Monday, May 26, 2008

My First Contest...

So the weather is crap today... pissing down rain... and lucky me, I have a day off. I decided to haul out all my yarn from behind the fireplace and sort through it all. You know... reorganize. Holy Mother of God... I have a lot of sock yarn. So here is the contest. You send me your favorite non-sock pattern using sock yarn along with your favorite colour/colour combo and I will do a random draw and send you some. I will draw 2 names on June 15th and find something in your colours to send you so there's lots of time. I can't wait to see what people come up with!!

PS: If you link to my contest from your blog and tell me your favorite non-sock pattern, I'll put your name in twice!

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59 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've made Diamonds on the Diagonal by Ilga Leja, which calls for fingering weight yarn. And Saartje's Booties are adorable if you have any babies to knit for. Or for something a little different, you could try Executive Funk cuffs. Have fun!

2:44 PM  
Blogger granolagirl said...

Ooh I love contest!

My favourite sock yarn pattern is one I'm currently working on that takes a whole lot of sock yarn- The barn raising quilt from the Knit-a-long book (which I highly recommend btw).

4:09 PM  
Blogger Yarnhog said...

I love this one:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/haruha-scarf

I haven't made it yet, because I don't have any sock yarn in a color that I want to use for this, and I'm on a bit of a yarn diet. Should I get lucky, I'd love to have something in reds or greens--my favorite colors, although not together! :)

I'll link to your contest in my next post.

6:27 PM  
Blogger ikkinlala said...

I don't know if I have an absolute favourite, but one of my favourites is Devan from Knitty (http://www.knitty.com/issuespring04/PATTdevan.html). It's designed for self-striping sock yarn, but I think it looks nice in other patterns as well.

My favourite colours are blue and green (not necessarily together).

11:11 PM  
Blogger Leah said...

Wow! Great idea!

I can think of two off the top of my head.
1. The Lace Ribbon Scarf from knitty.com.
2. The Diamond Fantasy Shawl by Sivia Harding.

And, hum, let's see.....

I like blue, black, purple, green, red, pink........

Actually, I like it all!!

8:36 AM  
Blogger Leah said...

PS. I will definitely link to you from my blog!

8:38 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

my favorite patterns (i have two) for using sock yarn for are the swallowtail and the heartland lace shawls. but you know that, right? ;) And my favorite colours? hmmm.. i think earth tones in general.

how very cool that you're having a contest!

8:28 PM  
Blogger Karen said...

What a terrific idea for a contest!!

A while ago, I bought the pattern for the Forest Canopy Shawl, which can use any yarn weight from DK down. I plan to knit it with one of my larger skeins of sock yarn!!

As for colors, I like them all, but tend to gravitate more towards earth-tones and away from pastels.

I'll post about your contest soon!!

8:29 AM  
Blogger Olga said...

Hmmm, I'm sorta stuck on socks but I have done a dandy little baby hat- just your run of the mill done in the round hat, er, sounds like a big o'sock doesn't it? OK, I've got to spread my wings a bit here.

6:03 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can you believe that no one has yet mentioned the Chevron Scarf?? It IS a lot of work, but the results are sooooo gorgeous. Everyone and their dog seems to be making one, or two, or more...yet I guess because it is a bit of a knit slog, it doesn't come up as a "favorite" per se.

Colour fav?? It's gotta be green, and any or all permutations and combinations that one can think of. Right now, I'm loving a mint green/milk chocolate combo...although I still love the turquoise/brown combo as well, not to mention a fuschia and bright kelly green or a melange of greens mixed together...

11:30 PM  
Blogger Nancy said...

Hi! Karen from mostly self-taught knitter blog sent me. I'm with junglygirl - it's gotta be the chevron scarf from "Last Minute Knitted Gifts". I love how you use the varigations from 2 different yarns to compliment each other. My color preferences are pretty dull - I like the neutrals like brown, beige, blue, rust. p.s. I linked the contest on my blog!

9:35 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I found you through Karen's blog (Mostly Self-taught Knitter).

