When I was at Rhinebeck I had a quick visit with Jennifer, who is the lady who makes the yarn for the way far out there crazy-compelling Tsock Tsarina sock kits, which spring from the brain of Lisa and are a very big sort of knitter’s fun. You will see here shortly that I am defining ” knitter’s fun” as it applies to me personally. Every knitter is going to define fun in their own personal and unique way, and what one knitter calls fun another may well call “torture beyond that of taking a bus to to the mall with a two year old and a newborn by yourself, at naptime, in the rain to try and buy a swimsuit for your shockingly postpartum body” which actually happened to me one horrible day 16 years ago and still makes me feel both nauseous and depressed when I recall it in any sort of a real way. Any one of those individual things would be enough to flatten any mortal woman, and all of it on one day was frankly an afternoon that has both shortened my eventual life-span and strengthened my character…but I digress.
While I was visiting with her, I saw this crazy sock kit. Vintage. How crazy? Five colours, little leaves knit and sewn on, embroidery, embossed grapes, lace and an toe with a grape leaf inlay. Inlay, as in you knit a little grape leaf shaped window in the toe and then knit a leaf and then sew it in. That sort of crazy. Crazy crazy. The kind of crazy that just makes you sort of hitch in your breath a bit when you see it, and then reel with possibility. That crazy.
Naturally, because I am me and I love crazy, I felt instantly that my life would be empty without it, and Juno (who was acting as my personal shopper because I was signing books) was dispatched to the booth to procure said crazyass kit, and return to me with it.
She did. There are three colourways, Claret, Chablis and Pinot, and I got the Chablis, partly because Jennifer was sort of cleared out on kits (so I know I am not the only knitter who owns this kit. Fess up.) and partly because the person who will receive these socks is both a tremendous knitting fan who will faint with joy and appreciation of the work involved, and a big, big fan of Chablis. Perfect. I decided to knock off the socks as a Christmas present to her, and then the world exploded over the holidays (I’m sure you heard it) and hers was the gift that got put off. Turns out that delaying it was a probably a good thing, since although this is exceptionally good knitter fun, it turns out to be a smidge on the time consuming side. Straight off, the pattern asks you to knit 16 leaves, four in each of four colours, plus two more for the toes.
Okay. I got out all the stuff, I followed the directions (which are excellent. Lisa may be out of her mind, but she’s very concise.) and one full hour later, I had this.
Not tremendously exciting. One whole hour of my life shot and I have a ratty little knitty thing? I get this feeling a lot with lace, and so I did what I do with lace when it disappoints me. I blocked the ratty little leaf.
Oh my. I looked at that leaf, that tiny little knitted grape leaf with it’s endearing points and it’s charming little i-cord stem and something snapped. Something went completely loose in my central processing system and I picked up my needles – my 2mm needles, and I made another one.
Then another one. Then I made some coffee…and I thought maybe I should put it down and go to work, or write the blog or ….was that the phone ringing? I cared not.
I knit another one. The children came home from school. It got dark. I made green leaves. No-one made a real dinner. I went to yoga but all I thought about was the little leaves and the three shades of green and how maybe I liked the orange ones best and how many I had to make. 16 for each cuff, that’s 32, then one for each toe, that’s 34…. I went home. I knit. The moon rose. I knit tiny, tiny i-cord stems from crazy-ass provisional cast ons. Time suspended…then stopped. Joe asked me if I was going to bed. I knit on.
Eventually exhaustion and the night overtook me and my wee leaves and I slept. This morning I looked at what I had wrought.
13.
If the blog goes dark for more than 48 hrs …. Send knitters. Knitters with small needles. Knitters with high thresholds for crazy and big bottles of wine. Knitters who are not afraid.
Wow. It’s fun because it’s tiny! And those colors!
This is going to be So.Awesome. *waits for more*
*also wanders over to check out that kit*
Ask and we shall come! Those are some crazy-assed socks, all right. Beautiful design. The leaves alone are perfect. I feel a wreath of leaves coming on.
I love it, but I think I’ll watch and enjoy the experience vicariously through you. See if you’re still sane at the end….
Wow…love the crazy. Can I play?
i had that kit in my hand 3 times. each time i said to myself “self, you are NEVER going to be that crazy.” fun watching you do it though.
Ooooo! Fun! Love me the little tiny stuff. Your project is a little more tedious than I go for, but the feeling is all the same. Am just finishing my first pair of mittens for a small person and am already planning my next pair because they are so cute, fun, quick! The joy of knitting, running hot in our veins!
Those are incredible socks! And the leaves… I do believe the madness shall consume us all!
I’m envisioning garlands of tiny knitted leaves gracing your home/Christmas tree/bike/whatever. Yours, not mine. That is a level of crazy I do not aspire to. But they ARE cute.
Yes, that’s not my personal kind of crazy, but wow. It sure is something to think about on a sleepless night.
Bonne chance!
I LOVE those leaves!!
Those are awesome. LOVE them. Want them.
I’d never actually ever knit them.
Oooo, I may be that crazy… Crazy enough for the Pinot colourway… Crazy enough to Really, REALLY want it, even though I know I won’t get around to knitting it for months…
Ok, I am so that crazy. These kits have been tempting me for some time now and I might have to make that jump myself.
How delicate and adorable they are! I’m not surprised that you couldn’t stop yourself.
I’m so glad you are willing to try the crazy things so that we can live vicariously through you! Those little guys are precious. Good luck finishing up all their friends! =)
Oh my. I clicked the link and saw those socks, and gasped. They’re beautiful- I mean, I’d be too afraid of ruining them to wear them, they’re not really my style and I don’t think I’d ever be able to give them away, but I want to make them. Desperately.
Yup. Definitely crazy. But the good kind of crazy. I’ll sit back and admire from afar.
Lovely! They look so dainty knit up that small!
I did the crazy just before Christmas. I made tiny tiny sweaters with hangers. I couldn’t give them as gifts – they were all mine. mine. mine. I even started using toothpicks for the beginning part. Then when putting the Christmas items away – I couldn’t put them in the basement.
With your leaves if I get started on those, I may end up with a tree full. So you enjoy your crazy… I understand. 🙂 They are cute.
How cute are they??!! How crazy are you??!! I once made four tiny, tiny leaves to decorate a knitted name tag for Knitting Camp with Meg Swansen. I never made another leaf again; but that sock kit just may encourage me to take up the leaf knitting needles again!!
Knitterly fun!! WOOOOOOOOOOOT
I loved those socks from the second i saw them.
They would have to be for someone very very special ( rummaging in purse for credit card)
Carolyn
Isn’t it just bliss when you loose yourself in some new knitting. I’m slowly working through Cath Bordhi’s new book and am experiencing the same feelings… Beautiful little leaves.
