Another Test Sock and More

Thanks for all of the suggestions for division names.  Famous knitters, yarns, needles… these are all such great ideas.  We need to kick them around and come up with our selections fast because tomorrow is February 1.  This means that it’s time to lay out the details of how Sock Madness will work. 

Over the next week you can expect to see the official rules posted followed by the sign up instructions.  Please be sure to read them carefully and follow them exactly.  There is a certain element of surprise and the unexpected involved in doing an online event and we’re trying to account for that in our planning.  There will be specific instructions for signing up, for posting pictures of finished socks, for everything.  It’s all designed to make it easier for us.  See?  It’s all about making us happy and keeping it fun!

Speaking of fun – here’s another peek at a test sock.  It’s at the more challenging end of the spectrum and, in fact, it’s been kicking my arse.  There’s a lot going on here.  It’s not the kind of sock that you can really get a rhythm going on.  I’m using STR in a color that I can no longer recall but I like it.  It required both size 1 and 2 needles and I’m using Addi circs as usual.

I have to say that this is not a sock that I’d usually choose to knit.  It has neat elements but it’s not really me.  I mention this because it’s almost a certainty that there will be sock patterns used during this competition that will not appeal to you and others that you’ll love.  Just think of those with less appeal as a head start on gift knitting.  Think positive! 

Adams, Norris, Patrick, Smythe

Anybody out there get the reference?  Any hockey fans? The National Hockey League used to be divided into conferences (Wales & Campbell)  and divisions (above) that showed a little more character than other professional sports.  In 1993 they succumbed to the boring convention of dividing the teams into groups named geographically.  So sad.

We’d love for Sock Madness to reflect the knitting citizens of blogland.  None of this US v. The World or North v. South.  Knitters are inventive and inspired!  The way that we divide ourself should reflect that.  Names of famous knitters maybe?  Knitting style?  Something completely different!   We’ve got a few ideas about how to designate the diffiernt groups but, we have noted that you are a very opinionated (and creative) bunch so we’re opening up this subject to suggestions. 

As you are coming up with ideas, please note that there will likely be 4 “divisions” in 2 “conferences”.  If you need clarification of the bracket (or draw) system then you can check this or this. 

It would be really cool if the titles of the groups had good acronyms too.  Wouldn’t it be horrible to have to read about what happened this week in the ARSE division?

Keep it clean and have fun! 

Testing the Patterns

The last few nights have been very difficult for me. I haven’t been to the gym, dinner always seems to be late, and I seem to be catching snippets of my tv shows. Now, I’m the one asking–what happened? Serves me right, my eyes are glued to the patterns as I test knit these wonderful socks. I just keep saying “Let me see what happens when I follow this next direction” and before you know it, it’s way past my bedtime and nothing around the house has been accomplished.

So today I present to you 3 of the awesome patterns that have been test knitted. All are fabulous, our only regret is that we won’t be able to use them all in SockMadness.

Test Pattern 1–this is lace pattern that uses solid fingering weight on size 1’s. The patterns calls for 3 dpns, but I’m a bigger fan of 4, so I adjusted the stiches accordingly. The yarn is one of my favorites—Lorna’s Laces in Bold Red.

Yeah for me, this yarn came from my stash.

Test Pattern 2–one of my favorites. I’m not sure if was the yummy yarn or the swiftness of the pattern. I would not call myself a fast sock knitter. But these socks I knocked out in a few days. Perhaps because the design calls for sportweight on size 2’s. There are a few twists in this pattern, but once I started to focus on the pattern, it really started to make sense to me. The cuff of the sock is really unusual–not the typical k2, p2 ribbing that so many socks use. Did I mention the yarn already. It’s Claudia’s Hand Painted in Red Wagon.

I’ve been coveting this color for months now. Every time Hillary and I went to a yarn festival, I tried to find it. But no luck. Then, Hillary, super friend that she is, gave it to me for Hanukkah. I couldn’t wait to find a pattern that was worthy of this yarn. When this pattern came in, I knew it was perfect.

Test Pattern 3– an unusual pattern. Not terribly difficult, but since it uses 2 colors of yarn, you have to figure out how to carry it. I learned a lot about working simultaneously with 2 balls of yarn. This sock knit up pretty quick. The pattern calls for fingering weight on size 2’s. Not too bad. The yarn of choice is of course more Lorna’s. This time in Pale Pink and Old Gray. I think the reason I love Lorna’s so much—besides the wonderful way it feels, is that you can always find a solid and a variegated to match. I’m a big fan of one stop shopping. Unfortunately, this yarn didn’t come from my stash and I had to make a run to the LYS to get what I needed. The rules of SockMadness say that you have to follow the designers instructions with the exception of the choice needles–dpn, circular, or magic loop—not size! What’s a knitter to do—I had to buy the right yarn. Lucky for me, I’m not on a yarn diet.

I know Hillary is testing out some more patterns. Last night we received a few more. If you haven’t submitted a design yet, but really want to, email us and we’ll try to work with you. We’re only about a month away from sign-ups. Keep checking back for samples of the truly awesome patterns we are receiving.

On Pins and Needles

We are so excited today because the rest of the patterns are due.  We just can’t wait to see how the desriptions that were submitted to us translate into actual patterns.

Over the weekend we got together and compared the socks that we’ve test-knit so far.  Amazing!  The patterns so far have been diverse and pretty interesting.  If this keeps up then we will have a really fun group of patterns to share with the competitors.  

If there will be a delay in submitting your pattern, please let us know.  We are more than happy to try to work with you.

Notes on Patterns

We continue to test knit those patterns that we’ve received to date.  It’s really exciting.  We’re trying to be thorough in our test knitting so that all goes smoothly during the competition.  It’s great that these patterns have been so well thought out and clearly written.  You’re gonna love them!

Many of the patterns have included an element of flexibility.  Some offer the option to work toe-up or toe-down, some include a selection of suggested yarns, some include special fit notes. The flexibility that’s being built into the patterns is great and should help make the patterns friendly to the great variety of knitters taking part in the tournament.   These are just a few thoughts for those still putting the finishing touches on their patterns.

The Pattern Deadline Approaches

We received a bunch of patterns by the December 15th early submission deadline and the test knitting has begun.  So far so good.  One of us has already fallen in love with a sock.  There are some super creative people out there! 

It’s hard to believe but the final pattern due date is just a week from today.  Can you believe it? 

For those of you still preparing patterns for submission I offer a new link to the design guide.  It’s the same guide you’ve seen before we just want to make sure that it’s easy to find.  I should also mention that we’re both very visual people.  Pictures and diagrams are very, very welcome.  Another really helpful thing to add to your patterns is a periodic reminder of the number of stitches that should be on each needle.

As always, send us your questions in the comments or directly at sockmadness@gmail.com.