Simply Socks Yarn Co. Blog

Post Christmas Crazy

I thought the week leading up to Christmas was busy, but woah, this week is definitely moving at a frantic speed! Thank you all so much for your response to our Year End Sale in the Sale Section right now. You've given us a lot of great work to do, and we enjoy being your personal shoppers and picking out your yarn and sending it out to you. We often try to ship things out within a day, but please give us a second day with all these great orders coming in. Also, please keep in mind that Monday, January 1 is a shipping holiday, so orders placed over the weekend will not ship until Tuesday.

Is it freezing cold where you are? We are in the single digits here in NE Indiana right now, and much below with the windchill. Which means all I want to do is light a fire in the fireplace, grab a blanket or two, make a cup of decaf and knit knit knit. But that's not what's happening here til later this weekend. I have had a bit of time to get a few inches into my new sock, and I did finish my sister's socks around 11:30 on Christmas Eve. I gave them a bit of a soak, let them dry on a register, and wrapped them up for Christmas. They fit her perfectly and she wore them all day!

So, of course, I had to start a pair for myself, this time using Grumpy Jello in Ultimate Sock. I really like this base yarn. It's soft, has nice stitch definition and creates a beautiful fabric. The pattern is Sundance Sock, available here. I'll also be starting on a hat for little Henry. He picked out this yarn and I'll start a simple ribbed hat for him in the next day or so.

I do hope you are staying warm and safe where you are! I love that I see so many familiar names in the shipping queue, spending the gift certificates you were given for Christmas or simply taking advantage of the great sale. Have a wonderful end of 2017 and Happy New Year to you and yours!

End of Year Sale

We're having a big ol' event in the Sale Section right now- it's our first ever end-of-year sale! Hundreds of options are 25-45% off in the Sale Section... things that are discontinued, base yarns that aren't available anymore, dyers that are taking a break and retired collections... all at a fab discount til they are gone.

Among my faves is BFL Sock from Blue Moon Fiber Arts, shown above in Metaphysical Angst. I adore this line, but it's just not going to be available anymore, so you'll get a fab deal on these skeins that just seem to glow with color. You can bet that I snagged quite a few for myself.

Shown above, Jumpin' Jellybeans and below in Holiday Inn

Opal Schafpate 9

If you're like me and love a good self-patterning sock yarn, you'll be happy to hear that Opal Yarn's newest Schafpate collection is now available!

This is the 9th Schafpate collection which focuses on a German "buy local" concept. The yarn is made through an all German supply chain before it's exported all over the world. And as usual. it comes in 8 really fun self patterning colorways. I also have a few again from the two previous Schafpate collections, including this popular rainbow one.

We are able to keep the price on these collections well below retail. Typically they retail at $18, but our everyday price is just $15. That way, we can all buy more and knit more!

Finishing my Christmas Knit

I have knit one item for a Christmas present this year and I'm so glad these socks aren't my size, because I would contemplate keeping them! My sister's feet are considerably more dainty than mine, so they would never fit me. But I almost want to wedge my feet in there and try. Have you been like that before? That you love the gift you're knitting so much that you are seriously considering keeping it?

The pattern is Sundance Socks, which I post here on the blog seven years ago. This was a sample skein that I tested of the new sock yarn from Primrose Yarn Company, Ultimate Sock, which we just got in the shop and i had to immediately get up on the website for you. This sample skein, Forbidden Forest, has so many hues in it, and you'll see when you choose and knit your color, that you'll find unexpected bloops of color too. Like one lime stitch when you weren't expecting it, or how the purple and blue come together to make one really inky stitch. This was an addictive knit, and I do hope you find a color here that you adore too.

I love this knit so much I've already wound a skein of Grumpy Jello to knit over Christmas break. It's not true Christmas reds and greens but it's festive, and that's good enough for me!

We also have new hues of Adelaide Singles and Sophia MCN, so if you'd been waiting for something to arrive, it's likely here now.

I have randomly chosen the winners for the last of the 12 Days of Sock Yarn contests and I've e-mailed all the winners. Thank you so much for joining us in yet another yarny holiday! It's such a good time reading all your responses. I hope you enjoyed it too!

