my year in socks - June

I am halfway through my sock design challenge! I have to say, the good weather is not very inspiring for creating sock patterns, or knitting socks. But a challenge is a challenge and I suppose in other parts of the world, it is late autumn if not winter and knitted socks will be a must. Also, a sock in progress fits in any handbag, which is always useful.

I am particularly in love with the yarn I chose for this June sock. It is a Wollmeise yarn, 100% merino. If you are a yarn aficionado, you will know that Wollmeise yarn is amongst the most coveted out there, and it used to be almost impossible to get hold of a skein. The online shop is updating the stock weekly and if you are not quick on your mark, the yarn is gone before you have a chance to click the mouse. You can buy Wollmeise on Ebay (if you are prepared to pay inflated prices), or sometimes you find some for trade on Ravelry. There is one yarn shop in London that stocks Wollmeise (Loop) but you can't order it online. I am lucky enough to have a lovely neighbour who brought me home two skeins of Wollmeise. The colours are not quite of this world but I don't think the quality of the yarn is as good as the colours are beautiful. I find it gives a bit with washing and socks may end up bigger than anticipated. Unfortunately, the colour is difficult to photograph.

Back to the actual sock. The colouring of the yarn asks for a simple pattern that brings out the hues of reds effectively. I found a spiral pattern in The Harmony Guides Lace & Eyelet Stitches (edited by Erika Knight) which I adapted for this sock by removing the eyelets, which I didn't like. The pattern is easy to remember and real simple, making it suitable for beginners.

I have been experimenting with different heel turns but I either forgot to note the changes down or lost the notes. Also, I like the turn I have published so far best of all.

 

I have been reviewing my past patterns and noticed some mistakes. These are mostly because I have copied and pasted from previous patterns.... I have corrected mistakes I could find and uploaded the new versions on the sock pattern page. If you have already used a pattern and found yourself so frustrated that you had to throw your sock in progress into a dark corner, please accept my apologies. If you discover any more mistakes, please email me!

 

 

I hope you enjoy knitting this sock. Let me know how you get on. I would love to see your pictures, too.

 



As always, the pattern can be found on the sock pattern page. Also, if you want to find out why I am designing sock patterns you should read this post.