Holy crizzap, 37 comments?! I'll try to remember to post more alcholic pictures in the future. :-)
First up in cool knitterly news, Vilma from Finland emailed me about some socks she knit. Look at how awesome they are:
The stitch pattern is the same as the one used in Hedera, but she came up with the pattern independently. I like to think of this as similar to how Newton and Leibniz both independently developed the calculus, but I digress. Her sock is similar, but way cooler than Hedera. First off, it's knit toe up with a heel flap (none of that simple short row stuff for Vilma). Then it has increases and goes up to the knee. I love it!
She wrote out the pattern a while back in Finnish, and now she's even translated to English. It is named Södera which is a combination of "cute" in Finnish and the ending of Hedera. Her free pattern (in English!) is available here.
Up next, K and I have joined Yarn Pr0n Fridays, and what better way to to start this fad than with wonderful yarn handspun just for me? I got my package from HeyJulie and was giddy with excitement! I love pretty packaging.
Look at how pretty this yarn is!!! Sock weight spun on a spindle, no less. I am super impressed. I can not wait to knit up this yarn!!! I need to spend a little bit more time with it to decide what it wants to be. Perhaps something lacy?
A big shout out and heart felt thanks to Julie for the wonderful yarn. It really tickles me to fondle this yarn.
Remember that order of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock I said I was getting? Here's a glimpse of it. These are Black Purl and Turquoise.
And OMG, look what else I got in the mail! (Okay, I technically did not get this in the mail because it went to Kristi, but I got it from her earlier tonight.) Back when Summer Knitty came out (actually technically before, there I go again with technicalities), I fell in love with Aija's RPM pattern and began knitting myself a pair and waxed rhapsodic about the Smiths. Shortly thereafter, Aija held a contest with wonderful yarn prizes, and I commented saying I wished the Smiths records from the RPM picture were up for prizes, despite not having a record player. She then flashed her Smiths vinyl collection, and it is gloriously huge! Well here's what I got in the mail, and let me say that I am really excited that the vinyl is green. I don't know why. I mean, I know why, it's my favorite color, but still somehow this makes me happier than it should, probably because I can't actually play the damn thing.
Side A: Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now / Jeane
Side B: This Charming Man / Hand In Glove
Woohoo! Thanks, Aija aka sockpr0n! Incidentally, have I ever mentioned that I think that is the best blog name ever? Because it is. I am hoping this will help me get off my lazy butt to get a turntable. At the very least, it has gotten me to re-watch my collection of Smiths videos on DVD.
And because this is going to be my longest post ever, let me clarify a few things from the last post. (Nothing like going over previous points to make a post longer.)
How is that sock coming along, hrm? Have I mentioned that I am in love with this sock? The DH should be jealous.
Here are some pictures of the sock on a misshapen leg:
The inner side is plain (because who's going to see that anyway), and the back has a purl line faux seam. For Socktoberfest, I will be interviewing with Lolly and writing up a tutorial with details on how I designed this sock, so stay tuned!
Oh yeah, and for the latest Socktoberfest questions: Where have your handknit socks been? What is the furthest they have travelled?
I have taken my knitting to lots of places!
I knit on some Koigu socks after I was married in Toronto. You can tell they are wedding socks because I still have my French pedicure. Unfortunately, I never took a picture of the finished socks. I am wearing one of them right now. That's right--one. I wear mismatched socks, okay? Got a problem with that?
I made it to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park wearing handknit socks. This picture was taken courtesy of a kind stranger I met on top of Half Dome, and I didn't want to make her feel weird by asking her to take a picture of me with my sock as well. I guess this means I'll have to go back, so I can get a picture of the sock up there.
Wow. Sock Pr0n indeed. I think that Black Purl will be added to my to-buy list.
Now you have me thinking of knee socks.
Posted by: freecia at October 20, 2006 1:14 AMI adore The Smiths! Those new socks are gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.
Posted by: Opal at October 20, 2006 2:46 AMGorgeous socks - I really like the placement of your cable. ps - there are portable turntables about $100 that are decent. Try the Numark brand - that's if you don't want to spend alot. Rare Smiths records? If you go to SF or Berkeley ever, try Amoeba (or lotsa other vinyl sources).
Posted by: Terry at October 20, 2006 5:06 AMKnee socks! Oh, be still, my heart. So, by the time I finish the Finnish socks (sorry, can't help myself), you'll have a pattern up for yours, right?? I must have them. I'm prepared to bribe you with more handspun sock yarn.
Posted by: Gryphon at October 20, 2006 5:33 AMI just found your blog through knitty - yay, someone as obsessed with knitting socks as I am! thanks for the inspiration. I think I'm going to make the red herring socks next.
