Aug 30 2006
Feeling Sock-sy
It's the crisp in the air… the slightly lower temperatures… the start of school… it's almost AUTUMN, my friends!
This is without a doubt my favorite time of year!
Fall foliage, pumpkins, harvest, and of course, the return of cold weather knits! For me, this means some cable-y sweater goodness, and SOCKS.
My "not-so-knee-highs" are still on the needles, I am on the homestretch of sock one! The socks accompanied me to my first fall semester course last evening. Class went pretty well, and I even met another knitter. Looking over the syllabus for this course, I found another way to work knitting into my final project requirements! I ran it by the professor and she seemed thrilled! We'll see how it plays out as the semester progresses.
2006 has definitely been the Year of the Sock. In the three years that I have been knitting and reading blogs, I have never seen as many socks on the "internets" as I have over the last few months. This excites me to no end, but I have to admit, I was also a little nervous about it… did that mean that people would burn out on socks quickly and not want to be a part of the second annual Socktoberfest?
Say it ain't so…
I have received a few emails asking about Socktoberfest 2006, and I would love to have another – I even have one sponsor willing to donate a prize in the contest! – but I wanted to check the pulse of the knitting community first. Can you handle another sock knitalong? Socktoberfest 2005 was another no-pressure knitalong (I do that for myself, more than anything!) with over 300 participants, administered over the whole month of October. We gathered some great tips, loads of free patterns, tutorials on unique cast-ons, and all participants were eligible for PRIZES. It wasn't a race – it was simply about socks and the joy (and sometimes the slight frustration) that comes when one makes handknit socks. It was also about encouragement and problem-solving. I am still a new sock knitter – a year ago yesterday, I finished my first pair of socks!- and I learned so much about sock knitting last year through Socktoberfest. I was so inspired by Margene's beautiful sock knitting that I had to try it on my own, and now, I am addicted to socks! This year, I want to take it further, by experimenting with different styles and cast-ons, and delving into the technical aspects of sock knitting.
Project Spectrum will be over (unless of course, you have leftover socks from Project Spectrum months that you want to pull out again! I may do the same with the aforementioned Lace Knee Highs, as well as my long-suffering Blueberry Waffle socks) and socks of all sizes and shapes will be celebrated and accepted. If you have never knit socks before, but have an interest in trying it, Socktoberfest is just for you!
All the socks (minus the gift socks for mom) that I knit in the last year.
So, no sign ups yet or anything formal, but tell me, if there was another Socktoberfest, would you sign up? what would you like to see in Socktoberfest 2006 (tips and tutorials? reader feedback on patterns, needles, yarns? more contests and prizes?) I would love to know!
I missed Socktober Fest last year…for some reason. Not sure why. I would join this year though, if you have it again. I love knitting socks…:)
Oh, please do another Socktoberfest. The last one I was a lurker and knit four pairs of socks! (That was before I had a blog.) Prizes would be great. I would be glad to help if you need me.
Yes, yes, I’ve been counting down to Socktober Fest 2006!!! It was the first Socktober Fest that gave me the courage to try sock knitting at all. I didn’t finish my pair until January . . . but that was fine – I loved the no-pressure feeling of Socktober Fest. I feel like I’ve really gotten the hang of socks over the past year – but am certainly not burned out of a sock-a-long. I can’t wait!!!
I missed it last year, too. And I’ve been envying all the socks since then.
I’d join AND donate some hand dyed yarns as prizes, too.
Yup, I’d sign up too. Count me in for a prize donation or two as well.
I vote a big YES for Socktoberfest. You bet I’d sign up….in a minute!
Project Spectrum was unbelievably great. I’m so sorry it is over, even temporarily. So please count me in for Socktober Fest 2006. The more I learn about knitting, especially socks, the happier I am.
If there is a Socktoberfest 2006, I’d love to join. I just starting knitting socks about a year ago myself, and am hooked!
I would be in! I love all the sock comradare!!
I am not all socked out, so I would definitely participate.
I’ve been looking forward to Socktoberfest 2006. I made my very first pair during the previous event and plan on trying toe-up for this year!
i would love to sign up and use this as an opportunity to get through my first pair of socks. i want to gift a couple of pairs for christmas if i can actually stick to it and finish a pair. i think this would definitely inspire and keep me motivated.
Count me in! This may be just thing I need to “finally” get a complete pair finished!
Are you kidding? I missed last year’s Socktoberfest but I can’t wait for this one to start – I even have a list of sock yarns that I want to use!!!
