It’s hard to believe that we’ve reached early spring already! Time to reach for the sock yarn and include some early spring socks in your transitional knitting. Here are three portable sock projects that will grace your sock drawer during the months to come. Through Friday, March 18, take 30% off these super spring socks in my Ravelry shop. Enter the coupon code EARLYSPRING3 at checkout.
STERLING
Each year while unpacking at the Sterling Renaissance Festival, I encounter an old, hand knitted shawl. (I’m sure it was already old when it was purchased, probably from some nearby thrift store.) Although it is severely felted and shrunken to a fraction of its original size, I always admire it and feel a particular love for the old-fashioned stitch pattern worked in panels along its length. Sterling makes for perfect early spring socks when worked in tender pastels like peach and mint green.
I’ve recreated that stitch pattern in these sweet socks made even more special by yarn dyed by hand and purchased at the festival. The Sterling Socks are worked from the toe up using Judy’s Magic Cast On and feature an easy-to-knit Fleegle Heel.
Depending on which way you look at them, this cascade of eyelets resembles a waterfall or overlapping feathers. I know I’ve seen this traditional stitch pattern millions of times in my life! It is fun to knit and works up in a jiffy.
BARRETT
Just one step beyond plain vanilla, the Barrett Socks are essential, authentic and everyday wearable for men, women and teens. With a central panel of textured stitches running from top to toe, Barrett keeps things interesting while showcasing a hand-dyed, variegated or marled yarn. Neutral marls bring out the simple beauty of Barrett and add great early spring socks to your sock stash.
Sock solids also get a lift from this sassy combination of knits and purls. It’s hard to believe that the simplest stitches create such interesting texture! These well-fitting socks are worked from the top down beginning with the Twisted German cast on and feature a short row heel.
For a funny story about my stolen Barrett Socks, click here!
VINCA
Sinuous strands of hanging vines inspired these early spring socks that feature an easy-to-work slip stitch and cable pattern. Stitches are slipped for two rows, then cleverly cabled together in a leafy bow-like shape. Color variations in hand-painted yarn are drawn across the surface of this engaging stitch pattern making for a fabric that is energetic and interesting.
The Vinca socks are worked from the top down with heels and toes worked in a contrasting color. Heels are shaped using a fun-to-knit afterthought heel.
With so many cute sock ideas, it’s hard not to get second sock syndrome! Here’s a tip: Start 2 different pairs of socks at the same time, then alternate the styles/colors. When you’re done, you’ll have 2 pairs and no boredom!
Happy sock knitting, everyone!
