock patterns. I've used about twenty and there are literally hundreds left. So perhaps not an intended use, but very useful for me. A pleasant way too to spend some time on a cold, wet and windy afternoon.

pass the slipped stitch over

Count me in again!

Last year I knitted 5 pairs of socks for SSoS.

My challenge this year is:

1. Knit more than 5 pairs.
2. Knit only from sock yarn already in my possession.
3. Try magic loop. Have yarn, needle and instructions. Should be easy, right?

I've already started my first pair with a multi-blues Patonyle which is knitting up very quickly.

I am looking forward to progressing and to knitting many, many pairs of socks.

purplevelvet
(Last year was known as Nette Knits. That blog no longer exists.)

Flash of The Stash

OK here it is. I'm waiting on a couple more skeins that should be here this week and we won't talk about the two sock clubs I've signed up for lol! OK it's Sundara and The Plucky Knitter! A bit excited!

The dollar is tanking now so very little o/s yarn for me from now on. Well since I've come clean on the stash you can see I don't really "need" anymore do I?

I'm currently working on Komet in Crystal Palace Cotton and that is coming along nicely. One sock almost done. I'll be gifting those to MIL for her birthday in November. Nice cotton blend sock for the Adelaide summer.

Honesty, the best policy?

I have a confession to make. I was a non finisher last season. Yep, didn't make it. So this year, my plan is to finish my sock WIPS. I don't care if it's a pair, just finish the ones on the needles now, a pair is a bouns. Í might make it The Southern Summer of SINGLE Socks!

So in an effort to be honest and up front, here's my WIPS today.

I have Nutkin (BMFA STR in Hollyday), Jaywalkers (BMFA STR Farmhouse), Ribbed men's socks (Heirloom Arglye), and a magic loop sock (Opal). I also have earmarked my first toe ups (Wendy's generic to up sock pattern) in the last reincarnation of patonyle.

Oh, and as I'm being honest, a Sock Yarn Flash Your Stash....

Anyone else keen to fess up?

Cheers, Rachael

I am not starting as i mean to go on, but...

here is my first FO - Monkeys begun during the last SSoS!!!1

One WIP/UFPS (Un-Finished Pair of Socks) down, at least six to go!!! (Plus all the socks on the mental to-do-list!)

I know I am on the other side of the world now but.....

I think I HAVE to join in. No, I NEED to join in. 

Not because the temperature in London has dipped to 13 degrees & below (in the middle of the day people!). 

Not because they haven't turned the heating on in our apartment building (WTF is that about! Who replaces a boiler when it gets cold???).

But because I need to finish these bad boys.

Thats right, these are the first (and only) pair of so

cks I started for the last Southern Summer of Socks. Yep that's right peeps, I think I am officially, somewhat embarrassedly (I didn't own up to it last year) THE wooden spoon-er from last year. 

I am not setting any goals except to finish these. 

Any other socks I knit are a bonus!!

One down.....

So I finished in October does that count? These are my Sockdown 08 Orange september socks. This is my first time posting pics to a blog so I hope it works. The pattern is Retro Rib Socks by Evelyn A. Clark. The yarn is Patonyle dyed by me. I'm gifting these to my aunt that's why they look a little big...too big for me.

I have managed to accumulate a truckload of sock yarn over the last few months....Etsy anyone? I'll posta pic when DH isn't around to faint when I pull it all out!

I really want to knit some down as it's all gorgeous and I have so many plans. I'm hoping to do at least 10 pairs over summer. These guys took me 8 days so I hope my mojo continues!

I'm in!

You've dragged me back in, ladies. I don't have any fancy ambitious goals this year, other than using up some of my sock yarn stash. But count me in!

I got in some practice last week...

I finally found some time to sit down with some leftover sock yarn (the Knittery merino cashmere sock yarn in midnight, if you're interested!), dpns and this book:

and made these:Little Coriolis sock on the left, and Little Sky sock on the right. Cat Bordhi really is a design genius!

