On the 4th Day of Sock Yarn, Simply Sock Yarn gave to me...
a special test skein of Lorna's Laces Solemate 4ply!
To have a chance at this very special skein from the test batch of this new yarn (details below), simply answer the following question in the comments below:
Have you knit any dk weight socks this year? If so, tell us what yarn/s and pattern/s. If not, tell us why. And if you're thinking about it, give this combo a try. Really, you will adore it. And if you like self-patterning yarns, this collection has been very popular this month.
A few weeks ago, Lorna's Laces revealed to me that they are in the development stages for a DK weight version of their super popular Solemate sock yarn- you know, the only one available with Outlast fiber that was developed for NASA for temp and moisture control. The Solemate we all love is a 3-ply fingering weight yarn (and I'd consider it to be on the light side of fingering weight), and Lorna's Laces asked their mill to spin up a batch of 4-ply, to see if it would work as a DK. It turned out to be just a bit heavier fingering weight, but not a true dk weight, so they offered the entire batch to me at a great discount, and I'm passing it right along to you in the Sale Section. The yarn would retail at $26, but I have it for you for only $18.20 a skein. I know, a great price for high quality, hand dyed sock yarn.
Here's the one catch- because they dyed small amounts of each color, I'm offering it as a Potluck. You choose either Multicolor Potluck or Nearly Solid Potluck, and the SSYC crew will choose the specific color that goes in your box. Now, you're welcome to come in the store on Saturday (Dec. 17 from 10-5) and choose for yourself, but because I know at this price it will sell very quickly, it's not feasible to put one or two of a color on the website. That's just ripe with mayhem and foolishness. Instead, you choose either a multicolor or a nearly solid, and we surprise you with the particular color. Make sense? Go here for nearly solids, and here for multicolors. If the link stops working, then you know it's gone for good. But rest assured, when Lorna's Laces actually releases their Solemate DK, I'll be carrying it for you in the store.... but not at 30% off like this batch. This is a special holiday treat.
Want to read the full details/rules of the 12 Days of Sock Yarn? Click here.
These are beautiful colors. cd
Posted by: Cecilia David | December 16, 2011 at 09:45 AM
DK weight socks this year? No, but you've just given me the idea for next year!
Posted by: Wendy | December 16, 2011 at 09:53 AM
Thank you for a great sale. No, I haven't knit a sock in dk weight yarn yet.
Posted by: Anne Sadlemire | December 16, 2011 at 09:54 AM
I haven't tried using DK weight yarn but I'd like to... a body can't have too many new yarny experiences! Thx for the GREAT contest and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Posted by: Judy S-G | December 16, 2011 at 09:54 AM
I have not created any socks with dk weight yarn. But, next year will be the year.
Posted by: Ruth Kowalski | December 16, 2011 at 09:55 AM
No, not yet. But I'm intrigued!!!
Posted by: Jess White | December 16, 2011 at 09:56 AM
What a great idea! I have not used this yarn but you never know. The New Year is just around the corner. Merry Christmas
Posted by: Karen Jacobs | December 16, 2011 at 09:59 AM
I've worked with dk before and there is a time and place for it.
Posted by: Cathy Smith | December 16, 2011 at 10:00 AM
I just finished a pair of Solemate socks for my sister for Christmas - Nice yarn, and I'm hoping it works for hers. The DK sounds interesting, and faster for socks! I've knit one pair in a DK weight yarn - and they turned out nice.
Posted by: jeanne | December 16, 2011 at 10:01 AM
I have never knit dk socks. It seems like they would be much too thick and heavy.
Posted by: Shirley | December 16, 2011 at 10:02 AM
I made some stripey socks with the New Pathways Riverbed master pattern last December and I made some Estonian Mittens from another Nancy Bush class. (Although the DK yarn that I used for that was really probably more worsted weight.)
Posted by: Andy | December 16, 2011 at 10:02 AM
I haven't tried DK for socks because there really aren't many patterns for it and I don't seem to have the brain cells to adjust a fingering weight pattern. Faster and warmer sound like a good combo though!
Posted by: Melanie | December 16, 2011 at 10:03 AM
Nothing with DK yet because I've always worried they would be too thick. But this might give me some incentive to try...
