Oct 01 2007
Socktoberfest
2008 Updates :
Lots of fun planned for this Socktoberfest! We have some tutorials for beginners and experienced sock knitters planned as well as a great new twist from Kirsten at Through the Loops! You have to check it out! Follow the blog coverage here, and don’t forget to check out the Ravelry group and the Flickr photos!
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!
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?
Each year of Socktoberfest is slightly different in scope. Years past have included contests and sock prizes from sponsors. Socktoberfest usually includes interviews with desigers, reviews of sock books and yarns, and links to tutorials and tips that sock knitters and crocheters would find necessary. 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!
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!
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- First post: “What You Make It”
- Sharing Your Sock History questionnaire
- Lolly’s Sock History in “Getting Around To It”
- Socktoberfest Highlights (First Installment)
- Sock Stories in “Metro-sock-ual Chronicles”
- “That Extra Something: Picot Tutorials”
- Socktoberfest Interview with designer and author Nancy Bush
- “Get Shorty: Tutorials for Short-Row Heels”
- Highlights (Second Installment)
- Future Socks: Innovations with Cookie A
- Design Process: Interview with Mona Schmidt
- Socktoberfest Socks Complete: Lace Leaf (Not So) Knee Highs
- Customize: Tutorials for Unique Socks
- Double Time: Tutorials for 2 Socks on 2 Circulars
- Socktoberfest Makes the News!
As if I didn’t have enough crafts getting geared up now that the sun spends less and less time in the sky (and more and more behind the clouds), perhaps I’ll use Socktoberfest to start my very first knitted sock! Enough with the scarves, washcloths, and hats…. it’s time to attempt… A SOCK! (insert triumphant fanfare here)
Sounds like fun to me - I’m in! I want to try out feather and fan socks from the toe up and this is the perfect time to do it.
I did this last year and won a prize…although I never got it…none the less…I won a prize LOL!! So, you can bet your bottom I am doing it again
Marly
I’m in its sounds like fun
This sounds like something I would enjoy, count me in.
Tee
socktoberfest sounds much better than the shorterform - Oktoberfest…really great idea. I will take part perhaps next year..
[...] Socktoberfest [...]
I guess I am in on this one too - anything that helps me diminish my stash of sock yarns has to be a good thing and, as we can’t afford to heat the house this winter we shall be in need of many many warm socks…
Personal goal(s): stashbusting and efficiency, so no challenges other than to knit as many boring stocking stitch socks as I can. I’ll ban the fun stuff for a month and go all practical…
i think i will participate!! i’ve already started a pair. how clever.
I am in! I started a pair of my own design from Cookie A’s sock design class. These are special socks in memory of my Papa and made for my Nana.
I am in! I love Socktoberfest and the motivation to use up some of the sock stash too!
I’m in!
I’m in!! Kym @ stix in the city & I are joining as a “team” to encourage each other!! I need to get my sock knitting mojo back & this seems like an awesome opportunity to do so!
Yes- we are going to have at least one pair between the two of us!!
First sock knitting I’ve done in at least a year, maybe almost two…
[...] where to go from here? Well I will finish the second rainbow sock and then its SOCKTOBERFEST! I am going to make Black Dog Designs Picot Eyelet Socks in the lovely yarn I got recently from [...]
[...] other than sock-centerdness. If you want to read more about how this whole thing works, drop by Lolly’s blog for [...]
[...] Socktoberfest is upon us and it is just what I needed. A little externally applied focus for my knitting to get [...]
My goal is to finish at least one of my three in-progress socks on the needles. In case I finish them all, I have no shortage of sock yarn to start more!
[...] action and share the images online. Drop by the Socktoberfest Ravelry Group, Flickr Group or the Lolly’s blog for more [...]
[...] knitting blogs, October is better known as Socktoberfest - Lolly has been rallying knitters to a month of all things socks for several years. In 2006, socks [...]
I’m in…. I need to get socks done!!!
[...] late August last night. Of course, I am weaving in ends but the socks are done. I am taking part in Socktoberfest but before I can start a new pair of socks, I have to finish at least one other pair that have been [...]
I’m game! This will be my second attempt at socks but hopefully I’ll complete them this time - let the games begin!
[...] didn’t have plans to participate in Socktoberfest this year, but I ran out of yarn on the Baby [...]
[...] did happen over the weekend but I forgot to take pictures of it. I am working on a second sock for Sockoberfest that I need to finish before I can start a new sock. I dug out all of my on the needle sock [...]
[...] can’t wait to get started! Happy Socktoberfest to [...]