Little Coriolis is knit toe up with the "gusset" increases going over the instep of the foot in the spiral pattern, with a regular turned heel and heel flap at the back of the heel. Little Sky is knit top down, with the "gusset" increases coming from a centre point at the top of the instep down each side of the top of the foot. Then you turn the heel and the heel flap ends up underneath the heel.

I'm really looking forward to knitting a me-sized pair of socks from this book - starting this weekend!

comfort eating buying sock wool

I'm not too sure how it happened but I've just bought enough gorgeous wool for quite a few pairs of socks. Some is from the Knittery, and some from Live2Knit. I have used these shops before several times and love the yarns from them. Service is wonderful too. Service with a smile and a personal touch. Always wins with me.

Actually it was the colours that drew me in. I was surfing the net, as you do when bored, and visited Katie's site. I promptly ordered some. I've been really good about buying sock wool and haven't bought any for absolutely ages. I'm trying to knIt only from stash as sometime I will need to move again from here when all is settled. No idea when that will be. But I succumbed.

So I went to Daphne's shop and found myself oohing and aahing over beautiful colourways and my fingers clicked again. This time I have ordered some greens. It's a colour I love, but rarely buy. I think I was influenced by all the beautiful new foliage wherever I looked out of my second floor window.

I'll wait till the yarn arrives before looking for definite patterns. It will tell me what to do, although I do have a few ideas to help it decide! LOL.

The Sock Crocheter

I participated last year and wasn't too successful as I think I only made 2 1/2 pairs of socks. I recall I had a lot of entries to the show to make at the time, and I may have gotten a little waylaid.

But this year I'm back and I'm crocheting socks with a vengeance. The reason? I want to get through some of this sock yarn stash:

I've already used the brown Regia, and half the Sonne Wollmeise, and I sold some Patonyle ... but the rest is mine for the crocheting.

And I haven't mentioned yet that in about February next year I'm taking possession of five projects' worth of Knitpicks sock yarn, so I need to make room!

That's my only goal - to crochet lots of socks. My goal is five pairs.

Michelle

Newbie!

I just joined for my very first Southern Summer of Socks since I'm all about the socks these days and have grand plans for Socktoberfest that will most likely continue into the following months. My main goal is to try to reduce my 20,000+ meters of sock yarn. That's enough for over 60 pairs! I obviously won't be able to knit through anywhere close to all of that, but I'm still aiming high – 15-20 pairs of socks by the end of March. So far I've knit one single sock since October 1st.

Elin // By Elin

My Summer Challenges

1. learn Magic Loop
2. try 2 pairs at once on 2 circs
3. make a pair of lace socks
4. knit up all the Yarn Collective Sock Club yarns that arrive over the challenge period
5. learn to knit toe-up socks

I have just sorted out all my sock wool and I have enough for more than 30 pairs, so I'd better get knitting :)

This is Great

Please count me in. I watched many others enjoy the northern summer of socks and have itchy hands (or should that be feet??) just busting to get going.

Deborah (aka Herebeknitting)

PS. Just left a comment on the post by Rose Red saying I couldn't work out how to post - clearly that has been adjusted and all systems are now go.

Oh, Me Too!

Lots going on here in a week! I hadn't checked the blog and next thing I know it's up and rolling full blast! Count me in, although I have no idea what I might accomplish after October 20. My goals will be simple: knit from stash, and, um, actually knit. (For those who don't know me, I'm expecting my third child via c-section on October 20.) I can't promise they'll be adult socks. I seem to be addicted to the teeny baby ones.

Sock on, y'all!!

--amy in Rhode Island, where it's Autumn

I'm keeping it simple this year: I'm going to only knit from stash (not exactly a hardship, as I have enough ready-to-go sock yarn for 24 pairs) plus I have some dyeing adventures in the offing.

Oh, and there are Christmas socks to knit, and I want me a pair of Francies (Rav-link). Other than that, let the dice fall where they may.

