New Year, New Socks

Boy has it been cold! I finished these socks just in time for the new year but it’s been so cold I’ve been reluctant to go outside to take photos. I have a favorite painted door at the mill that is gigantic and has a lot of beautiful character. It faces into our courtyard and I knew I had to take the photos for my socks on it. This door is probably older than many of you! Our building was built in 1925, and then became Huntingdon Yarn Mill in 1940.

Enough about doors, onto the socks!

These are the Laurel Socks by Wendy Johnson from her book Toe Up Socks for Everybody. I knit the socks out of our new fingering weight line, Wayfarer, in our natural color (it’s undyed, just scoured.) Unfoundedly, I was worried about running out of yarn because I wear a US women’s size 12. I actually completed both socks and had more than enough yarn leftover for another full pattern repeat on each one. I love the look of lace socks in the summer with some cute shoes and a vintage cut skirt, like this.

What I love about Wendy’s books is the fact that her charts are separated by size so there’s no mixing up starting points as you knit. She also has these super nifty sock pattern cards, Toe Up Socks in a Box, which are awesome for portability without having to give up more interesting patterns. The lacework on these socks is fun and not incredibly difficult since it’s easy to track what is happening and where. In her books, Wendy walks you through every step of knitting a toe up sock from basics to anything more complex while giving you helpful guides on fit and techniques.

For me, having a pair of socks on my needles is a must. They are easy to take and work on anywhere without having to worry if you need to stop mid-row.

Happy crafting,

Beck