I have two favorite non-sock-sockyarn patterns-- one that I've made (Elizabeth Zimmermann's Baby Surprise Jacket) and one that I haven't but plan to (Gloria Cowl).

Favorite colors - earthy/autumny colors like dark red, orange, brown, and greens.

9:37 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Found you on Karen's (Mostly Self-Taught Knitter)Blog!

My favorite non-sock pattern knit with sock yarn is the Jaywalker Scarf.

My favorite yarn colors are purple, green and blue. :)

Great contest!

12:30 PM  
Blogger SeattleAmy said...

Found you via Karen's mostly self taught knitter!

I've done SOOOO much with sock yarn because while I BUY sock yarn and am part of monthly arrivals, I have NEVER knit socks and have NO DESIRE to do so!

I've knit kimono sweater, hat, and booties with semi-solid from A Swell Yarn shop, warm hats for my nieces and nephews, as well as head bands and I even knit a tank top for a friend!

I either use the sock yarn single or double and I've done 1 project with three strands. This is why I tend to do smaller projects vs. larger adult size projects!

I always buy at least 2 skiens of sock yarn at a time.

My favorite colors: Greeny-Blue with Tan - Chocolate. Although I absolutely loved the semi-solid dark green with hints of black!

12:46 PM  
Blogger kathy b said...

I came from Karen's Musing of a mostly blog after she posted your contest.
My favorite thing to knit with leftover sock yarns is purse sized tissue covers. THey are darling little gifts.
MY favorite colors today are oriental poppy and china blue.

4:34 PM  
Blogger Heide said...

I see that someone has already suggested the Forest Canopy Shawl, but I strongly second that recommendation. The pattern is easy and the end product is beautiful. Elann.com also has a free shawl pattern called the "Luna Moth" which uses up one skein of sock yarn quite nicely and looks beautiful when completed. Greens and blues are always the best in my book... very soothing colors. Cheers!

7:04 PM  
Blogger Bron said...

Karen sent me too =)
Wow - what a lot of great ideas for sock yarn stash busting!!
My fave knit for a sock weight yarn is the Swedish Squirrely Mittens from Eliphantom knits - http://www.elliphantom.com/2006/02/finished_squirrelly_swedish_mi.html - Can you imagine how gorgeous that snowy sky would look knit up in a lovey variegated blue sock yarn?? Divine!!!
I love all kind of colours - so I don't really have any favourites at the moments - and I think knitting accessories like mittens are the perfect way to experiment with new colours and colour combinations =) xo

11:53 PM  
Blogger KeanaLee said...

My favorite is the Chevron Scarf, of course. Love IT! Every rendition of it is always so pretty.

6:47 AM  
Blogger knitseashore said...

I'm visiting from Karen's blog too.

I usually make scarves from my sock yarn, since I don't knit socks. The current pattern I'm working with is the Cat's Paw Scarf pattern, free on Ravelry.

I love pinks, blues, and lavenders; some greens (not olive). Thank you!

7:00 AM  
Blogger Alisha said...

I saw your contest over at
Karen's blog......Musing of a mostly Self Taught Knitter and thought I'd pop over. I usually don't enter the contests cause I never win lol but I am so glad I came over. (okay I lie I did win a contest recently for a key fob with a tale of the strangest place I'd pee'd.....who would have thought my pee story would come in handy one day lol)

I have been browsing your blog. I am in awe of your weight loss...your before and after photos. I love your list of what you did NOT do to lose the weight. I can so agree with that.

All your to do's are things I am doing/done. Don't you love pedometers? I have another 30 lbs. to my goal. I started with 70 to my goal. I started last April. I would like to be to my goal by the fall.

Your story is inspiring and modivating!!

I have to say...it must have chapped your ex's ass to see you looking so good!! Karma...that is karma!

I am babbling...as far as using sock yarn for another pattern....I haven't yet. I am a knitter that would try it even if the pattern didn't call for it and if it didn't work I would try something else. But I think Fetchings would be neat in sock yarn.