Can't wait to see everybody's socky goodness.

New to this!

Hi :)

I'm new to all this and have just recently gone a bit(ok a lot) sock crazy!

My goals for summer are:

1. To learn toe up
2. To knit at two at a time on two circs
3. To knit some cotton socks
4. To work on my short row heels
5. To knit the Spina di Pesce on it's way to me

Hope it's fun! Looking forward to seeing everyone elses socks!

OK I'm in again!

Right then

Challenges:
1. Finish the 4 partly finished pairs which have been languishing since June when I started feeling the scarf and cardi love (Serendipity, Francie, vanilla, and Sprin sproing).

2. at least 4 other pairs, one of which must be toe up (probably mojo)

3. Design another sock pattern

That should do it - I also intend to get into the cardi love and get some of them done!

Thanks girls for doing this again!

Personal Challenge 2008/2009?

I’ve decided this summer of socks for me is going to be about new techniques (and, let’s face it, some tried and tested ones too I’m sure!).

Last summer I did my first toe-up socks, socks on two circs, magic loop and even socks on one circ (the teeny tiny 30cm addis!).

This summer I’m embarking on a Cat Bordi New Pathways for Sock Knitters exploration. And I thought we could use the SSoS blog to post tips, techniques and tutorials (maybe a Tutorial Tuesday?) and flash the stash (Stash Saturday?)

What are your personal challenges or goals for this Southern Summer of Socks 2008/2009? Share in the comments or post your own!

A record?

Hurrah! This will give me motivation to complete the mate for the spiral boot sock I started in the last SSoS!

socks from me too!

I too have been turning over in my mind a pattern for new socks. Perhaps it's something in the air, just like the scent of jasmine and freesias and the thousands of tiny leaves floating down from the jacarandas in preparation for flowers. I've done quite a few pairs over winter but am looking at something lacy and spring like. I almost always have at least one pair on the needles, but have lately been doing scarves for charity giving.

I've no real plans for knitting any particular number of pairs. Then again, I had no knitting plans last year either. I just did lots of them as stress relief!

Yes, me too!

I hadn't knit any socks since last summer season - then, a few weeks ago, I felt the urge to cast on again! Must be the warmer weather! Just in time for Southern Summer of Socks - can't wait!

Melinda
www.melindalow.blogspot.com

Ok, I'll play

But I think I shall set very vague goals this year, like "knit something from a Tofutsies yarn in my stash" and "consider finishing some of the many partial socks in that basket over there" :>
Kate, from Knights Don't Knit.

Is Summer Here ?

I can't believe that summer is around the corner & SSS is 3 days away. I am not looking forward to the heat in summer but I love SSS & of course I am in! Thanks Bells & Rose Red for making this possible.

Ann

www.1morerow.blogspot.com

Goodness me

It's rather exciting to see so many sock knitters are so keen to gear up again for Southern Summer of Socks!!

How thrilling! 

Like many of you, I'm not in it for speed or numbers, just the chance to focus on the sock knitting (although I'll be doing a fair amount of lace, too, separately).

Can't wait to kick off and see what everyone's got in mind to work on.

Bells

I'm in!

I definitely want in again this year. It was a great motivation for me...and right now I need motivation! Now to find my sock I was knitting...

hello Bells and Rose Red!

that time of the year again, already?! I'm in for another round :)

if you'll have me...

Kylie
x

Joining, but in the Slow Lane

This Summer I am knitting for fun and not ambition.
As such my comitment is a little leisurely.

• 1 pair a month (minimum)
• My first wollmeise (x2) Anniversary Socks..yet to pick patterns
• Use some of my STR from BMFA
• Be Inspired by the wonderful sock knitting of others and take on a bit more if I feel like it.

Roll on Summer!