Winners are: Day 8, Meg C. Day 9, Wendy G. Day 10, Danielle S. Day 11, Barbara R. Day 12, Andrea.

Christmas Sock Yarn

It's nearly time for us to take a few days off and relax around here, but before then, there's still a chance to place an order for Christmas themed sock yarn so you have something festive to knit on Christmas morning. I have plans on cast on this new Candy Cane striping sock yarn from West Yorkshire Spinners once all the presents are open and cinnamon rolls have been eaten. After all, Christmas day is a great time to start a new project because the kids are so busy playing with their new Legos and video games that they could care less what I'm doing! 

We also have more of this Holly Berry from WYS, which I had a couple months ago but sold out fast.

Other Christmasy yarn ideas include the new holiday stripes from Knitterly Things.

Holiday Boogie Woogie

Jingle All the Way

Holiday, Celebrate!

Peace and Love

Twinkle Lights

There are also more self patterning and a Wave option from Cascade Yarns. Holidaze Prints is available on fingering and on sport

The Wave option, which slowly changes color as you knit in the round

So many holiday options in the shop! I can't wait to share with you everything that has dropped in the shop over the past week. Look out for a newsletter to see all that's new!

12th Day of Sock Yarn

On the 12th Day of Sock Yarn, Simply Sock Yarn gave to me....

a $100 online gift certificate!

If you would love the opportunity to win a $100 gift certificate to use online for whatever you want (perhaps the new Life in the Long Grass or Hedgehog Fibres that will be new in a few days including Potluck colors!), just answer the following question in the comments below.

What yarn that we offer would you most like to start out the new year knitting? Take a look at some of the things we offer here, and share in the comments below. Be as specific as you'd like, telling us the color and type of yarn and if there's a pattern you're considering, do inspire us with your selection!

I've been knitting up a mystery sock, sharing my progress on Instagram. The pattern is the Sundance Sock, a pattern I shared here on the blog years ago (you can find my free patterns linked on the right sidebar), and the yarn is one that I'll be revealing here on the blog in a week or two. It's a new base yarn from one of our dyers, and it's been a great test knit so far.

These socks are for my sister. I finished the first sock in just three days and I'm already a few inches into the second sock. I was worried I wouldn't be finishing them before Christmas, but the combination of yarn and pattern have got my needles soaring!

Once my sister's socks are complete, I'm considering starting on these holiday socks below so I have a new pair to wear on Christmas morning. I do have a pair of Christmas Island socks that I knit a couple years ago, but I'm in the mood for something new to wear.

Thank you so much for joining in the 12 Days of Sock Yarn this year! It's been fun putting together entire kits for the occasion, reading your comments and being inspired by you yet again. And for those of you who we have announced as winners in the first half, you were totally excited to win and your e-mail responses made us smile. I'll announce the second half of winners in the next few days. I do hope you'll join us in all the contests I have planned for 2018, so keep checking the blog to see what's new in the shop and join us in any contests and frivolity we might host! You make this all so much fun!

11th Day of Sock Yarn

On the 11th Day of Sock Yarn, Simply Sock Yarn gave to me....

my very own Snarky Sheep Knit Kit!

To have a chance at this special package featuring a beautifully dappled skein of Hue Loco, an oversized sheepy tote, WTF notes (for a little humor), soothing hand balms and sheep stitch markers, answer the following question in the comments below.

What makes a good holiday card? Homemade? Beautifully printed? What makes you look forward to opening envelopes this time of year? Do you make your own cards or buy them from Target? Are there some years you do them and some you don't?

There are several people I look forward to getting cards from each year. I LOVE family photos on cards, and I keep these year after year so that when I open my Christmas ornament boxes, I see reminders of all my friends and family who sent cards over the years. I love seeing how all our little ones have grown year to year. I also like a few sentences about what everyone's been up to- perhaps a cool vacation, or an exchange student or a new college or job. I absolutely hate anything with Satan's Pepper, otherwise known as sparkles. These cards go directly into the trash so they don't infect my house.

