My blogging friend Jo crocheted a blanket last year. It's a beautiful thing (see it here): she calls it her mood blanket; and it's a clever record of how she felt in 2015, with the colour of each square chosen to match her spirits each day. I thought of Jo as I cast on a new pair of socks last week (let's be honest, I cast on a new pair of socks almost every week). These socks are plain black
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| knitted on 2.5mm circular needle, with Regia Extra Twist Merino from Janette's Rare Yarns |
and they did indeed echo my temper on the day I waved Uncle Dave off to the States after Christmas at home. Black, they are, fine knit, formal, back to work socks: difficult to work on in the early morning or late evening, if I have time for a row or two. January socks, then. Definitely January socks.
Way back months ago I had an idea that in 2106 I would knit a different patterned pair each month - in the spirit of Jo's mood blanket - and although I had imagined something a little more ingeniously linked ( a tartan pair for Hogmanay, maybe?), I guess I'll have to make do with these to represent the start of the year. Way back when I had even started gathering ideas on my socks Pinterest board
How about a pair with a heart motif for February? I'm not sure if those will happen, because I know perfectly well that I have promised a pair to a friend who has been waiting long enough. But maybe they could work for February? They'll be sent with love, after all. Pictures soon! February is almost here
22 comments:
sounds like a lovely idea. I managed to knit two pairs last year and I'm finding them very useful in the cold weather.
I cannot even begin to imagine knitting a pair socks every couple of months. That sounds intense! I could crochet a square. Almost. However, I REALLY like the concept! Go you:):) And Jo....!!!
I love the idea of seasonal socks each month and look forward to seeing them all. I admire your dedication in knitting with black - I avoid it and other very dark colours because it is so hard to see - it feels like it would be easier to close my eyes and let the force guide my hook!!
I always admire your sock posts. I continue to be intimidated by the very thought of knitting socks. I have put it on my list of goals this year. Now I just need to make an appointment and get myself to the knit store to start. I'm sure I would enjoy sock making since I love all needlecrafts. I'd say, time is the biggest factor holding me back. If only the kint store were a little closer...
I think your black socks are very elegant looking, such a nice thick sleeve of cable knitting (I have no idea the correct knitting terms)& oh the black over the knee socks on your Pinterest board, nice pattern. I like your friend Jo's idea of creating a blanket over a year to reflect her mood. I MUST learn to crochet at the very least. I read an article about a Mother that created (weaving I think) prayer blankets for each of her daughters when she found out she wasn't going to be present in body as her daughters grew up. The prayer blanket colours reflected the personalities of her daughters - such a lovely thought to be surrounded in their Mother's love so that she would be present when they prayed. Warm toes, warm hearts.
Thin needles, fine black yarn - definitely a mid day project! A pair a month eh? Sounds ambitious to me, but you do seem to have the sock knitting bug so I'm looking forward to seeing the next 11 pairs!
With your skill and determination, I am sure you could totally do this, Sian; and by the time you have done with the somber formal ones, you might feel ready for some pattern and colour. Whatever you do, I will enjoy reading about and admiring :). Sorry that January is sounding so glum.
Ps I did type ' sombre' twice but the blooming spell checker didn't like it. Sorted it this time!
I like the idea of mood socks. What sort of mood do you think my girls are in when they wear odd socks? Ahh Uncle Dave went in the end. Couldn't "lose" anymore passports then. You could start an online business selling your socks. I would buy some! I guess one pair a month wouldn't be terribly profitable!
I feel so honoured that you've showcased my blanket on your blog :) I think it's a great idea to do a mood sock. I had planned to make a pair of socks a month last year but only managed 3 pairs, maybe I'll do it this year. I look forward to seeing your year in socks :) x
Mood socks. A lovely idea, I think, and perhaps a multiple photo layout at the end of the year! Socks with a heart motif sound great to me. (Love the red toes in one of your pins.)
What a great idea. I'm in awe of Jo and her blanket and i do like your idea to ... As someone who is rubbish at knitting or crochet, I'm totally behind you all xx
Mood socks?!...I will watch with interest xx
These look lovely! I cherish my hand made socks...hoard them all winter for that matter!
Yes, my eyes hurt a little just thinking about knitting black socks. But they are a perfect choice for January.
This is such a brilliant idea - I would love to make a little crochet square every day to reflect the mood I'm in. I've never attempted a sock but love to see your sock posts. My dogs would probably leave a few hairs on black socks if they sat next to me whilst knitting one!
BRAVO Sian! I'm impressed!! 2.5 and black? You are a champ'!!
I would love to see these February socks, I know they will be very special indeed!
xx
My goodness! You must knit very quickly to be able to contemplate that! I am currently knitting a sleeveless pullover for Hugh and I can only do about 10 rows an evening because of my tennis elbow (haven't got it at the moment, but don't want it coming back!). I will watch your blog with interest to see all the socks this year :)
I really like the sock of the month idea!
What a good idea to do a pair a month. I like the idea of them reflecting your mood - such a fun record.
I love the idea of knitting a pair of socks each month, and the mood blanket that Jo knitted. I can't imagine knitting a pair of socks a year personally, so an in awe at your skill Sian!
Black socks are practical, a good thing to have in your drawer. We all need these, but Spring is coming and it's good to look forward to brighter colours and longer days of sunlight. I can see how socks reflect on the mood and month. Look forward to seeing more of your makes through the year.
Oh yes knitting with black yarn is so difficult at times. I'll be looking forward to seeing your progress in sock knitting through the year.
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