Posted by: Kelly | December 16, 2011 at 10:03 AM
When SSYC had a sale a while back, I stocked up on Cascade Fixation in multis and stripes. I always have a pair of socks on #4 needles using a texture pattern called "Smorgasboard" from Green Mountain Spinnery. I never get tired of it and its a Creak from using fingering weight. Cant wait to try the new Lornas Laces!
Posted by: mary | December 16, 2011 at 10:04 AM
No, when I knit socks I want them to fit into regular shoes. DK weight yarn is great for knitting hats, though.
Posted by: Janine Webb | December 16, 2011 at 10:05 AM
I have not tried DK weight as of yet. I only started knitting socks a year ago- but it's on my to-do list!
Posted by: Debbie Huett | December 16, 2011 at 10:06 AM
No-I worry they would be too thick but they would be awesome to wear around the house!
Posted by: Marianne | December 16, 2011 at 10:06 AM
I have not; I am afraid they might be too thick. But I hope they'd be done faster!
Posted by: deetyblue | December 16, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Not yet, but I owe DH a pair of socks and DK weight would go so much faster!
Posted by: Teresa | December 16, 2011 at 10:07 AM
No,I haven't used dk yarn for socks.
Posted by: Annette | December 16, 2011 at 10:07 AM
I have knit DK weight socks in the past. They make nice winter slippers.
Posted by: Mary | December 16, 2011 at 10:08 AM
I haven't knit any DK socks, because it isn't a yarn I normally buy. I think DH could use some thicker socks in this next year.
Posted by: Joni | December 16, 2011 at 10:09 AM
No DK weight socks this year, but now that the idea is stuck in my head it's quickly climbing of my New Year Knits list. :)
Posted by: Mary | December 16, 2011 at 10:10 AM
I have knit tons of socks and never done a DK weight. However, I bought some DK sock yarn from you and it's going to be one of my new projects in the new year!!
Posted by: Natalie | December 16, 2011 at 10:10 AM
I knit several pairs this year in worsted weight more for 'house slippers' but none in DK.
Posted by: Jane | December 16, 2011 at 10:14 AM
I took a class this fall on toe-up socks on two circulars that used DK weight. I learned alot in the class and have already used some of the technique learned in other projects. Normally I use either worsted weight or fingering for top-down socks.
Posted by: Lila | December 16, 2011 at 10:15 AM
No, not yet... I love my sock yarn too much!
Posted by: Sandra | December 16, 2011 at 10:16 AM
I have knit a couple of pair of just plain knit socks for children this year. They like to use them as skate socks on the hardwood floors.
Posted by: Sheila | December 16, 2011 at 10:17 AM
I have knit numerous pairs of dk weight socks this year. They make great hunting and work socks and I love that thy get done just a little faster. I usually just k2p2 on the leg and stockinet the rest for a plain vanilla sock, but the guys I knit for love them.
Posted by: Debby | December 16, 2011 at 10:18 AM
I haven't tried do yarn yet, but I would like to :).
Posted by: Kim Baker | December 16, 2011 at 10:18 AM
I haven't knit any DK weight socks this year, or any that I can think of in any other year. I am not sure why. Maybe DK sock yarn isn't that common??
Posted by: kristieinbc | December 16, 2011 at 10:18 AM
Most of the socks I knit are DK or worsted. My favorite is LL's worsted, I can get a pair out of one skein. I also really like Sweet paprika yarn, very cushy.
Posted by: Chris | December 16, 2011 at 10:21 AM
No I haven't tried DK socks yet, fairly new to knitting socks in general. This color is fantastic!
Posted by: Meghan Routt | December 16, 2011 at 10:23 AM
The heaviest I go is sport weight, but I haven't knit any of those this year, either, I don't think. No wonder I'm not generating as many pairs as I want to!
Posted by: sprite | December 16, 2011 at 10:23 AM
DK weight has not been on my sock radar. I think it would be nice for the men in my life, however.
Posted by: Shirley Beard | December 16, 2011 at 10:23 AM
I don't knit socks because I get hung up on the second one, but maybe with DK weight I could get through a pair because it will go faster!
Posted by: Ruth Anne | December 16, 2011 at 10:25 AM
I haven't knit any socks in DK weight because I haven't even knit any socks at all yet
Posted by: Joyce | December 16, 2011 at 10:25 AM
I've enjoyed knitting socks using Knitcol by Adriafil. I love the quick satisfaction of knitting socks with a thicker yarn.