Before I had kids, so more than a decade ago, I made my own Christmas cards. I would punch out various little things from paper and glue them to the card. I really enjoyed working with paper. It would take me hours and hours to make a dozen or so cards. Now that I have kids, and my Christmas card list is very large, I enjoy getting photos taken sometime during the year and using them on the cards. I used Tiny Prints in the past, but this year they have been taken over by Shutterfly, which is fine by me because they have so many options and really great coupon codes that make the cards really reasonably priced. Here are our family cards from the last three years.

Leave me one comment below before 8am tomorrow and you'll be entered to win in today's contest. Please be as specific as you like, as I know many of us find inspiration for our knitting and our lives in what you share. Want to know more about the 12 Days of Sock Yarn? See here.

10th Day of Sock Yarn

On the 10th Day of Sock Yarn, Simply Sock Yarn gave to me...

my very own Coffee Lovers Knit Kit!

To have a chance at this package featuring the Seattle Coffee Blues striping color from our own Poste Yarn, an oversized holiday mug, tasty stroopwaffles and a Starbucks gift card, answer the following question in the comments below.

What's your Elf Name? Take a look at the Elf Name generator below and tell us what your festive name is. That's it!

Looks like my Elf Name is Perky Angelpants! And my man's name is Sugarplum Sugarplum Ha! I do wish mine was Bubbles Sugar Socks. Seems apt. 

Leave me one comment below before 8am tomorrow and you'll be entered to win in today's contest. Want to know more about the 12 Days of Sock Yarn? See here.

9th Day of Sock Yarn

On the 9th Day of Sock Yarn, Simply Sock Yarn gave to me....

my very own Chocolate Lovers Knit Kit!

To have a chance at this decadent package featuring Tosh Sock in Dirty Harry and a selection of yummy chocolates, simply answer the following question in the comments below:

Who, other than yourself, would you credit the most with your knitting inspiration? Is it that special aunt or friend who taught you to knit? Or perhaps a wonderful pattern designer has inspired you over the years to keep knitting and expand your horizon? Perhaps it's a dyer who creates such great colorways that you can't help but knit knit knit! Do tell us all about why you connected with this person in the comments below.

The person I credit as being my biggest knitting inspiration is my Grandma. She taught me to knit over 30 years ago when I was little, and it was something I'd do while at the lake or just hanging out at her house. She lived just five houses from my childhood home, so I was there a lot. She also taught me to cook and to appreciate the Sound of Music, to put family first, and a myriad of other lessons that I carry with me every day. More than a decade ago, she was diagnosed with dementia, and while she was with us for a long time before she passed five years ago, I don't know if she was able to understand what her lessons gave me. Without her guidance and appreciation of knitting, I never would have started my own shop 12 years ago. I wouldn't be supporting my family and the families of my staff, dozens of dyers and craftspeople, and all our shipping helpers worldwide. 

Here's a bigger picture of Dirty Harry, because it's just so pretty! Also really nice on Pashmina and Merino Light!

But hey, Madelinetosh is known for making gorgeous stuff, right?

Leave me one comment below before 8am tomorrow and you'll be entered to win in today's contest. Please be as specific as you like, as I know many of us find inspiration for our knitting and our lives in what you share. Want to know more about the 12 Days of Sock Yarn? See here.

Want to know who won the first 7 Days of Sock Yarn? Here are the winners so far. If you think one of these is you, check your e-mail.

Day 1, Barb H. Day 2, Rita. Day 3, Helen. Day 4, Barbara. Day 5, Marilyn H. Day 6 Laurie. Day 7, Jessica. And it seems I'm not the only one with an awesome Grandma- Jessica's winning comment shares this:

"I knit socks for my 91 year old grandma. She knit me a pink sweater with reindeer on it when I was 8.... I credit her with starting me on the knitting bug. Grandma doesn't knit anymore (although she still quilts!) but she remembers fondly hand knit socks!"

8th Day of Sock Yarn

On the 8th Day of Sock Yarn, Simply Sock Yarn gave to me....

My very own Movie Night Knit Kit!

To have a chance at this fun knit kit featuring Cozy DK skein from Swift Yarn, a selection of popcorn and seasonings, candy and an iTunes gift card, answer the following question in the comments below.

Did you participate in an online KAL (knitalong) this year or do you belong to a knitting group that you KAL in person? Do tell us if you participate/d in any group type of knitting or if you went solo this year.

