New Release: Roger Ackroyd socks

 Roger Ackroyd is now available!

Classic cables wind down the leg, reminiscent of warm, cozy sweaters worn on walks over the moors or out on the fishing boat. At the ankle, the main cables switch to ribbing while the 1/2 side cables continue down either side of the foot, and add detail to the toe.

When planning this pattern, I decided to place the cables only on the leg for two reasons: 1) the foot cables would be hidden by shoes and 2) I feared that the cables would make the socks too thick to fit inside shoes comfortably. While this might be an issue with plump, rounder yarns, test knitters who continued the cables all the way down the foot found this not to be the case.

I love that the test knitters had fun with this pattern, customizing it to suit their preferences. Several knitters continued the cables down the foot (just keep following the chart!), which looks fantastic. Others used a plain stocking stitch toe instead of the rib and cables. Some preferred simple 1/1 side cables instead of the 1/2 cables, turning that extra stitch into a purl.

This captures the essence of what I hope to achieve with my patterns. I provide the base and make it easy for less experienced knitters to create a great looking sock. At the same time, more experienced sock knitters can easily make those tweaks to suit their feet and knitting preferences.

E-book Details:

This pattern is part of an e-book series, The Agatha Christie Series, Volume 2 (The Poirot Collection). Follow along as I create designs inspired by Agatha Christie novels featuring Hercule Poirot.

This e-book represents a savings over purchasing the patterns separately. And the earlier you buy, the more you save. Six patterns will be delivered approximately every 6 weeks, with all patterns being delivered by the end of July 2014. Your Ravelry library will automatically be updated with the new patterns.

Buy in March & April 2014: $19
Buy in May & June 2014: $23

And Then There Were Mitts!

Ribbing unfolded to cover the fingers

I've just released a new pattern: And Then There Were Mitts. These fingerless mitts may look familiar: they use the main cable pattern from my recent And Then There Were None socks.

They're free on Ravelry December 9-11, 2013. After that, there will be a 25% discount for anyone who purchases both And Then There Were patterns (sock & mitt). This includes if you've already bought the socks in the past.

It's funny - I'd been thinking for a while about turning some of my favorite stitch patterns into fingerless mitts, just for fun. Then a fellow Raveler mentioned that she just loved the ATTWN cable so much that she had to buy the pattern - even though she never knits socks! She had thoughts of turning it into a fingerless mitt.

Ribbing folded back

So, with the planets aligning between feedback and my intentions, I fast-tracked my plans and got to work.

In planning the mitts, I decided I wanted a long ribbing section over the fingers. My fingers always get cold if I wear fingerless mitts. With this "turtleneck" ribbing, I can roll the cuff over my fingers if it's chilly. All while keeping my fingers free to pick up change, type or do whatever. For driving, when I want to ensure a good grip on the steering wheel, I can fold the ribbing back and hold onto the wheel better.

The mitts need not be as long as in the photos. But the gauntlet length certainly keeps the cold air from blowing your sleeves. And the ribbing on the palm side makes a super-stretchy fabric to accommodate a range of hand sizes.

The sample mitts were knit with Blueberry Pie Studios semi-solid sock yarn, in the Into the Forest colorway. It's simply gorgeous and wonderfully soft. The tiny variations of green add a lovely texture and depth to the cables.

I'll be posting an interview with Blueberry Pie Studios shortly.

Going with the tide

Seems like I am very determined to avoid all that stocking stitch in my Custom Fit cardigan.

Over the weekend I finished a Tidewater Cowl. The pattern is part of the Indie Designer Gift-along going on in Ravelry. (The 25% discount ends on the 15th, so I'm getting all my patterns purchased before then.)

Knitting the lace was so much fun. And it practically knit itself. The pattern is simple and easy to follow. Without any mods it took less than 1 skein of a yummy merino/silk blend by Candy Skein.

I apologize for the quality of the photos. It's dark and grey here and the good camera is unavailable at the moment.

Blocked (except the points)

Cozy! Do I have to give it away?

