Oct 04 2005

Serenade, Sock Yarn (+Socktober Fest update)

Published by lolly at 1:48 pm under Socktoberfest 2005

10/05/05 Update on Socktober Fest: I will start a list of name on my sidebar of everyone that is interested in knitting socks in the month of October. There is no pressure here for a formal knitalong… more just for enjoying the sock knitting process and sharing your socks, knitting tips, yarns, and patterns with others in the community.

So, I will link to you from my sidebar (I will start it tonight–leave a comment if you wanna be on the list!), and you can post pictures of sock projects on your blog. I will play around with some button making when I get the opportunity, but if anyone wants to contribute some mad graphix skillz for a Socktober button, drop me a line and attach your image. Perhaps we can vote on which one we like best? For those of you interested in joining a more formalized sock knitalong, check out Sock It To Me! I just joined :)

One last cherry on top to finish off the three days of fun that was my extended weekend: Heather and Pixie came over to mi casa last night!

Four weeks without seeing my friend was too much! We had a lotta catching up to do! We commiserated about school, ate a little food, drank a little wine, looked through our new knit books, listened to some music, and wrapped up the evening with some much-needed knitting time.

The best part of the evening, hands down, was when Kris showed Pixie how to play the guitar. She strummed out some chords, and within a few minutes, this wonderful child serenaded us with a wonderful song. It was amazing. Heather and I both teared up!

Heather also delivered me some goods! She got two hanks of sock yarn for me at Stitches East (did you see the haul she brought back? go look now!)

Socktober Fest here I come! I do have one pair on the needles right now (my Cascade Fixation socks) but I am so incrediby tempted to cast on for a pair with these lovely yarns! Great color choices, H. You know me well!

I am tempted to add a little lace detailing to a pair of socks–it would look so great with these beautiful solid colors.

… and even though this was not exactly planned, I swatched for Klaralund this weekend, and got gauge with size 9s (it calls for 8s) so I figured I would go ahead and start… and now I am several inches into the back! Talk about fast knit.

This colorway is really growing on me (Noro Silk Garden–not sure about colorway. It is either 201 or 226). My only worry is the horizontal striping. I hope that won’t make me look bad! I already am thinking of the pants and skirts that I can wear with this pullover!

Now, I just have to talk about the wonderfulness of my new books! I ordered Rowan’s Denim People and Melanie Falick’s Handknit Holidays last week, and I just can’t put either one down. They were boh great purchases… and great additions to my growing knitting library.

I just have to show you some of my faves from both books! Consider them a preview so you can buy the books too! :) (SavannahChik Jody has a whole preview of HH on her blog. Check out her photo album!)

From Handknit Holidays:

I could have put a lot more of my favorites up here… because nearly everything in that book is a must knit. Lovely, inspirational, and perfect for knitting all year round. Another winner from Ms. Falick!

From Denim People:

Yeah, I really needed more things to add to my KNIT LIST!

90 responses so far

90 Responses to “Serenade, Sock Yarn (+Socktober Fest update)”

  1. # Erinon 04 Oct 2005 at 2:21 pm

    I can see a lot of patterns that you picked out that I’d love to make! I think what I’d really like to make is more time so I can knit!!! I really love some of those denim cardigans and the ballerina slippers that lace up the leg! Those are great!

  2. # Wandaon 04 Oct 2005 at 2:23 pm

    Lots of fun was happening in your neck of the woods. I love a lot of patterns from Handknit Holidays too, especially the fairisle yoke pullover. I absolutely love that sweater.

    Oh and you cast on for another project too! That is a beautiful colorway and I think the striping will turn out well. I haven’t seen any that looked bad yet. I think the pattern makes the most of the Noro striping sequence to look good on everyone.

  3. # Cathy M.on 04 Oct 2005 at 3:22 pm

    Beau and Bella what a cute combination! :) Thank you so much for your kind comments on my new blog – it is so, so nice to have support and feedback! I love comments :) I’m going to try and get a picture of the work in progress of the circular throw up on there in the next few days. You were my inspiration for that one – THANKS!