That’s a shitload of work! Luck and maybe some elves who come in the night and rock the leaf knitting thing into high gear. They are really cute though and I bet that sock would be a kick ass Christmas stocking …
Ditto what Dorothy said. (About the shitload of work.)
You really are crazy. I’m starting to get scared for you.
I love it! I will be on my way, wine and small people in tow with my needles. But I must ask that you not be alarmed by the wild haired lady with the hacking cough and 4 small people. It just that I have pneumonia, but it isn’t catching. I’ve been medicated.
Wow, those little leaves are just beautiful. It makes me want to reach into my computer screen to touch one — they’re just so lovely and delicate -looking! I can’t wait to see how they look on the socks!
Dude, you are crazy. But in the good way. And I can hear you waffling when you have to give those socks away… They are totally Harlot colors.
I went to Lisa’s blog to poke around in her brain and it was down. Seriously dude, you gotta give people fair warning when you’re going to link them. My blog broke at 8000 hits, up from it’s usual 80 to 100…
Wow… That is crazy! But I love it! I love those leaves… I wonder if she has maple ones… Must leave this site and go to her site immediately…. Sorry Harlot!
Oh.My.God. OMG! ZOMG! The cuteness of those little leaves is pretty compelling. I don’t think I’d ever make the socks, but now I really want a beret with a leaf embellishment.
This is what happens when you get too much time on your hands … what a hoot!
That pattern is pretty wild. Blocking can be amazing!
You know, this is the problem with knitting. I don’t even like the socks (for me, I mean, and I only knit socks for me), but I am desperate to knit them.
I’m not that crazy. I am, however, quite willing to bring wine over so long as it gives me licence to sit and laugh at you from the corner.
I don’t know if I am crazy/inspired/brave enough to tackle all those teeny tiny little leaves, but I do love those colours. So pretty.
Those socks are full of Awesome. Bacchus would love a pair.
I LOVE those leaves! I want them, I want them, I want them!
Okay, seriously, I think I would rather poke my eyes out than knit those little leaves! On the other hand, I think I could crochet one of those leaves in about ten minutes, and knit the socks as usual. Just sayin! 😉
It’s like, I WANT to knit that, and I know I NEVER WILL. Although if I WERE to, it would be the Claret, because it’s yummy looking.
I don’t think I’ve seen a more fascinating sock pattern. And it’s PRETTY! Not tacky like you’d expect something whose description makes it sound so busy would be. It’s lovely.
Can’t wait to see what you do with it.
Oh dear. I’d fear that knitting these socks would make want a nice glass of merlot… which means the socks would suck. I can’t wait to see how they turn out.
That’s hilarious… I just looked at those yeserday.. and I thought “Thats nuts” I should have known they’d show up at a “blog near me”;)
Was also staring at wonderment at her manatilla… I’m thinking about doing a solid one…….. (not fond of the two color personally in lace….. it’s based on the Vitra (?) socks you did a bit back….
back to my oh so boring but nearly finished noro scarf for the man. (my man— not THE MAN;)
They’re lovely! I don’t particularly feel any kind of love for the socks, but I do feel love for the leaves. I’ve got wine…
I bow to the Goddess Harlot and the awesome tiny leaves. YOU ROCK! THEY ROCK! My sanity is already too close to the edge to delve into that pool, so I shall live vicariously through you.
WOW! 34 little bitty leaves just to start? I’ve looked at that sock before online, but it’s way out of my league right now. However, I will watch your progress with great interest. Who knows in the future…
Oh, I need those socks…in Pinot…I’ve been to the site, put it in my cart…no I have other knitting to complete first, left the site…must have those socks…no, hubby will see the paypal out of the account…must have those socks…
Oh. Oh. Oh. The crazy is contagious, isn’t it. The crazy got you as (obviously) it got me. I don’t know whether to rejoice or apologize or both.
Yes I do. Both.
But dear heart… you don’t actually HAVE to do all the leventy-dozen leaves at once, you know. You can do a few rounds of plain stockinette on the foot in-between. Just by way of a relish.
(BTW, I trust you found the correction to the leaf pattern. Yes, obviously you did or your leaves wouldn’t be so beautiful and right. Many head-desk apologies for THAT – and of course it’s been corrected in subsequent copies.)
Also BTW to anyone who looked… my, um, blog seems to be working now!
ooopsthats : Kitri socks and Kitri’s Mantilla..
Personally, I think you’re absolutely nuts for even trying it. And brave.
But mostly nuts 🙂
Okay, I’m giggling (I know I’m not the only one!) because the project, while fussy, *does* look fun!
Still, I’m not sure I want to wear a vine down each of my rather muscular calves…I’ll hold out for now. At least until she comes up with a Shiraz or Merlot. 😉
I think that the grape leaves are significantly smaller than I think they are.
I followed the link and got hung up on what kind of outfit one would wear with those socks. Maybe you have to be naked.
I looked at the Vintage kits in Rhinebeck. Then they seemed to sell out. I pined. The next day, I checked back every hour until some new ones miraculously appeared. Now I am just waiting until I have enough crazy in me to cast on…
That is absolutely fascinating! I am definitely the sort of knitter who thinks this would be amazing fun. I need to find myself one of those kits pronto. Beautiful leaves by the way.
I have money set aside for a plane ticket and knitting needles secured to inside of my warmest jacket to smuggle over.
Just give a hollar!
Can’t wait to see what hte next bit of crazy unfolds at Casa de Insano
Those are awesome! I would totally do that, you’re not crazy. Well ok, you might be crazy, but not for the leaves. They’re worth it. What a brilliant pattern!
I think you’re having a little too much fun with your wee leaves…just kiddin’. Seriously, they look like fun. I stayed up late last night because I was knitting Saartje’s baby booties — too freakin’ cute for words. My new niece will look adorable wearing them. I think I felt about those little booties as you do for your wee leaves. Knit on!
I am sending an email to my daughter that will convince her that there are those out there that are more obsessed than me. I am willing to drive her back to school (it’s 4 hours one way) because there’s a great wool place on the way. Her response to pulling into the parking lot: Not more yarn!
They are amazing socks, but there are limits to what I will do. You do have to admire the patience of the designer, can you imagine the amount of time it took to put the whole package together.
Thanks for making me look almost sane, keep up the insanity we love it.
Tina
Love the leaves. They would be adorable for a felted garland!
Crap – thinking of fall leaves and it’s not even spring yet.
Looking forward to updates…me, I lust after kitri. I know it’s pld news by now, but a prettier sock there never was. Bet things are hoppin’ over at Tsaroe Tsockoe(heheheh) THink I’ll go have a look. Or maybe just check in w/ Lisa on Ravelry. CHeers! A Votre Sante!
