EPISODE 86 SHOW NOTES

Episode 86 and I promised a podcast with all the socks I ever knit so here it is (only because the numbers worked out so perfectly!) 40 pairs of socks in 4 years! That’s nearly 80 socks in total! I say nearly because of couple of socks failed and a couple are still in production.

Full details of each pair can be found in these show notes. Enjoy.

Socks 1 | woolly, blue monsters

My first socks.

I had no idea what I was doing nor did I have any idea that DK weight alpaca yarn was probably not the best yarn for the job. They were a big struggle to knit (I used a set of DPNs that I got in a charity shop bundle that was held together with an elastic band) but I do love them and I wear them when it’s particularly cold. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Artesano Hand Painted Alpaca Blend DK (discontinued, they are sadly no longer trading)

Needles: Random DPNs, possibly 2.25mm or possibly not.

Pattern: Basic Boy Socks from a really terrible knitting book by a woman called Jenny Lord.

Socks 2 | should have been the first

I so wish these had been my first socks because the pattern from Sandra is so amazing for a sock knitting novice. The pattern is lovely, and they look great so consequently I have almost worn through the heel! I also washed them too hot which led to felting and speckle dye running. Argh! Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Countess Ablaze The Bluefaced Baron Fingering in the colour Ritual (100% BFL) - same colour and fibre but with added nylon here.

Needles: 2.75mm needles (not totally sure about that, magic loop method.

Pattern: My First Socks from Sandra Paul.

Socks 3 | white wedding

I love them, they were all the rage at the time and a free pattern to boot! I just adore white lacy socks consequently I’ve never even worn them! Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Regia 4ply - 2080 Super White

Needles: 2.25mm needles, magic loop method.

Pattern: Mercury Socks by Kim Drotar

Socks 4 | the beautiful and the stressed

These are from The Knitters Book of Socks which I purchased when I realised I could actually knit socks quite well. These are my first and only toe up socks and I found them a bit of a headache to be honest, although enjoyed the lace pattern a lot! Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Cascade 220 Fingering in Doeskin Heather

Needles: 2.25mm needles, toe up, magic loop method.

Pattern: Buddleia Socks by Marly Bird

Socks 5 | first christmas

These are also from The Knitters Book of Socks and are my first Christmas socks and yarn. I love this lace pattern and would like to make another pair in a solid colour. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Vicki Brown Designs Sock Yarn in Baubles

Needles: 2.25mm needles, short row heel, magic loop method.

Pattern: Hummingbird Socks by Sandi Rosner

Socks 6 | rum punch for kids

These are my first made up, vanilla socks. I cast on 48 stitches, knit for a bit and then used a fish lips kiss heel for the first time. I also love this yarn. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4ply in Rum Paradise

Needles: 2.25mm needles, fish lips kiss heel, magic loop method.

Pattern: None used.

Socks 7 | death star whorls

These are my first design attempt, they went horribly wrong. Ha! The stitch pattern was too tight and so I tried the pattern in two different needle sizes and neither worked. Frogged. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Black Elephant Sock Yarn in Blame Fawkes

Needles: 2.25mm and 2.75mm needles, magic loop method.

Pattern: Designed by me (and never launched because they are awful! nice yarn though)!

Socks 8 | a unicorn disaster

I love this pattern (who doesn’t?) I also loved this yarn right up until the point that I wrecked it with a pink pilot pen. Gah! Nevertheless I have worn them to their natural end (felted, heel worn through) and I will be sad to see them go. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Dance of Unicorns by Hand Drawn Yarn

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: Hermione’s Everyday Socks by Erica Lueder

Socks 9 | dad’s get socks too

Just cast on 72 stitches and let the socks knit themselves (well almost). Fish lips kiss heel and a fix up at a later date, chopping off the original toe and giving them a new jazzy red one instead. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Regia Design Line 4ply in 559 with toes in West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4ply in Cayenne Pepper.

Needles: 2.25mm, fish lips kiss heel, magic loop method.

Pattern: None used

Socks 10 | dotty about socky’s

My first ever successful pattern (it’s not as easy as it looks!) and you can get this for free here (or pay for a pdf version). The pattern comes in three sizes (s, m, l) and in three difference yarn types (hand dyed, commercial sock yarn, striped sock yarn), they are super comfortable. Ravelry notes for these ones can be found here.

