February 25, 2009
Contest Winners and Sock Patterns
Thank you for all of your wonderful comments for this month’s blog contest! It has been so fun to read them. (And yes, I do read all of them. I still freak some of you out when I email you back about a blog comment – like you think I don’t read them or something. I promise, I do, and I love that you all take the time to read and comment!) We have three randomly drawn winners from the contest: Doris in MD, Didi in CA and Karen in MN. Your prizes will ship out tomorrow!
I finished my Brooklyn Handspun sock this week and I like the color – Aquatic. This is done up in Wendy’s S(p)ocks pattern – very easy to memorize and knit up, so it goes quickly. It did get me to thinking about my favorite sock patterns and made me wonder what your favorite sock patterns might be. Typically I like to do different patterns (thus the problem with single socks) but there are some patterns that I like the looks of so much that I know I’ll be making them several different times. One of 
those is Debbie O’Neil’s Celebratory Chevron Socks pattern. She designed this for our first year anniversary and it’s now available as a free download from the Free Patterns link here on my blog. (There are some very fun patterns there – I hope you’ve downloaded and used many of them.) I used the Celebratory Chevron pattern on The Alpaca Yarn Co. Paca Peds (shown here in the Fireside colorway). This is really pretty yarn when knit up, and it’s wonderfully warm as well. 
I love the new colors they have recently come out with. (Anyone else notice that their Vampire Kiss looks a lot like “Loopified” from our Second Anniversary Kit? Great combination of colors.) The other pattern that I had fun knitting and will do again just because I think it turns out so pretty – Meida’s Socks from Nancy Bush’s Favorite Socks book. I knit these with Louet Sport in the Sage colorway and added in a couple of extra repeats on the cuff to make them taller. I have decided that a lot of the single socks that I did for our display here at Loopy Central, can now be made into pairs. Enough time has lapsed that I’m ready and looking forward to doing those patterns again on the second sock. Maybe I’ll put that on my Spring Break schedule.
So leave a comment and tell me which sock patterns you like well enough to do more than once. Or do you seldom knit the same thing twice?
Sheri it’sbeautifuland61degreesheretoday.Timetogoforawalk.
- interesting
- educational
- funny
- agree
- disagree
- love
Debra I said,
February 25, 2009 @ 1:10 pm
Hi, everyone! I haven’t knit a sock cuff down yet, and my foot is long, so I prefer some patterning on the top of the foot to break up the desert between toe and heel. I’ve used Wendy’s feather & fan sock twice (before I discovered patterning on the top of the foot) and then used her Eyelet Rib Toe-Up sock pattern twice. I’m looking forward to investigating Cat Bordhi’s sock architectures this spring!
Cheers!
(It’s misting in the San Francisco Bay Area today.)
Polly said,
February 25, 2009 @ 1:16 pm
I almost always knit a pattern more than once; don’t know why I do that….I’ve knit Anne Hanson’s gridiron now three times, charade 6 (?) times, bloody mary 4 times, spring forward 3 times, and so on. I get in the rhythm of the pattern and don’t want to stop ….
Timmie B said,
February 25, 2009 @ 1:20 pm
So far the pattern that I’ve used more than once is WendyKnits Generic Toe up with slip stitch heel. I basically like to do different patterns for each pair. I love Wendy’s patterns so I suspect if I make any “fancy” pattern more than once, it’ll be one of hers. I’m just working to make them all the first time.
It’s warm here today too and gonna be warmer tomorrow.
Frances said,
February 25, 2009 @ 1:22 pm
I rarely knit both, but there are some patterns I want to like Monkeys, spring forward, dragon dance (Jan 08 BMFA club pattern), Holidazed, and Brainless. Then there are some more complicated patterns that I love and are very pretty, but I really have to take a break after knitting the first one, like Mingus.
Mandi said,
February 25, 2009 @ 1:25 pm
It’s cliche almost, but I’ve knit Monkeys several times and I never seem to get tired of them!