I am so here

I have already knitted 3.5 pairs of socks since spring started so I am in.

feelin the sock love

oh i cant help it, yes i am in! i loved it last year tho i did suffer from performance anxiety. i like the swap idea, esp the three way one. i am also committed to lace this summer, so looks like there will be some lace socks happening here! thanks guys for getting this going again. k xxx

"In"

I have increased my sock yarn stash [trebled it probably] so I'm in. Hopefully the frozen shoulders won't give me grief this summer and I'll even produce a pair [or more]!

Hey, Suzi - i did less: I didn't even finish one sock!

Hooray!

The Southern Summer of Socks is on again! I'm in - I have managed to build up a bit of a stash of sock yarn, so I'll be doing some summer socks de-stashing.

Shadowlee

Me too!

Hey Rose,
I would love to join in again too....even though i only managed to finish one sock last time..:( ...hopefully i will do better next time!
Also please note that my blog name has changed...used to be Lili's Garden (i accidently deleted that...doh!! dont ask me how!)
Cheers
Suzi

I'm in again too, Rose.

Cheers,

Kate

continuing the tradition

Count me in, thanks RR, and Bells.

cheers, gemma (and yes I may have started a new Tofutsies plain vanilla sock at the Zoo yesterday)

Roll on October.

Yes, we're back!

So after some procrastination and deep thinking, and some gentle prodding in the Ravelry group, SSoS is back for 2008/2009! Woo hoo!

This year there might be a few less competitions but there might be a swap or two instead if enough people are interested. But hopefully, as with last year, there will be lots of great socks knitted, technique sharing, general learning and socky goodness and fun.

Everyone who participated last year is still in the sidebar and still has posting privileges - I'll leave it that way until the end of October and then will delete anyone who hasn't either (a) posted to the blog or (b) left a comment on this post to say they want to participate or (c) emailed the SSoS email (see sidebar) to say they are in! You can also join the Ravelry group but we encourage you to post to the blog as well (makes it lots more fun!).

New participants also most welcome - see (b) or (c) options above! If you are new, we'll need an email address for you to send you an invitation to enable you to post on the blog.

For the newbies, Southern Summer of Socks is designed simply as a fun, relaxed way to knit through your sock yarn stash. We aim to keep it as straight forward as possible, with minimal rules and guidelines and plenty of time to knit all the socks you can or want to manage in the time. Socks are ideal summer knitting because they're small and easier to deal with in the heat than a huge, heavy jumper. And they make ideal Christmas gifts.

As with last year, SSoS will run for 6 months - starting on 1 October and ending on 30 April 2009, and is open to anyone in the world (not just our southern hemisphere friends!). Sign up or renew now for a summer of socky splendidness!*

(*yeah, I know that's not a word!)

We didn't mean to go out with a whimper, honest. Somehow, as it seems to do, life got in the way. Sorry about that! For the last huzzah, we'd like firstly to thank everyone who took part in our inaugural Southern Summer of Socks and in particular those who generously offered and provided prizes:

Live2Knit

The Knittery

Knitting Inspirations

YarnCakes

(check 'em all out! Buy yarn from them!).

We'd also like to thank Amy for her behind the scenes assistance in helping with buttons and general support and niceness. We'd like to thank everyone who entered our competitions, everyone who posted and everyone who responded to questions with tips, tricks and links. And finally we'd like to congratulate everyone who achieved their sock knitting goals and in particular those of you who have now come to be sock knitting lovers!

And we think no-one has demonstrated their dedication to the knitted sock than Crafty Carolyn, who managed to knit 20 pairs of socks this summer - wow! Our very last prize will soon be winging it's way to her in recognition of this achievement (just send us an email with your address, Carolyn!).

We haven't decided whether we'll run SSoS again next summer…but we'll leave the blog up and hope you will drop by from time to time and tell us what socks you are knitting. It's been a lot of fun and we are so thrilled you all joined us!

Bells and RoseRed

Results soon?

I don't want to be a bother, but I'm curious when we might hear the final results of the contest.

As summer draws to a close...

Well, I know summer has finished already, but it's the Southern Summer of Socks I'm talking about!

