When I started the project I'm about to show you, I believed that I was doing it because somehow, even though I had only done it once before, it was traditional that I do it.
(I am somehow the sort of person who thinks that something that was a good idea is totally a tradition instantly, even if it hasn't got the background for it.) Last Summit, I cast on and knit a pair of socks for Tina over the course of the event, because really, what sort of commemorative thing makes more sense for a Sock Summit than a pair of socks? (I gave it some thought. A plaque seems dim.) This time, I procured (read - stole) a skein of "A Paler Shade of ST-1" the morning of the Summit, and I cast on as we drove to the convention centre. 
Natalie and Stephen helped. 

I knit on it all through the Summit (when I was able. I may have briefly forgotten how to knit right there in the middle) and I had a ton of help. 


Teachers, friends, ST-2s and volunteers... 





Everyone who crossed my path (or Natalie's - she was a big help in getting the sock around the Summit) was asked to put in a few stitches. 





By the end, the last moments of the Summit, we were turning the heel of the first sock, all of us, and it was a magnificently odd thing. 





Suddenly, I had the better part of a sock in my hand - and really - other than the first few stitches and a few here and there when I had a minute, I really hadn't knit it. 


I looked at that sock then, and I realized that I'd started it to continue the tradition of commemorative socks from the first time, and realized in the end that they'd ended up being way, way more than that.
They were symbols of the whole summit. Symbols for Tina's feet. 
Symbols about teamwork, and many hands making light work, and how much can get done if a lot of people do a little, and that's really what the whole Summit was about this time. The whole thing came together in the most beautiful expression of teamwork - and here there are, the little socks that think that's true. 
I hope that they mean the same thing to Tina that they do to me. Two woollen expressions of what got built, 
and how.
(PS. I knit the second one by myself. I'm not a total slacker.)
They are gorgeous! Wish I had been there, and can't wait to hear more about it :)
Posted by: Erin Cathcart at August 5, 2011 7:09 PMAwesome! Wish I could have been there.
Posted by: Debby at August 5, 2011 7:09 PMThe perfect gift from what looks like a great time. I've already talked to my knitting buddies -- we will be there next time!!
Edie
Posted by: Edie at August 5, 2011 7:10 PMGlad I picked up a skein of Paler Shade of ST-1. Last few minutes that the market place was open I made a power shopping run through the market place and got the last skein.
Wish I gotten to put in a few stitches but I had to watch doors. Every little bit helps as I'm finding out with this current move.
Enjoy Port Ludlow and see if you can find a couple of yarn bombs still hanging around in the main lodge.
Brava and Bravo! The committment and the joining of hands to knit a wearable spiral. What a delight. When an action is set-up twice, it can become a tradition, and what a good tradition to start.
Posted by: StellaMM at August 5, 2011 7:14 PMI type slow,otherwise I could be first.. What a wonderful tradition you started...with the sock as well as with the summit...From this side of the world I hope that one day I can be a part of it...one day...
Posted by: Peony67 at August 5, 2011 7:15 PMCollaboration is beautiful. And teamwork is always more than the sum of its parts. Long may Tina's (and your) feet dance!
Posted by: susanc2 at August 5, 2011 7:21 PMI think your definition of "tradition" is a very good one. So when's the next Summit?
(Tap-tap. Is this thing still on? Or did you just punch your computer screen?)
BTW, how do we find out the fun little details, like who won the Fleece to Foot competition, and where can we buy the winning sock design?
Posted by: Michelle at August 5, 2011 7:21 PMOkay, so I'm reading this and tearing up. When I heard there were 6,000 bodies at Sock Summit, I thought, "I can never go. Too many people." But somehow, with the sock(s) for Tina...I got a whole new perspective.
Posted by: Marg in Mirror, AB at August 5, 2011 7:23 PMI continue to recover as the team captain for "Slipped Stitches in Paradise". Never dreamed it would be that hard, and so much fun at the same time. We had the time of our lives participating at SS. thank you so much for all your hard work.
Posted by: Karen at August 5, 2011 7:27 PMWhat a lovely tradition.
