On the Seventh Day of Sock Yarn, Simply Sock Yarn gave to meeeeee.....
three skeins of hand dyed goodness!
To have a chance at winning a skein of your choice, one each from three different US hand dyers (Six & Seven Fibers, Stitch Together Studios and Yarn Love), simply answer the following question in the comments below:
We all have those skeins of hand dyed, variegated yarn that we couldn't live without. What pattern/s do you like for those single skeins that were impulse bought, but now you'd like to knit up? Leave us the pattern name and the Ravelry link (if possible). You're also welcome to link your own project pages if you'd like to show off how you knit it up. Please do share your inspiration in the comments below and I'll randomly choose one winner.
April Showers, Neon Flowers shown here
Most of the skeins I have are fingering weight. After all, that's the majority of what we offer and it's also what I gravitate to when at other yarn shops. The easiest patterns to think of for using these skeins are the Sockhead Hat and the Sockhead Cowl. Close to You is a popular one, as is the tried-and-true Hitchhiker. Also take a look at Knit Night. For socks, how about Aquaphobia- it's been around for years and I still haven't made it. For worsted weight project, I like the Field of Wildflowers hat from Joji Locatelli (photo used with permission). She used this yarn for the photo below.
We have 5 more Days of Sock Yarn coming up, so do stop here at the SSYC blog (our shop journal - I've been writing/sharing shop and life news here for over 16 years) every day until Christmas Eve so you can win. Full details of the contest can be found here.
I posted later in the day during the weekend, so I'll leave the sixth and seventh day comments up a little longer than usual so you can enter those.
Oh this is an easy one~~
Close to You Shawl by Justyna Lorkowska!!!
Posted by: Karla | December 19, 2021 at 06:45 PM
I love the sockhead hat, and have the cowl on my list. Casapinka has a One and Done pattern I want to try.
Posted by: Joyce | December 19, 2021 at 06:46 PM
Here's the link to the pattern
Close to You Shawl
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/close-to-you
Enjoy!!
Karla
Posted by: Karla | December 19, 2021 at 06:47 PM
I would love to knit myself a Wurm Hat with this shown yarn. I've knit dozens of hats for others this Christmas and I'm ready to knit something for myself!!
Posted by: Bonney | December 19, 2021 at 06:49 PM
Usually, socks. I've got two people in addition to myself, who like my hand-knit socks.
Posted by: Judy | December 19, 2021 at 06:53 PM
I love the Fractal Danger Shawl -it’s on Ravelry. It works up nicely on variegated or striped fingering weight yarn
Posted by: Beverly Shearon | December 19, 2021 at 06:57 PM
Hmm interesting question. The impulse buy skein of yarn that I have gotten if it looks good as socks I go with a plain gusset heel sock by Wendy D Johnson she has both fingering and DK weight. Also I am currently working on a scarf called the Long Stocking Muffler by Churchmouse Yarns and Teas Website and also recently discovered a scarf called workday scarf by Sue Flanders. Also my fav scarf pattern is the one row handspun scarf by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. I play with various patterns likely why my Queue page on ravelry is so long. LOL Gotta have some fun. :)
Posted by: Yvonne Evans | December 19, 2021 at 06:57 PM
I knit socks with them. I have a tried and true plan vanilla that works for me. I tend to knit while watching TV at night, so it is nice and mindless.
Posted by: dawn | December 19, 2021 at 06:57 PM
Depending on the yardage - either a scarf or socks.
Posted by: Virginia Harnischfeger | December 19, 2021 at 06:57 PM
I love using Basic Socks that Rock. Plain vanilla sock that shows off the colors. It is a Ravelry pattern
Posted by: Deb Temple | December 19, 2021 at 06:59 PM
Usually socks. But Close to You is a favorite. Sock head cowl & hat run a close second. Hitchhiker is also in the running. Any hat pattern is great too
Posted by: Trudy | December 19, 2021 at 06:59 PM
Hitchhiker, Close to You or Sockhead Cowl!
Posted by: Heather H | December 19, 2021 at 07:01 PM
I like just plain vanilla socks with FLK heel - my go to!
Posted by: Laurie Bowman | December 19, 2021 at 07:01 PM
I like the Snap hat from Tin Can Knits, it uses several strands of sock weight yarn.
Posted by: Linda McLaughlin | December 19, 2021 at 07:01 PM
I will make my own generic sock pattern, though I made some Woven shawls by Casapinka to use as scarves to gift.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/woven-5
Posted by: Diane | December 19, 2021 at 07:03 PM
I have knitted The Storm shawl by Joji a few times with those special single skeins. It is a pattern that works well with varigated yarn and is completed quickly.