I agree with the other knitters who mentioned that they have no great love for the socks, but would gladly knit wee leaves forever…
The world’s coolest sock kit for crazy people! I will totally enjoy watching you work on these through the blog. If that leaf takes you an hour, it’ll take me a lot longer.
Fearless (and slightly insane) knitting for ’08. Well done! More wine please!
That’s not crazy. That is INSANE! Cute, but WHY??? Wouldn’t the little inset grape leaf at the toe rub a wicked blister?
Bad enough you linked to the Must Have Cardigan, and then someone posted about Joann selling yarn, which I never knew they sold, and merino on SALE yet, and me with a Joann gift card … now I’m waiting not so patiently for, oh, 16 balls of Patons Classic Merino and the Street Smart book! Stephanie, you are an enabler, that’s what you are!
It’s a good thing that I just don’t get the whole sock knitting thang.
You are totally whacked my dear.
omg — you are wicked bad putting those links in this post. W-I-C-K-E-D B-A-D !!!
My heart siiighed when I saw the ratty little thing in the next pix, blocked and alive. Utterly wonderful.
Wow…that is a whole new kind of crazy. They are EXCEPTIONALLY cute though! Not sure I could make it through 34 but a couple would be fun.
So many socks so little time!!!!
They’re wonderful! Alas that I am so far away and cannot bring tiny needles and large amounts of wine (or maybe single-malt — these look heavy duty) to help. But I will watch from afar 🙂
Oh, my. They’re so cool! Now I want to make leaves. Darn it; I *knew* I shouldn’t have come over to read…
These look amazingly fun and a perfect gift for my favorite sister in law. She is the one who got the gift card this year of a wine salesman selling a bottle of red that pairs perfectly “with roast beef, lamb and difficult relatives.” These are so hers in the lovely claret colorway. Thanks for the link
So that’s where you’ve been. I’ve been checking your blog about every hour for the past 30…or so it seems. I know, I should get a life. I LOVE the leaves. Unfortunately, (maybe fortunately) I’m not insane in the same way though. And thanks for writing your blog. It’s most entertaining.
I’m not crazy enough to come and knit those tiny litle things however I could enable, make coffee, cook dinner, pour the wine, you know keep life running.
Grapes of Wrath? Leaves of Grass? Leaves of Wrath? Perhaps wrath is a bit strong, though…
I think those leaves might just define cute.
What kind of wine should a bring and how easy is it to navigate Toronto? ;o)
You are crazy-ass crazy. I would almost take the 2 year old/newborn/postpartum flabbiness over that sock kit, but at least you can put the knitting down. (Put it down. Back. Away. From. The. Leaves.) This is why you are my hero.
beautiful leaves! i can’t wait to see the socks! 🙂
at that very point my h. declares being abandoned and threatens divorce,and, what is much worse, refuses to pass another cup of coffee, just to rip me off the sofa(chesterfield;)
Stephanie, sort of like when April ran out if the changing room with Ellie in hot pursuit, in her underwhere in For Better or For Worse?
Whew! Amazing….
but all I’m saying is — the phrase “Seven Step Program” did flit through my mind….
WOW. Just… wow. I’m working on my FIRST pair of socks, which have both lace and cables… that’s about all the crazy I can handle right now. But some day, I’m going to have a knitting party and we will do nothing but knit tiny, perfect leaves!
*squeeee* Oh gosh!! The cuteness!! I love the leaves! I’ve never knit socks before, but I think I may just have to find one of those kits!!
See, now things like this make me glad that my home is always stocked with the finest homemade wines from my father-in-law. I’m on a bit of a yarn diet, so the kit is off-limits for me (although I did find myself *almost* making an exception for the Claret kit). Can I come and help with yours? Can’t wait to see the finished socks!
Wow, I can only aspire to that level of crazy! I can’t help with the knitting but I’ll bring the knitters wine and chocolate and help with the ooohing and aaahing over each completed leaf!
Ahem…the pottery bowl is pretty 😉 Ok, the wee little leaves are darling and precious, but I’d much rather look at your photos of them than actually knit them.
Those aren’t socks, they’re a work of art. And while I don’t honestly see myself knitting on them, I covet them. Desperately. Breathlessly.
Oh, my.
Let the craziness commence!
I might have to check out the kit (or the pattern if it can be acquired separately) just to make tiny little leaves. I could completely see doing a headband or a crown just of tons of little leaves. Or maybe decorate a yoke of a sweater, or maybe a necklace of little wire knitted leaves.
Woah!
Oh. My. God.
I can’t decide whether I love you to pieces for introducing me to The Tsarina of Tsocks or officially hate you.
I am in love. Must. Have. It. All.
What fun!
And when I finish grad school (I swear I am too old for this) next December, her sock club will be my gift to myself!
Silliness! Joy! O calloo callay! O frabjous day!
I was all excited, completely charmed by the crazy – and they are both crazy and Crazy, as in “how will I live without them?”, but I was convinced they’re for me (and some day, we shall discuss how I have somehow convinced myself that all the socks you knit, but especially the crazy ones, ought to be mine). And then I hit the bit about being a fan of Chablis and cursed my abstinence. I’m considering becoming a huge fan of wine, not just in the abstract sense, but also in the real, drinking it sort of way. Crazy socks might just be worth constant, debilitating migraines.
Which could also be called crazy. So I sense a theme devleoping.
I have my small needles ready, but alas, I am in California. Sigh.
I am ablsolutely on the edge of my seat… I can’t wait to see this one come together.
😀
Thank you, Stephanie!
Just about the time I get to feeling like I’m slightly too obsessed with this knitting thing, and maybe I ought to take a break or slow down or something, you do something that shows me that I’m not so far out of balance after all.
Much appreciated…I’ll just get back to my own (much simpler) straightforward little lace sock project now…
Wow… I totally get it! I couldn’t do it (my knitting isn’t up to it), but I absolutely, totally get the total obsession with making those tiny beautiful leaves.
I hope you can take the time to delight in every single one of them.
Oh I love those. My small needles are here and ready, and although I am in a cold snowy place too, it’s very very far from you.
The other day you dragged me back to my Must Have Cardi. (All I had done was a half inch of the bottom band). I started my Damask Kauni before you started yours. You’re wearing mine. I just started the sleeves. You are NOT going to drag me down the rabbit hole of little leaves. No! No! No! No! No!
The other day you dragged me back to my Must Have Cardi. (All I had done was a half inch of the bottom band). I started my Damask Kauni before you started yours. You’re wearing yours. I just started the sleeves. You are NOT going to drag me down the rabbit hole of little leaves. No! No! No! No! No!
I’m in! Although I am 4 hrs by car from Toronto…I will respond to the call for knitters with tiny needles if support is necessary!
Although I think snow was predicted for the weekend.. Might make getting home tough…I might have to miss work on Monday….Please say you need rescue? Please, please, please?
