“Celebrating America's Beauty Through Handknit Socks”
13 Designs to Warm Your Feet and Heart
Maine Maine brings to mind summer camps by the lake, lobster bakes, sunburned noses and hammocks slung between huge trees. There’s no question that the state is a popular haven from the summer heat. Hardier year-round residents cherish the long, snowy winters. If you love knitting thick socks and wearing them most of the year, move to Maine! These lovely socks by Rachel Covey Brown celebrate the beauty of snow covering the pines. They knit up quickly, either to snug into your boots, or to keep your feet warm in front of an open fire. Finished Sizes: Adult S (M, L): Foot circumference: 7 (8, 9)” (18 [10, 23]cm); leg length to ankle: 7½” (19cm); foot length: 9 (9½, 10½)” (23 [24, 26.5]cm) (unstretched) Project Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rounds = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch; 19 stitches and 22 rounds = 4″ in stranded stockinette Yarn: Berroco Vintage (50% acrylic, 40% wool, 10% nylon, 217 yards/200m); 1 skein Douglas Fir #5177 (MC), 1 skein Snowy Day #5100 (CC)...
Florida is rightfully famous for its white sand beaches. With 1200 miles of coastline, Florida has half again as much beach as California. From the “Redneck Riviera” in the panhandle, the swanky beaches of Naples and the Treasure Coast, the tropical colors of Key West, the star-studded waterfront bistros of South Beach, to the unspoiled wild dunes of Amelia Island, you’re sure to find your perfect spot of sand. Designer Emily Marshall found her ideal beach and celebrates it with these beautiful socks, inspired by the waves and dunes of Florida’s defining feature. Slip them on and feel the salt breeze on your face. Finished Sizes: Adult Medium: Foot circumference 7″ (18cm); leg length from ankle 7″ (18cm); foot length 9″ (23cm) or to fit (unstretched) Project Gauge: 36 stitches and 44 rounds = 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch; 38 stitches and 44 rounds = 4″ (10cm) in Waves Pattern Yarn: Crystal Palace Yarn Panda Silk (52% bamboo, 43% superwash merino wool, 5% combed silk, 204 yards/188m); 2 skeins Butterscotch #3002...
If you’re headed north or south in New Jersey, there’s no avoiding the dreaded Jersey Turnpike. One of the most traveled and dangerous roadways in the country, it can be confusing to Turnpike newbies and veterans alike. With anywhere from 4 to 14 lanes, it gets even more challenging when the lanes change direction from north to south and south to north at different times during the day. These socks, by Heatherly Walker, are inspired by the challenge of navigating the Turnpike. The color is a nod to the 122 miles of asphalt and stripes. Start your needles! Finished Sizes: Adult M (L): Foot circumference 7½ (8¼)” (19 [21]cm); leg length to ankle 6″ (15cm); foot length 9″ (23cm) or to fit (unstretched) Project Gauge: 36 stitches and 44 rounds = 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch; 38 stitches and 38 rounds = 4″ (10cm) in stranded stockinette Yarn: Cascade Yarns Heritage Sock (75% superwash wool, 25% nylon, 437 yards/400m); 1 skein Snow #5618 (MC), 1 skein Real Black #5672 (CC)...
The Appalachian Trail is the holy grail for American hikers. As it winds its way along the Appalachian mountain range from Georgia to Maine, intrepid hikers are rewarded with mountain, pasture and forest views along its 2,184 miles. Started in 1921 and built completely by private citizens, the trail is managed by the U.S. Park Service but maintained by thousands of volunteers. Kimberly de la Cruz designed these socks with a winding trail of leafy twists and a lush, fresh color to pay tribute to the Pennsylvania section of the AT. They are too pretty to hide in hiking boots, though. Finished Size: Adult Medium: Foot circumference 7″ (18cm); leg length to ankle 5½” (14cm); foot length 8″ (20]cm) (unstretched) Project Gauge: 36 stitches and 50 rounds = 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch; 45 stitches and 46 rounds = 4″ (10cm) in Winding Trail Pattern Yarn: Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock (80% Superwash Merino; 20% Nylon, 435 yards/398m); 1 skein Catalpa #310...
For four months each year, I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. After decades of living in Florida where the summer means brown grass and dead blooms, it was a revelation to see the glory of an Alpine summer right outside my door. I was entranced by the flowers and the beautiful Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies that landed on my deck and danced among the trees — magic. Those blooms and butterflies inspired my design. These cozy bed socks, with a butterfly stitch and floral embroidery, are a perfect bit of summer’s beauty for your feet on chilly winter mornings. Finished Size: Adult Medium: Foot circumference 9″ (23cm); leg length from ankle 3½” (9cm) including picot; foot length 9″ (23cm) (unstretched) Project Gauge: 21 stitches and 30 rounds = 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch; 18½ stitches and 35 rounds = 4″ (10cm) in Butterfly Stitch Pattern Yarn: Classic Elite Liberty Wool (100% superwash wool, 122 yards/112m); 2 skeins Ecru #7816 and small amounts of sportweight superwash for flowers, leaves and centers. Shown in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Sport in Pink Ice #836, Periwinkle #844, Strawberry Cream #894, Daffodil #821, Lemon #820, and Green Apple #802...