Posted by: NurseBrandy at August 5, 2011 7:35 PMWhat a perfect way to embody the spirit of SS! I so wish I could have come this time too.
Posted by: Carol B at August 5, 2011 7:35 PMWhat a great tradition!
Posted by: twelvedaysold at August 5, 2011 7:35 PMWish I'd been there, wish I could have knit a stitch or two, wish I could have been on the team...
But I am with you 100% on the whole tradition thing. Just ask my kids about how I make them sit in the same rocking chair for a birthday picture every year...
Posted by: Karen at August 5, 2011 7:36 PMLovely. Lovely Socks. Lovely tradition!
Posted by: GinaJ at August 5, 2011 7:36 PMThere's a beautiful serendipity in the way the stripes worked out on the gusset.
The sentence about a lot of people each doing a little really moved me. It's a lesson we should all pay close attention to.
Is there a tidy little hole like last year? Well done, Stephanie. Some day I hope I can join you at the Summit!
Posted by: Sally at August 5, 2011 7:41 PM"Suddenly, I had the better part of a sock in my hand - and really - other than the first few stitches and a few here and there when I had a minute, I really hadn't knit it." It's like magic! The whole weekend was like magic. Thanks so much for your vision and your hard work. I had a wonderful time, again, and relived the fun while blogging about it. Hoping you'll do an encore so you can knit more commemorative socks!
Posted by: pdxknitterati/MicheleLB at August 5, 2011 7:48 PMNicely justified!
Posted by: Mary at August 5, 2011 7:53 PMoh baby! It's what I like to hear, and thanks for recounting the story.
Posted by: Meg at August 5, 2011 7:53 PMDamn. It's so embarassing when I start crying at my desk at work -- even when they are happy tears.
What a fitting tradition for such an awesome friendship, such an awesome community, and such an awesome event.
Posted by: Leslie at August 5, 2011 8:09 PMSuch an awesome idea. When is someone going to knit a pair for you? You deserve one.
Posted by: Cinnamon at August 5, 2011 8:11 PMA fantastic tradition!!!
Love them...
♥
What a wonderful idea and a great tradition. I like others cannot wait to hear more about the sock summit, especially the sheep to sock! Thanks for brightening my day.
Wanda
Posted by: Wanda at August 5, 2011 8:19 PMBeautiful socks! I love the heel!
Posted by: Kris at August 5, 2011 8:28 PMwhat a great tradition and how fun - lots of hands helping with that :)
I like you so, so much! Even more today. You add much to my 'me' time, and I thank you for it. I hope every sentance of positive comments you read are like a row knit by new friends in the sock of your life.
Posted by: Emily at August 5, 2011 8:30 PMI love tradition! I have missed the last 2 Sock Summits- but I am planning on 2013- It sounds wonderful. Thank you for sharing the pictures.
Posted by: Lulynn at August 5, 2011 9:02 PMWhat a cool new tradition to start! And a great way to put some memories into a pair of socks. Well done, for you and all those who helped :-)
Posted by: Alicia at August 5, 2011 9:06 PMHow much time did you spend behind your camera? You could have knit two socks in that time, but then have had no documentation. And Tina would have a pair of three matching socks?? H'm.
Posted by: Ellen in Conn at August 5, 2011 9:50 PMNow if that first sock doesn't embody the Spirit of Sock Summit 2011, I don't know what else would! From start to finish, the entire four days were magic, and you and Tina and all of the ST-2s and the volunteers were the magicians. It helped, I suppose, that there were thousands (really?) of happy sock-knitters who were sharing all sorts of fun, but on Wednesday evening, when I picked up my registration materials...when I got to fold and tear the perforated paper into class list, name, three door-prize entries, and the swag list... I understood why it took many months to pull this party off. Wow! It just got better and better. I loved the stitch-marker trading, which I didn't know about (being a FAILed Ravelry user) but "they" let me trade what I was willing to give up. I ran out pretty soon, but to some of them it didn't matter; they just gave me one. I am having such fun using them!
Thanks a TON to the whole TEAM for an incredible time. I enjoyed that you all were out and about so that we could thank you over and over again. 8-)
Posted by: Irene Blanchard at August 5, 2011 9:56 PMfeeling inspired...