Denise said,
February 25, 2009 @ 1:37 pm
I’ve done 2 pairs of monkeys and loved them both. I can see myself knitting them again. My mother has requested I knit her a pair of socks identical in pattern and color to ones I alreeady knit, but I am not quite ready to repeat it yet, although I did love it the first time around and wear them constantly.
Michele in Maine said,
February 25, 2009 @ 1:38 pm
I like Monkeys, Spring Forward, Thuja and my new fav is Wendy’s plain vanilla toe-up with slip stitched heel.
61 degrees??? Wow. Heat wave!
Tabby said,
February 25, 2009 @ 1:46 pm
I haven’t done any sock pattern more than once, unless you count my monkeys–but even then, I did one with purls and one without. I’ve done a couple of mindless stockinette pairs, though. Most of my knitting time is interrupted by small kids, so plain vanilla is my go-to project! Can’t wait to try some of the aforementioned WendyKnits patterns, though–they’re all so pretty….
Angie said,
February 25, 2009 @ 1:49 pm
I’ve never done a designer’s pattern more than once. Too many pretty socks out there to explore…I like a litte variety in my life. But, for a simple go-to sock, you can’t beat a 2×2 ribbing. Looks pretty and allows the yarn to show off it’s colors.
Victoria said,
February 25, 2009 @ 1:59 pm
There’ve been times when I’ve planned to use the same sock pattern again, but always end up changing something. I love that socks can be very mix and match; you can use that cuff, and that leg, with a plain foot and a star toe. It makes for some fun variety. So while I’ll rarely use the exact same pattern twice, I’ll definitely use pieces of a favorite pattern. (I went through a serious 1×1 twisted rib cuff phase…)
Could you send us a little of that 61 degrees to WI? I’ll settle for some Loopy Kisses.
Barbara in NH said,
February 25, 2009 @ 2:02 pm
My favorite sock designer is Adrienne Fong – I’ve knit several of her patterns more than once and never get tired of them. My alltime favorite sock is Adrienne’s Margaritaville pattern – isn’t it gorgeous? http://www.ravelry.com/projects/BionicKnitter/margaritaville
Debbie O. is another favorite designer with fun patterns – I can’t wait to knit the Celebration sock – thanks for posting it!
And of course, Monkey socks.
Kjirsten said,
February 25, 2009 @ 2:03 pm
My favorite sock pattern of all time is Loksins from Cassandra at the Too Much Wool blog. I like to add a picot edge to the cuff of my Loksins…I have knit this pattern several times for gifts and every pair has been beautiful. It’s easy to memorize, quick to knit, and the end product looks like it was complicated.
Other than Loksins, I have so many sock patterns that I want to knit, that I usually have trouble repeating them. I love anything and everything by Nancy Bush!
Enjoy the nice day!!
Ali said,
February 25, 2009 @ 2:09 pm
I’ve knit Monkey twice, but I’m more faithful to a set of component parts: An Easy Toe, the Sherman heel, and a roll brim cuff. I just slot in a panel or two of something I like the look of from another pattern. I’m a stickler for mirrored patterns on socks so they’re never identical copies of each other. One will have the pattern offset by a half repeat to the other, or the cables go inwards on one and outwards on the other, or I mirrored the lace panel.
I rarely go back, there’s always something new to learn!
Kat Jorgensen said,
February 25, 2009 @ 2:14 pm
Add me to those who have knit Monkey socks multiple times. Usually, I only knit one pair of socks per pattern. I love collecting sock patterns and there are just so many that I want to make. But I’ve got to say, I always get a lot of complimnets on the Monkeys. Plus they fit well.
Ruth said,
February 25, 2009 @ 2:19 pm
So far, I haven’t knitted any sock patterns twice. I am tempted sometimes; but, there is always something new to lure me away.
And speaking of lure, I participated in the first DIC sweater KAL and I am now obsessed with sweaters. My sock stash is looking at me with glaring eyes–well it would be if it had eyes anyway. I’m about 2/3 of the way finished on my fourth sweater now! (counting the DIC KAL one). Very cool.
