Sockdown Smackdown

The Sock Knitters Anonymous group on Ravelry holds a monthly 'Sockdown' challenge. I've been meaning to participate in this awesome knit-along (it has prizes and a huge number of skilled participants - that is my definition of awesome in a knit-along) for months now, but Christmas knitting tends to get in the way of more personal knitting goals. Anyway, Stephanie Van der Linden was the featured designer for February and I was lucky enough to receive her book, Around the World in Knitted Socks, for Christmas.

I did the 'Vacation in the Mountains' pattern, mostly because it wasn't stranded colourwork - I don't seem to have any yarns on hand that match well. The book has loads of absolutely stunning stranded patterns.


See the socks after the jump!

The yarn is Cascade Heritage Paints - it's machine washable and the colours are delightful. I've made two pairs of socks with this yarn now, and both are holding up well under an average level of wear.

I'm in love with this colourway. It's like being out in the mountains at dusk.

Have you ever tried to photograph your own feet from an angle other than directly above? It's difficult. Damn difficult actually. I think it was the most challenging part of the Sockdown challenge for me.

I'm sure somebody reading this is wondering why the heck a person would knit socks when they are so cheap to buy. You HAVE to get a pair of hand knit socks, just one! They are so very comfy, and they fit your feet just right. They're pretty - you can't get socks like these at the store! Try them - you'll be hooked. My first handknit socks were baby alpaca. They cost seven dollars (I know - somebody forgot to pay the knitter) at a crafty little shop. They were the most wonderful thing I've ever put on my feet and they lasted for two years of weekly wear. Hand knits are just better. End of story.