Posted by: Naomi at August 5, 2011 10:25 PMSometimes I ask my husband to cast off for me, but this takes it to a whole new level! Community is such a beautiful thing to make into a sock.
Posted by: Trish at August 5, 2011 10:37 PMI'm such a detail-nerd, but the guage looks amazingly even for all those knitters contributing! Yay teamwork!
Posted by: Sarah at August 5, 2011 10:51 PMWhat a perfectly appropriate tradition....
Cool! Very cool!
Posted by: lolabee at August 5, 2011 11:04 PMI'm stunned by their beauty! The heel is fabo and love that color. You ALL are masters of your craft!
Posted by: Kathy at August 5, 2011 11:14 PMWhat a great idea. What a great tradition. What great yarn. What great socks. They are smiling. Can you tell?
Posted by: Juliet in Grand Rapids at August 5, 2011 11:21 PMGlad to see the socks (and the feet they're on) relaxing at Port Ludlow. Well done, both of you!
Posted by: Maria at August 5, 2011 11:21 PMWell, one time might mean a tradition.....but twice? Written in stone!
Posted by: Colleem at August 5, 2011 11:24 PMQuite a feat! Ha!
Got that baby blanket done yet? Mom didn't look like she could last much longer.
Posted by: cheryl brake at August 6, 2011 12:18 AMThat's beautimous... Tina has blessed feet...
Posted by: Pauline at August 6, 2011 12:30 AMJust got a little verklempt. Beautiful!
Posted by: Lorajean Kelley at August 6, 2011 1:42 AMThank you so much for putting together an amazing experience that is worth commemorating and remembering. I truly had the time of my life, and I look forward to the new experiences to come at SS3!
Posted by: Ann Bostic at August 6, 2011 1:51 AMShe's going to want to do SS3 just to get another pair of commemorative socks.
Posted by: tiah at August 6, 2011 2:36 AMWhat a wonderful tradition. You inspired me & a long-distance friend to start our own traditions. I took "sock photos" of places where I knit on my sock during a road-trip we took together. And she took photos of where she had knit on the scarf she gave me as a Christmas gift.
It's these 'traditions' and connections that bond us knitters together.
Posted by: Sarah at August 6, 2011 2:45 AMLove the pictures and the fact the sock got knitted on 4 dpns. Maybe next time to start one sock on dpns and one on cable needle with magic loop, so everybody can use their favourite knitting style and you get to finish two half socks instead of one and a quarter, just saying. Great idea. In style with your photographing socks-in-knitting at places you went, my son did so with his watch which has the logo of our small community on the cypherplate, so Dutch watch in SF, Wash. and NY. I suggested this because of your sock pictures, starting a new tradition.
Posted by: dutch margreet at August 6, 2011 4:42 AMGorgeous ....
Posted by: Maziedizzybug at August 6, 2011 6:35 AMGlorious Summit, glorious socks, glorious tradition. Love the photos of all the teachers and friends knitting their "few" stitches. Tina will LOVE them and rightly so. They are truly a cooperative and commemorative gift.
Posted by: Hazel Smith at August 6, 2011 9:10 AMUm, I would never suppose that a single person would even think to say that you were a slacker?? Nice story. Warms the cockles...
Posted by: Jody O at August 6, 2011 9:15 AMHow cool is that a collaborative sock. And y'all knew enough to know when to turn a heel too. Neato!
Posted by: MB@YarnUiPhoneApp at August 6, 2011 9:43 AMI love this tradition! Had a great time at Sock Summit. Thanks so much for all the hard work!! Can't wait for the next one!
Posted by: Jen at August 6, 2011 10:11 AMany sock summit planned for new england? -- in other words, why should port ludlow have all the fun ;)
Posted by: Suzanne at August 6, 2011 10:31 AMYes! You've started a great tradition. Those socks are a priceless reminder of all the good times and good people who worked together to make this Sock Summit more than a success, it was an EVENT. Your story brought tears to my eyes. All those people all working together. Why can't the whole world be like that?