Nemesis

”Miss Marple pulled down the mass of pink wool that encircled her head, a pink wool scarf of the same kind that she had once worn in the West Indies.
‘One of my names,’ she said, ‘is Nemesis.’”
- from Agatha Christie’s novel, Nemesis

Nemesis, with a pink wooly scarf.

 I love the way Agatha Christie incorporates knitting in her novels, especially the Miss Marple series. The pink wool scarf mentioned in the quote above actually features in two of the Miss Marple stories: A Caribbean Mystery and Nemesis.

Nemesis is also the name of my newest sock pattern, which was just released yesterday. It's a fairly straight forward cabled sock pattern. The cables are 1/1, which means it's a perfect project for those new to cabling or for anyone wishing to practice cabling without a cable needle. The stitch pattern is a 12 row repeat and only 4 rows have cables in them.

Sale: Oct 24-26th, Nemesis is only $1.50


E-book Details:
This pattern is part of an e-book series, The Agatha Christie Series, Volume 1. Follow along as I create designs inspired by Agatha Christie novels.

There are currently 5 patterns included in this e-book: 4 sock patterns and 1 shawl pattern. One more sock pattern will be added by December 1st. When you purchase the e-book you will automatically receive the new patterns when they are released and added to the e-book. In total, there will be 6 patterns in the e-book.

This e-book represents a significant savings over purchasing the patterns separately. And the earlier you buy, the more you save.

Buy in October 2013: $14   ($2.33/pattern)
Buy in November 2013: $16  ($2.66/pattern)
Buy in December 2013: $18  ($3.00/pattern)

Currently published in the e-book (in addition to Nemesis):

The Vicar's Wife

The Man in the Brown Suit  (photo courtesy of Holly Isaac)

Styles Court

Joanna Lymstock

New sock pattern

I'm finally home after my week in the lovely and very green province of British Columbia. I had a wonderful visit with family and shopped at some lovely yarn shops (more on that later).

I can't believe it's October already. It certainly didn't look or feel like Fall in BC. Everything was so lush and green, with flowers still in bloom. Here in Ontario, the leaves are approaching their peak colors. The drive to work is filled with yellows, oranges and rich reds.

And being October 1st, it's time for the 4th pattern in my Agatha Christie Series: The Vicar's Wife.




This pattern reflects the age old May-December romance seen so often in 20th century (and earlier) British novels. The leaf motif which trails down the front of the sock reflects the blooming youth of May: fresh, energetic and hopeful - Griselda Clement in Murder in the Vicarage, by Agatha Christie. On the back of the sock is the bare Winter tree of December: the aged and sensible Vicar Leonard Clement, her husband.

Add a whimsical touch by duplicate stitching one of the leafs on the front of the sock. Will it be green – vibrant and alive, or the yellow, orange or red of Fall as winter approaches?

This pattern is available for $1.00 until Sunday, October 6th. Then it goes up to the regular price of $3.75. Or, buy the e-book for savings on more great patterns.

E-book Details:
This pattern is part of an e-book series, The Agatha Christie Series, Volume 1. Follow along as I create designs inspired by Agatha Christie novels. There are currently 4 patterns included in this e-book: 3 sock patterns and 1 shawl pattern. Two more sock patterns will be added over the next 2 months. When you purchase the e-book you will automatically receive the new patterns when they are released and added to the e-book.

This e-book represents a significant savings over purchasing the patterns separately. And the earlier you buy, the more you save.

Buy in October 2013: $14
Buy in November 2013: $16
Buy in December 2013: $18

Sizes:
The pattern instructions are provided for four sizes, small, (medium, large, extra large), with an 7.75” (8.5, 9.5, 10.5”) leg circumference, blocked.

Skill level: Advanced Beginner, some lace and simple cabling

Materials:

• Approximately 400-450 yards (399-411m) of Squeaky Elliot Yarn, Squishy Merino sock yarn (1 skein= 399yd/365m per 100g), or any yarn of similar yardage. This pattern will look best in tonal or solid colors so as not to obscure the pattern.
• 1 set of 5 US #1 (2.5 mm double-point needles, or size needles required to obtain gauge.
• Tapestry needle

Pattern notes:
This sock is knit from the cuff down. However, experienced knitters can easily use the charts to knit toe up socks using their favorite toe, heel, and cuff methods.