Save me a bunk at the loony bin!
I must say, that sock is some crazy stuff. But you make it sound quite addicting and fun. I think I’ll stick to drinking wine & concentrating on my own crazy-making endeavors, which are also plentiful ’round these parts, and we’ll all have grand times at the nervous hospital together.
Oh no, Ms Stephanie! I have had a falling down. I will make tiny leaves, I will make grapes, and here in Western New York Wine Country they will be a major hit at the library fundraising auction next August. Unless I decide I need to keep them………
LOVE- WANT
I love you. I love the leaves, but…
OUCH.
Must….get….grape…leaves!
What an awesome pattern.
Am so glad you knit stuff like this so I can just watch and not have to do it myself. 🙂
Blocking-it is magic. I have several kits from her sock club. The yarn is wonderful, the patterns well done, and the fussiness of things like little leaves are her speciality. Can’t wait to see the finished product.
Those little leaves are great! I love leaves, but grape leaves, wow! As much as I’d like to acquire this kit for myself, I’m going to sit over here and twitch while I watch you knit it, because I’m unable to complete socks in less than 6 months (apparently), and that would just drive me crazy. Knit on!
So cute! One of my next projects is to knit some socks. I wish I had the skill/patience/time to make these. Can’t wait to see them as they develop on the needles.
oh my god, i am merely a newly come back to it knitter, but this pattern obsesses my mind, i have the failing of never being able to follow a pattern to the finish i also just want to tweak it a little, hence several boxes of w.i.p.
i’ve never tried socks yet but they are all thats in my mind at the moment. but these, i know i have no experience to complete them but i need them now. i need them.
I do indeed have that kit. In the Chablis colorway, in fact. And I’m not even remotely ashamed to admit it. Nevermind that I don’t drink…
OMG! Those are wonderful fiddly fantastic little bits of crazy! I’ve got the 2 mm needles ready and waiting. (Oh wait, they have lace on them right this second. Lemme cast off the lace first. Around a metal ring, crochet cast off.. right, I think I have my own little bit of crazy.)
Enjoy! 🙂
Yep. “Crazyassed” just about perfectly describes Lisa’s kits. And, also, freaking brilliant! My brain cramps at just the thought of coming up with something like this.
I snatched up the last ( or one of the last) Claret kits at Rhinebeck on Saturday. Lisa looked exhausted and a bit shell shocked. I don’t know how many kits she started with, but the rack was sure almost bare when I got there after lunch.
I was part of her Sock Club in 2007 and re-upped for 2008. Not that I have the time to knit all these kits right away,but I GOTTA HAVE THEM!!! They aren’t the kind of thing you are going to find anywhere else. They are truly Knitted Art.
I think the 34 knitted leaves are going to be my “take along to knit on while waiting” project. I can’t see myself actually knitting 34 in a row!!!!! 🙂
Barbara L in MA
Teehee – I got the Pinot kit at Rhinebeck to go with the beer socks I bought from her last winter – I knit those up just in time for my hubby to wear them to the New York craft beer festival, and they were simply awesome. I haven’t had the courage to start the wine socks, but I’m loving your progress!!!
…wandering off to furiously get obligation knitting out of the way for wine sock indulgence…
Those leaves are beautiful. Better you than me, though.
Dude – wow, those are so cool!
Since I am gainfully unemployed – I will gladly offer my knitting services to you…
Or, I will gladly post a blog article for you as you knit on…
Or, I can drink Chablis and cheer you on…
Take your pick…
Damn – I guess it is now too late to sign up for the Tsock Club as every single knitter in the Universe will now be stampeding over there to get in on the “fun.”
(probably just as well though … I suspect that the Tsarina’s Tsocks are best enjoyed as a spectator rather than participatory sport for me. )
Can’t wait to see how they turn out.
Those are so adorable!!
I can’t picture them on socks – so I’ll be watching…
OMG those are so cute!!! You are crazy though. 😉
I sit here by myself laughing out loud. You are not only crazy but crazy-funny which is entirely acceptable! I cannot wait to see this project progress. Hoping you don’t have to knit the tree from which the leaves fell! Thanks for the good laugh!
I don’t want to blogjack here, but, um, MamaCat (or anyone else), it is NOT too late to sign up for the 2008 FlockSock Club. Not yet, anyway….
I love the leaves. Love them. The socks are inspired (I did check out Vintage). And I can see them in different sizes and colours, shaping their way along the sleeve of a fabulous sweater…….
How pretty! But this is one bandwagon I’ll watch from afar 😉
OH my shattered nerves ! You are obcessed by leaves . I couldn’t possibly come help you as I’ve just become allergic to them. Carry on have “fun” and good luck. By the by are you sure you are still not running a fever ? They are cute little suckers tho.
Oh, I would love to have a pair of those. The wee leaves are beyond adorable. I want to have them, but I want someone else to make them for me. I can’t wait to see yours when they’re done. I think they would be lovely “spring socks” to wear when winter is finally over and you pull out your beloved Birkenstocks. Because you really want all the leaves to show. Damn, I’m being sucked into the vortex. I want that kit.
Whoa.
You have to really really REALLY love someone to knit them socks like that.
The tiny leaves are perfect. The sock pictured on the website blows my mind.
Wow – when the pre-blocked picture came up I thought “oops – something has gone wrong here” then the post-blocked picture came up – I jumped a little in my seat and almost applauded like a little kid at a magic show (then, thankfully, recalled I am at work before I made a fool of myself). So cool – yet so crazy. More power to you, as I’m sure I would be babbling incoherently if I attempted those. Can’t wait to see the finished product!! As for me – I’ll stick with the liquid Chablis, (and Pinot, and Shiraz, and…..)
And I thought I was crazy for buying a dollhouse sized sweater kit from bugknits! (which I have to get back to) Those are gorgeous, but I don’t know that I’d have … the… patie… oh who the heck am I kidding! I need a kit! LOL
I too love the wee leaves with all of my heart, but am not nearly crazy enough to attempt the socks.
Then I made the mistake of checking out the rest of her site and discovered other kits that are inspiring fits of craziness in me. Dammit. I managed to steer clear of the wine socks but the upcoming Swan Lake felted boots? I think I’m screwed…
OK you got me I ordered the kit. I feel leaves coming on. Great fun. thanks
Joan
I adore those leaves. If I thought I could actually make them . . . I was tempted first by the lure of Poseiden. Those leaves almost, only almost, got me to cave and buy a kit. Almost.
But I’m with Sadie6. Swan Lake? *whimpers* Despite my pledge to be good on the budget this year, and knit only as necessary, I may have to get a kit for that. I love that ballet.
Wow – I’m not in that league, in fact I’m so far from that league that I’ll just drool a little and then look away.