Posted by: Bonnie at August 6, 2011 10:36 AMi really love this. it would be a much better world if we all took time to knit socks for each other.
Posted by: joyce at August 6, 2011 10:36 AMWhat a great present. What a great time must have been had. And how awesome are you for remembering to take all those photos? I would forget.:-)
Posted by: Liz fisher at August 6, 2011 10:38 AMThose are some special socks.
Posted by: Lydia at August 6, 2011 11:02 AMI think that is absolutely beautiful. It actually brings tears to my eyes. I'm so stoked you turned that into a tradition. What an amazing gift of love and memories. :)
Posted by: Lobug at August 6, 2011 11:06 AMSometimes tradition isn't because it's been done before. Sometimes it's about what it means and what it's meant to mean.
Posted by: Dianna at August 6, 2011 11:25 AMYou made me cry! The socks are gorgeous.
Posted by: Anne Berk at August 6, 2011 12:19 PM<3
Posted by: nell at August 6, 2011 1:27 PMLove it. There is absolutely nothing in the world like teamwork. Those socks have very special meaning now, though. You will always cherish the time shared, also.
SS is an inspiration of teamwork and committment to see an idea through to fruition. I am proud to have been reading about this process since the beginning. The socks of tradition made me tear up :)
Posted by: cecelia at August 6, 2011 1:39 PMlove that!
Posted by: Margaret at August 6, 2011 1:41 PMThat's. So. COOL!!!
(How on earth did it come out so evenly stitched?!)
Posted by: AlisonH at August 6, 2011 2:05 PMLOVE the photo of the sock in progress, coffee cup, and lake in the background. What a great place to knit!
Posted by: marlene G at August 6, 2011 3:05 PMThe mortgage loans suppose to be useful for guys, which are willing to organize their own business. As a fact, it is not hard to get a collateral loan.
Posted by: FRANFRY30 at August 6, 2011 3:14 PMThis is beautiful. I'll bet it means a lot to a lot of those knitters to have been part of making that sock.
Posted by: yarnstruck at August 6, 2011 3:43 PMthey're absolutely gorgeous.
tina is lucky to have a friend like you.
A coworker received the dreadful news she had breast cancer. I started a scarf and asked all our coworkers to help. We had about 20 people (most of whom couldn't knit at all) work together to create the scarf, and created some new knitters as well.
Posted by: Sandino at August 6, 2011 3:58 PMDid you get through the airport and fly with those needles? Wow, I'd be scared some jerk in security would try to take them away.
Thanks for the Summit, I had a great time! Got my picture taken with Franklin, and fondled Cat's Botanica. Sweet!
Posted by: Patricia, OM at August 6, 2011 4:01 PMThanks for the photos that bring back such awesome memories. And thanks to you and Tina for the summit. And all the gang, of course.
Posted by: twinsetellen at August 6, 2011 5:24 PMHow awesome to be surrounded by people who have such goodness!
Posted by: susie at August 6, 2011 6:16 PMI was also wondering (secretly/silently) how the gauge would turn out with so many hands involved. The photo looks perfect, of course. Truthfully, is the top sock the one you knit by yourself?
Anxiously looking for action shots of sheep shearing and wondering about SS coming to New England? We could round up a few sheep here, too! In a perfect world...
Posted by: JoAnn at August 6, 2011 6:20 PMCan you give the information about the beautiful salmon colored lace scarf the young woman is wearing in the third picture?
Posted by: Jerry at August 6, 2011 6:35 PMLook how beautiful everyone's hands are when they are knitting. Whether they are smiling, dreaming or scowling at a hard stitch their hands stay beautiful.
Posted by: Rhonda at August 6, 2011 6:55 PMOh, that's neat! What a symbol of people working together! Beautiful socks, too!
Posted by: DawnK at August 7, 2011 12:54 AMWe have a saying among my people:
The first time, it's a Good Idea.
The second time, it's Tradition.
The third time, it's Law.
May this Tradition become Law. :D
Thank you again for Sock Summit.
Posted by: Amanda at August 7, 2011 3:19 AMThese socks are so much better than a postcard.