I enjoyed it last year — it gave me a reason to post some of my sock knitting tips and I enjoyed the ones I read elsewhere (I’m a sucker for technical tips and tricks)! Plus, well, I just love socks!
I’d sign up again, and as I mentioned above, I love technical tips and tricks! I donated some yarn and a sock pattern book last year, and I would be willing to do something similar this year (though perhaps my own pattern and appropriate yarn!).
Count me in for Socktoberfest 2006.
yay for Socktoberfest! i love that it’s no pressure and really celebrates the act of knitting a sock. i was blogless last year so i just lurked. this year i’m really looking forward to flooding the internet with my socks
Sign me up! Sign me up! I am struggling through my first pair of socks right now. I crazily signed up for Sock Wars and I’m sure I’ll be killed off immediately so Socktoberfest will be great for me!!!
Absolutely I’d be interested!
I have *the* perfect sock yarn for Socktoberfest. I can hardly wait! yay!
wow, Lolly I love the sock you are working on right now. Lovely shades of brown.
I’d do socktoberfest this year. Bring it on!
OOhh, Lolly…you are so motivating! I would love to do Socktoberfest 2006 since I missed last one. I could donate some yummy sock yarn for a prize! Looks like a lot of fun…I really could use help figuring out how to fix/darn mistakes and holes.
I wasn’t part of your Soctoberfest last year, but I would love to be a part of it this year!
I’m so in on a socktoberfest.
I’m game! I’ve been stashing sock yarn like there’s no tomorrow… guess it’s time to put it to good use.
(where do you find the time and energy? you’re a total motivation, dearie)
oooh, how do you play ‘socktoberfest’? i wouldn’t be disqualified if i fell off the wagon, would i? (s.o.s. was my first KAL … and we both know how that went)
Would I be interested? Oh Lolly, I even have yarn and patterns set aside. Bring it on!
Lime & Violet could surely put together some kind of prize for helping to spread the insidious addiction to sock yarn…er…the glory of knitted socks.
And I’m in, either way. Socks own my soul. Well, when I get this sweater done, and my soul isn’t being used by my cheesecake addiction. But most of the time, it’s knitting socks. So I’m in.
Socktoberfest was my very first (and could be my ONLY) successful knitalong, so yeah, count me in.
Absolutely! Count me in.
Amy
i missed last year, and would love to participate if there is a 2006 socktoberfest! if anything i would like, it would be help on doing toe-ups….
Socktoberfest! What better way to celebrate my brithday than to do my first pair of proper sock yarn grown-up socks!!! I’m off to pick a fabulous pattern right now (well, once the kids are in bed)
I would totally be game for a Socktoberfest!
I would love for there to be another Socktoberfest, since last year I was neither blogging nor knitting socks, and thus am eager to participate in a sockalong!
I’ll join Socktoberfest again this year! I’ll donate some stitchmarkers to the winner, also!
I would love to join up. Can I crochet my socks?
I will definitely play along. Especially because it is YOU!
I would be a socktoberfest newbie and really hope it happens. I’m just starting to fan the flames of my sock obsession and am hooked! Please please please
Hmmmm my feets seem cold, what do I need ? Socktoberfest. Me too. Where do I sign in?????? LOL.
I would love to join Socktoberfest. I just completed my first sock and I would love to join in on all the fun!!
I would love to join Socktoberfest. Something I would like to have is tips for the gusset part.
Haven’t knitted a pair of socks yet, but willing to try. I’d be in it.
pLease do another socktoberfest! I did not get to participate last year because I hated knitting socks…but now I am hooked!
Silja in Norway.
I would love to participate…but I still can’t get past the leg of knitting socks…so maybe if there were links to some good tutorials!
I missed out on last year’s Socktoberfest, but I would love to join in this year. My interest in sock knitting has definitely not lost steam. I think it would be nice for sockknitters to share links or tutorials of their favorite techniques, free patterns, etc. If you plan on having contests, I would be happy to donate a couple of skeins of sock yarn to the prize kitty. Just let me know!
Oooh yes. I knit my first socks during the knitting Olympics and haven’t turned back yet..
I’m in! I missed last year, as I was just learning to knit socks. Now I’m obsessed and would love to knit socks with others who feel the same!
I would certainly want to participate in Socktoberfest!
You know we will! Bring it On!
I have a pair on the needles since March, I am so sad to say. Maybe this will get them going again! I missed last year, but loved Project Spectrum, so count me in please.
i have been looking forward to socktoberfest 2006 since approximately november 1, 2005. please don’t disappoint me!