Sue said,
February 25, 2009 @ 2:43 pm
I have millions of sock patterns and intend to do each and every one–still, I have my tried and trues: Monkeys (I knit my first pair for my Loopy swap partner last year and 2 more pairs since then) and baby cable (mock cable) from Sensational Knitted Socks. I agree with Angie, though, and as one who loves sKnitches Syncopation–it’s hard to beat a basic 2×2 rib to show off the yarn (or in the case of my current Syncopation wip, 3×2 rib). I’m eager to test some of the patterrns from the new (sort of) Knittng Socks with Handpainted Yarn by Carol Sulcoski.
LittleWit said,
February 25, 2009 @ 2:49 pm
I have made a few of Ann Budd’s On Your Toes Socks and I think there are some more in my future.
Lou said,
February 25, 2009 @ 2:57 pm
Aside from knitting the basic sock a few times, I haven’t really repeated a pattern yet, though I’m pretty sure I’ll be knitting another pair or so of Monkeys, Jay Walkers, and probably Leyburns (looks very cool in handpainted yarn).
Bonnie said,
February 25, 2009 @ 3:04 pm
I’ve done Pomatomous twice and could imagine doing it again. I’ve done Penllyn twice. When this happens it’s usually one pair for me and one for a gift. Oh, I’ve done Hanauma a couple of times, once alternating Noro with a cream colored solid, which turned out gorgeous.
Barb said,
February 25, 2009 @ 3:25 pm
I’ve done a few pairs of Monkey socks, which is a fun pattern and keeps me interested. I’ve tried a few times to do Jaywalkers, but never finished. I’m not sure if that’s the yarn I chose or just that the pattern doesn’t engage me. Probably the most common pattern I do is a variety on the good old K2,P2 cuff down sock. I do K2, P2, Twist2, P2. Looks great in handpainted yarn – I made my first pair of Franks in ShiBui this way, and makes great men’s socks in solid colors, for a hubby who’s a bit color-shy, especially with socks. It’s easy enough for movie knitting, but I have to pay enough attention to keep from getting bored.
Allison said,
February 25, 2009 @ 3:26 pm
I’ve done Wendy’s slip stitch heel on a lot of patterns-does that count? And I’ve made two pairs of Monkeys (I will definitely make more!). I’m not into redoing patterns, but I have considered making Pomatomous again because I loved it so much!
Wendy in Cambridge said,
February 25, 2009 @ 3:30 pm
Another knitter who has made multiple Monkeys! I love plain vanilla socks as well–perfect for tv watching. I’m going to try Papaver Soks next. There are just so many gorgeous sock patterns!
Robin said,
February 25, 2009 @ 3:35 pm
I think the only pattern I have done more than once is Monkey. I do want to make another pair of the Swirl Socks from last years sock club. I loved how that sock turned out. Maybe it had something to do with the amazing Cherry Tree Hill yarn. I am not sure. There are lots of patterns I want to make and will probably at some point make some of them more than once.
Erika said,
February 25, 2009 @ 3:45 pm
Sheri your socks are gorgeous but especially the Paca Peds…Holy SMOKES as my Dad used to say. I loved Cat Bordhi’s Bartholomew’s Tantalizing Socks and can’t wait to do that again. I will knit Mona Schmidt’s Embossed Leaves Socks again hopefully many times simply because it is so well designed with some really clever details. Also, Evelyn Clark’s Raindrop Lace Socks. I changed the number of repeats on that one of the two times I knit it (adding more) and it was fantastic…with that mod that would be especially good for very fine fingering weights like the Loopy Legends. So many sock patterns, so little time. And 120 degree summers in Arizona when one cannot really wear them. Sigh.
Linda said,
February 25, 2009 @ 4:14 pm
I often knit a pair then turn around and knit another pair, different colourway, same yarn. I don’t know why. It feels more mindless the second time around and I enjoy that. If I’ve bought the pattern, I can kid myself I’m being frugal!