I did a bit of an informal KAL on Instagram for my Girl from the Grocery Store shawl. I used Miss Babs Estrellita in Livid and Good Morning Glory. I actually dipped into a very small amount of a second skein of the Livid b/c I made a mistake counting on the pattern. But I adore the finished project. I watched a lot of you participate in the Starting Point KAL, which was really cool to see and I look forward to casting on that project sometime too. The photo below is of my project in progress this summer, and I apparently haven't taken a photo of the finished project yet. But I DID take a picture of Rachael's using some Blue Moon Fiber Arts in Kate's Blues and Dream Cloud.

I also join friends for a knitting group that meets weekly. Though, admittedly, I've been so busy these past few months that I've only gone once. But it's great knowing when their are groups of knitters meeting up so that if I have a chance, I can join in. Some of these wonderful ladies have become some of my most trusted friends and buds, and I feel fortunate that I took a chance and joined a random local group years ago. We have coached each other through babies and break ups and big moves and health scares and all the big things that make up life.

Leave me one comment below before 8am tomorrow and you'll be entered to win in today's contest. Please be as specific as you like, as I know many of us find inspiration for our knitting and our lives in what you share. Want to know more about the 12 Days of Sock Yarn? See here.

7th Day of Sock Yarn

On the 7th Day of Sock Yarn, Simply Sock Yarn gave to me...

my very own Be Jolly Knit Kit!

To have a chance at this festive holiday kit featuring a HUGE 250g skein of our very own Poste Yarn 250g Worsted Weight Yarn (just added more to the Sale Section- 250g for a 100g price!), a Be Jolly coffee mug and kitchen towel and a chocolate bar, just answer the following question in the comments below.

Who have you enjoyed knitting for most this year? Did you take care of yourself before others this year? Good for you! Is there a new baby in your life that got the most of your knitting time? Super awesome! Do tell us all about this special person in the comments below and you'll be entered to win this awesome prize with this super big skein of yarn. The color of the skein is Jollyville Speckle, by the way, and we have many other options here too.

I knit mostly for myself this year. In fact, I don't think I knit for anyone else. I do have a pair of socks to start tonight to give to my sister for Christmas. I keep telling myself that I'm starting them tonight, but many tonights have passed, and I have yet to start them. And the only reason that I'm posting about the socks is because she already knows about them. In fact, I won her in the family drawing and that was the first thing on her list to receive from me so I can't disappoint, right? My whole family (mom and siblings and kids) are all coming over to my home for Christmas Day for the first time (from as far as Philly!) and I can't wait to host my first Christmas Day.

There is one other person that I'll likely knit for by the end of the year. One of our team had a baby a few days ago (VERY EXCITING!!!!), and I definitely need to knit for him. I did knit his sister a Chevron Baby Blanket using Cascade 220 Superwash (colors shown in the pic below, if you're so inclined) two years ago, but his mom crochets, so he already has an adorable baby blanket that matches his room. So perhaps a hat instead? Yesterday we got our first real snow here in NE Indiana, so I think a little hat with a big pom pom would be adorable for little Nate.

Leave me one comment below before 8am tomorrow and you'll be entered to win in today's contest. Please be as specific as you like, as I know many of us find inspiration for our knitting and our lives in what you share. Want to know more about the 12 Days of Sock Yarn? See here.

6th Day of Sock Yarn

On the 6th Day of Sock Yarn, Simply Sock Yarn gave to me....

my very own Tea Lovers Knit Kit!

To have a chance at this tasty Knit Kit featuring our own Poste Yarn, Striping Sock, a coordinating mug, and a sampling of tea and accompaniments, answer the following question in the comments below.

To swatch or not to swatch. That is the question. Are you a swatcher or no? Are the certain instances that beg for swatching vs others?

I do not swatch. For the most part, I knit socks. Mainly for myself, and I have a basic vanilla pattern that I use every single time, so there's no swatching needed. I've tried knitting one sweater, which I didn't swatch for. But I got half way through and lost interest and gave all the yarn to Diana, who then knit something awesome from it.