Yarn: Aegean Sea by Betsymakes.

Needles: 2.25mm, heel flap and gusset, magic loop method.

Pattern: Dotty Socks by me.

Socks 11 | mum makes socks

Just like socks 9 (dad socks) only this pair are for me. Cast on 64 stitches on 2.25mm needles and let them knit themselves. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Regia Design Line 4ply in Nissedal 3768

Needles: 2.25mm, heel flap and gusset, magic loop method.

Pattern: None used.

Socks 12 | on the underground

Loved them into a tatty state of disrepair! Cast on 64 stitches on 2.5mm needles (which I regret, they are loose) and had problems with the heel, ripped it back so many times but ended up with a light grey fish lips kiss heel that is pretty okay, wear them the most. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Mind The Gap by Trailing Clouds with heel and toe in Drops Fabel, Light Pearl Grey 114.

Needles: 2.5mm, fish lips kiss heel, magic loop method.

Pattern: None used.

Socks 13 | hip hop socks

Beautiful pattern and I must make another pair, for some reason I have never worn them - probably because they are so pretty. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Drops Fabel, Light Pearl Grey 114.

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: Hoppa Socks by Lena Strandberg

Socks 14 | adventurous 2017

Betsy’s first advent socks, she picked a yarn each day in December (without peeking) and this was the fabulous result. Can’t find them though. Grr. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: lots of sock yarn scraps and various minis

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: None used.

Socks 15 | oh you’re very manly

The large sized dotty socks (my free pattern found here) made using commercial sock yarn and worn by the husband an awful lot. Ravelry notes for these ones can be found here.

Yarn: Regia 4ply in Hellgrau Meliert 1991

Needles: 2.25mm, heel flap and gusset, magic loop method.

Pattern: Dotty Socks by me.

Socks 16 | cocktail stripes and dots

The small sized dotty socks (my free pattern found here) made using stripey sock yarn and a favourite of Betsys. Ravelry notes for these ones can be found here.

Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4ply in Rum Paradise and a purple sock yarn that I can’t find the details of, think it might be WYS too.

Needles: 2.25mm, fish lips kiss heel, magic loop method.

Pattern: Dotty Socks by me.

Socks 17 | but I’m a lady

A sample for my second pattern, the open socks, which featured in my Hanging Rock Designs collection vol.1. This pair have the purl break which I then removed from the pattern but they are still super pretty. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Fyberspates Socks Yeah in Ammolite

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: Open Socks by me.

Socks 18 | oui, oui, petite monkey

These were my holiday project in France and they ended up not fitting me (I did not read the recommendation for 2.5mm needles), Betsy loves them though and I adore the stitch pattern. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Not too sure, it was gifted and might be Malabrigo Sock but also might not.

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: Monkey Socks by Cookie A

Socks 19 | wish you weren’t so ugly

A second sample for my open socks pattern. This pair don’t have the purl break but are made on 2.5mm needles and so a bit big. Also they are super ugly because this yarn doesn’t go so well with this pattern. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Cosmic Strings Sock Yarn in Peony

Needles: 2.5mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: Open Socks by me.

Socks 20 | we used to be best friends

Argh, I love these and I bloody felted them right after feeling pleased with myself about them (pride comes before a fall y’all). Used the mystery purple yarn that I can’t identify again for the heels and toes. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Sirdar Heart & Sole in Hello Cheeky (found some, can’t believe it) with toe and heel in the mystery purple sock yarn.

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: None used.

Socks 21 | I covet thee

These are for Darren but I wish they were for me and now Regia have discontinued this line from their Pairfect range so darn it. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Regia Pairfect 4ply in Cinnamon (discontinued)

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: None used.

Socks 22 | ho ho ho, no no no

A third sample for my open socks pattern. This pair are also ugly (the pattern just does not do well with speckled or variegated yarn). Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Not sure, a Christmas yarn that I randomly purchased (I must stop buying Christmas yarn)!

Needles: 2.5mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: Open Socks by me.