Posted by: Elizabeth Seager | December 16, 2011 at 10:25 AM
Nope, no DK weight and no particular reason why. I just haven't used it yet. But I will someday.
Posted by: Jennifer cameron | December 16, 2011 at 10:26 AM
Nope, just fingering weight.
Posted by: Judy | December 16, 2011 at 10:27 AM
DK weight socks? Well yes, but I really didn't mean to. I made them of handsput that was SUPPOSED to be fingering weight, but turned out closer to DK. They are really great socks, but since my feet are size 11, I don't much need the extra bulk. :)
Posted by: Annie | December 16, 2011 at 10:28 AM
I've started a pair in dk weight- I've just yet to finish them with all the Christmas presents this year. Maybe next year (says hopefully)
Posted by: Autumn Pilditch | December 16, 2011 at 10:28 AM
HandSPUN, not sput.
Posted by: Annie | December 16, 2011 at 10:28 AM
I haven't tried DK weight, I think the socks would be to thick for my shoes!
Posted by: Mary Ann | December 16, 2011 at 10:28 AM
I haven't tried a DK weight for socks but I bet my husband would like a pair. I still use a plain old sock patter with a ribbed cuff.
Posted by: Jeanne Bringley | December 16, 2011 at 10:29 AM
not yet this year!
Posted by: dana | December 16, 2011 at 10:31 AM
I haven't used DK weight for socks, but it would be fun to try them. I do love knitting on my size 0 needles, though
Posted by: Carol | December 16, 2011 at 10:32 AM
Six ply Regia, not quite DK, but knits up faster than fingering.
Posted by: Ruth viste | December 16, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Have not used DK for socks yet.
Posted by: Irene | December 16, 2011 at 10:33 AM
I just can't take heavy socks on my feet - even in the winter while walking around my house! DK weight socks unfortunately won't be on my list of things to knit. But a DK weight hat, or a DK weight scarf, that's something I'd like to knit!
Posted by: Amy | December 16, 2011 at 10:36 AM
No, haven't knit DK weight socks yet. It would probably be faster, though.... Hmmmm, next on my list!
Posted by: Sharon | December 16, 2011 at 10:40 AM
Nope, no DK weight socks this year. They don't fit inside my shoes (wide feet...sigh) and I already have a few pair for house socks.
Posted by: Cherie | December 16, 2011 at 10:41 AM
I have not knit socks in dk weight because I live in Southern California and I think dk would make the socks too heavy.
Posted by: Diane Eskritt | December 16, 2011 at 10:42 AM
I have not used DK weight for socks.
Posted by: Vivian | December 16, 2011 at 10:42 AM
No, I haven't tried DK for socks....but who knows...there is a brand new year coming up! Happy Holiday!
Posted by: Terri | December 16, 2011 at 10:47 AM
I have a project picked out to make socks for my sister-in-law using DK-weight yarn.
Posted by: Jill | December 16, 2011 at 10:47 AM
I only began knitting socks this year! I have knit 6 pairs, but none out of DK weight yet. I would love to try!!
Posted by: Mary Beth | December 16, 2011 at 10:50 AM
Haven't made any socks with DK but would love to try.
Posted by: Margaret | December 16, 2011 at 10:52 AM
I haven't knit Dk wieght socks but might make a pair for inside boots. I knit a lot of socks and generally stick to fingering weight with a few sport weight for variety -- and quicker knitting.
Posted by: Kim B. | December 16, 2011 at 10:53 AM
No, I haven't knit any DK-weight socks yet this year. There's still time, though, I suppose! :) Mostly, I focus on socks that will fit in shoes, which means I'm stuck in fingering weight. I did knit a pair from sport-weight handspun this year, though.
Posted by: Word Lily | December 16, 2011 at 10:55 AM
Yes, lots, with a lot of frogging too. Been trying to knit knee-highs in DK for wellington boots, but find them difficult to fit properly. Most successful ones were in Sirdar Crofter and/or Country Style with Sirdar pattern 9338.
Posted by: Jan | December 16, 2011 at 10:56 AM
Nope, haven't knit a pair of DK weight socks but as cold as my feet are this fall, I'll be thinking about needing a little extra warmth soon.
