You may have noticed I rather like sock knitting.
I fell in love with them about 5 years ago when I began buying 'The Knitter' magazine. They feature some superb designs, usually fairly complicated, but absolutely divine when finished (almost too good to wear!).
My first ever sock was made was in the wrong yarn, DK cotton!!!, and I bumbled along until I had something that resembled a sock. Not a bad first attempt, but totally unwearable. So I found a local course, dragged one of my sisters along, and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. After the course I was able to complete my first 'proper' pair:

I only wear them occasionally as they feel too precious.
Since then I always have some on the needles, and now offer my own courses both in Skipton, and on Knitting weekends in France. If you are interested, visit www.justunwind.co.uk, click on 'Shop' then 'Courses', please feel free to contact me for more info, the next beginner course is in February, and a combined beginners and improver class is planned for April in France!
For me there are 2 very different sides to sock knitting. There are the wonderful variegated yarns that make fabulous patterns just by simply knitting the most basic of sock. They are easy to carry in your bag for those quiet, otherwise wasted times when travelling, or hanging around at kids classes and appointments. If you end up with a stack, they make great presents.
Then there are the plain but jewel like colours that show stitch detailing so well. I love intricate patterns, but just don't have the time to make large items using 4ply yarn. So I have begun designing my own socks, taking snippets of lace patterns and cables and playing around with tension and stitch counts. It can get ridiculously complicated at times, especially when you then start to try and offer different sizes!
I now have a 'new' small sketch book to record ideas, and a hole new bag of goodies for my 'designs in progress'! You can never have too many notebooks, knitting bags, and lovely knitting paraphernalia!
Just to temp us all further, West Yorkshire Spinners have added yet again to their Signature 4ply sock yarn range. I collected 6 new yummy colours on my last visit.






Each one from the Bird Print range has at least one complimentary plain colour. It can be difficult to choose, so I have added a section on the web-site information page giving a list of the Bird Print colour with its coordinating colours. I have also linked the new tiny circular knitting pins from Knit Pro,

they are only 25cm long and are for knitting socks and cuffs in the round, they just too cute for words!
Well, that is quite enough time talking about things, I am feeling quite inspired so I am off to work on a design.
Have a lovely day.
Jo
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