I was having the same problem as Presbytera, what to wear with socks like that? I’m pretty sure it would not become a trend-setting fashion, but I think a toga and a wineglass might work. Of course you’d have to make sure the furnace was working, as the toga could be a little cool at this time of year here in Canada. Mind you, your toes would be warm.
Please keep “the blog” posted on your progress – we like to see crazy even if we’re not ready to dive in ourselves.
Oh those evil links! I seem to have slipped and joined a sock club.
Wow those are great. I think you win at crazy knitting. 🙂
Wow. those leaves would be a one way ticket to crazyville for me. I’ll sit on the sidelines and watch. Knitting with laceweight alpaca is enough insanity for me right now. But they ARE cute, no mistake about that.
Guilty. I bought a Claret a Rhinebeck. Haven’t started on little leaves yet. But now I want to.
Awesome………….Can’t wait to see more..
That is the neatest bowl!
Ah. What a relief. I thought I was the only one with sudden onsets of that can’t-stop-knitting kind of crazy.
Sometimes, the yarn just will not be denied.
I just noticed that the MSF total to date is getting way close to 500K. That will be HALF A MILLION DOLLARS!! Can you rally the troops to get us there?
Oh my those are lovely. I think I would snap if I had that kit as well. I LOVE those. MUST. NOT. BUY. MORE. YARN. I’m on a yarn diet. A very strict one and people like you and Claudia (who just got some gorgeous chocolate yarn for Monkey’s) are making it really hard! The leave are so dang perfect!!! GAH! It pains me!
Wow. I’ve never had a desire to knit anything tiny or shaped-like-something (other than a sweater or a sock, i suppose those are shaped like torsos and feet, but they’re certainly not tiny when knitted for myself… back to the point:) but I have an unbearable desire to knit those little leaves. Like now.
Responding to Seanna Lea and others who are busy thinking of other things these lovely little leaves could do — I am the extremely proud owner and wearer of a pair of earrings that Lisa made for me, as a blog contest winner; little golden Vintage leaves that are so lovely and tiny and perfect! (And I didn’t have to knit them myself, even! Though I happily would.)
See them if you wish, by clicking on my name which links to the post, and as a bonus, get a peek in the same post at Lisa’s wonderful Tcircular Needle Keeper which she sent me as well! It’s both beautiful and practical and I love it!
They are beautiful. The wee cuteness! But you are insane. If that took me an hour, I would cry. Knowing your skill level versus my own, I estimate each leaf would take me 6 hours, much cursing, and possibly my sanity. Then I would throw the sock (ha! leaf) in the UFO pile.
Much better in your hands, clearly.
Don’t think about trying them on for a photo.. you won’t want to send them on..
that bunch of grapes creates the “easiest” insole you’ve ever slipped onto your feet.
they are lovely little leaves aren’t they?
Lisa has been a “knitting friend/companion’ for going on 18 months now, and love her socks (and jennifer’s yarns!)
Cathy-Cate ~ Those earrings are perfect! I’d love to get the pattern for the leaf just to make a pair (or 2)… maybe Lisa will share? I think I have the perfect yarn 🙂
Socks, smocks.. I just want one of those cute little leaves. With the stems that stick up? oh my!
tell us the truth… you thought they were MAPLE LEAVES didn’t you… crazy Canadians;)
O.K. I’m in the city tomorrow; send me your address I could probably give you an hour; maybe more and I’ll skip dinner and well, whatever else would drag us away from such F-U-N!! I didn’t even do all the links, but I LOVE the photos and laughter! And that kid story? Flash back about 8 years and I’m there sister! TGFW…Thank God For Wool!
Oh the magic of blocking!! Aren’t you so glad that you did that little bit of blocking to see such a beautiful little thing? Can’t wait to see how it all comes together…
I missed them at Rhinebeck, but actually stumbled upon them a week or so ago online. WOW. They struck me as more “sculpture” than “something I’d put between my foot and a shoe of any sort” but I’ve sure been looking forward to seeing someone else make them! [Waving northward.] Hi Stephanie!
Sign me up as a knitter of little leaves. After the DH had his “showdown” with the table saw a few days after Christmas while making a “knitting object” for me, I need this kind of knitting. The kind of knitting that I can zone out and not actually think about stuff.
He is recuperating but what an ordeal. I need my knitting to keep my sanity 🙂 and I think this may be it.
Those are adorable leaves, and in fall colors–my favorite! But I am having a difficult time visualizing how they will look as a sock. Can’t wait to see you do it! 🙂
That call could get answered here, last year we had my in-laws over for dinner, the phone rang in the middle of the meal & Mark grabbed it “Yes, Ok, just a sec, El phone is for you.” Who is it? “I don’t know but it’s a knitting emergency!”
I could totally get away with an knitting emergency trip to Toronto! Don’tcha think?
Please, Please, Please!!!
I AM that kind of crazy and I’d help you knit those leaves in a minute!!! I have the little tiny needles and all the crazy you’d need!
I love, love, love those leaves!!! Can’t wait to see the socks!
I have done things almost that crazy, which is why you’re on your own. I have my own little corner of the asylum to deal with.
I just did the same thing with some little stuff knitted toys. Everyone thinks I am crazy. I think I completed three toys in three days. I just could not put the little things down.
Barking mad. Presumably hydrophobia, since it’s apparently contagious.I’m even smarter than Rachel H, though — I’m going to sit in Kalamazoo drinking wine and laughing at you from a safe distance. Adorableness is a contact contagion.
I must be just as crazy as you because I bought one of those kits (in the dark red colorway) also. I was thinking very ambitiously at the time and of course havent started it yet. I will eventually get to it when I feel that ambition hit, any minute now…wait, come to think of it I bought all the Tsock Tsarina’s sock kits so I have a lot of knitting to do!
The socks with leaves are indeed beautiful, lovely, endearing. But is it possible to wear them, or to wear very many of the beautiful pairs of socks I see here and on the links? Last year I learned to knit socks and made several pairs. And in my harsh winter boots the toes wear right through and the heals go … and socks of wool with any weight are too bulky for shoes, even sandals. What secrets do I need to know?
Yep. Definitely crazy. But in a way I’m sure all your readers can relate to. And one that’s interesting to watch unfold. The leaves look fantastic. Looking forward to progress reports on this one. =)
OK, I’ll confess. I have the Vintage kit in Chablis, also. I bought it in whatever the darker purple one is for my DIL for Christmas, too. I was going berserk worrying that you Rheinbeck attendees would get all the kits, but they made more for us mail order folks.
We fear no leaves! In fact, I kind of like them. I’m interested to see how they will all work in this pattern. You have intrigued me greatly.