Posted by: Deborah Kelar | December 19, 2021 at 07:04 PM
Alli shawl pattern. I am partial to crescent shaped shawls.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/alli-2
Posted by: Deb Adams | December 19, 2021 at 07:05 PM
Sock head hat and Hermoines and Vanilla for socks.
Posted by: Carol Stadler | December 19, 2021 at 07:05 PM
My vote is the 3 colour cashmere cowl by Joji. There is a lot of room for modification according to the yarns you've chosen. It doesn't have to be cashmere or three colours. You could make 2 cowls or more with three full skeins, changing up the order of colours and the size of the bands of colour. Great way to use the leftovers from knitting a pair of socks. Have fun!
Posted by: Marilyn H | December 19, 2021 at 07:08 PM
I have several skeins of sock yarn that fit the impulse buy target. When I dip into the stash I'm either gonna knit a plain vanilla sock or some fingerless mitts. Sockhead is always a good one too.
Posted by: Stephanie | December 19, 2021 at 07:12 PM
Socks. I especially like the Mercury pattern https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mercury-socks They look great in a solid, variegated or striped.
Posted by: L | December 19, 2021 at 07:13 PM
My go to is always socks- I prefer a vanilla pattern but also love the one you shared that is knit 3 purl 1. Especially for male socks!!
Posted by: Natalie | December 19, 2021 at 07:19 PM
Close to you shawl
Sockhead hat
Bristlecone fingerless mitts by Nikki Wagner
Ribbing on the side socks by Jane-Marie Wright
Posted by: Rose Birchall | December 19, 2021 at 07:20 PM
Broken Seed Stitch socks are fun for busy yarn, just pair with a solid color. I would use a black or dark grey with brights. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/broken-seed-stitch-socks
Posted by: Amanda Swanson | December 19, 2021 at 07:20 PM
Reyna, Close to You or socks are my favorite one skein projects.
Posted by: Carolyn Zewe | December 19, 2021 at 07:22 PM
I made a Vary the Gate with a single skein. It was a fun knit. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vary-the-gate
The Sockhead hat is fun if I want to make a hat.
I hope to make a Musselburgh hat next year.
Posted by: Suzanne | December 19, 2021 at 07:24 PM
Cowls. Cowls, oh and cowls. Did I mention cowls? Lol. I’m a sucker for a nice cowl. 😀
Posted by: Kimberly Dzingel | December 19, 2021 at 07:25 PM
I like sock yarn because since I live in southern California, it’s the most wearable. I rarely knit the same pattern twice unless it’s requested so enjoy finding new patterns to go with new yarn.
Posted by: Diane | December 19, 2021 at 07:25 PM
Most recent pattern that I discovered on Ravelry is the Wild Bees pattern. And thinking I need to find fingerless mitten pattern if they don't turn up the heat in my office soon.
Posted by: Mary Kay | December 19, 2021 at 07:28 PM
The Sockhead Cowl and Hat are my go-to patterns, thanks to you. Allison. I want those beautiful knitted items to be more visible than socks.
Posted by: MarthaO | December 19, 2021 at 07:32 PM
The sockhead is my go-to for busy yarn! But usually my kids claim those wild skeins for socks or mittens (they like how palmistry mitts fit!)
Posted by: Jenn H | December 19, 2021 at 07:36 PM
I have in my queue Sofi Socks and Glastonbury Socks. I have also knit Close to you.
Posted by: Diana Byrum | December 19, 2021 at 07:39 PM
Usually just traditional socks but sometimes a cowl or hat
Posted by: Julie | December 19, 2021 at 07:40 PM
I love these suggestions! I have a serious weakness for beautiful hand dyed skeins,but don't always love the way they knit up. I find I like garter stitch for them -- I just did a Get Garter Beret and loved how it turned out.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/get-garter---beret
Posted by: Lisa | December 19, 2021 at 07:44 PM
I like to knit Hermione’s Everyday Socks or hats (Sockhead Slouch) with those impossible-to-resist impulse skeins.
Posted by: Susan Ipavec | December 19, 2021 at 07:44 PM
I love making socks and using the skeins in shawls but I love the Pensive Cowl! https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pensive-2
I’ve made four so far from colossal sock! I’m giving toe as gifts this year!