Also, I work for Lorna's Laces (I am one of the yarn dyers), so thanks for the mention. I don't know if you have used their sock yarn before, but it's my favorite to work with. And I'm not just saying that - though I guess I am a little biased.
Posted by: stefanie at October 20, 2006 5:37 AMI am in love with your sock too! It is terribly exciting, and I am glad to hear you plan to put up a pattern. Why can't I think of things like this?
Posted by: Bex at October 20, 2006 6:03 AMawesome pics! I feel like I can feel the yarn!
and the new socks, the sherbet of yarn as I like to call it, are looking divine.
Posted by: yahaira at October 20, 2006 6:13 AMSo jealous - the yarn, the records, the travel - argh! Seriously, I really love reading you because you create such beautiful things.
Posted by: hillary at October 20, 2006 6:17 AMYou need to get your ass here to take pictures with some cacti and petroglyphs!
Posted by: scout at October 20, 2006 6:25 AMWOW.
I thought I liked the white socks LAST time I saw them! But they are high socks....oh my I love them SO MUCH more now!
I would check at Goodwill and the Salvation Army for good cheap record players. You would be shocked at what is there. Also, you can forrage for some nice sweaters and things to recycle into yarn. :)
I love those socks from Vilma, that bow is too cute. I haven't had luck with the lace pattern in Hedera (but that is ALL lace patterns, so it has nothing to do with you. Just me.) I need to make them, because I love them so much, but I am going to wait until after the stress of Christmas knitting. I should be more zen then.
:)
All I can say is WOW!! to all the socks and yarn and pictures on this post.
Posted by: monica at October 20, 2006 8:01 AMWhat a sock! Just gorgeous. Your socks are much better travelled than I ;)
Posted by: Carol at October 20, 2006 8:02 AMWow, what a delightful post! I love Vilma's take on the Hedera pattern (and especially that picture), I LOVE the white sock and MUST make some, I'm dying of jealousy over that Smiths record (stop me if you think you've heard that one before...)...and the travel pictures rock! Thanks for sharing them!
Posted by: Kate A. at October 20, 2006 8:31 AMWow, what a delightful post! I love Vilma's take on the Hedera pattern (and especially that picture), I LOVE the white sock and MUST make some, I'm dying of jealousy over that Smiths record (stop me if you think you've heard that one before...)...and the travel pictures rock! Thanks for sharing them!
Posted by: [no author] at October 20, 2006 8:32 AMYou weren't kidding about the longest post ever! I must say I'm very curious about the second sock. You should add a link to www.yarnplace.com, because they have an online shop.
Posted by: Margit at October 20, 2006 8:38 AMooooh--I'm totally in love with your new cabled sock, too! :) So pristine, such a gorgeous pattern!
Posted by: alice at October 20, 2006 9:20 AMOh my goodness your socks are amazing. I absolutely adore them.
And your friends socks from Finland are way to cute.
Posted by: Rebekah at October 20, 2006 9:53 AMWow. Your socks have seen more places than mine could ever hope. And that Lorna's? Wonderful.
Posted by: turtlegirl76 at October 20, 2006 10:35 AMI love vilma's socks! The linky isn't working for me though. :(
Did you know that the decorations on the ankles of sock are called clocks? (you probobly did) It dates back the elizabeithan (spelling anyone?) era.
Do you think you can lure me over to the sock side by showing your beautiful motif socks and Vilma's cool socks? You CANNOT! (Gorgeous socks all around -- I am a little jealous).
Posted by: Gina at October 20, 2006 11:46 AMThanks for stopping by the blog! The bear is a keepsake of my girl's "babyhood" and she makes a great hat model. Who knew? And the nostril thing? well let's just say noses are pretty "prominent" in my fam. That's why I cracked up at the "headline" Did I say last time how awesome your stocking is? The more I look at it, the more I love the artistry of it.
Posted by: Carol at October 20, 2006 11:51 AMI love Vilma's lace socks!
I never feel like knitting when I'm drinking for some reason. Perhaps that is why I didn't knit very much this summer, what I call the Summer of Sauvignon Blanc. LOL
Posted by: Nanette at October 20, 2006 12:23 PMThe white sock is so gorgeous... (I'm afraid for myself the day you make it available!) Glad you dig the record :)
Posted by: aija at October 20, 2006 1:46 PMLove the white sock! Wow! Welcome to Yarn Pr0n Fridays!! Gorgeous handspun and LL's too! Thanks for showing the places your socks have been and thanks for stopping by my blog! :)
Posted by: Zonda at October 20, 2006 2:31 PMOkay, now for the longest comment ever! Maybe not....
