Sep 18 2006
Socktoberfest Questions
When I returned home on Sunday evening, I was so surprised to see the scores of Socktoberfest participants! Thank you for your response to this project! I am truly surprised that there has been such a large response in such a short time. It will be a great celebration of socks come October 1st!
There are several questions swirling around Socktoberfest, so I thought I would take a moment to clear them up…
What is Socktoberfest?
A very simple concept with very few restrictions – Socktoberfest is a month-long celebration of socks. It is a simple celebration of the accessories that we make as crafters to cover our feet. Think of it more as a festival than a knitalong – people who love something come together and celebrate it!
SarahJanet made a great analogy on the Knitty forums: "You knit socks for yourself, other people, whomever. It's not like a TRADITIONAL knitalong… It's like Octoberfest, right? You drink beer all year round, but during Octoberfest you drink beer with other people and celebrate the whole concept of beer." Perfect!
Who can participate in Socktoberfest?
You love socks? You're in. Everyone is welcome, whether or not you have a blog, or a digital camera. Come one, come all. If you do not have a blog, but would like to show off your work for others to see, think about joining the Socktoberfest Flickr group. You can upload your pictures and everyone with a Flickr account can see and comment on them! You can join us anytime during the month of October.
What will happen during Socktoberfest?
The celebration features an ever-growing list of sock-related prizes that every participant is eligible for, and my blog will become Socktoberfest central – I will interview desigers, review sock books and yarns, update and link to your sock progress, and will link to full-length tutorials that participants prepare. Do you have a special sock making technique that you would like to share with others? Please let me know if you are willing to prepare a photo tutorial to share with the other Socktoberists!
Is Socktoberfest a sock swap or an exchange?
The original concept behind Socktoberfest did not involve a swap or an exchange. However, like Project Spectrum (my last big project) I would be happy to endorse side projects that crop up around Socktoberfest. Project Spectrum engendered several color-themed swaps – feel free to start a Socktoberfest swap if you are so inclined! I will gladly direct anyone to it. I cannot personally add that component to this project as I already have enough admin work to keep me busy!
Along those same lines, I would love to see a charity project that Socktoberfest can help with – participants can choose to take part in a charity that makes socks for babies, children, etc. (I thought babies or children would be faster than regular adult-sized socks, thus allowing participants to make more for the charity) If you have a "pet" project that sounds like a good fit for Socktoberfest, please let me know by leaving a comment to this post. I will post links for charity donations.
Are there restrictions, rules, or guidelines to follow for Socktoberfest?
I am a liberal project leader – I don't like to get bogged down with rules, so things are pretty free around here. Some participants are using Socktoberfest for stashbusting purposes, using up that beautiful sock yarn that you picked up back in 1995. Others are planning to use Socktoberfest to finally finish up sock projects that have lingered too long on the needles and hooks. Still others plan to spin or dye their own sock yarn and use this to make a truly special pair of socks. Some Socktoberists use the month to make quick holiday socks for family and friends. It is truly up to you!
The festival starts on October 1st, but you can definitely start on your socks now! You do not have to finish your socks by October 31st either, although the Socktoberfest blog coverage will end at the close of the month. Socktoberfest can easily be combined with other projects and knitalongs – and there is no such thing as "not having time for Socktoberfest"… if you plan on even looking at your sock needles this month, join up!
The only guideline that I have for Socktoberfest: be an encourager! Participants range from first-time sock knitters to sock designers and experts. Lend a helping hand or an encouraging comment. Take a few minutes to check out the progress reports that I post and let someone know that you saw their handiwork. If you know the answer to their question, write them a comment or an email. Encouragement goes a long way – and you may even make a new friend!
There you have it – the rules, such as they are. So…
All of these people have already done so!
**Thank you so much for the button contributions for this year's Socktoberfest. There are 8 separate buttons to choose and all are so great! Here is a little preview:
You can see them all here – choose one to download!
Mwa ha ha!
I have dyed he wool, picked the patterns, busted the stash…
And on Wednesday I will set about converting my SnB group to the joys of socks.
It’s not a festival, it’s a revolution!
Yay!
/runs off to pick a button
WHEE! Just the kick-in-the-pants I need to get my second sock done so I can make some more!
Fall ain’t sweater weather, it’s SocktoberFest Weather.
How will I ever pick just one button? They are all so cute!!! ; )
I love Socktoberfest! YAAY socks socks socks woooo hoooo – but now I want a beer and it’s not even noon. don’t have any anyway – but I DO have sock yarn! yaay socks!
I haven’t signed up yet, but I already have about three pairs of socks I’d like to make (one already on the needles!) Sign me up hun!
