Socktoberfest

This past weekend I kicked off Sock Knitting Season by finishing up my Fair Isle socks and heading out to Socktoberfest at my LYS - Beyond the Rainforest. Susan, Myrna, Sharon and Phyll hosted quite an event. What could be more fun than 50 or so folks chatting, and laughing and knitting and enjoying great food together?

Highlights

Some incredible sock knitting talent on display and entered in the sock contest – color work, beading, lace and embroidery – definitely works of art

Goodie bags stuffed with yarn and little treats, including a special Socktoberfest pattern by the talented Phyll and a to die for, special edition yarn by Handwerks.

A delicious lunch catered by Tia Hellita’s.

Games and door prizes – I won a copy of “The Big Book of Socks” by Kathleen Taylor – perfect to fuel my rekindled passion.

First Place went to Dagmar for her fun flame socks and I need to check- but I think Melissa took second place for the heart heeled socks.

A special treat was seeing Janet’s spectacular completed Fair Isle vest. You may recognize Janet - she was in my first Fair Isle class last February and was a member of the group of brave ladies who tackled and conquered steeks. Her vest is just beautiful! Also- that's Jane with Janet - and her fabulous sock entry was #15 above!

Here’s a back view so you can see more color work. Next to Janet is Laurie, who was weaving in ends on her very first completed sock. It was made out of scrumptious Rowan Felted Tweed.

A few pattern notes…


This pattern can be found in Charlene Schurch’s book Sensational Knitted Socks.
I used Brown Sheep Wildfoote- an old fav but a little splitty for some of the tricky maneuvers required for the short row heel including P3 togtbl - as well as lifting multiple wraps over stitches that were to be knitted together. I had to rip out my first attempt. I ended up knitting both cuffs and legs and then having two heels to do at the same time, which gave me the practice I needed to get it down.

Red and Black are David’s school colors and seemed a fitting choice for a very festive Homecoming / Socktoberfest weekend.