Posted by: Dana Snyder | December 19, 2021 at 07:45 PM
Forgive me, but I crochet. Hopefully you’ll let me participate. I love this fingerless glove pattern and it works up beautifully with a hand-dyed skein. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/orchard-mitts
Posted by: Lisa Anderson | December 19, 2021 at 07:45 PM
I currently like this diagonal pattern: https://ravel.me/diagonal-knit-scarf-3 or maybe a hat.
Posted by: Michelle | December 19, 2021 at 07:48 PM
Sockhead hat and cowl and vanilla latte socks.
Posted by: Jessica | December 19, 2021 at 07:49 PM
I really don't use a sock pattern. I knit a simple sock that fits my foot perfectly and I love them. If I want to do something different I'll knit a plain cap or a simple cowl. Don't have a pattern for any of them. To me it's all about the gorgeous yarn.
Posted by: Susan | December 19, 2021 at 07:53 PM
I have used the sockhead hat and cowls for those skeins.
Posted by: Terri B | December 19, 2021 at 07:54 PM
Any hat really shows off single skeins or close to neck cowls!
Posted by: Rachelle Price | December 19, 2021 at 07:56 PM
I love making winter accessories - especially hats and mittens. I don't tend to make the same things twice, though, so it's hard to pick a go-to pattern. There are just so many patterns to try, and I feel like I'm always learning something new with every different one that I try!
Posted by: Sarah S | December 19, 2021 at 07:56 PM
Vanilla socks, hats and a favorite- 3 color cashmere cowl. I have made a couple of these cowls for gifts and need to make one for me. Lynn
Posted by: Lynn B | December 19, 2021 at 08:02 PM
With single skeins of fingering weight yarn, I usually choose one of the many sock patterns in my Ravelry library I haven’t knit yet and go for it. But, if I’m looking for something more mindless than a new pattern, I go for DRK Everyday Socks (https://ravel.me/drk-everyday-socks). There’s nothing like a toe-up sock knit in a simple rib!
Posted by: Mary | December 19, 2021 at 08:05 PM
With the single skein sock yarn, my favorite project besides socks is the Be Simple Shawl. A very nice project to knit while watching TV.
Posted by: Denise Walsh-Horowitz | December 19, 2021 at 08:06 PM
I'll make a basic cowl, hat or a Hitchhiker with a single skein. I also like to combine bits and pieces of colorful skeins and make a linen stitch scarf. I make them in the round and then steek and create the fringe. They are great take along projects and since they are pretty mindless I can chat or watch tv when making one.
Posted by: Marianna | December 19, 2021 at 08:07 PM
I definitely love the pattern Rose City Rollers for those colorful single skeins that one can’t leave the store without! If all else fails, they can also always be added to a granny stripe blanket 😊
Posted by: Jenny Slater | December 19, 2021 at 08:14 PM
My go to sock pattern is “simple skyp socks” (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-skyp-socks)
Posted by: Kate | December 19, 2021 at 08:16 PM
Ysolda Teagues Musselburgh hat is my new favorite for single skeins!
Posted by: Elizabeth | December 19, 2021 at 08:16 PM
My favorite pattern for single skeins is Reyna!
Posted by: Kim Holbrook | December 19, 2021 at 08:20 PM
The One Row Scarf Pattern by Stephanie Pearl McPhee is a favorite of mine for hand dyed yarn. Just google the pattern and it will come up. It’s easy, reversible, and unisex. Works for any weight of yarn and can be adapted to shawls and blankets.
Posted by: Pat Phythian | December 19, 2021 at 08:24 PM
Hats or cowls are my go to.
Posted by: Ellen C, | December 19, 2021 at 08:29 PM
Here's my list of patterns from which I choose to avoid color pooling and maximize beauty for a hand-dyed or variegated yarn:
Alternating Slip of the Stitch
Ampersand
Aquaphobia
Breman Muster
Broken Seed Stitch
Charade
Diamonds in the Fluff (slip st)
Geek Socks
Hermione's Everyday Socks
Let it Shine
Pooling the Strings Socks
Raindrop
Regenbogensocken (Rainbow)
Scatterby
Skype
Show-Off Stranded
Simplicity
Slip Stitch Lines
Socks on a Plane
Sorbet
Syncopation
Temperance
Timber Columns
Vanilla Bean Striped
Yamadori
Zigzagular
Posted by: Paula Vail | December 19, 2021 at 08:33 PM
Oslo hats or socks!
Posted by: Sarah | December 19, 2021 at 08:38 PM
I’ve had Reyna in my library for awhile and think it’d be great with a hand dyed skein.