BethC said,
February 25, 2009 @ 4:21 pm
I love wearing my Rattlesnake Creek socks so I’m thinking about another pair of those, but there are so many other great patterns out there I’m not sure I’ll ever get to it!
Cheryl said,
February 25, 2009 @ 4:33 pm
I have knit Monkeys 6 times and Vogons 4 times, I love them both so much!!! There are so many wonderful patterns it is hard though.
Karen said,
February 25, 2009 @ 4:35 pm
I love Wendy’s patterns as they are so very easy to follow. I’ve also been making up my own patterns here and there as well. Must learn to branch out and must learn to convert top down to toe up
Cin said,
February 25, 2009 @ 4:38 pm
I like how my RPMs enough that I would definitely do them again, and I really liked doing my Carolina socks (though I forgot to get a picture of them before they went to the recipient). Usually, though, I just knit the same basic sock pattern over and over again. The question is, would I knit with the same yarn* again? There are so many lovely dyers/colorways that I have a hard time imagining using the same one twice!
*I mean yarn/colorway combination when I say yarn – there are a number of dyers I’ll do a few repeats on!
karen (morsecode on ravelry) said,
February 25, 2009 @ 4:45 pm
I haven’t been knitting all that long so I haven’t down much in the way of repeating projects, but I am knitting myself a pair of socks that are just like the ones I knit for my Loopy swap partner (just a different colorway). Bartholomew’s Tantalizing socks from “New Pathways…” by Cat Bordhi in Handmaiden Casbah (my partners were in Autumn, mine are in Masala), which is an absolutely scrumptious yarn.
Barbara said,
February 25, 2009 @ 4:58 pm
I love my monkey socks and there is a lace pattern that I use a lot that I really
like. I like to try new patterns. There is a cable pattern that I make a lot for
gifts. There is a new knitting magazine on line called knitting notions (I think)
and I am making a free pattern from there for my cousin. It was written by
a 16 year old girl. I still continue to look for something new all the time.
I am always looking for a new men’s sock pattern. Ann Hanson has several.
Your socks look great. I have a chevron pattern that I have made twice
from one of the sock books. As an old standby I make knit 4 purl 1 for men’s
socks.
Sarah R said,
February 25, 2009 @ 5:02 pm
Love your socks, Sheri!
I’ve knit fewer than 10 pairs of socks and am really only now getting into knitting more than just basic stockinette socks. I’m planning for a long weekend away and thinking of taking something a little more challenging as my travel sock. And I really want to make a pair of Monkeys. I hear they are very addictive.
sarah said,
February 25, 2009 @ 5:09 pm
I rarely knit the same pattern twice. I tend to get bored with doing the same thing. But I do tweak pattern at times that I like to create new designs off the original patterns.
I am a top down, two socks at once knitter and knit socks almost exclusively. I love projects that don’t take up much space, travel well, and don’t give me time to get bored with them before they are done.
Nancy said,
February 25, 2009 @ 5:20 pm
Monkey socks are the only ones I’ve done more than once so far. They are a quick, fun knit and very attractive. I’m sure I’ll do Spring Forward again for the same reason!
noallatin said,
February 25, 2009 @ 5:28 pm
I plan to knit another pair of the “I Love Gansey” socks by Janine Le Cras. The pattern is easy to memorise.
Bonney said,
February 25, 2009 @ 5:34 pm
I’ve made monkey socks more than once. I LOVE to make my patterns more than once. The second time is so easy.
Laurie said,
February 25, 2009 @ 5:47 pm
I am another one who has a MILLION sock patterns, but unlike most sock knitters, I have never made Monkeys! I am working on some Toe Jams socks in the Manhattan pattern, and I think that is definitely one I am going to make again! About as easy as plain ol’ ribs, but much more interesting!