I like any color ;)

Anyway congrats on your weight loss....absolutly wonderful!

9:27 PM  
Blogger Bea said...

I think this one is really lovely. I just finished making one of these myself! Using some of my favorite browns, peaches and reds.

3:17 PM  
Blogger Bea said...

oops...smart idea to include the link...

http://tiennieknits.typepad.com/tiennie_knits/2008/05/old-shale-scarf.html

Cheers,
Bea

3:17 PM  
Blogger Katie O said...

I like to make shawls with sock yarn. My current one is Rose Hearts Shawl. I am using blacks right now, at the request of the recipient, but I love reds/purples... I'll link you in my contest blog list!!

3:37 PM  
Blogger Erin said...

I like this pattern for sock yarn:

http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/victor/victor.html

It's just for a very simple doll, but I think it shows off a nice colorway very well.

Good luck with the contest!

Erin (erinknitnotquit on Ravelry)

3:52 PM  
Blogger Awesome Mom said...

I love the sock-it-to-me scarf from 101 designer one-skein wonders book it does wonders with self striping sock yarns. My fave color is blue.

4:00 PM  
Blogger Elaine said...

I suggest you make “My so-called scarf”. It looks fabulous in sock yarn

And I’m posting your contest on my so-called blog

4:03 PM  
Blogger purple-power said...

Definitely make the Leaf and Acorn Lace Scarf.

http://elann.com/ShowFreePattern.asp?Id=198024

It’s gorgeous, it's intended to be made of sock yarn, it’s not too hard, and the pattern is free. What more can you ask for?

My favorite color yarn is purple and I also like blues, turquoise.

4:10 PM  
Blogger wenat said...

The Woodland Shawl is made from one skein of sock yarn. It's at http://thriftyknitter.com/?p=219

It's a lovely knit -- and thanks for the contest! I've found some other patterns to follow up on for myself.

6:16 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I suggest Fiddlesticks Lotus Blossom Shawl. It’s absolutely amazing-looking! It is definitely worth the time and effort - everyone who sees it thinks it's fabulous.

My favorite color is purple.

7:31 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I love the February Sweater from EZ with sock yarn. Always cute and you can use a nice solid yarn for it.

8:21 PM  
Blogger Wendy said...

I like doing fingerless mitts with sock yarns. I did several this past Christmas as quick knits to finish up my last minute gifts. I don't know what my favorite sock yarn colorways are. There are so many great ones out there.

9:27 PM  
Blogger Kitten With a Whiplash said...

I'd never knit with sock yarn until I dyed some recently. The results (and a link to this contest) are on my blog. So my favorite pattern would be the 3x3 rib cap. For colors, I'm currently grooving on some dark blue/purple combos.

10:00 PM  
Blogger Heather said...

fave colours- i am always sucked in by green, purple, and blue colourways.
are you on ravelry?
if not swallowtail in sock weight is my fave nonsock pattern.

11:36 PM  
Blogger Emily said...

My favorite non-sock pattern at the moment is the Gloria Cowl by Orinda5. Pattern can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/orinda5/2131384346. I love the one I made. I used 2 skeins of KPPPM and it's incredibly soft!

My fav colors are: aquas, pinks, greys, or browns.

2:03 AM  
Blogger cthulhulovesme said...

Heya. I found your blog via WiKnit. :) My favorite nonsock use for sock yarn is colorwork mittens, like the Transition Gloves from Shibui.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/transition-gloves

I also really like the Lace Ribbon Scarf from Knitty that other people have mentioned.

My favorite colors are green, grey, and black, but other than fluorescents and pinks, I'll make socks out of anything.

2:59 AM  
Blogger Me, Myself, and I said...

My favorite use for leftover scraps of sock yarn is Java a Go Go. It was a free pattern on Magknits that I haven't located a new version of, yet (but I'll keep looking!). I have a print out of it. It's really just a sleeve that's kind of like a sock cuff with increases. I realize it's similar to a sock, but it's a popular gift item. I was surprised. The first time I saw it, I was thinking, "Um, why not just bring your to-go mug and not waste anything?" Then my partner begged me for one because you can keep it in your wallet and if you forget your to-go mug, at least you don't need to ALSO get the cardboard sleeve for your disposable coffee cup when you buy coffee (not buying coffee is not an option). Several other people have shown interest in it, and it's a great way to use up extra yarn scraps.