Posted by: Jill | December 16, 2011 at 10:57 AM
I have not, but would LOVE to try it with this wonderful new yarn!
Posted by: Chaeriste | December 16, 2011 at 10:58 AM
I just finished my first pair of DK weight socks; I wanted to knit a pair for a Christmas gift, and there was no way that a lighter weight pair would be done in time with all of the other projects that I have going! I'd looove to try this Solemate DK!
Posted by: Allison | December 16, 2011 at 10:58 AM
I hadn't knit any DK socks this year, but as it gets colder I've been thinking more about heavier-than-fingering socks to keep my frozen toes warmer!
Posted by: Diana | December 16, 2011 at 10:58 AM
Yes, I'm working on some DK weight socks for my daughter right now and I love how quickly it knits up.
Posted by: Sharon Hurlbut | December 16, 2011 at 10:58 AM
This sounds wonderful! I will definitely give DK weight a try. And who doesn't love Lorna's Laces?!?
Posted by: KnittyFiend | December 16, 2011 at 10:59 AM
DK socks are an awesome quick project! I made 6 pairs for my sisters and nieces for Christmas last year, and I've done one pair for me this year!
Posted by: ChristiD | December 16, 2011 at 10:59 AM
Yes I have, I love my hand knit socks!
Posted by: Terry | December 16, 2011 at 11:00 AM
I haven't done anything in DK yarn yet, I just haven't had any on hand to knit with.
Posted by: Julia | December 16, 2011 at 11:00 AM
New knitter here (I just learned how in April this year)! Since I'm so new to knitting I've been wanting to make my first pair of socks but I've been too scared to try. I'm mainly used to worsted weight so trying my hand at knitting with a DK weight would be awesome! And then I'd have no excuse NOT to try and make a pair of socks!
Posted by: Anne | December 16, 2011 at 11:01 AM
I've stuck with sock/fingering weight yarns. My first pair of socks I knit DK to have a larger yarn to work with.
Posted by: enidb | December 16, 2011 at 11:01 AM
I've made a couple pair out of the Zauberball 6-ply sock yarn by Schoppel-Wolle, and like the way they knit up. I hope my SIL likes them-she's always cold!
Posted by: Jana Shepard | December 16, 2011 at 11:01 AM
I am certainly intrigued by DK sock yarn. Would for certain be some warm socks. Thanks for sharing these yarns with us.
Posted by: Ruby | December 16, 2011 at 11:03 AM
I've never knit any DK weight socks, but I'm planning to knit some. The Kalajoki socks are cute and have a different heel and toe than I've ever knit, so they'll be a nice challenge and learning experience. Thanks for the giveaway.
Posted by: Savannagal | December 16, 2011 at 11:03 AM
I haven't tried any with DK yet but I look forward to it.
Posted by: ericaengle | December 16, 2011 at 11:04 AM
I thought I had, but looking back thru my Ravlery projects, it's been over a year since I knit my husband his socks. I used some Rowan Cashsoft DK for his a few years ago. Since he has feet size 10.5 narrow, the foot part isn't bad, but he likes to wear knee length socks...and he has VERY LONG legs. The only way I'll knit him knee socks is to use heavier weight yarns!
Posted by: Laurel | December 16, 2011 at 11:04 AM
I knit with DK Regia a pair of socks from the last Piecework mag. The pattern was by Ann Budd called Manx Loaghtan Boot Sock. Loved the pattern but not the yarn. I think it was more of a sport weight.
I LOVE LL Solemate in fingering. Would love to try the DK weight for socks. I like thicker socks in the winter.
Posted by: Kathy | December 16, 2011 at 11:05 AM
DK weight sounds perfect for men's socks. My husband wears through socks so quickly!
Posted by: Dana Berry | December 16, 2011 at 11:06 AM
I strictly use fingering weight for socks but would love to use this for mittens.
Posted by: Eileen | December 16, 2011 at 11:06 AM
I haven't knit with DK weight yarn for socks yet. Sometimes I get in a rut and don't think outside the box. That may be something I am going to give a try this year.
Posted by: Andi | December 16, 2011 at 11:07 AM
made my first socks just this month! did not make them out if dk though, worsted instead. only because the pattern (from living crafts!) told me to!
would love to try my next pair with dk, though! i want to win!