Posted by: Becky Creighton | December 19, 2021 at 08:43 PM
Churchmouse Yarn’s Moroccan Bed Socks!
Posted by: Pris | December 19, 2021 at 08:46 PM
One Perfect Skein Shawl https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/one-perfect-skein by Fredi Baker is the perfect pattern for special skeins of yarn.
Posted by: Marilyn | December 19, 2021 at 08:47 PM
Socks, Starshower Cowl, hats, cowls are a great way to use those really luxurious skeins.
Posted by: Kathy | December 19, 2021 at 08:49 PM
Hitchhiker is a wonderful pattern for single variegated skeins!
Posted by: Bonny | December 19, 2021 at 08:54 PM
No purl monkeys and vanilla socks.
Posted by: Labrista Wadkins | December 19, 2021 at 08:57 PM
I'm always looking for texture or lace to minimize pooling with variegated yarns. Recently I made A Mermaid's Tale by Elizabeth Finn and Petals & Picots by Swift Yarns. I'm loving all the new patterns to investigate!
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/a-mermaids-tale
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/petals--picots
Posted by: Cheryl | December 19, 2021 at 08:59 PM
I will be using a single skein of gorgeous yarn in a woven table runner in the very near future.
Posted by: Joanne Christman | December 19, 2021 at 09:01 PM
My go-to for a skein that either isn’t superwash or doesn’t contain nylon or another fiber for strength is a Hitchhiker scarf. It shows off everything well!
Posted by: Melissa | December 19, 2021 at 09:03 PM
I'm working on the One Skein Wonder Shawl right now. It's taking a while as it is my go-everywhere project. 5 or 10 minute chunks of time add up, you know. I really like the way it looks and am looking forward to finishing. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/one-skein-wonder-3
Posted by: Teri P | December 19, 2021 at 09:04 PM
I love using my special bought impulse yarn (usually variegated) for socks! The pattern I use the most is Helen Stewart’s “Simple Curious Socks”! It’s always a surprise to see how they turn out! The pattern is available on Ravelry (not sure how to do the link).
Posted by: Sally | December 19, 2021 at 09:15 PM
I love making Lambing Mitts, I hold it double or use a solid or tonal to hold double with those pretty hand dyes variegated skeins
https://www.toltyarnandwool.com/blogs/blog/17124140-lambing-mitts
Posted by: Melissa Friedrich | December 19, 2021 at 09:22 PM
I’d make fingerless mitts from that pretty yarn. I do a 3/1 rib-pretty easy.
Posted by: DenaZS | December 19, 2021 at 09:26 PM
I make socks. Lately have been using Hermione Socks pattern.
Posted by: Rebecca Wessling | December 19, 2021 at 09:26 PM
I mostly like to knit sock , a simple K3P1 rib pattern works with any yarn hand dyed variegated, tonal or even self stripping yarn . It is simple mindless knitting pattern and keeps the beauty of the yarn
Posted by: RB | December 19, 2021 at 09:27 PM
Favorite sock pattern is Petty Harbour by Reyna Curtis.
Posted by: Trish | December 19, 2021 at 09:34 PM
Usually make the Sockhead hat or the hitchhiker shawl
Posted by: Patsy Coats | December 19, 2021 at 09:38 PM
You hit on my choices and I would also add High Speed Knitting ---> https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tgv-high-speed-knitting
Posted by: Linda | December 19, 2021 at 09:39 PM
Each skein tells me what it wants to be, in its own time.
Most end up being socks. I use my standard sock pattern, and insert in the top of the foot and the shaft whatever stitch pattern the skein wants. (Sometimes it changes its mind halfway through, and frogging ensues.)
Posted by: Linda L. in WI | December 19, 2021 at 09:40 PM
I like Susan B. Anderson’s Yowza weigh-it shawls, which I’ve used for fingering and heavier-weight yarns. I also like her Smooth Operator Socks for a vanilla sock pattern with a fun yarn.
Posted by: Gloriane | December 19, 2021 at 09:45 PM
Rochambeau cowlette; https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rochambeau-cowlette
Nurmilintu: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nurmilintu
As well as Reyna, Hitchhiker, Close to You, Sockhead Cowl, and socks
Pebble Beach shawl: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pebble-beach-shawl
Posted by: Diane | December 19, 2021 at 09:48 PM
I'm a horrible collector of singles! I'm starting to get into fingerless mitts - wish me luck!
Posted by: Brooke Smith | December 19, 2021 at 09:57 PM
Casapinka's One and Done, designed especially for those "can't live without it but don't know what to do with it" single skeins of fingering weight!