Those socks are positively sculptural! Suddenly I want to buy a book on knitted embellishments and start covering everything in flowers and leaves. I’ll try to pacify these Baroque tendencies with some Latvian mittens. 🙂
ok, i am totally boggled! if you compare yesterday’s post to this one, you will see one amazing cabled must-have cardigan whipped up more or less in a few minutes here and there over the course of an ordinary day, or so it would seem. THEN we see today’s post; a recounting of many meticulous hours and hours of knitting to produce.. a small set of miniature leaves?! MAN! if someone who consistently knits as quickly as you do takes THAT much time to do these weeny bitty leaves, then what hope it there for the rest of us?! i’m tired just thinking about it…
also, on an unrelated topic. did anyone else see the blurb in the latest VOGUEKNITTING that June Hiatt is working on a second edition of her PRINCIPLES OF KNITTING book? it is due out in the fall of 2009! guess we can all put that one on our christmas lists!
Oh, no, no, no, no, no.
The socks are amazing and WAY out of my league. Perhaps in another 20 years or so……
But the leaves….oh my gosh! Can you imagine them that size, or maybe a bit larger – MANY of them, strung together in a garland, or made into a wreath? Do you think Lisa could perhaps be induced to share the pattern for the leaves only? Those leaves are whirling in my head with all the possibilities for them. Ooh! ooh! The edging on a sweater, or shawl, or the ends of a scarf. Oh please, please convince Lisa to share the wonder that is the leaf!
Oh not you di’int!!!! You must go to wicked special enabler school, ‘cuz you KNOW I went and bought that kit…man, I guess I can eat dirt for awhile, but my kid is going to be pretty PO’d
Okay, I cannot wait to see these socks.
OMG! There is absolutely nothing more life-affirming than wearable art! You rock!
Oh cute! I have to have that kit! I’m going to hint to my husband that it’s a great birthday gift! Thanks for the great gift ideas for me!
Thanks for telling the toddler/baby on the bus story. I thought I was the only one who embarked on errands with infants which in retrospect confirmed full-blown post-partum insanity. (Is my restored sanity the reason I don’t knit socks?)
Yep, you’re right. You’re completely certifiable, but you’re right.
I have 5 huge bottles of wine as the heavy drinkers didn’t show at the New Year’s Day Bash. I don’t think I’ll get there in time, though. Although, if you come down here, you get a nice guest room with good light and a great window and comfy bed and no one looks at you funny when you knit all day. Although the offspring may make you sit and knit with her when she comes home from school. She’s five, it’s charming.
Stephanie.. i just realized that it has been almost a year since you were in NYC.. and eek since September that you have been anywhere knitting excited.. hee..hee..come please visit us in Phoenix again and this time i promise i will be here and not in the middle of a move.. hee..hee.. 🙂 hugs Karola
Crazy, but in a Harlot sort of way. That’s why we love you.
Crap Sakes, dear, that’s a lot of work. Christmas was harder on you than I thought. Enjoy the crazy while it lasts. Reality lurks.
So much fun! …but I think I’d never make it through unless it was a team effort. 🙂
My mouth just fell open and it won’t close. That is more sock than I could ever imagine. That is the most outrageous bit of knitterly skill I have ever seen. I don’t even know that I would *want* a pair of socks like that–it’s enough just to know that they exist in the world. Like Gothic cathedrals.
Now you can’t tell me I’m crazy for knitting a bunny thong.
Well, okay, maybe you can.
OK, I’m sorry, but these are just crazy and you need professional help. What, like 12 hours and you’ve got like, 13 of these. You are further gone than I was previously aware. Get help. Soon.
I am a new fan — LOVE the humor — and the knitting! I scanned to see if anyone else suggested you check the corrections page on Vintage — one more added in November after you bought your kit at Rhinebeck — but then who am I to think you didn’t already know?!? LOL!
Knit on!
Debora in Wyoming
What kind of crazy is it when the designer apparently has ONLY KNIT ONE SOCK? Not one COLORWAY (COLOURWAY), but only the one sock?!?!
Crazy is deciding to be the second person on earth to try it … complete nut-case is finishing both socks.
Can’t wait to watch! *evil grin*
Well, they look more like sweetgum or Japanese maple leaves than grape leaves to me, but they’re wonderful. I may have to knit some for not-socks.
Beautiful little leaves. I love them! (I love the bowl they’re laying in too)
wow. you’re just awesome. let’s hear it for the little things! the cuter the better, right? and people wonder why we, um, can’t stop knitting. well, duh! 😉
OMG that looks like so much fun. Not sure I’d make it into socks, though. I just want to knit the little leaves.
I’d knit em in a NY minute I just can’t think of a single person who would wear em 🙂
You have discovered the wonderful black hole of Tsocks! I got a membership to their sock club last year for Valentine’s Day. If anyone out there is falling in love with the Vintage sock and has the cash to spare to sign up for this year’s club, I can’t recommend it highly enough. The ladies run a wonderful club with fantastic yarn and mind-blowing patterns. The clearness of Vintage’s directions are not an anomaly; every pattern is written very clearly. And the contests . . . the possibility of more yarn. You can’t beat that!
That is so crazy I can’t look directly at it! But you have fun and be sure to let us know when it’s all over!
Oh my! I think I need that kit *just* to get the leaf pattern! (I have about 1 1/2 inches of my first ever grown-up pair of socks done – I am doing 2 at once, top down, so I don’t know if I am ready for this amount of craziness…but those leaves are PERFECT!)
Woman, I salute you. You dare to go where I dare not (with good reason–I would probably throw myself upon my 2mm needles after 13 of those).
Thou art truly crazy! I cannot even imagine making one tiny leaf.
Don’t you just love these wild, involved and involving kinds of projects? When wold you ever of your own accord knit such tiny I-cord? Yeah, you reach a point, usually several times, where you really have to remind yourself that you do this because you like to knit and so must really like something that provides so much knitting. And you will not get bored with all of the intracacies to keep your mind engaged.
Just so long as there is also a dead simple and mindless project to switch in when your brain reaches its limit.
That is so kickin’ fantastic!!! Only in my wildest imaginings have I dreamed that far outside the box (and haven’t knit, thinking…maybe I could…nah, nobody would do that much, but now the world is alive with possibility!) This is Craft As Art, ya’ll!
That reminds me of my favorite fairy tale as a child: The poor overworked shoemaker goes to bed each night to find that his work is magically done by morning, stays up one night and discovers elves have been helping him.
I’m pretty sure that it can be told more elaborately.
I’ll send some of the elves right on over, tiny elves for tiny leaves.
OK – commenting first, reading later (I always seem to do that): you made a bunch o’ leaves in a few hours. *I* would make ONE leaf in a BUNCH o’ hours. That’s one reason I love you, O YH….you can and do knit things that I can barely look at without trembling. I look, I admire, (I worship) – and then I go back, contentedly, to my silly little toques. Smiling.
