Socks, socks, and more socks

I'm enamored with the designs put out by Laine Publishing. This week I picked up a couple of their books from the local library, volumes 1 and 2 of 52 Weeks of Socks. (Not sure if they think most folk can knit a pair of socks a week or if it was just a handy way to promote two groups of 52 patterns.)


Both books are full of gorgeous, intricate sock patterns... that leave me feeling a bit tired. Socks are my portable project, so something too complicated is not welcome. Also, I wonder how well these designs would hold up. However, there are some helpful concepts for mixing things up a bit with sock knitting without messing things up too much: colorwork, from a little to a lot.

'Cindy's Choice' from Vol 1

'Nyrkys' from Vol 2

'Anni' from Vol 2

'Pinwheel' from Vol 2

Knitting: In tune with the theme of this post, I've been knitting on the quirky socks. I decided the handspun I've been playing with for a bulky sweater is more like rope than yarn, so it is probably going to become a basket.

Whenever I see a reference to "tablescaping" I have to laugh. My current tablescapes:

Not exactly House and Garden, but it works for me.