Posted by: Suzanne at August 7, 2011 9:15 AMDo you know what the pattern is for the beautiful pink shawl/scarf Natalie is wearing in that top photo? I am enamoured!
Posted by: Gabbie Barnes at August 7, 2011 10:36 AMWhat a wonderful gift, and CONGRATULATIONS for getting Sock Summit on the front page - the FRONT PAGE! - of today's Toronto Star! I couldn't believe it when I picked up the paper this morning. It's something I'm hoping to make it to one day.
Posted by: Veronica at August 7, 2011 1:40 PMBeautiful! Yup, many hands make light work. Good show!
Posted by: Su1282 at August 7, 2011 3:13 PMDid you see the great story about Sock Summit in today's Toronto Star? Congratulations Stephanie!
Posted by: barbara at August 7, 2011 3:48 PMYou always remind me of the best in knitting and how people can work together and be their best selves.
I would like to be you when I grow up.
That sounds like a beautiful tradition, no matter how new it is! Who wouldn't love a pair of socks that was knitted with many hands??? It's quite touching!
Posted by: Jeanne at August 7, 2011 4:25 PMThis is just every kind of wonderful. And I think it beautifully expresses the most valuable thing I took away from Sock Summit. We are a community, and we create warmth, comfort and beauty using simple tools.
And we love doughnuts. :)
All through Sock Summit I wanted to walk up and simply say thank you, but you just kept moving faster than I did. So here's my thank you. I learned so much just from the act of coming together.
Posted by: Susan at August 7, 2011 4:39 PM:-)
Posted by: bonnie (aka AmpuTeeHee) at August 7, 2011 5:07 PM:-)
Posted by: bonnie (aka AmpuTeeHee) at August 7, 2011 5:08 PMCOOL!!
Oh, how I wish I could attend sometime. I do hope y'all don't stop at two!
Posted by: Noreen at August 7, 2011 8:03 PMThis is the sweetest thing. It made me tear up last year when you did it, and it made me tear up now. You and Tina are amazing and inspiring, and I hope to one day have a friend like the friends that you and Tina are to each other.
Posted by: Sara at August 7, 2011 8:38 PMWhat length signatures do you use? I want to buy some but not sure what to get. Thinking 5inch perhaps..
Posted by: Nattie at August 8, 2011 12:13 AMWhat a nice story and the yarn is beautiful
Posted by: Jessica at August 8, 2011 8:25 AMThe funny thing is that I completely get 'traditions' that have only a year of history. How fun to have a circle of love with those socks. I suspect that Tina will appreciate the tradition too.
I loved the ST-2 colorway myself. :)
Posted by: Kathy at August 8, 2011 9:52 AMJust continued my own tradition of SS socks by ordering a skein of Blue Moon's STR "Green and Blue for ST-2." (I bought the "ST-2" colorway at the last Summit.)
Thank you and Tina and the whole ST-2 team for such a wonderful time.
Great idea, and great work all around.
Love the photo with the boats in the background --the coffee cup works perfectly in the foreground, too.
Posted by: Lee Bernstein at August 8, 2011 10:10 AMI love the idea of a community knit.
Posted by: Bethany at August 8, 2011 10:20 AMI just wanted to take a minute and say thank you. I was one of the registration volunteers, and you knit on my Lenore sock.
Thank you for a wonderful experience and the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people.
Posted by: Dawn at August 8, 2011 11:09 AMThe story was wonderful, the socks are meaningful, and the color-way is beautiful. Wish I could have been there.
You are planning another, right? I mean in the future, not actively planning right now.
And both socks fit the same? I can't always do that, even when I knit both of them myself.
Posted by: pickleknit at August 8, 2011 11:50 AMI was wondering about that. Any word on the baby and it's blanket?!
Posted by: Leta at August 8, 2011 1:05 PMThere is nothing wrong with insta tradition especially when it is as thought provoking, moving and symbolic as this. And, hey, this tradition results in beautiful socks. How many traditions can say that!
Posted by: Seanna Lea at August 8, 2011 1:11 PMThey're beautiful! I also wondered about the gauge with so many knitters, but they look the same in your photos.
On a side note, what is the pattern for Natalie's scarf (shown in picture)? I love it!