    Cath

  4. # Cathon 04 Oct 2005 at 3:24 pm

    Oh and I can’t wait to check out the Handknit Holidays Book now, I love those arm warmers/mittens.

    Cath

  5. # tonion 04 Oct 2005 at 3:42 pm

    I have to get denim people just for that blue sweater in the middle left! I am in love with it!

  6. # Kathyon 04 Oct 2005 at 3:52 pm

    Handknit Holidays looks wonderful! I love the patterns you picked… I’m thinkin’ I’d better get me a copy of this one. I really love that ruffled-y scarf – it looks like it’d be fiddly as all get out, but it’s just so pretty!

  7. # Taraon 04 Oct 2005 at 3:54 pm

    Wow, now I have to buy the new M. Falick ray! Your sock yarn is also very enviable.

  8. # Amyon 04 Oct 2005 at 4:00 pm

    I must get Handknit Holidays. Those socks…fantastic!!

    Good friends come for a visit. GREAT friends bring you yarn.

    Amy

  9. # iselon 04 Oct 2005 at 4:08 pm

    I’d already fallen in love with that book, the Handknit Holidays one.
    It is gorgeous. Now I am also liking the Denim one. You are a baaad influence for me, Lolly!

  10. # Lizon 04 Oct 2005 at 4:09 pm

    ok… must go hunt down handknit holidays… NOW! :)

    Smiley happy people. Looks like a great time!

  11. # Lauraon 04 Oct 2005 at 4:48 pm

    Must…Resist…Ordering…Handknit Holidays. There is something about Melanie Falick. Everything she turns out is just frankly gorgeous.

    Socktoberfest! I’m all over it! Any interest in setting up a blogspot where “volks” can post their Socktober FOs?

    Like I need something else to do. But it would only be for a month! Whaddaya think?

  12. # kerion 04 Oct 2005 at 5:35 pm

    What a lovely way to spend an evening!

    I love seeing all the pics from the handknit holidays book, I’ve definitely added a few things to my list!

  13. # yahairaon 04 Oct 2005 at 5:48 pm

    hey I think we have the same yarn! is it tess yarn?

    count me in for socktober fest, put up a site already will ya!? : )

    sounds like a great night and a much needed break for you, glad you were able to have that.

  14. # blossomon 04 Oct 2005 at 5:48 pm

    wow, the klaralund looks good… i have no idea how my SG stripe is going to look like, but as soon as i got the book i’m casting on!!!

    and, i looked through melanie’s new book, i like it, too. but i’m not sure if i’d buy it. maybe i will change my mind after seeing some FOs. love the long socks, though!!

  15. # Karynon 04 Oct 2005 at 6:20 pm

    Ooooh! Klaralund is pretty! I just got my SG yarn yesterday….I’m planning on casting on this weekend. I tried to order Handknit Holidays from Amazon and they said it wasn’t released yet!

  16. # chrison 04 Oct 2005 at 6:21 pm

    Kids are such amazing sponges and so endearing. That Silk Garden colorway is beautiful and your Klaralund is knitting up so fast! I think sock lace would look great with the pink and red yarns. But I’m really liking the cardigan in Denim People…hmmmm..another one for the queue!

  17. # Agneson 04 Oct 2005 at 7:30 pm

    I love the picture of you, Heather and Pixie … the little girl is soooo cute! And a musical genius too!
    You and Jody are tempting me to get a copy of Holiday Knits!

  18. # Elspethon 04 Oct 2005 at 7:56 pm

    I’m knitting with Rowan Denim right now, and it’s incredibly fun. The actual knitting of the garments is sort of bizarre, since the yarn is like kitchen string that bleeds over anything and everything I touch (including my keyboard!) but the idea of dropping it into the wash and having everything come out soft and perfect is really, really cool!

