Do you fancy knitting some socks for charity?

Do you love knitting socks, but are running out of worthy recipients? Have you thought about knitting some socks for charity? I know that lots of my Marathon Sock Knitters* love to knit socks, but only have so many people to give them to, so I have found two charities that are currently collecting socks to donate. You might want to make a pair to consider donating a pair during the Marathon Sock KAL.*

Marie Curie Sock Quest

Image copyright Flower Power Fund

The Marie Curie Sock Quest is back for its fourth outing, after being rudely interrupted by COVID last year. Marie Curie cares for people living with terminal illnesses, and their families. Every year, some patients have to spend Christmas in Marie Curie hospices, and Sock Quest aims to distribute hand-knitted socks to all those patients this Christmas.

All you need to do to join in is to knit a pair of socks: any pattern, any size, and get they to Maire Curie Sock Quest in time for Christmas. One thing to bear in mind is that cancer patients often have slightly swollen feet, so you might want to make the socks a little bit wider than you normally would.

Image copyright Rosie's Moments

There is an official yarn for the Sock Quest: Daffodil Reflection by Rosie’s Moments. The yarn is inspired by daffodils and is a fabulous bright yellow. Even better, £2 from each skein will be donated to Marie Curie, who rely on donations to continue to provide care. If you would rather use your own yarn, or hand-dyed yarn is beyond your means, choose a different yarn that is inspired by daffodils: think lovely spring yellows and oranges and greens.

Socks for WMAS

Image copyright Socks For WMAS

Socks for WMAS is looking for hand-knitted socks to give to the ambulance staff at West Midlands Ambulance Service. There are about 500 staff, which means they need a lot of socks! You can knit the socks in any yarn you like, so this is an excellent excuse to go stash diving! Socks can be any pattern, and in any adult size.

I would rather donate somewhere more local, who should I knit for?

Homeless shelters are always looking for warm clothing to donate to people living on the streets, and there is likely to be one near you. Homeless shelters generally request that socks are knitted in wool/nylon blend, washable yarns, in darker colours. Thicker socks are very welcome because they are important in keeping people’s feet warm.

Image copyright Knit for Peace

Knit For Peace almost always have a request out for hand-knitted socks. Knit for Peace donate socks wherever they are needed, currently mostly in the UK. During the pandemic, the charity have been overwhelmed with donations, so have requested that people hold on to their knitting for a little while so they can get things in order. Keep an eye on their website to see when they are open for donations again.

What size should I knit?

It’s totally up to what size you knit. Most charities request adult sizes, but do note that most of the socks they receive are in smaller adult sizes. If you want your socks to be really well-received, think about knitting a larger size – UK 9 or bigger. 

*Want to know more about the Marathon Sock KAL? You can find all the details here.

Do you fancy knitting some daffodils to raise money for Marie Curie?

Last week, I saw my first daffodil of the season and it filled my heart with joy. I love those little pops of yellow emerging against their green leaves; they really do herald the start of Spring. Marie Curie, a charity that supports people living with cancer and their families, uses the daffodil as its emblem, and March is the month of Marie Curie’s annual Daffodil Appeal. In a normal year, the charity would have people around the country out and about raising money for this fantastic cause, but this year events have had to be scaled back because of the ongoing pandemic. 

Marie Curie has asked crafters to step up and help, requesting that they knit or crochet 10 daffodil  brooches and send them to Marie Curie so they can be sold on to raise funds for the charity. Alternatively, download the pattern, make a donation to Marie Curie and make some daffodils for family and friends.

I designed the pattern for the knitted brooch, and each daffodil can be knitted using only a few metres of each colour, and is be simple enough for even a beginner to knit. Daffodils come in all shades of yellow and orange, so why not go and take a look in your stash and do a bit of knitting to support a great cause? If crochet is your thing, Stylecraft Yarns have designed a crochet pattern.

The patterns, and more information about the appeal, can be found here: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/knitting-challenge

When you’ve knitted your daffodils, send them to Marie Curie Retail Operations, Unit 11, Berkshire House, County Park, Swindon, Wilts, SN1 2NR

Seed Head socks: buy now and donate to a great cause!

Last month, I unveiled my Seed Head socks,* and have been delighted by their reception! Thank you for every like, favourite and purchase! If you haven't purchased yet, but were planning on doing so, until August 14th, I'll be donating £2 from each sale to the Flower Power Fund, which uses yarny loveliness to raise money for Marie Curie UK, a charity that supports people living with a terminal illness. At the time of writing, sales of my sock pattern have raised just over £200!