Anyways, those Södera socks are awesome! I'm going to start those (as soon as I finish the other hundred things I've got on my plate), I want some Knee-high lacy type socks and I LOVE the Hedera socks I have.
The white socks with the motif are GORGEOUS! I'm digging the faux seam line as I was considering doing something similar.
Have I mentioned that I am really feeling depressed that the furthest my socks have been is Maryland? I'm going to hide now. lol
Posted by: shadkitty at October 20, 2006 4:44 PMUmmmm, did you notice that the white sock is on the wrong leg? I realize you probably only have one leg hanging around, but I was relieved to read that the design is supposed to go on the outside of the leg.
Posted by: Judi at October 20, 2006 6:24 PMLoving those white socks, especially the motif at the top of the clock. Reminds me of a peacock feather. Pea-clock socks?
Posted by: Dave at October 20, 2006 6:34 PMIt may have been long but it was a thoroughly enjoyable post! I love the travel photos and am envious of some of the fabulous places you've been!
Posted by: cpurl17 at October 20, 2006 9:00 PMThis was indeed a formidable post. Since you don't have a record player, you could send that EP on to me :) My first introduction to the Smiths was through two of their records that I found at a library sale when I was in high school. Strange place for them to turn up.
I love how you took the simplicity of that white yarn and made it into a really special, intricate sock pattern. I'm excited to read about your design process with them.
Posted by: Jenna at October 20, 2006 10:01 PMaah! i don't knit socks because everyone says it becomes an addiction but all those loooong socks/stockings are like peer pressure. so pretty and...warm...for my long, freezing toes...maybe just one pair?
Posted by: al at October 21, 2006 10:46 AMSo many sexy socks!!! I love the black sock so much - the ribbon on the top is such a nice touch. I am also loving the white hose! I am obsessed with hose... that's what I'm planning to make with my first two skeins of BMFA. Yeah!
Posted by: Alyssa
at October 21, 2006 11:16 AM
Love the white sock! Is all the travel for fun or work? (Or a little of both?)
Posted by: Devorah at October 21, 2006 5:13 PMCookie, my pom..pomm ya know how to spel it - ARE )(*#$)(#*)#(*$ DONE!!! I have been wearing them all day!! (Ok, really from last night when I went to bed, but that is kinda gross!)
http://www.yogaturtle.com/knitatnite/
Posted by: Linda at October 21, 2006 10:15 PMOh how I'd love to be you! Yarn p0rn and socks! Does it get better?
Posted by: AJ at October 22, 2006 12:04 AMThe white sock is fantastic. I want to knit it *right now*! Love it, love it. Great job. Will definitely be checking back for that interview.
Posted by: Faith at October 22, 2006 2:37 AMThat Suomi version of Hedera is absolutely stunning, the thing is, I have just bought yarn to start your original Hedera and not I am puzzeled. I think I ll use the yarn for another pair and will knit the revised version, it does remind me of the new socks in Rowan 40.
You new Fair Island motif looking sock is so gourgeous I cannot look at it, will you make the pattern for it in the future?
Great post Cookie! So much to comment on, where to begin?
-I love that knee sock version of Hedera, I'll be following that link for the pattern.
-The sock p0rn is fantastic. I've got some Black Pearl in my stash, waiting for the right project. The hand spun is yummy!
-I sometimes claim I started knitting to slow down my drinking, after all, you have to put down your project to take a drink. . .but a little stockinette, after a few glasses, there's not too much that can go wrong.
-Your white sock is coming along beautifuly. The purl faux seam is quite sexy, nice touch!
-The Smiths vinyl from Aija is sooooo cooool! I love the green!
-Okay, that's enough from me!
Pure gorgeousness, all of it. Your socks have seen so much. Heck, my socks would just like to see the end - as in, the end of being on the needles.
If I had a turntable, I'd reposses the old Cure album that is hanging out at my parents' house - they can keep the Gloria Estefan, though ;)
Posted by: Wendie at October 22, 2006 6:29 AMLove your white sock!
And thanks for the link to Vilma's. I've been stuck w/wanting to do the Hederas in green, so maybe Vilma's long version will get me out of that rut.
And isn't that Black Purl awesome! I got it myself from one of the online stores w/an Socktoberfest coupon and can't wait to see what you do w/yours.
Posted by: C. at October 22, 2006 2:02 PMTV host Oprah Winfrey gives audience members $1,000 (£526) each to donate to a charitable cause...
Posted by: Seamus Mckay at November 26, 2006 2:58 AM