  19. # mayaon 04 Oct 2005 at 8:04 pm

    I used to be so up on the new knitting books and sadly, I have not seen these yet. :-( They look so amazing – I definitely need to check them out.

  20. # Stephanieon 04 Oct 2005 at 8:19 pm

    You have a huge knitting list! So, when do you think you will have all this completed? HA The Klaralund is so pretty. I love those colors. I have to find those books and look at them because the pics you put up are great! Then I can add to my knitting list and you can ask me when I will have it complete!

  21. # jesson 04 Oct 2005 at 8:47 pm

    oooo, handknit holidays looks peachy! (and your picks are great – i esp love that yoked sweater). do you know of anyplace on the web to view the rest of the patterns, or should i drag my arse to b & n to have a look?

  22. # ellieon 04 Oct 2005 at 9:37 pm

    I love that Denim People book. I started the Raspy sweater before school started but totally botched my yarn substitution, so I’m taking a break from it for now. But I will return. It’s too cool not to. You’re also inspiring me to try a sock.

  23. # Lizon 04 Oct 2005 at 9:38 pm

    I must have both books immediately. The sweaters you’ve shown from Denim People look right up my alley.

  24. # katieon 04 Oct 2005 at 9:56 pm

    Those books look like so much fun! So what are you going to make first?

  25. # catherineon 04 Oct 2005 at 10:05 pm

    ohhh ahhhhh ! love the sneak peek of the books, thanks! pixie is very cute, and her mommy made out like a bandit at the yarn haul! free yarn, who could resist…yellow is a good color:) and what she brought you: beautiful! can’t wait to see the socks you will make with those hanks!

  26. # kimberlyon 05 Oct 2005 at 4:26 am

    I love those long socks! How cool. I wish I lived in the States so I could get some of that great stuff.

  27. # tachaon 05 Oct 2005 at 5:02 am

    Oooh I like some of those patterns in Handknit Holidays. I think I might just have to purchase that book. Thanks for the preview.

  28. # krison 05 Oct 2005 at 5:40 am

    thanks for the handknit holidays pics! i was thinking this was one book i didn’t need, i mean, who needs a xmas knitting book ;-) , but those patterns are gorgeous! i n-e-e-d this book!

  29. # Jesson 05 Oct 2005 at 7:19 am

    i just ordered Holiday Knits…. thanks for the thumbs up.

    That Noro top is starting to look lovely already.

  30. # kellyon 05 Oct 2005 at 7:50 am

    i’m in. i think your klaralund is going to be a beauty!

  31. # allisonon 05 Oct 2005 at 8:38 am

    Aha! you know I cannot resist ze SocktoberFest fun :) Sign me up!

  32. # heatheron 05 Oct 2005 at 8:43 am

    it was an awesome time! now all she wants “forever” is a guitar…I told her that if she asked nicely Kris may show her how to really play it!

    I’m totally in for rockin socktober!

    Mad Grafix Steez. hehe. you rule.

  33. # Luvtocrafton 05 Oct 2005 at 9:50 am

    Me! Me! I would love to join the Socktoberfest!! Sign me up!!

  34. # Monion 05 Oct 2005 at 11:09 am

    You are going to love Klaralund! It’s a fast knit, and it’s a cute and comfy sweater when finished. You silk garden swatch makes me want to start some something with Noro!

    I love love love your picks from Handknit Holidays! Those stockings are great! I’m going to have to pick that book up.

  35. # meganon 05 Oct 2005 at 11:20 am

    Are those kilt hose I see? Maybe not, but they could be. Those are lovely. Now I want to knit socks. Lolly, lolly, the lovely lady of influence!

  36. # Staceyon 05 Oct 2005 at 11:33 am

    I’m always curious as to whether or not Amazon gets a ton more hits and buys due to someone posting pics from a book on their blog. I say this because I think I need that Wendy Falick book. I love a few of those knits.