Looks like many, many people are raring to go with this celebration. L, you know how to bring them in. I have some ideas that can hopefully work for Socktoberfest, wee!
hiiiiiiiiiiii!
i miss you guys!! i think sarah and i need to go back to MD asap!! yes? yes! much love
WOW – GREAT BUTTONS!
There is so many sock patterns I want to try, October don’t last long enough. Gladly, I can use 2 buttons, one for my French blog and one for my English blog !
I will be stashbusting & holiday knitting during Socktoberfest, b/c I didn’t do enough of that this summer. I’ll probably be making a pair of socks for my dad for Christmas, and perhaps making socks for my 3 nieces & 1 nephew. They’re all under 7 so the socks should be short & sweet! Can’t wait!
I’m stashbusting myself. from last stitches….mmmm comfy socks. mountain colors perfect for fall!
Good golly Ms. Lolly! Dem is a lot o’socktober participants!
Looks like fuuuuuunnnnnn…
Yay for Socktoberfest! One of my favorite times of the year!
I love the creativity you bring to your projects! I have a few socks I’m wanting to work on in October–including the Sock Wars. It will be interesting to see these two projects intersect.
I was afraid to join last year but wowee, I definitely jumped on a bandwagon this time! I’m so excited to be apart of this! Thanks!
I have never knit a pair of socks. I’ve always been intimidated. MAYBE I’ll get myself to do it for Socktoberfest!
Great buttons – thanks for hosting such a fun event!
Those are awesome buttons! I can’t wait for the ‘fest to start!
“socktoberists.” i love it.
Love the buttons! Can’t wait to get started!
Madeline – Once you make your first sock …you will be a convert. It’s almost as much fun as s*x and chocolate.
I didn’t see my name on the list, but I mentioned it a while ago….I’m going to play, too. It was my first-ever successful knitalong, so I gotta. I’m going to FINISH some pairs — that’s my goal.
Oh, silly me, I did not see the signup form which makes it SO EASY!! That is awesome!
Just wanted to say thanks for hosting this fun event! I can’t wait to pick out the yarn and pattern I’m going to knit!! I’m all signed up and ready to go! Now I just have to wait for October….
I just signed up and clicked over to look at all the participants….oh my goodness! That is so awesome!
i’m so excited! already have my pairs planned! yeh lolly and socktober fest! hugs!
Can we special request a tutorial?
I’ve been sock knitting since 12/05 and want to try Meg Swansen’s “Loving swath/Arch shaping” sock bottom. (Meg Swansen’s KNITTING) It seems wrong? The left side by rnd 5 doesn’t seem to be spreading out correctly. What am I doing wrong?
I have Barbara Walker books 1 & 2 and plan to try designing another pair using bk 2 during Socktoberfest. Currently working on a pair of knee-hi’s from 2 stitches in bk 1 but I’ve given up on the fitted arch on this pair.
Oooh! Add me to the list, please!
I am looking forward to it. Thanks Lolly!
I love socks…
Please, do add me to the list!
Yah Rah!
This is going to be so much fun! Thanks Lolly!
I love your no-pressure alongs.
Well, Karen & I are working on a very socky charity project right now – I’ve got a sock pattern that I’m selling from my blog to raise funds for Karen’s upcoming Diabetes Walk (she has type 1). Every red cent will be going to help fund diabetes research, and we’ve raised over $300 so far. I’ve also heard so many stories about how people have been affected by diabetes – it’s just incredible how just about everyone is impacted in some way by this disease (I had no idea). Anyway, Karen’s walk is in mid-October, but I’d be most happy to extend the deadline for full donation to the end of Socktoberfest.
I recently found out about a charity-in-the-works: a place to donate singleton socks! Details here: http://thepurloinedletter.blogspot.com/2006/09/singleton-socks-etc.html
I have only ever knit two pairs of socks. The first was for me and turned out awful! They were huge and yucky (but I still have them). I just recently knit a pair of socks for my son, and they turned out great, but the yarn I use is “itchy” to him so he won’t wear them. This is just the push I need to try again to make myself some socks.
I signed up! I just wanted to plug again CIC – http://www.childrenincommon.org. Please make a pair or two of kid sized socks (toddler socks are usually the smallest size needed) and send them!!
SO COOL! I signed up and have a button up too. I made a Pumpkin Button for it as they are so October to me. *L*
I would be interested in participating in a side event to make children’s socks. If anyone is organizing such a thing, please let me know! Regardless, I can’t wait to get started!
Can some give me a tutorial in getting one of the buttons for my blog?
I signed up and have started my sock already because I have my own deadline for Oct 15 (or I can push it to Oct. 25).
I was really afraid of socks last june… then, the firts pair come… and the second…and the third… and now… I’m celebrating Socktoberfest!!!
what a great idea!
I’d like to participate, too! And huge thanks to you for organizing this!
Sounds like great fun! Sign me up please!!
