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The pattern is edited, testers are knitting up the socks, and photos are in the bag. I'm almost ready to publish this new sock pattern!
Look for the pattern early next week. I'll be sending out the newsletter next week, too — with a special discount code. So watch your email! If you don't already subscribe, you can sign up here.
Have a beautiful weekend!
I saw a few red leaves on a maple tree in the backyard the other morning. That, and new coolness in the air, made me realize it's time to savor every remaining moment of summer.
I love the freedom and ease of wearing sandals, but even so, I'm not sad to start thinking about wearing my hand-knit socks again. I've had a great time the past few weeks working on a new sock design. It's got cables and lace, something for everyone. The yarn is the luxurious Dream in Color Smooshy with Cashmere. Cashmere! Always a happy fiber to knit with.
One sock is done and I've sent the pattern to the tech editor. That's progress!
If you're interested in test knitting, please keep an eye on the Blue Peninsula Ravelry group — I'll post a call there pretty soon.
Since I published the Plumtree Socks last month, eight knitters have already finished them. It's nice to see how quickly this sock design knits up! Sometimes it seems as though a pair of socks can take forever. They're not large compared to sweaters, but there's a lot of stitches packed into each sock.
It's also nice to see that knitters have used a wide variety of yarns in a range of colors and they all look great. I love it when a design is adaptable and doesn't limit knitters' choices.
The Plumtree Socks are a good "advanced beginner" sock pattern—perfect if you're ready to move beyond a simple "plain vanilla" stockinette or ribbed sock, but aren't ready (or aren't in the mood) for an overly complicated or difficult pattern. See what you think!
Elizabeth knit her powder blue Plumtrees in Coopknits Socks Yeah! She describes them as a "fun, relaxing knit," and it looks like her kitty likes them, too!
Nadia used Miss Babs Yummy 2-ply in sunny Jonquil for her Plumtrees. She modified the number of stitch pattern repeats on the leg and foot to get a perfect fit.
For her fiery orange Plumtrees, Brenda used one of her own hand-dyed sock yarns (End of the Row Yarns). Her pattern page says that "the end result is a beautiful sock that fits great!" As a designer, I can't ask for better feedback.
Beth knit her Plumtrees in orange, too. She used Jill Draper Makes Stuff Splendor Sock in a summery colorway called Tiger Lily.
Miss Babs Yummy 2-Ply has been used a couple of times so far. Hattie knit her Plumtrees in the juicy Ladybug colorway. She says it's "the ideal sock pattern."
Another juicy color is Countess by Fiberstory FAVE Sock, which Barb used for her Plumtrees. It made me so happy to read on her project page that she's gotten her sock knitting mojo back. Yay!
If your color preferences veer toward neutrals, you may like Sabina's grey Plumtrees. She knit them up in the Great Grey Owl colorway of Madelinetosh Twist Light, and says the lace pattern is "rhythmic and relaxing."
Me, I love socks in a rich gold or yellow ochre (witness Couplet), so I have to admit I really swooned over Amy's golden Plumtrees in Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in Lichen. I also was happy to read that she's glad the pattern includes directions for Kitchener Stitch (for grafting the toe). I know knitters can look Kitchener up, but I feel the pattern is more complete and helpful if the instructions are right there when you need them.
I hope you've enjoyed this colorful parade of Plumtrees! If you'd like to try the pattern, take 20% off in my Ravelry store now through Sunday, July 23, with the coupon code COLORFUL.