Summer of Color Contest!

I was really inspired by all of the color combinations you proposed in last months contest.  There were over 300 entries in the contest, and each one detailed a combination of colors you would like to knit up in stripes using Simply Sock Yarn Solids.  So I've decided to offer a contest with BIG PRIZES-  $500 in sock yarn!

So here's the deal.  I want you to knit up some socks using Simply Sock Yarn's solid line of yarn.  There are three categories in which you can win, and the winners in categories 1 & 2 will each win a $150 Gift Credit to Simply Socks Yarn Company.  The winner in the third category will receive a Grand Prize of a $200 Gift Credit!

Feasibly, one person could win all three prizes, if he/she submits pictures of two pairs of socks.  And since the first two prizes are randomly chosen, even a new knitter could easily win!

Deadline for photos being e-mailed to service@simplysockyarn.com is June 30, 2010.  Title the e-mail Summer of Color and in the e-mail give your name and blog address (if you have one you'd like me to link to), list which category you want to be entered in, and attach the photo.  And if you don't have the ability to e-mail a photo, you are welcome to mail the socks to me to photo.  Just e-mail me at service@simplysockyarn.com before doing so.

(Striped Sock example below knit by me)

Category 1:  Striped Sock

Using as many of the Simply Sock Yarn Solid colors as you like, knit a pair of socks with stripes on them.  The pattern can be from any source and can even be your own creation.  Simply knit a pair of striped socks and e-mail pictures before the deadline date.  A winner will be randomly chosen from all those who submit pictures.

(Mosaic sock example below knit by designer and teacher Deb Barnhill who you can find blogging on Knitting Pharm.  She recently told me "I have to say that your yarn was perfect for mosaic knitting!".  Awesome!!

 

Category 2: Mosaic/Fairisle Fun

Using as many of the Simply Sock Yarn Solid colors as you like, knit a pair of socks using a mosaic or fair isle pattern- basically any pattern that involves using more than one color to create an interesting colorwork effect.  The pattern can be from any source and can even be your own creation.  Simply knit a pair of socks (not striped) but using more than one SSY solid color, and e-mail pictures before the deadline date.  A winner will be randomly chosen from all those who submit pictures.

Category 3: Best in Show

The pictures of all the entries will be shown here on the blog a week after the deadline date, and you will get the chance to vote on your favorite.  The socks with the most votes will receive the Grand Prize of a $200 Gift Credit to Simply Socks Yarn Company!

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I encourage you to spread the word of this contest to as many people as you can so that we can see a wonderful pool of entries and inspiration.  Link to this blog post so that others can participate!  If you do link to this on a website (like Ravelry, Knitty or Knitters Review forums or any other website) or e-mail friends about it, e-mail me at service@simplysockyarn.com with the link (or if you simply told your knitting group, let me know) and one person will win a set of SSY colorcards.

Again, the deadline for sending pictures to me at service@simplysockyarn.com is June 30.  All yarn used must be from the Simply Sock Yarn Solids line.

Two things that will greatly help your chances: a color card set, and the ability to take a good picture.  You might consider using a set of sock blockers or a model (like a friend or sibling) to wear the socks for the photo, as this makes a pair of socks look much nicer than simply setting them on a flat surface.  Also try to take the photo in daylight b/c too much flash can distort the color of the sock.  If you don't have a pair of sock blockers, consider simply cutting out cardboard in the shape of a foot and lower leg.

Again, if you don't feel comfortable taking a good photo, e-mail me, Allison, at service@simplysockyarn.com for directions for sending your socks to me to photograph for the contest.

Comments

[mary]

The timing of this contest is a bit unrealistic. I can easily and joyously mentally design socks. But even with good mail delivery, there no way I can knit a pair in less than two months to have them ready for the June 30 deadline. The contest is skewed to favor fast knitters.

[Allison]

Does anyone else want to chime in? Is 2 months not long enough to knit a pair of socks?
I thought 2 months was twice as long as even I would need to knit a pair of socks, but if more people would prefer a more generous timeline, let me know.

[Diane]

So, is the contest to knit and mail a pair of socks or to knit one sock and email a picture of the sock by the deadline? The only reason for doing a pair is if you're doing a right and a left sock so you can see the difference in the pattern.