Posted by: Robyn | December 19, 2021 at 10:00 PM
I've knit Hermione's Everyday socks a couple of times and it worked with a solid and a variegated yarn. Otherwise just a vanilla sock pattern works since I want the yarn to take center stage.
Posted by: Hilda C | December 19, 2021 at 10:05 PM
I’ve made Something Autumnal (a shawl) by Romi Hill.
Autopilot Sock is a favorite as well!
Posted by: Karen | December 19, 2021 at 10:08 PM
Hitchhiker is my go-to shawl for single skeins of variegated yarn!
Posted by: Emily Heyerdahl | December 19, 2021 at 10:08 PM
Close to You by Justyna Lorkowska always turns out great every time I knit it. Easy by Marina Behm is another one.
Posted by: Beverly J White | December 19, 2021 at 10:15 PM
For shawls, Hitchhiker or Casapinka's Woven (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/woven-5) which looks really great in those special variegated skeins! For socks, Hermione's Everyday Socks (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hermiones-everyday-socks) are my go-to pattern.
Posted by: Elizabeth | December 19, 2021 at 10:18 PM
One of my favorite patterns for that have to have single skein is Easy LYS Shawl. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/easy-lys-shawl
Also like One Skein Wonder. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/one-skein-wonder-3
I have a tendency to collect those single skeins that I just can’t live without so I’m always looking for new ideas for using them. I’m planning on lots of hand knit socks once I retire.
Posted by: Donna Gerber | December 19, 2021 at 10:24 PM
I like a nice hat that uses the whole skein like Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague. Or a really good scrappy shawl that uses lots of colors like the ones done by Stephen West.
Posted by: Kelly L | December 19, 2021 at 10:29 PM
bracket form by Meghan Jackson - https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bracket-form and Storm Shawl by Joji Locatelli - https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/storm-shawl-5
Posted by: Lisa Barrett | December 19, 2021 at 10:30 PM
https://ravel.me/practically-perfect-and-perfectly-practical
Hats! I love this one with a fur topper
https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/as3v/821686345/99DB8DAD-B2A6-4BA0-A4D3-99620DBF6AC0_medium2.jpeg
Posted by: Alene Sternlieb | December 19, 2021 at 10:34 PM
Everild Cowl by Emily Wood
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/everild-cowl
Posted by: Lois | December 19, 2021 at 10:34 PM
I always turn to Martina Behm or Helen Stewart for single skein projects for me. But lately I’ve been knitting baby and toddler sweaters and single skeins work great for those. For those sweaters I like Tin Can Knits patterns.
Posted by: Maggie Hume | December 19, 2021 at 10:41 PM
I usually look for chevron or feather-and-fan type patterns. I also like to pair loud handdyed yarns with a solid using brioche.
Posted by: Lisa L | December 19, 2021 at 10:45 PM
I’ve made three Porcelain Berry shawls and the pattern is easy to memorize and take along. Shows off beautiful colorways.
Posted by: Anne | December 19, 2021 at 10:54 PM
I usually knit socks. Maybe I will try Fields of Wildflowers. Beautiful!
Posted by: Pat | December 19, 2021 at 10:58 PM
Socks!
Posted by: Elizabeth Oswalt | December 19, 2021 at 10:58 PM
Either the sockhead hat or just a vanilla sock pattern for variegated yarns to allow the yarn to “speak”.
Posted by: Ann | December 19, 2021 at 11:13 PM
Socks and scarfs
Posted by: Filomena | December 19, 2021 at 11:18 PM
Basic socks are my go tos for highly variegated yarns.
Posted by: Stephanie | December 19, 2021 at 11:18 PM
I love to show off my special yarn by knitting fingerless gloves. My hands are always cold. I have fingerless mitts in all my sweater, jacket and coat pockets. It's a real treat to see mitts made out of a beautiful yarn on my hands!
Posted by: Sabrina Snyder | December 19, 2021 at 11:27 PM
I love knitting socks…toe up. Toe up socks with a difference is my go to pattern which I do with various heels.
Posted by: Donna | December 19, 2021 at 11:32 PM
Socks, cowls and fingerless gloves
Posted by: Penny | December 19, 2021 at 11:39 PM
Socks are my go to for impulse skeins! If the yarn has fun colors or striping I’ll do a vanilla sock, but I’ll sometimes throw in a contrast for heels and toes or find some other fun pattern if it’s not too distracting.
Posted by: Annabeth | December 20, 2021 at 12:02 AM