Wednesday 2 December 2009

December Sock Pattern--Peppermint Stick

This past summer my family and I visited a living history museum. While we were in the old fashioned gift store/general store I noticed jars and jars of "Penny Candy" (of course it didn't cost a penny! It was about a dollar--inflation you know). There were all sorts of pretty colors of candy including Peppermint! I thought, "What a great idea for some socks!" (I am always thinking about yarn and knitting).

So, after our detailed "Autumn Leaves" pattern and the sturdy, masculine "Outdoorsman" pattern I decided it was time for something fun and whimsical. I realize that December is a cold month and I could have designed something "fireside", skiing, or something else more cozy than some short cuffed socks, but I think these look very cheerful and festive. I couldn't resist! In fact, you could add a row of jingle bells to the cuff or beads in the braided area and then they would be really festive!

The sock has the red and white throughout, except the toe and heel, so there is actually a double layer for extra warmth. I love incorporating double braids into everthing--hats, socks, sweaters, blankets, etc. I just can't get enough. It is such an ornate look. It looks really hard, but it's not! The pattern calls for an "inserted heel", but a "short-row" heel will also work perfectly. Any other heel and the twist pattern will be interupted.

Make your pair in your favorite "flavor"!

Cinnamon--pink and red
Licorice--black and white
Lemon--yellow and white
Orange--orange and white
Watermelon--apple green and pink
Black Raspberry--deep purple and pink
Bubble gum--pink and white
Blackberry--purple and white
Blueberry--midnight blue and white

OK. A now for a little business:

We have decided to do a little "house cleaning" here at Sockamania so that we can open the membership back up for those who are putting in requests.

This means that on January 11, 2010 we will be re-issuing memberships to all of you who have been active members--meaning posted a finished pair of socks in the past six months. When you get your invitation you will need to answer it ASAP or you won't be able to post your finished January socks. If you don't receive an invitation and have been active PLEASE notify one of us January 12th.

Anyone who has not been active will be deleted from the membership list in order to make room for those who would like to join. If you have not been active and would like to continue your membership you will need to click on the link for it, after January 11th, in the side bar and follow the instructions there. However, you will have to post a completed sock within 30 days of renewal in order to show that you are truly interested in being a member and then post no less than one sock per six month period in order to stay active. ANYONE not posting at least one sock in six months will have their membership dropped.

We look forward to seeing all of your finished socks for December!!

Thank you,
Sockamania Staff

10 comments:

mirella said...

They are cute and they give me two new challenges. Never done a double braid and never done a heel like that.
Lots of christmas knitting to do this month, but these also make a nice present.
Groetjes, Mirella

psalm127 said...

These are cute. I don't have sport weight yarn on hand, lots of sock. LOL I quickly ordered something from Knitpicks Yesterday and hope it arrives in time. I figured I would make these for my oldest daughter using her favorite colors, green and blue. Looking forward to seeing everyones socks.

Tama said...

These are made with sock weight yarn not sport weight. So you can get started right away!

psalm127 said...

Oh! Where did I read sport weight? I must be seeing things. ha ha thanks, I will start on these as soon as I can finish my other daughters socks, hopefully by tomorrow. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. My brain must be going. lol

not just a mom said...

Since a double layer sock is virtually unwearable here, I'm going to make the foot of the sock single layer - maybe stripes instead of the swirl? I've done the cuff and it's very cute, so I want to modify the socks so I can wear them.

Just Me said...

My daughter saw the pattern and she immediately said she'd love them! Fortunately I had the red and white yarn already in my stash and have made a start. Love this pattern Tama :)

psalm127 said...

I posted my socks and they fell below this post. Maybe because this post is dated Dec 31 instead of November. Oh well They are done!

Tama said...

We made this post "stick" at the top for a couple of weeks so that everyone would have a chance to see the up-coming changes to the membership list.

Esther said...

I would like to stay a member but being heavily pregnant and having a young child I don't always get the chance to knit up a pair of socks in all entirity! It will be difficult for me next year with a new baby but would love to stay a member - PLEASE!

Esther said...

I would like to stay a member but being heavily pregnant and having a young child I don't always get the chance to knit up a pair of socks in all entirity! It will be difficult for me next year with a new baby but would love to stay a member - PLEASE!