The Seed Head socks feature dip stitches that create shapes reminiscent of the seed heads that we see growing in the fields and hedgerows in the UK. The socks incorporate plenty of these dip stitches to create seed heads that sit on either side of a central, cabled stem. The dip stitches have the added advantage of being a lot of fun to knit, and once you have knitted a couple, they get much quicker to work! In case you are unfamiliar with dip stitches, I have included a photo tutorial at the end of the pattern to help you.

The Seed Head socks are knitted from the toe up and I’ve given two options for knitting the heel:

• A gusset and heel flap construction, shaped with short rows, with a slipped-stitch pattern on the heel flap for reinforcement. The gusset length is affected by your row/round gauge, so a table of gauge-dependent lengths is included to help you achieve the perfect fit.

• A short row heel.
  

The pattern includes instructions to knit either fully matching-socks, or mirrored, fraternal socks, and the instructions for the Seed Head pattern are given in both chart and written formats. The pattern is needle-neutral, and the socks can be knitted using DPNs, short circulars, or long circulars using the magic loop technique.

The sample was knitted in Tempo 4ply by Eden Cottage Yarns, who very kindly provided yarn support for the design. The colourway used is Hibiscus, but Eden Cottage Yarns make many beautiful semi-solids that allow any design to sparkle.

From July 15th to August 14th 2020, £2 from each pattern sold will be donated to the Flower Power Fund. You can buy the pattern from my Ravelry* and PayHip stores. The pattern is also available on LoveCrafts.**

Want to see what the Flower Power Fund has planned for the rest of the year? Why not follow them on Instagram?

********

Here's everything you need to know about the pattern. If you want to add the pattern to your Ravelry queue or favourites, you can do so via the pattern page* - remember, the more people that buy the pattern, the more we'll raise for the Flower Power Fund!
 
Sizes
A (B, C, D, E, F)

Finished sock foot circumferences: 14 (16.5, 19, 22, 24.5, 27) cm [5.5 (6.5, 7.5, 8.75, 9.75, 10.75) in] designed to fit with 2.5 cm (1 in) negative ease. These are the sizes of the finished socks; for the best fit, choose a size that is approximately 2.5 cm (1 in) smaller than your foot circumference.

The stitch counts for the patterned panel are modified so that the cabled panels are the same width as the stocking stitch sole, this results in the socks fitting the same as a regular stocking stitch socks with a stitch count of 46 (54, 62, 70, 78, 86) sts.

Tension
32 sts x 44 rnds = 10 cm (4 in) in stocking stitch
23 sts = 6.3 cm (2.5 in) in SMALL Flower panel
23 sts = 7.4 cm (2.875 in) in LARGE Flower panel

All st patterns are worked in the rnd on 2.5 mm (US 1.5) needles, or size needed to obtain correct gauge.

Notes are included to adapt the pattern to your rnd gauge.

Yarn
170 (240, 310, 400, 500, 610) m [190 (270, 340, 440, 550, 670) yds] of a dedicated 4 ply sock yarn.

Note that these numbers are for guidance only as the lengths of both the legs and the feet are variable to fit. The short row heel version will use less yarn than the heel flap and gusset version. See pattern notes for further guidance on yarn choice.

Needles

• 2.5 mm DPNs

• or a 2.5 mm circular needle at least 80 cm (32 in) in length

• or a 2.5 mm 20 cm (9 in) circular needle

Notions

• Stitch markers x 4 (you may wish to use 2 extra markers when you are working the Seed Head sts)
• 2.5 mm crochet hook, optional
• Tapestry needle
  

Pattern notes
The instructions are for the smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses: A (B, C, D, E, F).

If you have a limited quantity of yarn and you want to ensure you do not run out of yarn for the second sock, first wind the skein into two balls of equal mass, and stop knitting your first sock when your first ball is about to run out.

The socks shown are knitted in Eden Cottage Yarns Tempo 4 ply [4 ply; 100 m (436 yds) per 100 g skein; 75% merino wool, 25% nylon] in the colourway Hibiscus and size D for a UK women’s size 9.5 foot [foot length 27.25 cm (10.75 in)]. The sample socks used 360 m (394 yds) of yarn. Yarn support was provided by Eden Cottage Yarns; you can find all their yarns on their website: https://www.edencottageyarns.co.uk/

I would recommend using a dedicated sock yarn for these socks, either a wool/nylon blend or a high-twist wool yarn.