Lyn said,
February 25, 2009 @ 5:48 pm
My favorite right now is the no purl version of Cookie A’s Monkey Sock pattern. I also continue to go back to the first pattern I made which is the Blueberry Waffle sock.
Janet said,
February 25, 2009 @ 5:49 pm
Embossed Leaves socks is my favorite pattern. I’ve made three pairs and plan to make several more. I just don’t get tired of that one. I loved knitting my Monkeys, but they don’t fit me well at all, so I probably won’t be making them again. The cuff is too slouchy. I really prefer a pattern with some ribbing to make them stay up well. Trystero by Cookie A is another I will knit again. It is a good looking and well fitting sock.
hillis said,
February 25, 2009 @ 6:21 pm
I love to knit socks two at a time but never use the same pattern twice. I am also thinking of my next sock pattern while working on the first. I usually have all my sock yarn sitting beside so I keep planning my next projects, pattern and yarn color. Very addicted to socks and felting.
Cyndy Caron said,
February 25, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
The Broadripple pattern from Knitty !
Janice said,
February 25, 2009 @ 7:38 pm
Cookie A’s Monkey Socks are a pattern I find very appealing. They’re easy to memorize, look great in both solid and handpainted yarns, and have enough going on to be fun but not require super-concentration. I like the purl version better than the purl-less but they’re both nice. Oddly enough, I don’t like the JayWalker socks. They look great but I absolutely hated knitting them and I can’t for the life of me figure out why, since they have all the attributes of the Monkeys, but there it is.
Wannietta said,
February 25, 2009 @ 7:46 pm
For my socks I keep going back to my old stand by – stockinette. I love Cookie A’s patterns & the geek in me is utterly enthralled by Cat Bhordi’s sock book but with all of the complicated and deadlined other knitting that I have socks are a mindless haven for me.
Gina said,
February 25, 2009 @ 8:40 pm
I seldom knit the same thing twice….and 61 degrees???? Thanks for rubbing it in…still way too cold here in CT…but I did get a new job today!!!!
Susan said,
February 25, 2009 @ 8:57 pm
Thujas! Love that pattern, especially for guy socks. Have done it several times in different weights. Got 2 on the needles right now. So much to knit, so little time.
Gini said,
February 25, 2009 @ 10:02 pm
I have not been knitting socks all that long and I feel real dumb here— what is a Monkey Sock????????????? I knit all my socks by magic loop and I love it!!!! 2×2 rib is great, I do the same sock pattern over and over so this monkey sock does sound intriguing….
MissyT (on Ravelry) said,
February 25, 2009 @ 11:09 pm
I usually don’t knit the same thing twice, but just recently finished a pair of Monkey socks by Cookie A, and I would definitely knit them again. The pattern was easy to memorize, but looks great. It probably helps that I used Casbah sock yarn – I love that yarn – my new favorite!! We’ve had warm weather here in Utah as well. I was so glad I had a meeting in another building and that it was several buildings away so I could walk and enjoy the weather!
turtle said,
February 25, 2009 @ 11:34 pm
am i the lone cuff down knitter? I just am SLOW on toe up’s for some reason! the socks look great, and congrats lady winners!
Angela said,
February 25, 2009 @ 11:39 pm
I love trying new patterns and rarely knit the same pattern twice, with the exception of Monkey by Cookie A. It is my “go-to” pattern. I’ve probably done 5-6 monkeys. There are just so many great patterns to choose from. And I rarely buy a pattern, because there are so many great free ones out there. I have knitted almost every sock pattern on the free pattern page of TLE. They’re all great. I’ve even made several pairs of Baby Monkeys.
ikkinlala said,
February 25, 2009 @ 11:50 pm
I’ve knit several patterns more than once, but the only pattern I’ve knit more than three times so far is Thuja. I like the pattern, and the heavier yarn means it’s great for winter work socks to go in boots. A lot of the pretty and interesting patterns would be uncomfortable if made with a heavy yarn, I think.