I do knit some hats and blankets for the people I love and I don't swatch those either. A chevron baby blanket is a great way to use up leftover bits of Cascade 220 Superwash, and that one skein of DK is best used for a simple ribbed hat. Here I used Madelinetosh Tosh DK in El Greco for a hat that's worn daily.

Leave me one comment below before 8am tomorrow and you'll be entered to win in today's contest. Please be as specific as you like, as I know many of us find inspiration for our knitting and our lives in what you share. Want to know more about the 12 Days of Sock Yarn? See here.

5th Day of Sock Yarn

On the Fifth Day of Sock Yarn, Simply Sock Yarn gave to me...

my very own Christmas Knit Kit!

To have a chance at this festive red and green package featuring my last skein of yarn from the Cyborg's Craft Room, a sock project bag from Bird Leg Bags, tiny sock stitch markers and a red sheep ornament, answer the following question in the comments below.

Do you have a tip or trick that you'd like to share with us? Perhaps a trick that makes your knitting SO much easier, or a tip for reading a pattern that you can't live without? Please do tell! Be as specific as you like, or share a link if you have one.

For me, one thing that really makes a difference in my knitting and finishing is weaving in my ends as I go. when knitting a project that requires I cut the yarn and weave it in, it's so much better for me when I take care of the ends along the way instead of leaving everything until the end of the project. This video is short and sweet and explains what I do.

Leave me one comment below before 8am tomorrow and you'll be entered to win in today's contest. Please be as specific as you like, as I know many of us find inspiration for our knitting and our lives in what you share. Want to know more about the 12 Days of Sock Yarn? See here.

4th Day of Sock Yarn

On the Fourth Day of Sock Yarn, Simply Sock Yarn gave to me...

my very own Hot Chocolate Knit Kit!

If you'd like a chance at winning this package featuring Swift Yarn Singles in Jewel Thief, tasty hot cocoas, snowflake marshmallows, snowflake stitch markers and a felted ornament, answer the following question in the comments below:

What holiday movie or song always puts you in the celebrating mood? Is Michael Buble your thing? Do you enjoy laughing with your kids to Christmas Vacation? Do share with us something that you and yours really enjoy watching or listening to each year. Perhaps you'll introduce someone to something new!

For me, it's the movie White Christmas. This year, my Love and I actually had a child-free date night and dressed up, went to a fancy dinner and watched a local production of the musical. It was a really cool way to start the season right. Rather that sitting on the couch in our comfy Christmas pj's (which is great too) we instead dressed in our best and made a big night out of it.

Leave me one comment below before 8am tomorrow and you'll be entered to win in today's contest. Please be as specific as you like, as I know many of us find inspiration for our knitting and our lives in what you share. Want to know more about the 12 Days of Sock Yarn? See here.

3rd Day of Sock Yarn

On the Third Day of Sock Yarn, Simply Sock Yarn gave to me...

a $100 online gift certificate!

If you would love to opportunity to win a $100 gift certificate to use online for whatever you want, just answer the following question in the comments below:

What's your favorite cookie recipe? Is it a holiday one passed down from your grandmother? Or perhaps one you found on Pinterest and have been making for only a few years? Please do tell us in the comments below, leaving a link if you can (pretty please!). Commenters in the past have gone so far as to type out the recipe if it's something truly special. Thanks!

In my house, the tried-and-true Toll House cookie recipe is The Thing. I live in a household of males who love a simple treat, so nothing too complicated for them. In fact, I made them this week. The only thing I change is instead of putting in a whole bag of morsels, I do equal amounts of morsels PLUS MnM's. So a cup of each morsels and candy. And NO nuts.

Now, as far as for myself, I'm a Snickerdoodle kinda gal. 

Now go browse online for some of the awesome things we have in our big ol' shop if you win the Gift Certificate. I recommend sending the Gift Certificate link to anyone that gives you mediocre gifts so they know what you REALLY want this Christmas. Perhaps you want to stock up on the Mineville Wool Project yarn that's 45% off in the Sale Section. Or perhaps you haven't yet tried Swift Yarn or this great deal from Blue Moon Fiber Arts. Make that list and check it twice!

Leave me one comment below before 8am tomorrow and you'll be entered to win in today's contest. Please be as specific as you like, as I know many of us find inspiration for our knitting and our lives in what you share. Want to know more about the 12 Days of Sock Yarn? See here.