Did anyone notice that they only have one sample…Does this mean they couldn’t find someone else up to the task
The leaves are too cute.
Maureen – if you’ve read this far down – yes, you do need more room in your boots, but you can also knit a reinforcing thread into your socks. Usually it’s done at the toes and heels, but you could knit it into the entire foot. There is special woolly nylon reinforcement thread, but I think you can use regular sewing thread too.
The leaves are wonderful. I’ve been knitting socks on 1.25mm needles. They are great when all goes well. If you slip during a heel turn? Rip out and start over. Can’t see a stitch anyway, and since my yarn is really too big for the needles, the fabric is bulletproof. Start over.
The good part is the low number of stitches in an entire sock. Twelve stitches in a round, if you make no mistakes they go really fast. If you make a mistake it’s still not many stitches if you add the ripped one to the finished one you finally get.
I understand the love of tiny. I’m not even doing anything with mine. I have them in a little box in my purse/knitting bag and I show them off all the time.
All those bad words during dropped stitches/heel turns are worth the hassle when we all get to giggling over how tiny and cute they are!!! Choose happiness when possible, you know?
LAST!!! I’m last! Whee
My word, those little leaves are ADORABLE! I might have been tempted to buy the whole kit just so I could learn how to make those little leaves! One could make oneself a whole Eve-After-The-Garden-of-Eden get up. If one were so inclined.
Dear Harlot, would you please consider putting one of your adorable leaves next to a Canadian coin of some variety, for the sake of size comparison. On second thought, maybe the cap of a beer bottle would be better for comparison, as you Northerners have weird coins! 😉
keep on purlin’
How inspirational to see the leaves before and after blocking. I am glad I already own the kit before the hoards now descend on Jennifer and Lisa. I am saving this for the right time when I can focus on it and am not behind on other projects. It is not for everyone but i can’t wait.
I just finished my second pair of socks, plain boring socks. It took six months. I have worn them every day since I grafted the last toe and I am so jonesing for the kit thingy! How cool are those leaves! Mum will flip if she sees me with that pattern and she dosn’t have one. I think I can rationalize it anyway, I will just have to knit two pairs. Yah I can do that. As long as she does not want them before twenty ten wer’e all good.
Crap.
I like the pinot to drink, but the claret was too pretty not to knit.
This is going to be this year’s birthday present to myself. Which you know I’ll never knit.
Gah!
That is wayyy to pretty to put on feet and hide in boots. A pair of leaf-decorated wristwarmers for wine-sipping on chilly evenings maybe?
I can’t wait to see the rest of the process, especially the toe inlay and the heel shaping. The heel is gorgeous!!!
GAH.
You write a fabulous, entertaining and brilliant post – and the only people about are non-knitters! I tried to explain the insanity, the craziness, the tiny-ness…. the IT-ness of it – and they just don’t get it. *headdesk*
We do speak a secret language, don’t we? This weird affinity for fiber and sticks and string – it’s an odd, odd relationship.
Nevertheless: the socks are going to be FABULOUS. You’ll love them (except for the times, of course, while you’re knitting them and hate them – but you know that) and they will be awesome. ^_^
Have tremendous fun. And thanks for making those of us with wooly love feel less freakish. ^_^
that sock kit is from the way left of crazy. and i would have one on the way to my house if the rational bit of my brain reminded me that, really now, i should finish the gift knitting before doing a backflip off the springboard.
i can’t wait to see the rest of that sock grow out of your needles.
Totally insane and absolutely the cutest little things I ever did see. Plus you’re almost halfway there! I know how it is. I haven’t gotten caught by leaves, but I got a birthday gift certificate to Amazon, and in the spirit of buying things which you utterly do not need with gift certificates, one of my purchases was Jan Messent’s Knit a Fantasy Story. When am I ever going to knit fairies and a castle? And why? For whom? I have no idea, but my mind is twittering, “You need some solid-colored sock yarn…” I may be doomed.
And Lisa is so utterly, fiendishly witty! I bumped into her on Ravelry about a week or so ago, from whence she influenced me into the Completely Pointless and Arbitrary Group group, and I was hopelessly lost. Those people are stark, staring bonkers, they make me laugh like a banshee, and I fit right in. How can you not love a person who introduces you to thngs like that?
Not including the socks. 😉
I want to make high-pitched noises of glee at those leaves, because they are so gosh darned adorable. Way to go! I can’t wait to see how the whole thing turns out.
What a unique sock! I can see how those leaves could be addicting. Can’t wait to see them finished.
Oh my. That is one heck of a sock. I wouldn’t wear them. I’d frame them for posterity.
I am resisting the lure of all socks at the moment, but I just know it’s going to come crashing in on me eventually. I don’t think I’d ever knit those though. I would probably go blind. I *need* the leaf pattern though, Knitted up in a thicker yarn on bigger needles, I can totally see a leafy bag.
Further to the person who mentioned Jan Messent’s Fairy Story book, I have the Knitted Gardens one. I totally want to go and get lots and lots of 4-ply and start knitting little plants in pots…
I’m beyond any sort of help aren’t I?
What a charming little leaf. I love crazy, and I’m glad to see you’re embracing it wholeheartedly. You know how everyone’s dad always says if it’s worth doing something, it’s worth doing right. I think this applies to Crazy as well. 🙂
Aiiieeeeee! I am already crazy enough. I already obsess about all things leafy. And all things knit-y. And you show me this? Evil, evil woman. I’m trying to write something really important and, you know, make healthy meals and see my family occasionally. Aiieeeeeee!
I’m going to go bang my head against my desk until I forget that such things exist.
I took a peek over there at Tsarina and my immediate thought was “This is way to cool for a pair of socks, no one will ever see them!” Now, a hat, with little leaves on it, that would be totally cool and show-offy. And I could see myself getting totally obsessed with knitting the little leaves.
Thank goodness I’m still up to my ears in small children and have no chance to indulge in this kind of craziness. I understand it totally, though. And I’ll be back.
Though I do all sorts of embroidery, needlework and sewing, I am not a knitter, alas. I bought myself one of those Learn to Knit leaflets years ago and knitted a scarf for my son [then 14, now 26] which he still owns and uses … so I guess that is good. It was supposed to be a knit/purl altrnating row sort of thing. I was sooo proud when I finished it … only to be told be a real knitter that there was nary a purl row in the scarf. I had knit/knit even though I genuinely believed I had followed the directions. Still, I have always wanted to learn to knit properly and when I retire and/or have a bit more leisure time I will take classes since I clearly can not teach myself. [I also plan to take classes in weaving/spinning and piano] But till then I knit vicariously through your blog, which I dearly love. Now for the question, how does one recruit the sort of friend who cares enough to knit a pair of Vintage socks for one? Inquiring minds [greedy people] want to know!!!!