  37. # Mindyon 05 Oct 2005 at 11:38 am

    I’m in for Socktober. The Holiday Knitting book is on my to purchase list. I looked at it at the LYS on Monday. I was drooling over it. I love Melanie Falick’s books.
    Your Klaralund is looking great. It’s such an easy knit. Now if I could only finish mine.

  38. # Kalion 05 Oct 2005 at 11:42 am

    Great Patterns! I’m definately going to have to look into this book because I sooo need those socks :)

  39. # ericaon 05 Oct 2005 at 11:47 am

    Count me in for the Socktober KAL. I have my socks all picked out, just need to finish my shawl and get a job before I can start them. I have a must-get-a-job-to- start-a-new-project deal going with myself and my husband. It’s working but I’m almost down to three projects. :)

    Thanks for all of the previews from the books. I’ll have to add them to my library must check-out list.

  40. # Jennaon 05 Oct 2005 at 12:01 pm

    I’m going to say that I’m in for Socktoberfet, then hope that my other projects are done in time for me to cast on a pair before the month ends. I think it’s a good goal, right?

    I’m excited to see how your Klaralund turns out and how the colors progress. It bet it will look pretty with your blue eyes.

    I like a lot of the patterns in denim people, too, particularly the sweater with the dropped stitches. You have so many projects in mind, what will you do next?

  41. # Rebekahon 05 Oct 2005 at 12:02 pm

    I had already silenty vowed to finish the two pairs of socks I have one sock made of, so sure I’ll play along. I also want to knit a pair of socks with cables from my new Sensational Sock book and since I have more then enough sock yarn, woo hoo!

  42. # Cathon 05 Oct 2005 at 12:33 pm

    I’d love to join Socktober! Perfect month to make warm woolies in preparation for winter! Sign me up please.

    Cath
    http://tightlywoundlooselyknit.blogspot.com/

  43. # Miriamon 05 Oct 2005 at 12:52 pm

    Oooh Lolly! Can you add me to the socktober listie? I’ll totally be knitting socks! I’m a sock junkie! I’m so excited that you’re going to start my socks too! :D

  44. # Kimberlyon 05 Oct 2005 at 1:26 pm

    I’m joining this Socktober!! Sign me up for sure.

  45. # Bethon 05 Oct 2005 at 1:27 pm

    Hey Lauren – count me in for Socktoberfest. I’ve “massaged” the SuperSecretChrissiePressie list to give socks to some folks. I’ve already completed one pair and cast on for a second pair today at lunch. Socks it is!

  46. # Rebeccaon 05 Oct 2005 at 1:29 pm

    Awesome sock yarn! They are my colors also. I was just looking at Holiday Knits in the library….I’m very tempted to buy it. It’s very holiday…but then it’s not. I’m not sure what I’d actually but it’s inspirational. To tell you the truth, I very very RARELY knit anything from patterns in books…I’m a little more free form…but I love books that give me inspiration.

  47. # Sarahon 05 Oct 2005 at 2:13 pm

    Oh my goodness, how do you keep up with all these comments! I had to scroll forever to get down here :) I love that denim people book, and now I’m thinkin that Handknit Holiday might be worth checking into as well!

    I’m also stoked about your Klaralund, it always turns out as such a beautiful piece of knit work.

  48. # Folkcaton 05 Oct 2005 at 2:23 pm

    Count me in for Socktoberfest! I’ve been trying to decide what goes on the needles next, and it might as well be one of the 4 or 5 pairs of socks I’ve already bought yarn for.

  49. # Lauraon 05 Oct 2005 at 2:29 pm

    Hey Lolly! You know that I am ALL OVER Socktoberfest! I tried to email you about this, but for some reason, my PC won’t let me email people from links on webpages. Weird.

    Anyhoo, put me on the list! Sadly, I have no mad graphix skillz. Would you want to set up a separate blogger page for this? I would be willing to help with that, if someone else creates the mad graphix.

  50. # craftymodsteron 05 Oct 2005 at 2:39 pm

    Cool! Thanks for the sneak peeks of books, especially the Denim People (there’s some mighty nifty garb there). You beat me to HH, as I am/was/WILL also share photos from the book (of course I may not ever get around to it….I have about 5 or 6 books to share…oh boy.).