Jennifer said,
February 26, 2009 @ 1:56 am
Hi Sherri-
I love reading your blog, but your feed isn’t updating in bloglines. It shows that you last updated on Feb. 9. I realized I hadn’t had any Loopy News lately and came over to check.
Perhaps I’m the only one, but I’m guessing not. Just thought you might want to know!
And I like Hello Yarn’s basic Picot sock pattern. Love that little top detailing!
Nikki said,
February 26, 2009 @ 2:02 am
For the most part I knit the pair of socks and then knit another pair soon after “tweaking” the pattern a bit and using a different kind yarn and a different or color. After I have done one pair I have pretty much memorized the pattern and feel comfortable experimenting. Even a more complicated pattern can become relaxing when I knit it. My favorite patterns to knit have been:
Twisted Hourglass Socks by Robin Griffiths &
Cozy Cable Socks by Terry Morris
WiscJennyAnn said,
February 26, 2009 @ 4:45 am
I rarely knit something more than once but def on the list of multiple knits are Charades– they just fit me incredibly well! And maybe someday Holidazed (Ann Hanson) will make it into the multiple knit group. I have knit Monkeys more than once, but I don’t like them very much– I’m going to start getting hate mail now
Jane said,
February 26, 2009 @ 8:26 am
The only pattern I keep coming back to is Diagonal Rib Socks by Ann Budd – it looks good in any yarn and while a tight knit, seems to fit anyone.
Crystal said,
February 26, 2009 @ 9:04 am
I love Monkeys, No Purl Monkeys, Jaywalkers, Serendipity, and sometimes just a plain sock knit from the top down.
Wendy said,
February 26, 2009 @ 9:09 am
I very seldom knit the same sock design twice, but that’s because I’m designing them. And at any given time I’ve got at least 75 sock designs charted out, in varying stages of completion!
Scary, huh?
Becky said,
February 26, 2009 @ 9:34 am
I don’t like to knit the same thing more than once. That said, I have a generic 2×2 rib sock pattern that I’ve cobbled together and when a sock yarn is too busy for a pattern, I use the generic pattern to show off the yarn.
Jessi said,
February 26, 2009 @ 9:35 am
At this point I have never done the same sock pattern twice. But- I’ve only made 8 pairs. However,I think it will be awhile before I do because it’s so much fun to do a new pattern each time.
Steph said,
February 26, 2009 @ 10:02 am
I don’t often knit the same thing twice….and if I did I’m sure I’d change something! I really love my Bayerische socks, and that was a fun knit.
But there are so many interesting patterns that I want to knit…..
Amy said,
February 26, 2009 @ 10:04 am
River Rapids Socks by Sock Bug are great – easy to memorize and they look complicated like they were cabled, but they aren’t! I’ve made 2 pairs and the recipients were very happy with them.
I would also 2nd someone else’s comment about Loksins – I loved making that pattern and plan on doing it again.
Stephanie said,
February 26, 2009 @ 10:31 am
I will agree with the Embossed Leaves socks- the pattern is interesting enough to always keep my attention, not so complicated I want to throw a sock across the room every 10 minutes, and looks fantastic when finished!
Kristi ~ Ohio said,
February 26, 2009 @ 11:16 am
The sock pattern I keep going to is Wendy’s Temptation Sock pattern (5 or 6 pair…so far.) My husband and son both love the fit, heel, toe, etc. Mostly the fit…they both wear size 12. Great pattern.
Genny said,
February 26, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
I adore the Monkey pattern. It’s entertaining but easy to memorize and fits my flat feet and abnormally skinny ankles like a glove. I love Monkeys. I’ve knit 4 pairs and plan many more! I have a sneaking suspicion that once I’ve tried the Spring Forward pattern from Knitty it’ll be added to my list of repeatables.
Other than that? Cuff-down, an inch of 1×1 ribbing, then plain stockinette with a flap heel.
