I just about cried when I got these in the mail. You see, it's been quite frantic here at Chez Cookie A lately, and just when I thought I was going to cut out most of the things I wanted to do in time for Stitches (I ended up only cutting out a third), the local knitters really came through for me and have helped me out. And not just local knitters, but sample knitters from all over the country. My eyes swelled up when I opened these packages and realized how much work and care has gone into everything, how helpful and supportive everyone has been, and how much it was definitely worth doing despite restless nights and knitting nightmares. You should have seen me hugging all these packages. I wished I could have hugged the knitters themselves, but they were too far away.
These socks are going to be in the Stitches West Fashion Show, believe it or not, and again I wanted them to be knit in yarns that we'll have at the Bay Area Knit Co-op Booth (#732, next to Purlescence, across from Blue Moon Fiber Arts, tucked in the back). First up from Alice are the cabled stockings. If you haven't read Alice's blog, you MUST. She knits the most amazing things. And quilts and does all sorts of highly detailed crafting. For example, check out her work on the Dear Jane quilt.
I'm naming the socks Rhiannon, a good Celtic name because of the Celtic cable that goes down the front center. These puppies involve a lot of cabling, and Alice cranked them out in no time. She is a knitting goddess, no doubt. The yarn is Louet Gems fingering weight Linen Grey.
And then there is this beauty from Aija (aka sockpr0n), the German Stocking knit with Louet Gems fingering weight in Cream. I've really put Aija through hell with various miscalculations and other crap. I'm surprised the poor girl didn't throw down the pattern and sock in disgust and curse me out! So this is a public apology and thank you for Aija. Oh yes, and a plug. If you're visiting the booth, check out her stitch markers, or if you can't there's always her Etsy shop. And a note to myself: Do not try to write patterns when recovering from food poisoning and convincing yourself that the numbers make total sense. They won't. Get some sleep! [That period of time where I wasn't posting much. There was food poisoning. It wasn't pretty.]
I won't be able to make the fashion show myself, but if someone else does, I would love to hear about how it goes (and see a picture or two if they're allowed). I don't have any control over what clothing or shoes are worn with the socks, so I'm curious to find out what is decided.
My gosh. Your socks look amazing! I will definitely be watching for the patterns :)
Posted by: adrienne at February 14, 2007 9:20 AMSee? Now I can say I was in the presence of greatness! It's going to be fantastic, Cookie. Your designs are awesome. (And having seen that first knee sock in person - I cannot WAIT to knit a pair!!)
Posted by: Cara at February 14, 2007 9:42 AMOh wow! They are fabulous. I too will be looking out for these patterns! I was watching Aija's progress on her blog. They look fantastic finished :)
Good Luck at Stitches, I wish I could get but it's way too far. :)
Posted by: gilraen at February 14, 2007 9:42 AMClothes?? Shoes?? They should just carry the legs! It always works for you. :)
Posted by: Sarah at February 14, 2007 9:44 AMHey! You got more legs!
The socks are to die for - anxiously awaiting the patterns, as I won't be able to make the show (from Alaska! Would that I could!) but it's still cold here and they look so warm! Wonderful job, congrats to you and all your helpful sock-knitters!
hooray--the postal system works...sometimes! Hope you have a fabulous time at Stitches--and I can't wait to get my little hands on that the pattern for those cream socks someday.... :)
Posted by: alice at February 14, 2007 9:57 AMYou are fortunate to have such giving and talented friends! I loved both patterns. Genius patterns one more time...
Posted by: Leslie at February 14, 2007 9:58 AMWow, awesome socks! I love love love the knee highs. If you ever need a sample knitter, add me to your list!
Posted by: Bea Apple at February 14, 2007 10:00 AMThey're both fabulous! I especially like the German stocking. You're going to be a hit at the fashion show.