Posted by: Tamara at August 8, 2011 1:13 PMWhat a great idea!
Posted by: Kelli at August 8, 2011 1:16 PMDear Yarn Harlot,
I was just pointed to your blog a couple of weeks ago (by one on her way to the Sock Summit) and I must say you are a delight to read! Thanks for sharing your wit and zany, wonderful, real ideas.
Again this year, I read about your collaborative ST socks and sat at my desk all teary-eyed just as I had last year. I think it is a wonderful tradition! Keep it up!
Last week, I was trying hard not to dance with all the sock knitters having the time of their/our lives. You see, I'm an accountant working with a lot of other accountants. All but two of them are muggle accountants so they would not understand my breaking out into a dance for socks. If you think it is hard being a knitter in a world of muggles, try being a knitter accountant in a world of muggle accountants! So many pairs of eyes roll when I say the most normal and sane things a knitter can say.
Posted by: Diane at August 8, 2011 6:30 PMMaybe cast on two socks next time and then more people could have the chance to contribute ; )
Posted by: Phyllis at August 8, 2011 6:39 PMSo beautiful. I was hoping that this tradition would continue. Thank you for sharing this.
Posted by: Betsy at August 8, 2011 10:14 PMYou are such a gem of a woman! How beautiful are the socks and the intention! Thank you so much for your blog and it's enlightenment.
Posted by: Judy at August 8, 2011 11:50 PMIt is a loving-hearted tradition. It is very meaningful and you should do it forever.
Posted by: Melinda at August 9, 2011 2:19 AMLove this! I'm missing the little hole that one person contributed (last year, I think?)
Such a great tradition; I hope to join a SockSummit party some year :)
I'm with Kristin@2:44pm, I miss the Lucy Neatby hole!
And I did wonder when I saw the announcement for SS2 if you would revive this "tradition". I do think it is a great idea and a wonderful tradition.
And for those of us who could not make it AGAIN this time, please do the whole SS thing again in a couple of years, I mean really, you have it down now!
Posted by: Sally M at August 10, 2011 11:06 AMI love the picture of the woman who is holding on to her Pepsi while knitting. This is a woman who has her priorities straight....never let go of the Pepsi. (this message brought to you by a Pepsiholic!)
Posted by: Bonnie Leukert at August 11, 2011 8:40 AMWhat is the name of that beautiful scarf that Natalie was wearing? Itis gorgeous, and I WANT TO KNIT IT NOW.
Posted by: Bethany H. at August 11, 2011 12:20 PMIt's a lovely idea, lovingly executed. I'd like to expand on it, as my co-workers and I did something very similar recently, for one of our own. She was beginning an intense series of chemo treatments that, in the best case scenario, would end in a bone marrow transplant and a long period of recovery. I dashed out and bought yarn for chemo hats and a prayer shawl in her favorite color, and when I mentioned my plans, one of my knitting co-workers offered to help knit the shawl. We sort of looked at each other, and said wow, wouldn't it be great if everyone in the office knit a few stitches on it, before we give it to her?? Best idea we ever had. We taught a lot of people how to knit - some of whom wish to continue, walked the rest through a few stitches (they were so proud!) and every set of hands in the office put their efforts into the shawl. When we gave it to the recipient, she was overwhelmed and deeply touched that everyone in the office wanted to help her get well and show how much she was loved.
Yay for team efforts!
As an attendee of Sock Summit 2009 and 2011, I just want to thank you, Tina, and all the ST-2 team, and volunteers for the most amazing knitting experiences I've ever had. Everything was planned in a thoughtful way for the benefit of the attendees, the teachers, and the planet. Your hard work was obvious, and you all were amazingly good-natured, considering you were all dying of the plague. I have shown the flashmob video to everyone who will sit still. How did your girls like it?
Have a glass of wine or three, and don't think about anyone except yourself and your family for a while - you well deserve it. :-)
Posted by: LeAnn at August 14, 2011 7:37 PMAlways love hearing about a "community "coming together to accomplish a project! I do hope to make it to a future sock summit to experience the fun.
Posted by: Jo at August 17, 2011 9:24 PM