My other favorite is iPod nano cozies (also popular gift items). http://www.ravelry.com/projects/ourika/ipod-nano-sleeve

My favorite colors are the "cool" shades of purples, blues, pinks, reds, and greens (not khaki kinds of greens).

Tiny projects, but they're good for scraps and fast, easy, instant gratification projects done in a couple of hours max.

6:00 AM  
Blogger Becky G said...

My favorite non sock pattern is Branching Out from Knitty. My favorite colors are just about anything. I guess mostly blues and greens, though.

7:51 AM  
Blogger Bianca said...

I did have fun with this pattern:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/toddler-cardigan

a toddler cardigan made out of sock yarn. It was a pleasant knit.

My favourite colours are greens, reds and blues. Pretty basic actually

8:03 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Love your contest ides!

My favorite thing to knit with sock yarn is baby hats! I hate making pink or blue and this gives a much wider variety to choose from!

I also really like the Blankie using leftovers from sock yarn. Because I do love to knit me some socks!

I've linked to your contest on my blog.

8:32 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Favorite pattern, Shelly Kang's Blankie (http://www.shellykang.com/2008/02/blankie-friday-penultimate-edition.html
and the Forest Canopy Shawl.
(http://knittingasfastasican.com/forest-canopy-shoulder-shawl/
Favorite colors are blues, purples, and teals. And I've also put this on my blog.... http:/www.lizardknits.com/

8:41 AM  
Blogger txknitter said...

It's nice to see the projects other people choose to do with sock yarn. I've recently gotten onboard the clapotis train and will make a few for those on my Christmas list. I like most colors. Favorites are blues and greens and reds.

11:27 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Go over to the Elann free pattern pages. Scroll down to the Luna Moth shawl in super kydd (there’s another version that is larger and requires more yarn). The pattern is beautiful and F-R-E-E!

http://elann.com/ShowFreePattern.asp?Id=207024

Fave colors? Purple, also turquoise, blue, red

1:22 PM  
Blogger teabird said...

My favorite pattern for sock yarn is a scarf in a simple Old Shale pattern. Variegated yarns are wonderful, but so are solids. Size 4 needles. They're wonderful as gifts or little treats for yourself!

Favorite colors: light slate blue, periwinkles, rose pinks, shabby-chic light sage greens, turquoise....

Teabird / ravelry

3:19 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I heartily recommend the diamond fantasy shawl. The pattern can be gotten here: http://www.siviaharding.com/Diamonds2.html

It is shown in variable sizes and is absolutely gorgeous. You can see it in variegated yarn to get an idea how it will look (fabulous)in a handpainted sock yarn.

I looked through your blog and cannot believe the amount of sock yarn stash you flashed. Should we assume from your comments that this is not all of it? Yeeeesh! Amazing.

I love purple best, but I also like blues, and wines, rose, reds.

So pick me and I'll love whatever you pick out for me :-)

4:06 PM  
Blogger Turtle said...

I have looked at a few shawls as well but not picked and tried any particular one yet. I have made some basic fingerless gloves and the holiday ornament ball covers from this winters interweave holiday gift edition. I am a huge fan of purple and or green but also have lately loved the color combo of turquoise and brown. I pimped your contest on my blog as well! lucky you to have such a stash!

8:50 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I love the pattern "Country Kiddie" by Pixie purls. I dont really have a fav combo. I love natural colors and pink. Well not together. I like nature colors. And I like pink with brown or black.

9:10 PM  
Blogger Darcys Knotty Knitter said...