You socks are lovely and it will soon be time for them. I look forward to warming my tootsies in the lovely pair that you made me! XXOO
Socktoberfest sounds wonderful! I just knit my first pair of socks in June/July of this year, and I am about to start my next pair. I like the sound of a no-pressure KAL, too.
Yes. We must have socktoberfest. I’ve looked forward to it all year, kind of like Christmas.
Your socks are wonderful!!
First, thank you so much for Project Spectrum. It was an amazing idea, and it really got me to think about color in my crafting (and life) a lot more.
I’d love to participate in Socktoberfest. I’ve gotten more and more into sock knitting this year, too (since January), and there are so many techniques I want to try. A list of tutorials in one place would be SO amazing, and I’m always inspired by seeing the fine work of others.
xx
I was just learning to knit socks last October, and I missed Socktoberfest last year. I’d definitely join!
Socktoberfest ’05 was my first KAL (ever) and I’ve been looking forward to Socktoberfest ’06, so YES! I’d mnost definitely sign up!
I would love to be a part of socktoberfest
I missed Socktoberfest last year so I’d love to participate this year. I’d also be willing to help out if you need it.
I missed it in 2005, but would love to participate this year.
I would so sign up for Socktoberfest! Bring it on!
Oooooh, yes, please! I’m just starting (sort of — long story, see my blog for details if you really want to know) my first pair, which need to be done by Sept. 17, but I want some motivation to do a second pair! Socktoberfest would be perfect!
Sock on Socktoberfest! I’d be in for it! I love the tips and stuff that people post – I tend to get into a rut of casting on the same way, just doing things the same way in general because they work – it’d be nice to learn some new tried and true ways! And, maybe some measuring techniques to knit socks for others….I always mess up on those….
I would love to be included! I bought the book, the circular and the DPN’s, got the right yarn and attempted on my own before my dear friend finally showed me how it was suppose to work. I get confused trying to keep it all together but would love the opportunity to belong to a supportive group and give it another try. I think tutorials and feed back on progress would be a great thing to see during Socktoberfest!
Thanks Lolly!
I was not a sock knitter until this summer, so I’d love to see another Socktoberfest!
i would love more socktoberfest. i like the idea of it being relaxed without major requirements. i think my own personal goal would be to finished up all the unfinished pairs i have OTN. it would be quite a feat for me, but well worth the challenge!
I’m in!! I’ve got trekking!!!!
I’m in!!!
I love all your sockies lined up like that, you can see how precious they all are. I love any sock encouragement I can get (not like I need it) so I’d be totally up for Socktoberfest. I even have some ideas…
I think another Socktoberfest sounds lovely. I didn’t know about it until it was almost over last year, but I think I would join this year. I started my first pair of socks 11 months ago, but I haven’t stopped since! I don’t know if I could even count how many pairs I’ve knitted since then. At least 15, I would guess . . .
I love spreading the word about sock knitting. Sock pusher am I;-)
Socktober should be a yearly event in blogland! Make it a tradition that never ends!!
Can you ever have too many socks? I’ve been looking forward to Socktoberfest. It fits so well with fall (my favorite season too), cozing up with other knitters to keep ourselves (or loved ones) warm in the upcoming cold months.
Count me in!
I missed last years but would love to join this years. Seems like I’m joining in on things left and right these days. This sounds like fun.
Yes, please, another Socktoberfest. Missed out last year, would like to join in this year. And I really loved participating in Project Spectrum!!!
I wasn’t knitting socks last year (wasn’t even interested in knitting socks last year), but I just cast on for a pair a few days ago and I’m loving it! So I’m pretty sure I’d like to participate in Socktoberfest ’06! I don’t exactly know what I need to do, but I know all that will be explained! Thank you for being willing to host it again!
I vote YES as well! I didn’t know how to knit socks last October so it would be fun this year!
I would love to participate in Soctoberfest 2006. I think tips and tricks are always good–especially stuff on different heels(I’m heel challenged LOL!)
I had a great time last year and would love to participate again! I’ll be in Italy for part of the month so traveling socks would be fun. I would love to hear about other knitters’ favorite sock yarns and patterns. It will start the 2007 to knit list;)
I don’t have any feedback about it, but I am SO in for Socktoberfest! It so happens that there are socks on my christmas gift-making list, so the timing is perfect.
I would totally join… and this might be the kick in the pants I need to actually finish a whole pair instead of burning out after one!
i would do this! i am about to start my first pair of socks, so any help i can get would be great.