    I also want to let you know what a huge fan I am of your never-ending inspiring blog (THANK YOU!) + also thank you so much for visiting (AND POSTING…I’m flattered beyond!) my miserable, measley blog-world.

    Anjo

  51. # chrison 05 Oct 2005 at 2:42 pm

    I’d love to join Socktoberfest- count me in! It’ll be good incentive to get all those Christmas gift socks knitted up… BEFORE Christmas, that is! :-P

  52. # Ceceon 05 Oct 2005 at 2:42 pm

    Hey there – I always have a pair of socks on the needles, go ahead and add me onto your list! Fun fun!

  53. # Kathyon 05 Oct 2005 at 3:01 pm

    Gorgeous sock yarn! Can’t wait to see what you do with it. Count me in for Socktober Fest.

  54. # Chrissyon 05 Oct 2005 at 3:18 pm

    I’d love to be on the sock list. I just cast my first October socks on yesteday. Mmmmm Fleece Artist…

  55. # Melissaon 05 Oct 2005 at 4:40 pm

    Hi Lolly – please add me to the Socktober list – great idea!

  56. # beatkniton 05 Oct 2005 at 5:38 pm

    u can count me in !!

  57. # debon 05 Oct 2005 at 5:55 pm

    Wow! Lots of people are celebrating Socktober. Add me to the list. I have my Autumn socks on the needles.

  58. # knittingnurseon 05 Oct 2005 at 6:08 pm

    Count me in! I have some great sock yarn and a little guy with growing feet in need of new ‘momma’ socks.

  59. # Terbyon 05 Oct 2005 at 6:47 pm

    Lolly, I’d love to join in Soctoberfest!

  60. # Jessicaon 05 Oct 2005 at 6:50 pm

    Since it’s no pressure I’m totally up for Socktober fest! :)

  61. # melissaon 05 Oct 2005 at 8:19 pm

    ooooh, holiday handknits looks like it’s going on the wishlist! i love those thigh high socks!

  62. # eyeleenon 05 Oct 2005 at 8:29 pm

    I’d love to join the socktoberfest. I love the colors of your new yarn, especially your Klaralund. I had thing about the stripes I didn’t know if I should wear them, but I’m ok with them now.

  63. # catherineon 05 Oct 2005 at 10:10 pm

    sign me up!!!!! i am working on socks with “fall” colors just for this socktoberfest occasion:)

  64. # Amandaon 05 Oct 2005 at 10:36 pm

    I am not very good at socks but I would love to give them another try I need something small to knit to distract me from my reading…:)

    Amanda

  65. # kerion 05 Oct 2005 at 11:17 pm

    No pressure?? Now that’s my kinda fest! Sign me up! =)

  66. # Tamon 06 Oct 2005 at 12:10 am

    Yesssss! I’m down with Soctober Fest. =)

  67. # emmyon 06 Oct 2005 at 12:14 am

    I’m in for Socktober! What a great idea. I have one that should be off the needles either by or during the weekend and I will be ready to start some more!!

  68. # Tracyon 06 Oct 2005 at 6:41 am

    Can I play too????

  69. # Momon 06 Oct 2005 at 8:37 am

    I love those beautiful pink and cherry red yarns that I am assuming Heather brought you. What a sweet girl with a good eye for color! I hope you are having a great week and look forward to seeing you again soon. Hawaii is so close!

  70. # Michelleon 06 Oct 2005 at 10:23 am

    I’d love to join Socktober. What a great idea!

  71. # Kathyon 06 Oct 2005 at 11:39 am

    SoctoberFest is a great idea, but it’s doubtful I’ll make it through my first sock. Maybe next Socktober…. :)

  72. # LeAnneon 06 Oct 2005 at 4:43 pm

    Put me on the Socktober list, please! What a cool idea!