Posted by: Kristy at February 14, 2007 10:02 AMI'm in sock heaven. The Rhiannon pattern is a must for me since that was almost my name. If you can take a pic of all the socks together, you should. That much sock beauty in one place must be recorded for posterity. :)
Posted by: Tasha at February 14, 2007 10:05 AMLove the socks,I wish I could do the try knitting for you. If you are to publish the book on socks ( I think you definately should), I will be the first in line to pre-order it.
Posted by: Ana at February 14, 2007 10:14 AMOh those are beautiful. I haven't seen a sock you've designed that I haven't loved.
Posted by: Trish at February 14, 2007 11:10 AMBrilliant designs, Cookie. And big kudos for the test knitters too - what a FEAT! :) I am the slowest sock knitter. I await the patterns for these - ever since you talked about them in Socktoberfest...
OH! I'm just finishing my first socks. I want learn enough to be able to do something like these someday...
Posted by: debolsillo at February 14, 2007 11:46 AMCool! On the legs!! :)
The 2nd one's finishing up in an hour or so-- should be on its way to you soon :) Congrats on pulling everything together!
Posted by: aija at February 14, 2007 12:01 PMBeautiful, beautiful designs. I'm so happy that it's all coming together for you. I know how long you've been planning this!
Posted by: Janice at February 14, 2007 12:02 PMI can't wait to see all of these in person at Stitches! Your designs are fantastic.
Posted by: Sarah at February 14, 2007 12:21 PMI'm a bit confused here, but will you be selling the pattern for the German Stocking online too? I live in Belgium so no way I can get to the show, but I adore the pattern!
I love all you patterns by the way!
Love!
Posted by: Emily at February 14, 2007 12:42 PMOh my! Rhiannon is stunning! I can't wait to have this pattern available. I would love to knit this for sure!
Posted by: Isela at February 14, 2007 12:58 PMoh my goodness!! they're so gorgeous. see you at stitches :)
Posted by: vanessa at February 14, 2007 1:12 PMThose socks are absolutely stunning! I won't be able to make it to Stitches, I'm in Hawaii. Will these patterns be available online too?
Posted by: Opal at February 14, 2007 1:38 PMI am so in love with the Rhiannon socks! They are amazing. Maybe it's the color...but somehow I think it's the actual sock. lol
Posted by: shadkitty at February 14, 2007 1:40 PMEven though I may never have the patience for a sock like Rhiannon, I totally want to buy that pattern. It's gorgeous.
I am once again glad that I live in SF, and that even though getting to Santa Clara on public transportation is going to be impossible, I'll probably be able to bum a ride off someone so I can stock up on sock patterns. And yarn (cuz, as we all know, sock yarn doesn't count in the Stash-a-thon).
Posted by: Kathryn at February 14, 2007 2:34 PMI also want to know if these patterns will be available online. They are stunning. You are quite talented.
Posted by: Tania at February 14, 2007 2:37 PMCookie, I am making a promise right now that after Stitches, I am buying at least two kits from you. All of those socks are FABULOUS. I'm on a strict no-fiber diet so I can fund my new eyes, but sweet cracker sandwich, I must have those.
Posted by: kristin at February 14, 2007 2:53 PMI love your sock patterns and these are great! I've been deciding whether or not to to Stitches but these patterns might just be worth it!
Posted by: Bee at February 14, 2007 3:11 PMWow, those are some fantastic looking socks! I bet they are super cozy as well. I definitely want to buy the cabled one, but I don't think I will 'crank it out in no time'!
Posted by: Knitography at February 14, 2007 3:20 PMOh Cookie,
That Celtic braided sock is to die for!!! Definitely on my list of extreme wanting!!! The other one is very nice, but not 'me'.
Now searching for a bib to catch the drool!
Gail
Cookie - I'm so thrilled for you. If I can take stealth photos at the show, I will!
Posted by: Juls at February 14, 2007 4:09 PMThese have got to be the most gorgeous knee socks ever!