Definitely! I love the participate-as-you-please style of your blog parties. I’m hoping someone in the group will coach me through a top-down picot edge!
Count me in!
I am so there! It will be my impetus to being knitting socks.
Beautiful socks Lolly! I missed out last socktoberfest so I’d totally but up for it this year.
I am still trying to get bitten by the sock bug, so count me in! I love your idea of having an area for reader feedback on patterns – along with the fun of knitting along with a community, getting tips from others who are working with the same pattern or technique is a really helpful part of knitalongs for me.
Your first-year socks are beautiful!
I’m all for sock knitting. I missed out on it last year, so I’ve got to make up for lost time. Can’t wait to dig into the sock yarn stash and sock pattern books!
Count me in. I haven’t knit a stitch since January and am eagerly looking forward to getting going again once the kids are back to school!
Yes to Socktoberfest 2006!! I am knitting socks for Christmas gifts this year, so a knitalong will give me that little extra “oomph” I need!
And I would love to see some review of sock patterns-which ones are easier/difficult/time-consuming, etc., as well as yarn reviews. It is always nice to hear from someone who has worked with a specific yarn, and how it has held up-the elasticity(or not) of it, or if they would recommend it. I just got a new sock book and would love to try out the patterns and see if anyone else has any input!
Glad to hear class went well, and thanks again for even thinking about another sock-along!!
xo,
-T
Gorgeous sweater choices.
I’d also donate some sock yarn as a prize.
You can count me in on Socktoberfest. I have a ton of socks that need to be finished but I wouldn’t mind a valid excuse to start a new pair
I missed out last year, so definitely – bring it on!
Absolutely! I began knitting socks just after last year’s Socktoberfest and have been eagerly awaiting a chance at this year’s! With all the Christmas gift socks I have lined up on my plate, there will be plenty for me to choose from.
I’m on a personal no knit-along kick right now, but I plan to make an exception for Socktoberfest. It’s just too much fun to miss out on.
A resounding YES!! I’m IN! And if you need any help, I’m there too! YAY! Soctoberfest!!
I have been knitting socks like crazy! I didn’t know about Socktoberfest last year. I would love to participate.
I’d be up for another Socktoberfest! I’ve got a ton of sock yarn that needs to be used….
I would definitely sign up. =D
Sock it to us! OoOoOo, tie-dye sockssssss ala Laugh In….hmmmm..
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Yeppers, I’m there for Socktober!
I love socks.
I missed last year because I hadn’t quite progressed to sock knitting yet… I’d love to take part this year, though!
Yes, Yes, Yes! Please host SoctoberFest. I would love to participate and learn and get pointers. I am a fairly new sock knitter. I on pair 3 now and could use all the tips and encouragement.
Plus no pressure –that works for me.
This sounds fantastic. I’m in.
I’m new to blogging and am really interested it joining up with some group knitting projects – AND I love to knit socks – so Socktoberfest was made for me! Hope it comes together – looking very forward to it!!
Yes, Please!!!!!
I loved Socktoberfest!!!!!
With over 100 comments, I’m thinking this is a done deal, but here’s my “yes” vote just in case!
I know you don’t really need another YES in all caps, but here’s mine, anyway.
I missed the first Socktoberfest, so please, please do it again!
I think you got your 1 comment! ONE HUNDRED, that is OMG! LOL Not that it surprises me, we’ve all been thinking it was a given and the idea of it NOT happening FREAKS US OUT! lol PLUS, I have so many lsock projects languishing as balls of yarn, it just ain’t right.
Socktoberfest MUST go on! How cool that you’ve already got so many prize offers?! woooo hooooo
Well of course we want SOCKTOBERFEST
I am TOTALLY up for a sockfest, especially if it’s one without the pressure of a race (too busy at work), and even better if it’s for Oktoberfest!!
I am looking forward to Socktoberfest!
I’m definitely in for another Socktoberfest! That I can finish! Love the socks you’re working on too. Perfect for the transition into fall.
I would love too – I have a pair of socks waiting in the wings that I’ve been saving for Sockoberfest!
Definitely up for Socktoberfest 2006!
I have sock yarn coming in the mail in the hopes of Socktober 2006.
you betchya I’d join!!
Another resounding yes from me! Actually, as far as I’m concerned, every day is Socktoberfest!
I’d also like to provide a prize… A sock project bag.
You obviously don’t need any more encouragement, but I am looking forward to Socktoberfest 2006.