We've got one more prize to give away, a lovely skein of yarn and stitchmarkers from Donyale, and we might even be able to come up with another prize or two, so we'll announce our final competition(s) this week.

In the meantime, we'd love to hear about the socks you've made, the challenges you've conquered and an update on your goals!

To start the ball rolling, here's my most recent sock:

Yep, it was a sock, now it's string. Read about my most recent sock woes here. Oh, and here (about a different sock...). But at least I had a success with these ones.

What? Finished? Already?

Errrrm, excuse me Ladies but I think that's just TOOOO quick. It can't really be April already.

Socks, oh yes - what did I knit?

1. A pair of socks for my Grandmother who taught me to knit, but now has dementia and can't remember how. Hand dyed, hand spun and gifted on Christmas Day.
2. A pair of Nutkin Socks in Socks that Rock
3. A pair of test knit Jenny Wren socks (for the designer of the Nutkin Socks) in Socks that Rock.
4. Finished 1 sock of the Firestarter
5. A pair of socks I designed myself called Mojo

1. snake stripe, 2. a 144, 3. jenny w, 4. Nutkin, 5. firestarter, 6. nana's socks, 7. Mojo, 8. jenny w, 9. firestarter, 10. firestarter, 11. Mojo, 12. firestarter, 13. Jenny Wren

Sheesh - I did more than I thought.

Thanks Ladies - too much fun!

I forgot!

I posted these on my blog and forgot to include them here! This was a nice pair of socks to knit up and they're very warm. The pattern is Just Ribbing Socks by Apple Laine and the yarn was Schaeffer Heather in the Gertrude Ederle colorway. More details here. I really enjoyed this KAL and got more done than I thought. Sadly, I didn't finish my toe up socks, which was part of my challenge, but I do have a pair on the needles, so I guess that's progress! Thanks to all who were involved in this KAL, it was great fun and a wonderful motivator!

The Whistle Blows

For a full round-up and all the post-match analysis, see my blog.

Finished Objects - Summer's Ended!

Here are the final finished objects and the total tally for SSoS! Here they all are together.

I knitted 6 complete pairs and 3 incomplete pairs! (from right to left - Vog Ons, Secret Socks, Noropups, Tulips, Nutkins, Kaibashira plus the part pairs lying on top) A grand total of 15 socks!

Most recent FOs - the Noropups

The Nutkins in The Knittery's gorgeous Merino Cashmere in the Sea Life colourway

Incomplete: Tidal Wave in Vesper (1.4 socks)

Serendipity in Dragon Dance STR (1.1 socks)

Vanilla in Blue Patonyle Fakeisle (0.6 socks)

Summer's over, these socks are done. In mitigation, I also knitted 2 jumpers, a top, most of a cardigan, part of a gathered pullover, 6 bags, most of a string bag, some scarves and some dishcloths and some other bits and bobs (teacosies etc!) I also participated in 2 swaps - so I'm pretty impressed I finished this many socks!

A big round of applause for Bells and Rosered please! This has been such fun and very motivating and I've loved seeing everyone's FOs!

One last picture - the Tidal Wave on Holiday in Rutherglen! (at a winery and cafe - sshhh!)

Thank you all.

First of all I want to thank Rose Red and Bells for running the SS of S and allowing us Northern Hemisphere folks to participate. Seeing the socks from all over in so many different yarns and color ways and patterns were amazing.

Here are my final socks for submission finished at 11:40 PM the night before it all ended, literally weaving in the toe of the second sock just a few minutes before Midnight PST. Actually my lovely wife did these for me :)

The 4th pair of the year, Monkey no purls from Webs hand painted Kangaroo sock yarn. Oh these are made in a men's size 15US or 49 Eur..... Dubbed the "Man-Monkeys"


In January these were completed...

Colintte Jitterbug color way Marble. Pattern was a knit picks Lilly of the Valley.


February was a two sock month.