One of my favorite vacations was a two-week road trip with my son through Glacier National Park in Montana and Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. I was awestruck by the mountain scenery and wide open skies. Designer Kim Haesemeyer has lived in Montana for 15 years, and pays tribute to her adopted home with these socks that celebrate the “Big Sky” state. The leg is worked back and forth in a simple intarsia pattern, then seamed up and knit in the round for the rest of the sock. Finished Sizes: Women’s Small (women’s shoe size 6-7); Women’s Medium/Men’s Small (women’s shoe size 8-9; men’s shoe size 6-7); Women’s Large/ Men’s Medium (women’s shoe size 10-11; men’s shoe size 8-9); Men’s Large (men’s shoe size 10-11); foot circumference: 8 (8, 8½, 9)” (20.5 [20.5, 21.5, 23]cm); leg length: 8½” (21.5cm); foot length: 9 (9½, 10½, 11½)” (23 [24, 26.5, 29]cm) or to fit (unstretched) Project Gauge: 32 stitches and 44 rounds = 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch Yarn: Berroco Comfort Sock ( 50% Super Fine Nylon, 50% Super Fine Acrylic, 447 yards/412m); 1 skein each Hari Hari #1811 (MC) and Pearl #1702 (CC) ...
Walla Walla and the surrounding area is heaven for food and wine aficionados. Vineyards, fertile soil and gorgeous produce have given rise to extraordinary restaurants and wineries. “Farm-to-table” isn’t a fad here — it’s a way of life. Sweet onions grow in abundance in the area and this sock by designer Susan Moskwa is proof that design inspiration can come from anywhere, including your own refrigerator. The cable design evokes the distinctive shape of sweet onion bulbs. This is one way you can enjoy onions without worrying about your breath. Finished Sizes: Adult S (M, L): Foot circumference: 8 (9, 10½)” (20 [22.5, 26]cm); leg length: 7” (18cm); foot length: 9 (9½, 10)” (23 [24, 25.5]cm) or to fit (unstretched) Project Gauge: 42 stitches and 51 rounds = 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch; 41 stitches and 50 rounds = 4″ (10cm) in Onion Cable Pattern Yarn: Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock (80% superwash wool, 20% nylon, 215 yards/197m); 1 skein Silence...
Ohio is a strong agricultural state, helping feed the country. The state also gave birth to those who dared to dream beyond the bounds of the Earth. The Wright brothers and twenty-four astronauts were born in Ohio, including John Glenn and Neil Armstrong. These socks by Joy Gerhardt celebrate the Ohioans who work the earth, and those who slip its bonds. The toes of the socks, with their tiny twisted cables, are inspired by waving wheat. The fields transition to a sky dotted with shooting stars. Finished Sizes: Adult M (L): Foot circumference 7¾ (9½)” (19.5 [24]cm); leg length from ankle 6¼” (16cm); foot length to fit (unstretched) Project Gauge: 38 stitches and 50 rounds = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, 40 stitches and 50 rounds = 4” (10 cm) in Waving Grain Pattern Yarn: Spud & Chloe Fine (80% superwash wool, 20% silk, 248 yards/227m); 1 skein each Bumble Bee #7811 (Color A) and Snorkel #7809 (Color B)...
The Ohio River winds its way for almost a thousand miles through Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. The river was the site of many Native American settlements, later became the boundary between European and Indian territories, and served as a major boundary between free and slave states. Designer Rusty Theresa Morris was inspired by the sinuous path of the Ohio, represented here by the lovely twisting cables. Knit in a cozy worsted weight yarn, these socks knit up very quickly as well. Finished Size: Adult Medium: Foot circumference 7½” (19cm); leg length to ankle 8″ (20cm); foot length 8½” (21.5cm) or to fit (unstretched) Project Gauge: 21 stitches and 28 rounds = 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch, 36 stitches and 32 rounds = 4″ (10cm) in Sinuous River Cable Pattern Yarn: Ella Rae Classic Solids Superwash (100% superwash wool, 219 yards/200m); 2 skeins Moody Blue #122...