2nd Day of Sock Yarn

On the second Day of Sock Yarn, Simply Sock Yarn gave to me...

my very own Puppy Love Kit!

If you and your pup would like a chance at this adorable package featuring the Pheasant colorway of Tosh Sock (the color reminds me of the dog-playing-poker paintings!), fun dog notecards, Christmas-themed puppy treats and a pair of HiyaHiya Puppy Snips (little scissors), just answer the following question in the comments below:

What's one holiday tradition that you do nearly every year? Does it involve a special religious service? Is it your kid's holiday concert? Perhaps you and yours stay up all night baking every cookie imaginable?

For me, one of the things I do every year is something that I learned from one of you! It was shared years ago, that one of you buys special pajamas every Christmas and gifts them to the family on Christmas Eve. That way, everyone has clean, new PJs for Christmas morning pictures. I go a step further and usually buy matching pajama sets for my boys early in the season so they get to wear them a lot. This year though, it's hard to find pajamas for 10-year-old James that match 5-year-old Henry's, so I think the matchy-matchy years might be over. Here are a few shots from last year. And I even ended up using these in Christmas cards. Oh, these goobers.

Leave me one comment below before 8am tomorrow and you'll be entered to win in today's contest. Please be as specific as you like, as I know many of us find inspiration for our knitting and our lives in what you share. Want to know more about the 12 Days of Sock Yarn? See here.

1st Day of Sock Yarn

On the First Day of Sock Yarn, Simply Sock Yarn gave to me...

my very own Cupcake Knit Kit!

To have a chance at a package featuring a skein of Flock Fibre in Rubellite, an adorable sock project bag from Bird Leg Bags, a cupcake ornament and little macaroon stitch markers, just answer the following question in the comments below:

What project really stuck with you this year? Did you choose seven colors of Tosh Sock and knit up a spectacular Fade? Did you finish that sweater you'd left languishing because of all the ends? Or did you finally snag the perfect color of Primrose for a pair of socks for a loved one?

I knit up a shawl that I'm quite happy with. This one was one I had on my want-to-knit list for months and finally cast on before taking a vacation this spring. I choose two colors of yarn- not even the same line or the exact same weight, but similar enough, and I knit up the Walk in the Woods Shawl. I used Malabrigo Rios in Aguas like the pattern suggested, but then I went with a Tosh DK speckle, Gemini Twins. It was such a great knit and I loved making it.

Leave me one comment below before 8am tomorrow and you'll be entered to win in today's contest. Please be as specific as you like, as I know many of us find inspiration for our knitting and our lives in what you share. Want to know more about the 12 Days of Sock Yarn? See here.

12 Days of Sock Yarn Starts SOON!

On Monday we will start our annual holiday celebration of all things sock yarn with the 12 Days of Sock Yarn! For the 8th year, we are celebrating our exclusive yarny holiday at Simply Socks Yarn Company here on the blog. From Dec 4 through Dec 15 you have a chance to win a special prize each day.

In the past, we have started this a couple weeks later. This year, I'm doing something special- instead of giving away just a skein or two or a project bag, we are giving away a specially curated gift set each day. More goodies = more FUN! We are starting the holiday early this year so the winner can get her or his prize well before Christmas.

How can you join in? Simply visit the SSYC Blog every day from Dec. 4 through Dec. 15 and answer the questions in the comments section before 8am the following day, when the new contest is posted. You'll automatically be entered to win the gift shown for that day. If you participate each day, you'll have a dozen chances to win (one chance per day). And yes, you can win more than one day! It has happened in the past!

You don't have to participate in any particular holiday to win anything- you just have to want some awesome free yarn or goodies. I'll post winners in January, and you'll also get an e-mail if you've won a prize.

Are there any questions (knitting or not) you'd like to see asked one of the 12 days? Tell me in the comments below, and try and I'll add them to the list of questions. I've added some awesome holiday traditions to my life over the past few years because of your suggestions, and I really enjoy reading through everything you post. And I love giving out 12 days of prizes!

Here are a few examples of what we are gifting this year each day:

Here's a link to one of the contest days last year if you'd like to see what this is like. Please do join us starting on Monday!