Seanna Lea said,
February 26, 2009 @ 12:21 pm
I have made 2 rib and cable socks and at least 2 monkey socks. I find that I’m much more likely to make a second copy of something if it is an accessory. That said, I could probably make a second Tangled Yoke, because I love my first one so much!
Karen M said,
February 26, 2009 @ 12:43 pm
I think the only sock pattern I’ve knit more than once is the basic knit sock. I do love textured patterns (and cables…lace…ribs…), which means a lot of variety (and there are so many choices that you wouldn’t have to repeat any). And of course, using the same pattern multiple times requires making the first one (which I seem to have trouble doing lately).
Dr. Jackie said,
February 26, 2009 @ 1:05 pm
No question. My favorite is always the one I am going to knit NEXT!
The only one I knit more than once is “plain vanilla”. Yup, 64 sts, stockinette. I use it when the yarn is just so beautiful on its own that it would be a shame to muck it up with some complicated texture/lace.
SarahJ said,
February 26, 2009 @ 2:25 pm
I’ve knit Monkeys, Jaywalkers, and the Gentleman’s Plain Winter Sock (from “Knitting Vintage Socks”) several times each. I think I have them all memorized by now!
Theresa in Italy said,
February 26, 2009 @ 3:18 pm
I’m pretty happy with any of Wendy’s toe-up patterns myself (long feet, you know) but I don’t think I’ve ever repeated any pattern. So many gorgeous sock patterns, so little time!
Doris said,
February 26, 2009 @ 5:07 pm
So far I haven’t knitted any pattern more than once, other than a generic 2 X 2 rib over 60 or 72 stitches. There are so many great looking patterns, but often my sock knitting needs to be a bit mindless, as I take it along and sometimes can’t be really counting, etc. And thanks again in advance for my prize!
Susan-a-Buffalo-Gal said,
February 26, 2009 @ 5:18 pm
I love the blue-green Louet sock. Tis beautiful. I have that patern too and like it a great deal but my socks do not come out as perfect as yours. So…..I’ll keep on practicing.
Lyn said,
February 26, 2009 @ 6:16 pm
I have never knit the same pattern twice until now! I’m currently knitting my second pair of the Brainless sock pattern by Yarnissima. It’s simple yet elegant and I love the little side cable.
Lynne E. said,
February 26, 2009 @ 7:58 pm
Oh, Sheri! Surely you have better things to do than make those second socks. Have you considered that if you overcome your “second sock syndrome”, then Loopy may have to start wearing two pairs of MATCHING socks? Perish the thought!
One pattern that I’ve knit three times, and will knit again, is Rainbow Socks, by Susanne Kitzmann. The pattern, which is available as a free download from Ravelry or her website, uses short rows to break up handpainted yarn sequences that pool or stripe in unpleasant (to the knitter) ways. It requires a little more attention than an ordinary plain or ribbed sock, but less attention than a lace or Fair Isle sock.
Also, I really like Monica Jines’ Swirls pattern, which is incredibly fast to knit, and very pleasantly repetitive. Perhaps you should bring this one back to TLE, which is where I got it!
Sarah (potterknitter) said,
February 26, 2009 @ 8:50 pm
I hardly ever to a sock pattern more than once, there’s just too many to try out. That doesn’t mean I don’t do plain ones though, got to have a good mindless pair going at all times.
liz said,
February 27, 2009 @ 9:09 am
I knit most sock patterns twice. I think it’s because at that point, I have the pattern memorized, so it’s easy and relaxing. Plus, I love seeing how the same pattern behaves in different yarns, colorways, etc. The knitting is the same but the finished product can be soooo different!
Bonnie said,
February 27, 2009 @ 12:26 pm
I have knit a basic Ann Norling pattern well over 150 times because it is easily memorized and looks great in every hand dyed skein of yarn I have used. It is my take along to swim meets, music lessons, concerts, etc. It can be set down after any stitch and easily resumed after whatever needed tending got finished. I can add any pattern in the leg or instep that divides evenly into the stitch count I selected that day. The personal variations are endless. I should mention that I have knit well over 200 pairs in the last eight years all because my older child did not like the feel of seams in her sock toes. =) I can go out the door with take along knitting simply by grabbing one skein of yarn and the appropriate size of double points. Nothing else required…..
yvonnep said,
February 28, 2009 @ 3:46 am
So far, the Monkeys are the only ones I knitted twice.