Toe up or Cuff down?

How do you like your socks? Knit from the cuff down or from the toe up?

Personally, I'm most comfortable with cuff down. I've memorized the heel flap and heel turn instructions and can knit happily along without instructions. For some reason, toe up has never 'clicked' for me.

But I know there's a lot of people who love the toe up method. It's the perfect way to get the absolute most out of your yarn. You can divide your skein of sock yarn into two and then just knit each sock until the yarn runs out.

So, I'm embarking on a quest to deliver toe up versions of my designs - at least the ones which have stitch patterns which can be easily converted to toe up, which is most of them.

As each toe up design is ready (after testing and editing), I'll be updating the existing pattern listing in Ravelry, Patternfish and Craftsy. The toe up version will be a separate PDF. Anyone who has purchased a cuff down copy of a pattern will automatically receive the toe up update!

And going forward, I'll try to have toe up versions of designs available at the same time as the cuff down versions.

So cuff down or toe up, I'll have your sock needs covered.

Pucker up, Winners!

Thanks everyone for leaving your comments and tips in the Fish Lips Kiss Heel post. I'll send the pattern to you right away!

Picture someone puckering out their lips
ready to give you a kiss. Well, this heel,
when off the foot, looks a wee little bit like that.
Photo courtesy & (c) Geri Inglis

Our winners are....
LakeviewChica (Ravelry ID)
marmelineravel (Ravelry ID)
Nhsarab (Ravelry ID)
su3385 (Ravelry ID)
QueenDBW - please contact me
 for your prize (maureenfouldsdesigns AT gmail DOT com)

Bonus round:
DKA (Ravelry ID)
knithemiptera  (Ravelry ID)
calendarfish (Ravelry ID)
Woolytanis (Ravelry ID)

Long weekend excitement & The Man in the Brown Suit

I hope everyone enjoyed a long weekend (if you live in a place where it was a long weekend). At our house we kicked the weekend off a bit early as I headed out to the cottage to spend some time with my Mom and my daughter. My daughter loves having the freedom to roam around at the cottage and there are always lots of other kids around for her to play with.

We avoided the holiday traffic by heading home on Sunday morning, which also gave us time to prepare for "Back to School". Laundry was done, a first day of school outfit was selected and her backpack prepared. We're ready for grade 3!

On Monday, our long weekend was enlivened by a trip to the ER (A&E if you're in the UK). My daughter and her friends decided to try a cheer leading routine which involved lifting her up in the air. Except they've never done it or trained for it. Predictably, my daughter tumbled down and hurt her arm. Badly. When the pain didn't abate after 30 minutes, we drove over to the ER for x-rays, just to be on the safe side. We were seen remarkably quickly and received the good news that there's no fracture. Just a lot of pain. Another childhood lesson learned - and a few grey hairs added to my head.
 
New Pattern
In knitting news, I've just published my latest sock pattern: The Man in the Brown Suit.

The Man in the Brown Suit - moss ribbing and cables

Inspired by the novel The Man in the Brown Suit, by Agatha Christie, these socks offer classic moss stitch ribbing with a dash of cabled elegance. Suitable for a man or a woman, these socks provide an uncomplicated knit, with just enough variety to keep your interest.

The Man in the Brown Suit, at least in the novel, is mysterious, adventurous, independent, strong and loyal. We should all have a Man in a Brown Suit in our lives. Even if we have to knit it ourselves.

The pattern instructions are provided for four sizes, small, medium, large and extra-large (58, 64, 72 and 80 sts).

The Agatha Christie Series, Volume 1
The Man in the Brown Suit is also part of an e-book offering on Ravelry. Follow along as I create designs inspired by Agatha Christie novels.

There are currently 3 patterns included in this e-book: 2 sock patterns and 1 shawl pattern. Three more sock patterns will be added over the next 3 months. When you purchase the e-book you will automatically receive the new patterns when they are released and added to the e-book.

This e-book represents a significant savings over purchasing the patterns separately. And the earlier you buy, the more you save.