The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and the only one in the United States. Carved by the Colorado River over the course of at least 17 million years, it measures 18 miles at its widest, and its deepest point is over a mile below the surface. For 277 miles, its buttes and crags provide an awe-inspiring natural color show. Designer Sara Elizabeth Schmidt took inspiration from the canyon to create these beautiful socks. With their warm colorway and a design that flows together and apart, the socks pay tribute to the changing textures of the canyon surfaces. ¡Qué hermosos! Finished Size: Adult Medium: Foot circumference 7½” (19cm); leg length to ankle 8″ (20cm); foot length 8¾” (22cm) (unstretched) Project Gauge: 32 stitches and 42 rounds = 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch; 34 stitches and 42 rounds = 4″ in Canyon Lace Pattern Yarn: Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock (80% superwash merino wool, 20% nylon, 430 yards/393m); 1 skein Brick...
Eighty percent of Oregonians live within twenty miles of the Willamette River, which runs through both Portland and Salem. Archaeological finds show that the river valley has been populated for at least 10,000 years. It wasn’t until the 19th century that Europeans settled the valley, with the Oregon Trail ending at the mouth of the river. Designer Allison Isaac lives near the Willamette River in Newburg and designed these socks to honor both it and the majestic Cascade Mountains that stand watch over the area and whose peaks inspired the design of the beaded cuff . Finished Size: Adult Medium: Foot circumference 7¾” (19.5cm); leg length to ankle 6″ (15cm); foot length 8″ (10cm) (unstretched) Project Gauge: 32 stitches and 44 rounds = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch; 32 stitches and 44 rounds = 4″ (10cm) in Winding River Lace Pattern Yarn: Cascade Yarns Heritage Solids (75% Merino Superwash, 25% Nylon, 437 yards/400m); 1 skein Turquoise #5626...
Kentucky is far enough north to (usually) avoid the scorching heat of the states farther south, but still “southern” enough to allow for a long and bountiful growing season. The result? Gardeners’ heaven. In addition to beautiful public gardens and arboretums, many Kentuckian’s create thriving patches of blooms and vegetables in their own backyards. Designer Lynn Taylor found inspiration in her friend Nana’s garden. Nana is a knitter as well as a master gardener. The delicate lacy cabled rib and fresh color celebrate the result of Nana’s hard work. Finished Sizes: Adult Medium: Foot circumference 6½” (16.5cm); leg length to ankle 7″ (18cm); foot length 9½” (24cm) (unstretched) Project Gauge: 32 stitches and 42 rounds = 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch; 44 stitches and 44 rounds = 4″ (10cm) in Lacy Fern Rib Pattern (unstretched) Yarn: Alpaca with a Twist Socrates (30% baby alpaca, 30% merino wool, 20% bamboo, 20% nylon, 400 yards/188m); 1 skein Wednesday Night Green #4018...
One thing I missed growing up in Florida was the change of seasons. Sure, the cypress trees turn brown and all their needles fall off and get stuck in your hair, socks, and your dog’s coat, but I don’t think that counts. It’s easy to understand the leaf-peeping mania that sends people in droves to the Northeast every fall. A light dusting of snow is just the icing on the cake! Massachusetts designer Susan Todhunter pays homage to nature’s most brilliant season with these autumnal beauties, perfectly frosted with snowy toes and heels. Finished Sizes: Women’s S (M, L): Foot circumference: 5¼ (6¾, 8)” (13 [17, 20]cm); leg length from ankle: 4½ (6, 7½)” (11.5 [15, 19]cm); foot length 7 (8½, 9½)” (17.5 [20, 22.5]cm) or to fit (unstretched) Project Gauge: 30 stitches and 52 rounds = 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch with MC; 29 stitches and 48 rounds = 4″ (10cm) in Chase Slipped Stitch Mosaic Yarn: Cascade Fixation (98.3% cotton/1.7% elastic; 100 yards/91m); 2 skeins Natural #8176 (MC); Valley Yarns Franklin (75% wool, 25% nylon, 450 yards/412m); 1 skein Indian Summer (CC)...
With over 625 million feet in the country, it’s no surprise that sock knitting is such a passion in the U.S. Thirteen American designers celebrate their favorite places with designs inspired by the beauty of America — from the sweet onion fields of Washington State, to the Florida dunes, from the Grand Canyon to wintry Maine. I’ve included five yummy regional recipes as well as travelogues for an armchair tour of some of my favorite places. Happy knitting, traveling and cooking!
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Meet the Author, Beth Moriarty
Beth Moriarty, known to fans of PlanetPurl.com as the “PurlQueen,” has shared her online classes and instructional videos have been viewed on YouTube almost 2 million times. She designs individual downloadable patterns which are available under the PurlQueen Patterns label (PurlQueenPatterns.com), and her first book, Deep South Knitting (DeepSouthKnitting.com) was published in 2011, with 25 projects inspired by the history and beauty of the American South, together with travelogues and a dozen of her favorite southern recipes.
Meet the Author, Beth Moriarty
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