First was Pomatomus
Araucania Ranco Multi 310 - Purple-Blue-Berry

2nd were these no purl Monkeys made from Shi Bui color way Sky

It was a real pleasure Thanks!
Twisted Knitster

My last socks

Well, the last ones for Southern Summer of Socks, that is. They just made it in. I finished them about four hours ago.

These are my Dublin Bay socks from Mossy Cottage. I loved them. The little lace panel down each side is so delightful. Next time, I would make these longer, especially as I ended up with quite a bit of yarn left.

The yarn is Vesper, from Knitterly Things. I just love the colours and it knits up beautifully.

I made them on 2.5mm DPNs (well the first one), the second one I did magic loop and I proved a theory I'd been carrying around for a while - that my tension is different on magic loop and DPNs. It's tighter.

I'll get to my list of achievements and disappointments and my tally some time this week. How is everyone else's SSoS wrap up going?

Bells

Have enjoyed this immensely and thank you

Thank you Bells and RoseRed for such a fun summer.

My goal was to get over my fear of dpns and actually knit a sock, just one sock. I wasn't aiming high, just wanted to knit my first pair of socks. With much encouragement from Bells I knitted a little training sock, and then I was off and running.

I ended up knitting 6 (and a half but you haven't seen those, they're about to come off the needles) pairs. All on dpns.

And now I'm hooked, well and truly (I say this just after I've opened a package of 3 balls of sock wool that got delivered in the mail today, LOL).

I hope this blog stays up though, I think I'd like to keep coming back to it to view for inspiration over the winter. And please please please, lets do it all again next summer ...... unless there'll be a winter knitalong??????

Thank you once again.

It's So Sad .......

.... that this KAL has ended. I really enjoyed knitting along & managed to finish 11 pairs. I was hoping to cast off the 12th pair, so that I have a dozen but didn't make it. Anyway, here's an update of the goals that I set & what I have achieved ....

• Fair Isle Socks - Snowflakes Socks (IK, Spring 07) - not done


• One of the popular designs in Fav Socks - Embossed Leaves Socks - done


• A new sock knitting technique - Back to Basic Socks (knitty.com Fall 07) - done


• One of the designs from Cat Bordhi's new book - done


• One of the designs from a Nancy Bush's book - not done


• My favorite design & yarn from Pick Up Sticks Sock Club - Twin Braids - not done


• Join the Firestarter KAL & knit the Firestarter - not done


• One of Wendy's new designs (on sale at the Loopy Ewe) - done


• My own design - done

.... I was only able to achieve half of my goals but I am still happy with what I have done & in fact much more as I digress from my original goals to other patterns like the Crazy Monkey, Roza's Socks & 2 pairs for Can Assist.

Thank you Rose Red & Bells for organising this great KAL - it will not be possible without the 2 of you !
My only wish now - can we carry on this KAL & maybe called it The Southern Winter of Socks ?

Ann http://www.1morerow.blogspot.com/

Finished

Well, it's all over tomorrow. It's been great fun knitting socks with all of you.

I don't know how the tallying and entries will work yet, but I've finished my final pair and I've posted a blog entry with all the pairs I've made this "summer" (winter for me in the U.S.)

Come on over to see my twenty pairs:

http://craftycarolyn.livejournal.com/

Before this contest/KAL I had only knit 1 pair, so I'm pleased with my all I learned.

A final update on my goals

Last time I checked in, I'd completed three of my four goals: I'd finished more than three matching pairs of socks, I'd tried knitting toe-up, and I'd knit some socks for other people.

The goal I had not yet started was to try a pattern more complicated than stockinette or ribbing. And since I didn't mention anything about completing a pair of more complicated socks, I'm going to consider this goal complete as well, even though I don't expect the socks to be finished tomorrow.

I did indeed try knitting Monkeys (with Knit Picks Sock Memories "Easter," which seemed appropriate for this time of year). I'm enjoying it, but because I'm taking six classes and it's the end-of-term crunch I've only just managed to start the second sock. I'm hoping to have a pair to reward myself with once exams are done - that gives me about three weeks to finish.