Julianne B said,
February 28, 2009 @ 11:06 am
I am a pretty new sock knitter, I have knitted 5 pairs?? And I am the classic Franken-knitter… I take any part of socks I find easy or love and couple that with parts I know how to do already… like, I LOVE the toe up method.. I have many, many patterns that are piling up, I plan on flipping all the cuff downs, to toe ups… I often switch out complicated heels for Wendy’s easy K1, M1 heels… i can’t seem to master the W&T heels… never done a heel flap, even though I understand why and how to do it… I have improvised ALL my socks so far, made my own designs depending on my moods, and the ONLY sock I have knitted all the way through is Tangled Fairies-they look great and came out fitting terrific. I have knitted a pair for my DD ( too itchy,mom) and a pair for my DH ( how did I get a hole in the TOP of my sock), so I don’t think they’re getting more…
I am terribly intimidated by all the Yarnissima and complicated Cookie A. patterns… I really need a workshop or a Spring Fling to get me over the ‘hump’
I always do the second sock b/c it goes 2x faster than the first one since I know what I am doing better the second time around!
I guess I need to actually let some more designers lead the way for me, and pull out some of the patterns I am collecting!
Thanks for all the inspiration Sheri and Happy Birthday too:)
oxox, juli
rohanknitter said,
February 28, 2009 @ 3:56 pm
My very fav pattern so far is the “Sleepwalker Socks,” purchased from TLE! They were fast, fun and fit perfectly! I’m looking forward to making them again.
Kim said,
March 1, 2009 @ 1:18 am
Like Polly, I love Anne Hanson’s GridIron Socks. They were totally easy yet kept me interested. They flew off my needles when I made them for my SIL in girl color yarn. After all these Monkey comments I’ve gotta go check out that pattern!!!
Ronni said,
March 3, 2009 @ 3:15 pm
I have so many patterns I want to try that so far I haven’t done duplicates (except of plain stockinette no pattern to speak of socks) but pretty much any sock I had fun knitting or liked the look of when finished I have already decided (and will in the future continue to decide) that I would like to do that pattern again. Plus I am also starting to design my own socks which is also fun.
vismajor said,
March 27, 2009 @ 8:49 am
I made multiple pairs of Broadripple socks (Knitty, Summer 2003) in a row because a) the pattern was easily memorized, b) I was stash-busting my Cascade Fixation, and c) I had a few gift-giving opportunities in a row.
Not sure if this counts since it’s so flexible, but I’ve made countless pairs of socks based on the Universal Toe-Up Formula (Knitty, Summer 2006). Take that formula, add in something you like from a stitch dictionary, and bam! Cool socks.
Bobbie said,
April 26, 2009 @ 1:03 pm
I have also knitted (knit?) Broadripple socks (Knitty, Summer 2003) twice and will probably knit this pattern again. It is just so interesting looking in self-striping yarn that it continues to hold my interest. The pattern rows, just 2, are easy to memorize but are complicated enough to break up the boring task of knitting socks. I’m going to try Monkeys (Cookie A.) next.
That being said, I do always keep a plain vanilla ribbed cuff sock going all the time for my go-to project. I have been working on the same boring but mindless sock for at least two months of Weight Watchers meetings –LOL. It is a bit up in the air as to which I will do first, finish the socks or lose to my weight goal.
Sheri at The Loopy Ewe » New Second Quarter Challenge for You! said,
May 27, 2009 @ 12:41 pm
[...] patterns/stitches to really POP, since you’re going to go to all that work! (Check out this blog post for a comparison of doing a pattern in a multi-colorway, versus doing it in a solid or semi-solid. [...]