Kathy in Iowa
I would love to join, I knit socks but blogg in Swedish, is it ok? Great idea! Join me in, pleeeeeeaaaaasssssse *smile*
yay! i just finished my first pair of Socktoberfest socks, because nobody says you can’t start drinking early!
Thank You for the Push!
Purchased sock yarn 6 months ago, Determined to learn.
My local yarn shop owner had an opening for class in socks on 2 circs yesterday…only one other showed up…virtually a private lesson.
Wonderful encouragement all around!
Stoked & ready to GO!
chrissie p in MI
buttons live in clean button Baskets
(::)
Hi! I would love to participate! I have a lot of sock yarn waiting…
Yay! A celebration of socks! I can’t think of anything better this autumn. Thanks so much for organizing this so we sock knitters can feel that great sense of community and share our love of socks.
I’m new at this whole blog thing….how do I download one of those cute buttons?!
Forgive me–I’m a new blogger. I don’t understand how to get a button onto my blog. And I don’t know what it means to steal bandwidth! Help?
I’m also in the “new blogger” catagory and am trying to figure out the button deal. But socks are more important!! I’ll get it somehow!
I’m a new blogger, and not sure how to configure the button thing either!!
Grand and great idea. Let me know if I should supply a few designs as prizes?
i’m very excited to participate in my first socktoberfest! some very happy feet will receive socks for christmas!
Thrilled to have a great excuse to cast on for yet another pair of socks! My very first Socktoberfest!
Upon examining my stash the other day, I was surprised to find several, ok maybe enough sock yarn to knit 5, 6, or even 7 pairs of socks, so joining this will give me the inspiration (kick in the butt) to knit socks for everyone for Christmas, while making room for more sock yarn
It’s a win win.
I’m thinking about a sock marathon… and nothing but socks!
Hi,
I’m loving knitting socks according to Priscilla Gibson-Roberts, and would enjoy sharing the technique. It’s toe up!
I haven’t knitted a pair of socks in about a year so I need to get back at this as they will make wonderful gifts. I also plan to learn to knit 2 at a time. I’m scared but willing. Yip Yip Hurray!!!!!!!!
I have a suggestion for a charity to send socks to: Knitters for Pine Ridge. We collect hand knit and crocheted socks, hats, mittens, etc. to take to the people living on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. It is probably too late to get in on this year’s trip since we leave Oct. 19, but I’ve already started collecting for next year. For more details please visit my blog http://kneedeepinfibers.blog-city.com and click on the Knitters for Pine Ridge button on the right. There is also a Yahoo group you can participate in too. I try to post a free pattern each month and you’re welcome to ask questions and talk knitting! Thanks for considering us!
Lea
Ok, I’m hopelessly stuck on downloading buttons. Can anybody offer a step-by-step for those of us who are stuck on this? Thanks. I don’t want to steal bandwidth.
Linda
I, too, feel like I am giving a snake a bellybutton every time everytime I try to save a button. Perhaps it’s simply an apple problem? Otherwise, it’s off to sock heaven!
Just signed up. This is great … I plan to knit sock for my great-granddaughter. When I knit a pair for me, I have just enough left over for her socks. What a great arrangement, huh?
Yay, I love making socks.
Jo
Just signed myself up..so excited! And a perfect excuse to make myself learn toe-up socks!
I am a 2006 Sockwarrior, and mostly only knit socks anyway. I have some gorgeous silk and merino yarn from KnitPicks that I’m dying to use.
rebecca
fairemaid
Come and see my very first sock. I just finished it!
I am just about to start on the heels of the two toe up socks I am knitting. I discovered that I only needed one ball of sock yarn to make a pair of socks (total newbie right?!? :} ) So I think I will post the extra balls on the Destash blog. Or, maybe I will want two pairs in these colors so they won’t wear out so fast. Naw, I would probably get bored knitting 4 socks in the same yarn.
I am working on knitting socks on 2 circular needles and I’m stuck on picking up the gusset stitches. I’m excited but stuck and need some help. If anyone knows a site that actually shows the process that’s what I need as I’m a visual learner.
Phyllis, I do not know of a site with really good pictures for the gusset stitches but try this site.
http://www.socknitters.com/2circs/index.htm
Hope that helps.
Two good socks down, two bad experiments ready to be frogged, and seven more pairs to go! I LOVE SOX!!!
Bev Love: It depends on the yardage and weight of your yarn, the needle size, and the sock size/length. I can get one sock out of a skein of Patons SWS (my current fetish) which is 110 yds/100 meters/80 gram medium weight soy-wool blend. You may want to hold off on destashing until you’ve finished one sock.
Jeanne Berry: You were right, I will need most of the second skeins to finish these socks. I decided on 3×3 ribbing up the legs and I still have to knit the after thought heels.
Socks are a thrill – a real sense of accomplishment!