Posted by: erin at February 14, 2007 5:52 PMI'm a long-time lurker, but I'm delurking to tell you that I will most definitely be ordering Rhiannon as soon as possible. How could I not? :p
Posted by: Rhiannon at February 14, 2007 6:07 PMWow. I am in love with Rhiannon, it is just such an utterly gorgeous sock I can't wait to knit it... if you sell the pattern online of course! Pretty please?
Posted by: not an artist at February 14, 2007 9:14 PMSometimes I really do wish that I lived all the way across the Atlantic, just so I could take part in the awesome knitting related happenings that you have over there. Maybe someday I'll make a trip just for such an occasion. For now, I'll have to admire it all from afar and be jealous. (:
Those socks are seriously awesome. I love your sock designs (I'm knitting Pomatomi at the moment).
Posted by: Pikku-Kettu at February 14, 2007 10:03 PMI love them both. I am all into stockings and hope that you will publish the patterns soon.
Posted by: Ühltje at February 15, 2007 12:30 AMOh! when will these be out! I love them I will have to get them!
Posted by: Lynn at February 15, 2007 5:52 AMyou owe me a keyboard, cookie. i t hink i shorted mine out drooling. t hose are fabulous!
Posted by: minnie at February 15, 2007 7:39 AMWow! Cookie, you've make me disavow my dislike for knitting socks. Please please please put your patterns (Rhiannon! Twisted Flower!) up for saleonline so that "international" (Canadian)folks like me can et our hands on them! Best of luck at Stitches.
Posted by: Emily at February 15, 2007 8:06 AMOMG Those socks are just stunning!!
I wish I could go to Stitches just to see your socks and the fake legs. Lol
Posted by: Pinkwool at February 15, 2007 10:06 AMOMG!! I love these socks! I really love the celtic pattern and braids! I`ve bookmarked your page now so I can come back later!
Posted by: Maggan at February 15, 2007 11:20 AMWow wow wow - both pairs of socks are beautiful. I can't wait for the patterns (especially the Rhiannon). Hope the show goes (went?) well.
SB
These socks are truly amazing! You really should publish a book, I hope your thinking about it. Your socks are beyond fantabulous!
Posted by: Rebekah at February 15, 2007 1:19 PMI MUST get that pattern of Rhiannon!! My husband and father are taking bagpipe lessons and I want to make them kilt hose....these are perfect!! I will not be at Stitches, but will you still be selling the pattern here???? Please say yes...Please say yes!? I will be checking back.
Posted by: Leslie at February 15, 2007 1:33 PMPlease, please, please, say that you're going to be selling these patterns here! Fantastic knee-sock patterns are so hard to come by!
Posted by: Kelly at February 15, 2007 2:09 PMfor the love of all that is holy, I LOVE those socks!!! I said it once before and I'll say it again, Cookie, your sock patterns RULE! I cannot WAIT for these patterns. I love the Rhiannons so much, I may weep!
Posted by: Shannon at February 15, 2007 2:43 PMholy crap cookie. This is where I hang up my needles and never design again. your socks are just sublime.
Posted by: anna at February 15, 2007 2:47 PMI've been thinking about your socks ever since I spyed them on sock prOn. I won't be at STitches West nad I don't know anyone who will--so how else can I get my hot and sweaty hands on your patterns? PS. I think all your free patterns have been awesome, but it also ROCKS that you'll be earning money from your immense talent!
Posted by: Knitting Bandit at February 15, 2007 8:19 PMthese are both just plain beautiful, cookie. please tell me i'm going to be able to buy these patterns even tho stitches is out of my geographical range.
Posted by: carolyn at February 16, 2007 7:04 AMAbsolutely stunning! I look forward to seeing all your amazing socks at Stitches and purchasing some patterns and yarn -- Rhiannon is a must!
Posted by: nona at February 16, 2007 6:36 PMI am knitting these now in JoJo land melody. They are fabulous! I think I will not get bored even though I have never knit a sock this long!lol The melody colorway is perfect as well. I can't wait to get to the cables.
Posted by: leilalu at May 4, 2007 2:33 PM