Styles Court sock

Buy in September 2013: $12
Buy in October 2013: $14
Buy in November 2013: $16
Buy in December 2013: $18

Styles Court socks - One of my most popular patterns, this pattern’s herringbone rib works for men and women.

The Man in the Brown Suit - Another unisex pattern, made up of moss stitch ribbing and cables on either side of the leg.

Joanna Lymstock Shawl - A crescent shaped shawl with a pretty lace border and a stocking stitch body.

Style Court - herringbone and cables

Joanna Lymstock shawl

E-book details will be updated as patterns become available. All patterns will be released by December 2013.

Contest Time!

First off - my apologies for being a few days late with this announcement. I was suffering a horrible migraine over the weekend and was completely out of commission. But enough about me - let's get to the contest!

It's pretty simple. To launch our upcoming joint venture, Lola-Doodles and I are having a contest. But first, what is it we're celebrating?

Dowager's Prize Roses

The Deal
Starting September 1st, Lola-Doodles will be hosting an exclusive yarn/sock pattern combo in her Etsy shop. You'll have your choice of 2 colorways to go with one of my patterns, designed especially for these Lola-Doodle colorways.

What you'll get:

1. Your choice of Lola-Doodles Dowager's Prize Roses or Silver Linings in her Classic, Buff and Twinkle yarn bases.
2. An exclusive sock pattern: The Dowager's Prize Diamonds at a discounted rate of only $2.50.

Dowager's Prize Diamonds

The Dowager's Prize Diamonds pattern will only be available from Lola-Doodles between Sept 1 - Nov 30. After that, it'll be available in my Ravelry shop at the regular price of $4.50.

Once the Dowager's Prize Roses and Silver Linings colorways are sold out, Lola-Doodles will take dyed-to-orders for your choice of colorway with the pattern.

The Contest
We're offering 1 skein of Lola-Doodles Classic Sock yarn in your choice of colorway, plus a copy of the Dowager's Prize Diamonds pattern.

All you have to do is one or more of the following:

• Leave a comment here on which colorway you'd want if you win. Make sure you include some way for me to contact you, either your Ravelry ID or email (which isn't published). To see more colorways Lola-Doodles has to offer, check out the previous sales link under Shop Details on the Lola-Doodles Etsy site.)
• If you're on Twitter, tweet about the contest. Tweets must include my Twitter name (@iammo_25) and a link to this page.
• If you blog, mention this contest on your blog and then leave a comment here with your blog post URL.

You'll get one entry into the contest for each thing you do. So if you comment, tweet and blog - that's 3 chances to win!

Contest starts today and runs until end of day Monday, August 26th. On Wednesday, August 28th I'll reveal the winner, so be sure to check back then.

Dowager's Prize Diamonds in Silver Linings Buff Sock

Dowager's Prize Diamonds
in Silver Linings

New shawl pattern released (sale!)

I've just released a new shawl pattern, the Joanna Lymstock shawl. This is a crescent shaped shawl which can be knit in either fingering or lace weight yarn. The lace portion is simple yet engaging, and the stocking stitch section makes this a very portable project. This is a perfect lightweight shawlette for a summer’s picnic or that special evening out. It would look fantastic held closed with a shawl pin.

The pattern accommodates both lace and fingering weight yarns, providing instructions for both. There are charts and written instructions. Also, I provide modification guidelines for customizing the size of the shawl. Approximate size of the shawl (based on the pattern) is 59" x 16".

The pattern was originally called the Dayflower shawl, since that's what the lace motif is called. But I've taken to listening to Agatha Christie audiobooks whilst knitting. While designing and knitting this shawl, I was listening to The Moving Finger, set in the town of Lymstock, in which Joanna Burton is one of the characters. Joanna is a pretty, carefree girl who is used to city life (ie, London) who relocates to the tiny town of Lymstock to help her brother recuperate from his war wounds. This shawl reminds me of Joanna Burton: delicate yet strong, interesting yet straight-forward and (by the end of the novel) equally at home in the city or the country.

This pattern will be **50% off ($2.50)** on Ravelry between July 16th and July 23rd, 2013. After that it will be $5.00.

Sneak Peek

I'm in the final stages of prepping my newest sock pattern for release. I just need a few good photos, which are always dependent on the weather and time, and those two things coinciding.