[Sue]

Two months is plenty of time to knit a pair of socks! Any longer just gives a person a reason to procrastinate. Heck, I'm even going to have to order and wait for yarn ..... still time. Pretend it's the 'knitting olympics' challenge all over again.....

[Allison]

Diane, you don't have to mail any socks to me. You simply have to e-mail a picture of the finished socks (yes, both socks).
If you aren't comfortable taking a good picture, or don't have a digital camera, THEN contact me via e-mail to send them to me.
I figure most knitters will e-mail a picture, but if someone doesn't have a digital camera, then I still want them to be able to participate. Thus the option of sending the socks for me to photo.

On another note: My worry is that if this contest last more than 2 months, those who finish in a few weeks will have to wait more than a month to find anything out about winning. Thus June 30.

[Joyce]

Allison....I think your guidelines and instructions are VERY clear. Also....two months is more than a generous length of time. I would think even a month would be more than adequate for most sock knitters. So, please don't second guess yourself...I think you are doing a great job

[Andrea (@shutterbitch)]

I've been wanting to make striped knee highs for a long time out of chocolate and a tiffany blue color. But I'm having a hard time telling between the greens and blues on your website which would be closest. I'm also thinking of just going with the cornflower blue because I love it so. But wintergreen looks (on my monitor) like it might be close to the tiffany blue I'm thinking of (like the tiffany jewelry boxes). Any suggestions?

[Allison]

Andrea, that's a great color combo! I don't have an exact Tiffany Blue- I think it's somewhere between Wintergreen and Blue Skies. Perhaps that's a color I'll add sometime? Wintergreen is close, but as the name indicates, it's on the green side. But definitely not so green that it's like a mint or Jadite. Make sense?

[Diane from PA]

This challenge sounds like so much fun - being creative with color. But I have to be creative with color in my kitchen and living room. My son told me he intends to propose this fall and I want to get both rooms painted so I can give an engagement party - although...I COULD knit between coats of paint drying (hmmm)Maybe I'll just take a peek at the colors and see what "speaks" to me to knit them - can't hurt to try and if I don't make the deadline I will have had fun trying :-)

[Allison]

From all the e-mails and comments I've received, it's overwhelmingly obvious that you all think that June 30 gives you plenty of time to order yarn, knit your socks, and e-mail me a picture. I'm going to knit a pair along with you, so I'm really looking forward to seeing what you all come up with! Yea!

[Debbie]

Are kid socks acceptable? They take less time...for those who have less knitting time in their lives but are still as passionate about it....

[Cmerun12]

Unfortunately, with pending surgery (and recovery) any and all needlework is going to be out of the question for the next 8-10 weeks. I truly wish all entrants the best of luck!!

[Cat]

Holy Cow! All this chatter over socks. Get a life girls. Enter or don't enter.

[GiGi]

The time frame is just fine. I agree - give most people more time, and they just put the project off. I am looking through the colors now. Sounds like fun. I'll enlist others in my charity group. Just learning how to do mosaic, so I'll practice before my yarn arrives.
GiGi

[Sharon]

This sounds like fun! And hey, if I miss the deadline at least I'll eventually have a pair of socks to wear!! Happy knitting to all of you!!

[Racedogmom]

I'm just learning how to knit socks. I have one done with DPNs and I get it. Now I'm trying 2 at a time with 2 circulars. My, what a spaghetti mess! But I almost have 2 cuffs done. I won't give up. I love sock knitting the most! I certainly won't join the contest, but I look forward to seeing the socks submitted. I hope you will list the exact colors used so I can try making a pair someday. Good luck!

[Allison]

Debbie, as far as kids socks go, I didn't originally specify, but I'd like to stick to adult sizes to make it fair. Even though adult sizes can vary, let's just say "ADULT SOCKS" to be fair to everyone.

[Barb R]

It is now 1 June 2010. You now have 29 days left. Get out your two circulars, 3 or more colors and get to work.

I have promised too many projects to others to participate, and my que is very full..a shawl, spinning of cat hair for yarn and a father's day gift to knit.

But for those of you who are slow...HOP TO IT AND WIN THAT GIFT CARD!! CHOP CHOP!!

bjr