  73. # Tinaon 06 Oct 2005 at 5:13 pm

    I want in on Socktober Fest!

  74. # Estheron 06 Oct 2005 at 6:06 pm

    Oh a NO PRESSURE socktoberfest sounds like the ticket for me! Please add me / sign me up!
    I love your latest entries! Now I feel the absolute NEED to run and buy those two books!! The pics are heavenly and your favorites of the holiday knits look fantastic!

    The noro/klaralund is looking great. I made one a while ago and wish now I had used noro instead of the josharp desert cotton I ended up using. The colorway you’re using is beautiful!! I bet it is going to look amazing on you girl…can’t wait to see it done.

  75. # Eileneon 06 Oct 2005 at 10:17 pm

    I love that book Denim People. There are great patterns in there.

    I forgot to mention that Donna & I brought you back a surprise from Stitches. Of course you will get it If we ever get to see you.

    I remember being soooo into socks also. Maybe I’ll get back into it someday!

  76. # Lizon 07 Oct 2005 at 12:19 am

    Sign me up for Socktoberfest as well! I have a plethora of socks to knit. So, um, where’s the beer tent? ;)

  77. # Karenon 07 Oct 2005 at 8:36 am

    I’m going to throw my hat into the ring for Socktoberfest. I had plans to make my first attempt as sock knitting this week anyway, and I think Socktoberfest will give me great motivation if the going gets tough. Great idea!!!

  78. # Chrissyon 07 Oct 2005 at 1:57 pm

    Oooh, I want to join Socktoberfest!!! I just got some Addis and a bunch of sock yarn just itching to get on those needles. I’ll try to get a button made up this weekend, too. Yay for socks!

  79. # Adelleon 08 Oct 2005 at 6:21 am

    Hey, add me to Socktoberfest. Sounds fun :)

  80. # Sarahon 08 Oct 2005 at 5:05 pm

    Hi Lolly,

    More inspiration to knit some socks. Sign me up for Socktoberfest! This rainy weekend is a great time to get moving. I remember last winter someone doing a mitten swap. Have you ever heard of a sock swap? Could be fun.
    Sarah

  81. # ckon 09 Oct 2005 at 12:03 pm

    Thanks for the handknit holidays pics! I just ordered it from Amazon…looks like it has some great projects. Can’t wait to see all of them.

  82. # adaon 09 Oct 2005 at 1:59 pm

    Sounds like a lot of fun. Count me in for the Socktoberfest

  83. # Kimon 10 Oct 2005 at 7:47 pm

    Sign me up please–I have a couple pairs I need to get done this month:) BTW, it’s nice to see another Pens fan(you’re rooting for them in Caps country; I’m in Avs country). Happy knitting!

  84. # Amy Dementon 11 Oct 2005 at 9:14 am

    Sign me up – I’ve got two pair to work on and finish by the end of the month. Socktoberfest! Let the games Begin! Does Socktoberfest include beer?

  85. # Irison 12 Oct 2005 at 12:59 pm

    Just found your blog through a link on someone elses journal re. Socktober – is there still time to take part?? I’ve just received some lovely hand-dyed sock yarn so I’m going to cast on in the next few days!! :)

  86. # Pirataon 17 Oct 2005 at 3:20 pm

    I just found your spot via a gal in my knitting group. I’m loving this site. Great job! I want to be added to sockfest because I’ve got several pairs to make for Christmas. Thanks!

  87. # Bonne Marieon 17 Oct 2005 at 7:29 pm

    I am on a sock bender! I’ve been knitting like mad on the bus, everywhere. Sign me up please – all these fine folks will inspire me to smoke it…

  88. # Andion 18 Oct 2005 at 12:48 pm

    Hi! I would love to join in!

  89. # Lauraon 18 Oct 2005 at 8:51 pm

    I have two pairs of socks to knit for my folks. Sign me up, please! I hope the KAL will inspire me.

  90. # Feliciaon 19 Oct 2005 at 1:30 am

    I want to be part of socktoberfest!

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