These new socks are definitely on the piquant to extra spicy side (using Knitty's scale of difficulty). There are cables everywhere. The cables themselves are fairly simple once you get used to them. If you use pointy needles you should be able to zip through them after some practice.

I'm hoping to release these next week, so keep an eye out on my blog for the announcement!

Back cables

 

Front cables: mirrored zig-zags

Styles Court socks

I just have to say this: I love, love, love my new sock pattern Styles Court. These are a wonderful example of finding just the right pattern to show off the yarn and vice versa.

The pattern is quite simple, which is why I've posted it as a free download. It's a 4 row repeat, with the front and the back of the socks repeating themselves. So easy to memorize! Which makes it perfect for tucking into your purse while traveling or waiting for appointments.

The yarn is the delightful Sheepy Time Knits Sheepy Feet, in Midnight Blue - a yarn club colorway which won't be available for public release until November 2013. You can bet when it becomes generally available I'll be stocking up again! The subtle tones of the yarn bring the herringbone pattern to life, adding some visual depth to an already elegant pattern.

This is one pattern you absolutely want to knit in a solid or semi-solid color. The subtle texture would just get lost in the rapid color changes of a variegated yarn.

The pattern is suited to an advanced beginner. You should know about basic sock construction and be comfortable knitting in the round. Check out my blog post on Sock Basics for a refresher if you need to. I keep the instructions in my patterns "needle neutral", meaning that I don't write specifically for DPNs, magic loop or 2 circular needles. I prefer reference the front & back, heel, top, instep and sole of the sock. You can use whichever method you prefer and adjust how your stitches are distributed on your needles based on that method.

Sock patterns released on Ravelry

I'm pleased to announce the release of two of my sock patterns on Ravelry.

Swirl Socks

Inspired by a dear friend who convinced me to give toe-up socks a chance, these socks are a quick and satisfying knit. The lines flow into one another, reminding me of swirls of water or ripples on a field of snow on a winter morning.

The 16 row pattern repeat includes a “rest” row of knit sts on every even numbered row, making this a very quick knit. The swirl pattern is 44 sts wide, running over the edge of the foot a few sts on each side.
The pattern is intended to be customizable. No two pairs of feet are the same and it’s easy to customize the width of the cuff or leg portion of the sock. That’s what I love about this pattern (the back of the sock is a simple broken 2x2 rib), if you need to make the circumference of the sock bigger or smaller, simply adjust the number of stitches by adding or removing repeats of these rib stitches. Note that adjustments to the pattern may change yardage requirements.

 




Trellis and Coin Socks
Inspired by some richly toned Handmaiden Casbah yarn, these socks were created to do justice to this lovely yarn. I wanted a pattern that was as voluptuous as the Casbah itself. For me, that means bold, stunning cables that capture the eye immediately.

This sock pattern is intended to be customizable. The back of the sock is a lovely alternating moss stitch and coin cable pattern. If you need to make the circumference of the sock bigger or smaller, simply adjust the number of stitches by adding or removing repeats of these stitches.

Better late than never

The pattern for my Trellis and Coin socks can be downloaded by clicking here. It is also available on Ravelry by following this link.

I was inspired by some richly toned Handmaiden Casbah yarn to create a unique sock pattern that would do justice to this lovely yarn. I wanted a pattern that was as voluptuous as the Casbah itself. For me, that means bold, stunning cables that capture the eye immediately.

Since my approach to patterns is to consider them more of a guide than a strict set of instructions from which I should not deviate, this sock pattern is intended to be customizable. No two pairs of feet are the same and it's easy to customize the width of the cuff or leg portion of the sock. That's what I love about this pattern – the back of the sock is a lovely alternating moss stitch and coin cable pattern. If you need to make the circumference of the sock bigger or smaller, simply adjust the number of stitches by adding or removing repeats of these stitches.

Trellis and Coin socks, love them for its delicious cables, but feel free to change the cuff, heel and toe to suit your preferences.

If you have any questions or notice any errata, please feel free to email me at: maureen at foulds dot ca, subsituting the appropriate symbols.