I just have two things to say.
1: You’d have to be crazy as a loon to knit those socks, and
2: I am totally going to knit those socks.
Gotta luv knit-crazy!
I love this. You can never tease me ever again about the 90 little pom poms I made on the end of a pencil.
Now.
You.
Know.
You are like the Oprah of the crazy knitting world – you mention and we whip out our credit cards! 🙂 I’ve been to the tsarina website twice, I love the socks but there is no way I have enough time to do those….two kids under age four, I’m leaving for a school for two weeks and I’ve got two sweaters to finish before winter is over…..Yikes!
I’ll live it through you though! 🙂 They are gorgeous. And for those who ask what to wear them with and are afraid they won’t show I say this – go ahead and bring back the tunic length sweater and stirrup leggins. That will show off these socks! Or have a pajama party. Either one works. 🙂
Those socks make me weak in the knees… I am not ready to take on such a task, having never yet completed a pair of toe up socks… but those look to be very very interesting. I will watch the progress…. PS Do let us know if you drove Lisa and the New York Farm over the edge with orders since advertising it on the site…
Jane
Wow. After reading the sentence about the postpartum bathing suit experience, I had to go lay down. And hug someone (my two year old and newborn, to be specific).
Oh, and nice socks. But I’m still scarred by the story. 🙂
I am a sock virgin–but not for long. My daughter loves funky socks so how I stayed one this long is beyond me. In my other IE window is the tsocks 101 kit, in shopping cart and in my mouth (since I am typing) is my credit card. I am ready to become sullied!
They are beautiful! You could knit a whole tree’s worth. What can be done with two (or so) sticks & some thread still amazes me….freaking awesome!
Crazy is in the mind of the beholder….
Yikes, quit promoting her kits or she’ll be so swamped she won’t be able to finish the knitting for my book project! Haven’t you heard about the “harlot Effect”?
But you’re right. Lisa is a genius (HI LISA!!!), and her Tsock 101 directions are amazing. It’s like she’s holding your hand all the way through your first socks, and explaining WHY everything is the way it is. In a charming and friendly way, no less.
I’m completely intimidated by the Flock Sock kits, though.
Holy Sqwaak!
Oh yeah, I’m in too. This is right up my alley. I used to do a bunch of little “prom” purses just to have background for my felted little flowers and things… Now I’m pretty into socks, surprisingly. Have. to. have. this. I pulled the site up before I even finished reading your entry and would have ordered instantly if I wasn’t short until next week… But next week I’m there!
Definately need to learn to knit socks.
Sound like my kind of knitting. The crazy kind.
Now Stephanie, there is no way I’d knit those socks (I have a different kind of crazy). But I’d happily knit some of the leaves for you if you get desperate.
Wow! Those socks are mind-bending.
Are you going to take photos as you progress and keep up up to date?
I am FASCINATED by those heels. There is a point at the top and bottom, and no obvious shaping. How do they work? I know she mentiones that the grapes on the instep have to do with the heels fitting, but how does it all work?
Keep working, but post frequent updates!
Please!
I seem to have acquired a reputation in my home for drinking a lot of wine, thus making me the brunt of wine jokes and the recipient of wine-themed paraphenalia (alas, not wine-can these people not be trained?) and my husband thinks I should have a kit in every colour. Who can argue? Except that I have NO sock mojo. I realize this is sacrilege on your blog, but I can’t get into them. I could put grapes and leaves on gloves though. Also, I will come and help with tiny leaves and grapes too -especially if we can have wine while we’re at it.
You are such an enabler! Just what I needed to find, another sock club with awesome designs… *sigh* At least I know I wont be the only one =)
my this reminds me of the wee bitty
roses i made for tiny knitted dolls
i made with hats and stuff and ribbons
won my self a blue ribbon at the
fair it was after i had had breast
cancer a few years ago all in pink
my support group the other bitty
dolls won blue ribbons guess
i will get the sticks out
with all the new yarns get busy again
Her kits are really nice. I have Imbas and is on my list to do this year. Love that kit!
Well, the Tsarina’s site is one I go to to covet on a regular basis (I’ve always loved the beer socks, but I want them in a Guinness flavour! Ermm… I mean colourway…)
Just looking at her sock patterns makes me happy. So I am very glad to knit them vicariously through you, because not only do you knit better than me, but also I cannot at all justify paying for a gorgeous sock kit when I have boxes of stash whining to be knit.
I’d totally wear them though. Only round the house with my jamies or jeans of an evening, mind, but that would be enough for me.
Can’t wait to see them as they progress!
Oh, I know that Jennifer! She used to come into my shop in Albany NY when I still had it. She has a special kind of ebergy, I tell you. And a way with sheep! Glad you got to know her.
Steph, I’ve never understood the sock cult. Socks hide inside shoes, and wear out, and take so many little stitches that could be spent on a sweater or a shawl…
One look at the socks on Tsarina’s site, and I understand. Those are *seriously* covet-inspiring. Alas, my arthitic little hands like bulky wool and big needles. I’ll have to do without.
oooohmmmppphh… watch it girls, knitter on a leaf jag…
I prefer knitting over needlepoint any day – even after 40 years of commercial design of painted canvas! I am ecstatic to have found this blog – and a “nest” of knitter. Got to do that leaf.
Oh god. (Must) If only you hadn’t (knit) blocked one of those damn things, (little) and then taken its (leaves) picture. I mean, I kinda thought (Must) that, being halfway across (knit) the planet and all, I’d be (little) immune to stuff like (leaves) this, but…no.
(Must)
I’m so mesmerized by them now.
(knit)
This is beyond crazy.
(little)
I feel like one of the zombies in Resident Evil.
(leaves)
Little leaves. Must knit now.
I feel like a knucklehead, because I’m certain you have the leaf pattern somewhere on your blog, but I can’t find! Am dying for it! Must ad a new element to my obsession….
This is truly amazing, and once more, I am thrown to the floor with the wonder you have wrought!
(reading too many olde english novels, haha)
But really. You are clearly an amazing and awesome knitter.
And they’re just so CUTE! 🙂
In addition to all the enjoyment of your humor and knitting wisdom, I have to say the title of this post is great. Thanks so much for the efforts you put into blogging.
What a clever sock project! I love looking at the leaves for your Vintage socks, but I noticed that while yours seem to look fantastic on the ‘right side’ with the stockinette stitch facing out, the ones on the site for the sock kit seem to have all the leaves put on the top of the sock with the opposite side facing out. Or am I seeing it incorrectly? I adore the way yours look, and like about every other commenter today, would love to make some. Maybe I can study a picture of one and figure out the tiny pattern…ha! Thanks for your fantastic blog. You constantly amaze, entertain and inspire me!