This year's sock knitting has started

The first two pairs of socks for the year 2012 are done.  One pair for me and one pair for the orphanages in Kazakhstan.  To keep me motivated, I have joined a Ravelry group called "12 socken projekt" (12 pairs of socks project).  A free pattern will be offered each month, along with links to other free sock patterns if you don't like the one offered. Here is a link to the blog  and the link to the Ravelry group .  This month's sock pattern is called "chicken ladder."  It's an easy pattern and even if you do not understand German, the chart should be easy to follow since the chart represents 15 stitches, i.e. one needle of 4 DPNs.  I used Alpaca with a Twist Socrates (30% Merino, 30% Alpaca, 20% Nylon, 20% Bamboo).  I used 1.75 mm DPNs since the yarn is just a tad thicker than regular sock yarn and the pattern is a lace pattern.  I have narrow feet and want my socks to stay up. It's a wonderfully soft yarn with the Bamboo giving it shine and the Alpaca giving it warmth.  I am not so sure how well it will wear since, as far as I am concerned, the yarn doesn't have enough twist.  It won't matter in my case since I never were shoes with closed heels and rarely closed toes, even in Winter.  Birkenstocks all the way. 



 Please excuse the wrinkled sheet, but this was the only spot with enough light. There is too much snow outside to find a suitable spot for a photograph.

The second pair was actually started in December, but didn't get finished until January.  The socks are knit with a very old ball of Opal sock yarn.  The color is rust. The socks were knit with 2.25 mm DPNs. The pattern is called Basketcase and can be found here on Ravelry.  These socks are for the two orphanages in Kazakhstan that are supported by the Motherless Child Foundation. It's never too early to get started.  If you are interested in knitting sweaters, hats, mittens, scarves or socks for an appreciative crowd of kids, you may want to check out our group of knitters.

...and the same wrinkled sheets.

Knit on Merrily!