Posted by: amy gullicksen | December 16, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Have not as of yet, but have a friend who is willing to teach me how. These yarns would make a great inspiration! Thanks!
Posted by: sharon ashleigh | December 16, 2011 at 11:08 AM
No dk weight socks this year, but I think a slightly heavier Solemate would be great. I found I had to use size 0 needles for the foot of my Solemate socks, not so much fun. I'd buy your special in a minute, but am tired of collecting colors that are a challenge to use. So for me, if I can't choose, I'll pass on this bargain.
Posted by: Merna | December 16, 2011 at 11:11 AM
No, I haven't knit a sock in dk weight yarn yet, but I'll give it a try.
Posted by: Helena Dias | December 16, 2011 at 11:11 AM
i love dk weight yarn and have knitted afghans, pea coats, and other items, why havent i done any socks. well thats pretty simple, just havent thought about doing socks. with this yarn, i will certainly FINALLY make myself a nice project!
Posted by: Joanne Hale | December 16, 2011 at 11:12 AM
I have not knit and DK socks this year, because I haven't been focused enough on one project long enough to complete anything it seems!
Posted by: wolfie | December 16, 2011 at 11:12 AM
I have knit baby booties with DK weight yarn, but not socks yet. Thanks for this contest, Allison! Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Denise | December 16, 2011 at 11:12 AM
I have not created any socks with DK weight yarn yet, its on my to-do list.
Posted by: Iris | December 16, 2011 at 11:13 AM
I usually use sock weight yarn, because it is less bulky in shoes, but I just cast on Manx Loaghtan Boot sock from the new Piecework magazine. I am using Life dk by stylecraft, that I got at my LYS. The look like they will be nice and cozy for my DH feet in his boots. We will see how he likes them. :D
Posted by: Gina D. | December 16, 2011 at 11:13 AM
Yes, I have! Well, sport weight anyway - Zauberball Starke 6. I'm making knee socks, since the yardage is so generous! :)
Posted by: Kristen E | December 16, 2011 at 11:14 AM
I used a rainbow Socks that Rock yarn this year. They turned out lovely. I was going to give them to my awesome aunt but I couldn't get them off my own feet.
Posted by: Sarah | December 16, 2011 at 11:17 AM
No DK yarn for socks. I really think that fingering weight is heavy enough for me. I live in the south. Does not get very cold for a long period of time.
Posted by: Lois Doucet | December 16, 2011 at 11:17 AM
no, not this year. a year ago I used Boomerang, which I thought acted like a Dk. I'll have to research patterns that use the DK...
Posted by: Carla in MT | December 16, 2011 at 11:19 AM
I have not knit any socks yet. It is my goal, but I am more of a beginner. With each knitting project, I try to add in something new for me to learn. Eventually I will get to sock-making! :)
Posted by: Sarah Sigmon | December 16, 2011 at 11:19 AM
I haven't knit any DK socks in a long time, but I did recently finish a pair using two strands of Schaefer Yarns Anne, which came out very DK-like. I would like to make a pair with actual DK weight yarn next year, although I honestly have no clue what yarn I might end up using ;)
Posted by: Michelle | December 16, 2011 at 11:20 AM
I am a loose knitter. I struggle to get all the stitches in one inch that a typical sock pattern requires, so I have to stick with 7 or 8 stitches to the inch........DK weight would require patterns for 6 stitches to the inch for me........ not too many of those, though I do have my eye on a couple of them! Solemate in DK sounds like a great idea! Can't wait to try it!
Posted by: Karen | December 16, 2011 at 11:21 AM
I haven't knit any DK socks, but use most of my sock yarn to knit hats - am looking forward to making my first pair of socks in 2012!
Posted by: Rachel Steinberg | December 16, 2011 at 11:22 AM
I have never tried knitting socks with the DK weight, because I'm not sure I'd like "thick" socks, and I love fingering weight. But I'd like to try.
Posted by: Janene Reeves | December 16, 2011 at 11:22 AM
I have not used dk yarn for socks but am thinking about it, especially for socks for my son who lives in very cold area. I just prefer the fingering weight for myself and enjoy knitting with it. I will check into the Lorna Laces dk though. It looks yummy.
Posted by: Anne Bond | December 16, 2011 at 11:22 AM