I also love the forest canopy shawl but also think the easy flame sacrf would be great in sock yarn to:)http://knittingasfastasican.com/forest-canopy-shoulder-shawl/
http://www.knitandtonic.typepad.com/EasyFlameLaceScarf.pdf
I will also post your drawing on my blog in a couple of day:)Darcy

11:25 PM  
Blogger gardienne said...

I love the Snails and Slugs from MochiMochiLand. They are so cute!
http://mochimochiland.com/weblog/2008/03/free-pattern-snails-and-slugs/

Blues, purples and greens are my favorites. Thanks for posting this contest!

7:22 AM  
Blogger LaVerna said...

My favorite is the feather and fan comfort shawl.I made it with various leftover sock yarns.It turned our beautiful.you can find it here.http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/shawls-shrugs/feather-and-fan-comfort-shawl.htm
My favorite color combos are pink and black or turquoise and chocolate brown.

2:26 PM  
Blogger Rena said...

I have to love the old shale scarf -
http://tiennieknits.typepad.com/tiennie_knits/2008/05/old-shale-scarf.html

My favorite colors are jewel colors - fuschia, turquoise, etc.

3:16 PM  
Blogger Jen C said...

My favorite non-sock pattern using sock yarn is my version of a generic top-down raglan with lots of shaping.

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jench1n/split-neck-top-down-raglan

My favorite colors are semi-solid jewel tones.

Thanks for holding a contest! =)

10:55 AM  
Blogger 5elementknitr said...

I'm dying to try Jeanie from Knitty.com Winter 07 - found here:
http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter07/PATTjeanie.html
I already have the yarn to do it, just need to ball it up and dive in!

I like any colors except purple, yellow and orange. Also prefer jewel tones to pastels!

11:37 AM  
Blogger florapie said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

10:33 AM  
Blogger florapie said...

Ooops, forgot my favourite colours so I'm reposting!

So far my favourite non-sock project was my daughter's baby blanket. I had a 250gm hank of Fleece Artist Merino, chose an easy pattern from one of the Walker treasuries, and started with a circular cast on. Then I increased at the four corners every second round and kept going until I ran out of yarn. You could make a striped version with smaller skeins, and even change the lace pattern every so often if you wanted. I went into labour an hour after I finished blocking it.

I like greens, reds, purples, jewel tones, and pretty much anything that isn't orange or yellow :)

10:35 AM  
Blogger edina said...

I have a lot of sock yarn, too, so I can totally relate to the quest for non-sock patterns! I recently started a scarf using this pattern and some sock yarn I dyed with Kool-Aid. I'm making it two repeats wide since I wasn't sure how far my yardage would go. It looks like it will be enough for a long, skinny scarf.

12:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My favorite is this Chevron scarf pattern by Claire Mitchell:http://clairemitchell.wordpress.com/2007/08/21/chevron-scarf-pattern/
but in these colors as done by Molecular Knitting: http://molecularknitting.com/2007/05/22/chevron-scarf-pattern-notes/

6:59 PM  
Blogger helenlam said...

I do love socks terribly, but making a scarf is a nice easy alternative for the yarn and no heel turn. Here's one that's nice to show off the handpainted yarns: http://christine.typepad.com/knitting/easy-drop-stitch-scarf-pa.html

If you don't adjust the pattern for fingerling weight it just come out lacier, or you can use smaller needles and then do one extra repeat.

I'm always partial to navy blue and yellow color combos, though I'm also drawn to plums too.

2:00 AM  
Blogger knitmomma said...

I've been enjoying making The Heathen Housewife's blankie - tutorial here: http://www.shellykang.com/2008/02/blankie-friday-wrap-up.html
Favorite color is PURPLE. I like most other colors too, but am partial to deep, intense, and jewel tones.

Posting about your contest to my sadly neglected blog. *grin*

1:13 PM  
Blogger crochetgurl said...

Hello! I haven't actually had time to make it yet (as I am knitting Juliet currently), but I really admire the Butterscotch Cardigan in Interweave Crochet Spring 2008. It is made with Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock.

My favorite colors are red, green, peach, pink, and black.

Thanks for letting me enter your contest! :-)

2:53 PM  

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