Socks 23 | magic wands

A sample for my wands socks pattern. These are the first in my tarot series, all being made with the lovely woolly Drops Nord (I love it). Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Drops Nord in Powder Pink (12)

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: Wands Socks by me

Socks 24 | adventurous 2018

Betsy’s second advent socks, she picked a yarn each day in December (without peeking) and this was the fabulous result. Didn’t sew my ends in very well though so this pair look very tatty. Grr. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: lots of sock yarn scraps and various minis

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: None used.

Socks 25 | super lady socks

A sample for my Mayura socks pattern from the second volume of Hanging Rock Designs. These are the prettiest socks ever and of course that means that I’ve never worn them. Gah! Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Crafternoon Treats Poldale in Vintage Lace

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: Mayura Socks by me

Socks 26 | a hole in one

Tried using non-sock yarn to make socks for the second time (see socks 1) and this time it didn’t work out so well. They have a hole in the toe already and I only wore them once or twice. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed in Frozen

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: Duckies Socks by Samantha Hayes

Socks 27 | my best friend’s a castaway

Love these for the summertime, the sock set from Biffsugar is one of my favourites ever and I love the simple pattern from Sam (Betsymakes) - must make a pair for myself now. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Castaway Sock Set by Biffsugar Yarns

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: True Friends Ankle Socks by Samantha Roberts (Betsymakes)

Socks 28 | love island

This gorgeous mini set from Alison at Biffsugar Yarns deserved a pattern all of it’s own. Free version available here. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Love Island Mini Set from Biffsugar Yarns

Needles: 2.5mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: Love Island Socks by me.

Socks 29 | don’t know what happened

I don’t know, I honestly don’t know what happened with these, they have a lovely pattern on them and the yarn from Mr Birdstreet is divine. I’m hoping to revive them and launch the pattern soon. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Legwarmers by Birdstreet UK

Needles: 2.5mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: Soon to be launched by me (maybe).

Socks 30 | finally got around to crochet

How did it take me this long to crochet some socks? I love them and Clarisabeth’s pattern is wonderful and easy to follow. They are more slipper than sock but super comfortable all the same. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Cascade Heritage in Garnet Red and Strawberry Cream

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: Vintage Waves Socks by CrochetCakes

Socks 31 | they will be frogged

They were meant to be for Darren except for the fact I was using the dreaded Rowan Felted Tweed (see socks 26). This yarn is amazing but Not. For. Socks. Emma. They will be frogged. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed in Seafarer and Barn Red

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: None used.

Socks 32 | rockin’ robins

Love these Christmas socks using West Yorkshire Spinners Robin colourway. Used WYS Turmeric for the cuffs, heels and toes and love the result so much. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4ply in Robin and Turmeric

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: None used.

Socks 33 | kids only socks

Regia for kids!! How awesome, I love these socks for Betsy much more than she does, apparently they aren’t pink enough! Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Regia for Kids in Hilde 2983

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: None used.

Socks 34 | jewels for hooves

Christmas socks for Darren that took me until way after Easter to finish. Ha! This Kaffe Fassett yarn works up lovely with the different sized stripes and I probably would have had enough to do the toes but didn’t want to risk it. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Regia Design Line in Jewel (3773) and that mystery purple yarn (again)!

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: None used.

Socks 35 | jingle all the way

I wish I’d used a nice burgundy colour for the cuffs, heels and toes because I find these socks a bit ugly even though I think the yarn is pretty. But, they washed super well and now they are my favourite, wearing them an awful lot right now. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Christmas yarn 2019 from Stitchers Tees

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: None used.

Socks 36 | a foggy cup of tea

First sample of my cups sock pattern, the second in my tarot series of socks for 2020. The rib pattern on these is super pretty and stretchy. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Drops Nord in Fog

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: Cups Socks by me.

Socks 37 | a cup of stripes

Second sample of my cups socks and I think I prefer them in stripes. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Drops Nord in Deep Ocean Mix plus a random peachy hand dyed yarn

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: Cups Socks by me.

Socks 38 | not car socks

Another pair of Regia Pairfect socks, this pair had to be chopped about a bit to work for me but now they’re finished I love them. Ravelry notes can be found here.

Yarn: Regia Pairfect Design Line in Astrup (9094)

Needles: 2.25mm, magic loop method.

Pattern: None used.