It's been fun seeing people's projects over the past few months.

Nicole

Final Pair

I've just managed to get this final pair of socks done in time!

These are for my 19 year old son, who loves handmade socks!


The pattern is Globe Trotter found here and I used Heirloom Jigsaw yarn.

I have had lots of fun being involved with the Southern Summer of Socks club.

Jo from Jo Knits & Stuff

My last pair for SSS

Just squeezing under the wire, here is my very last pair for SSS!


Nice simple stockinette, made from Garndstudio Fabel. More details yonder on t'blog.

This has been a blast of a socky summer! It's been great seeing everyone's socks, and I've been put onto a few good patterns and interesting pattern/yarn combinations. Thank you, organisers!

the final pair

i have not stopped making socks, i have another pair still on the needles and at least four more planned, but i think these will be my final finished object for the SSoS. its appropriate that it should be these, as i first started them a long time ago and had to put them away because they were too hard to concentrate on with a head full of other stuff. once that was cleared though, these were very easy, and i think they are my favourites so far this summer:

pattern: fancy silk sock for a child from knitting vintage socks
yarn: happy spider made-to-order in 'sugarmelon'
needles: 2.75mm harmony dpns (one size larger than the pattern)

no other modifications. the lace cuff is a little tight on the calf as it has no stretch in it, but i think they are delicious!

kms xx

My mix tape

Have we started yet?

I have been a poor excuse for a participant in SSoS , Im afraid (although an expert lurker, and with you in spirit) but FINALLY, I have a finished pair of socks to blog!

Please, don't faint from surprise.

The photo is awful Im afraid, and the socks have already been gifted. Not that you can tell, but they are Embossed Leaves from 25 Favorite Socks.

All the details are on my blog here.

Think I may need a cuppa and a good lie down after that effort!

My final socks for SSS

It's been a while since my last post so I have a few pics to share. I now have 5 more pairs of socks than I had when I started and my personal challenge of knitting at least one pair of toe up socks has been met. My work here is done and SSS is nearly over in any event. It was great fun and I thank the organisers for their work.

The first pair are One Skein Sockettes. The yarn is Grignasco Big Prints. Not the nicest of yarns but very colourful. I used one 50g ball for these and had just a little left over. These were finished in the first week of February.


The second pair are River Rapids Socks. The yarn is 4-ply Merino Cashmere (Chocolate) from The Knittery. While the yarn was very soft and yummy to work with I didn't really enjoy knitting with it. My feet will enjoy them though.


The third pair were Fingering Weight Toe-Up Socks with Gusset Heel. I rather enjoyed the process of knitting from the bottom up but found it a little strange particularly at the gusset but they've turned out quite well. The yarn is Sullivans Sock Yarn. Again, not the best but for my first toe ups I thought it was a reasonable choice and I am quite pleased with them.


I shall continue to knit more socks throughout this year but for now I am done!

Pair Number 6

This is my sixth pair and I thought it was high time I attempted the famous monkeys. And I did it !!!! I'm so proud.

It's knitted in Berrybliss colour of The Knittery yarn. And after watching the video a zillion times (maybe slight exaggeration) I finally mastered the long tail cast on, I think that's what it's called. It's made the top way more giving and a lot more neater and actually where my needles joined worked really well too.

Question if I may

And a silly question at that. But I do believe my socks are nearly good enough to give as gifts now. When you give your socks as gifts, I'm just wondering what presentation ideas you use, if any? (see warned you it was a silly question!) Do you just wrap them as is? Or do you have a neat way to present them, maybe with a label or in a bag or what do you do?

I'm so proud of them (having never knitted socks ever before this knitalong came up, actually never mastering dpns either) and I almost feel they deserve a bit of a fanfare, ROFL (in my mind anyway!!) so I didn't just want to wrap them in gift paper. Hence my question.

My blog is Pins&Needles.