It’s been a minute. But I’m thrilled to pop in here to say there’s a new pattern in the store for something warm, toasty, perfect for winter…
Okay, they’re socks. Toe-up socks. With waffle texture and gusset heels and just enough pattern interest to keep you paying attention but not so much you can’t knit while watching Castle. (Or your own favourite show. You do you.)
Cover for the Adventure Socks knitting pattern by Talena Winters, a waffle-texture toe-up sock. Project Level: Intermediate.
This pattern is perfect for tucking into hiking boots and hitting the trail, or keeping your feet toasty while you dive into your latest read.
AND!
It’s got low vision accessible formats! Get it in large print screen reader accessible PDF, ePUB, or standard PDF formats, all from a single purchase!
Feast your eyes on these details:
Using a provisional cast on like Magic Cast On or Turkish Cast On at the toe means no grafting later! Easily shape the toes using raglan-style increases on the edges while knitting in the round.Use short row shaping to produce a gusset heel at just the right foot length for a perfect fit.The waffle texture is an easy four-stitch, four-row repeat that captures a little extra warmth while providing textural interest—as well as a little more interest for the knitter.Finish with an inch (or more) of one-by-one ribbing for a stretchy cuff that won’t fall down, then bind off with either Sewn Rib Bind Off or Super-Stretchy Bind Off for a smooth, professional edge.Put it all together for a pair of snug-as-bug feet on yourself or some lucky person you love!
While I made my sample in a variegated yarn, this would also be a great pattern for solids to really show off that waffle texture.
The pattern is available in three sizes, from Youth / Adult Small (8.5-inch or 21.5-cm instep circumference) up to Adult Large (11-inch or 28-cm instep circumference.)
What are you waiting for? Go get yours and cast on your next knitting adventure today!
It’s taken me a while to find my groove this fall, but it’s coming along. I’ve been experimenting, revising patterns, working on new designs, and still managed to launch a major project in my author business. Could definitely be worse!
Here are a few things I’ve been up to:
Unnamed Sleeveless Turtleneck
Image description: A flat lay of a dark green cabled sweater front on the needles with rows of ascending cables on either side of a centre staghorn cable. Near the project on a white surface is a white mug full of black coffee and a peach-and-fuscia orchid in a white pot, as well as a small ball of hand-wound yarn. The entire scene smells like coffee and sunshine and hope.
I’m trying to expand my design horizons by creating a cabled sleeveless turtleneck design. There have been some “one step forward, two steps back” moments, for sure. But it’s still coming along. I’m still trying to decide on a name. Any suggestions?
Lady of the Lake Wrap
Image description: A small porcelain statue of a blond mermaid with a green tail sits on a white desk next to a knitting project on the needles with parallel rows of cables in variegated green, teal, and blue yarn. The yarn cake sits behind the mermaid next to a white knitting mug that reads “Slow progress is still progress”. Light streams over everything, and the air smells like autumn leaves and sunshine.
This has been an ongoing project for many years now—partly because it’s in a fine gauge, so it’s taking forever to knit; partly because I get bored of it easily; and partly because it actually requires a significant amount of my attention every other row, which makes it less ideal for TV watching.
However, it’s going to be sooo pretty when it’s done.
Pre-Socks
Image description: A moody shot of two skeins of hand-painted yarn on a white desk between a small-leafed plant and nickel-plated knitting needles. The colourways are shades of purple for the Mad|Tosh yarn, colourway “Wilted”, and autumnal shades of red brown, grey, and gold for the Earl Grey Fiber Company one. A chill wind rattles the rafters, and the lighting warns of cooler days ahead.
A couple days ago, I finally wound these skeins into balls, but not before taking some lovely last shots of them. I’ve had socks on the mind a lot lately, partly because I’ve been revising the Jill and the Bean Socks pattern (which, since it’s actually a unisex design, I’ve renamed to Beanstalk Socks), and partly because I want to make something out of these lovely skeins. Oh, and also because Winter is Coming.
Revision-in-Progress
Image description: A close-up of a cuff-down Beanstalk Sock in progress on nickel-plated double-pointed needles. The sock is knit in tweedy cream-coloured yarn, and it has an all-over scallop-like texture with an elongated chain cable cutting diagonally across it. White chocolate with cinnamon wafts through the air.
I’ve been working on a revision for the Jill and the Bean Socks pattern (currently unavailable), and while I’m at it, I’m adding two more sizes. It’s been more of a challenge than I expected to add the sizes, but the pattern is going to be so much more flexible now.
Also, I’m renaming it to Beanstalk Socks, since it will look great for any gender.
That’s it for me right now… but that feels like a lot, lol.
What types of projects are drawing your eye lately and why?
Confessions of a Yarn Mermaid 