I have included instructions for both a heel flap and gusset and a short row heel. It is totally up to you which you choose to do, but I find that if you have a high instep, a heel flap and gusset provides a better fit as there is more space in the heel.

Links to the following resources are given at the end of the pattern:

• Dip stitches
• Judy's Magic cast-on
• Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off
• Wrap and turn
• Choosing what size socks to knit
  

This pattern was tech edited by Jo Torr.

*Ravelry link. May affect people with photosensitivity.

**Affiliate link.

Lots of Socks KAL update!

Thank you to everyone who bought patterns last month on my Lots of Socks sale day. All proceeds from sales of my sock patterns on that day were donated to Down Syndrome International, and we raised a phenomenal £710! Between all the designers, we were able to donate $18,175.67 directly to Down Syndrome International, which is just staggering.

The Lots of Socks KAL runs in the Paper Daisy Creations Ravelry group until March 21st, which is this Thursday, so don't forget to finish off your socks and post a photo of them to the finished objects thread.* I've finshed one pair of socks and three lone ones, so shall be posting them to the thread once I've published this post!

Don't forget to wear your mismatched socks on March 21st (World Down Syndrome Day) to help raise awareness about Down Syndrome. Follow this link for more information.

*Ravelry link. You'll need to be logged in to follow this link. Membership is free.

For one day only: all sock patterns have 50% off!

I hope you're all enjoying the Lots of Socks KAL! Today is my promotion day, and I'm offering 50% off all my self-published sock patterns on Ravelry, just add the patterns you'd like to the basket and use the code LOTSOFSOCKS. The code is valid from 12 midnight until 11.59pm on Monday 11th February 2019 Eastern Time (GMT -5, i.e. 5am Monday 11th February to 4.59am Tuesday 12th February UK time). As the KAL is in aid of Down Syndrome International, all profits* from any sock pattern sold during the sale period will be donated to Down Syndrome International.  

Amy socks

Haven't heard about the Lots of Socks KAL? Then read on... 

I'm very excited to announce that I am a participating designer in the Lots of Socks knitalong (KAL)** being organised by Lisa Ross of Paper Daisy Creations, and running from February 1st until March 21st 2019.  

Have you heard of the #lotsofsocks initiative? On March 21st every year, people are encouraged to wear two different brightly coloured socks to highlight the uniqueness of individuals with Down syndrome and to show their support for the Down syndrome community. Why March 21st? People with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21, so the date 3/21 was selected. Lisa designed the Lots of Socks KAL to create LOTS of socks, and at the same time generate support and awareness for a great cause!  

Lynda socks

What does the KAL involve?  
Starting on February 1st, cast-on ANY sock design from ANY of the participating designers (no works in progress, sorry! The list of desiogners can be found here.). For each single sock that gets knitted (this might be the perfect opportunity to finish up some lonely socks...), you will get an entry for prizes. If you use yarn from one of the sponsors (a list of sponsors can be found here**), you will get an extra entry. When you finish your sock, post a photo of it in the FO thread, remembering to include the pattern name, designer, and yarn used. If you used sponsor yarn, include a photo of the ball band or tag to get a bonus entry.  

Lisa will keep a running list of sock entries in the prize thread. After the KAL has ended (on March 21st), prizes will be drawn based on the entries listed (if you've finished some socks but they haven't been included on the list of entries, send a message to Lisa before the end of the KAL).  

On March 21, 2019 (World Down Syndrome Day), be sure to wear your socks and spread the word! You can post your socks on Instagram using the following three hashtags #lotsofsocksKAL, #lotsofsocks, and #WorldDownSyndromeDay AND tag @paperdaisycreations. You might also want to tag the designer and include hashtags #WDSD19 and #LeaveNoOneBehind.  

When you're knitting your socks for the KAL, feel free to make the socks your own: you're allowed to modify patterns from toe-up to cuff-down and vice versa, switch out heels and toes to your favourites, or to make modifications for fit. However, you must use the minimum stitch count listed in the pattern and at least 25g of sock yarn for a single sock.  

Sara Elin socks

What could I win? 
Lisa has done an amazing job of sourcing prizes for the KAL, and you could win all sorts of amazing yarn-related goodies and patterns, including a £100 gift card to Countess Ablaze, project bags and special skeins galore! The full list of prizes can be found here.**  

Siren song socks

Where should I head for more details and to join in?  
The KAL is being hosted in Lisa's Ravelry group,** so go there to join the chat and to show off your projects. Of course, it's always possible that you might already own all the sock patterns you want. If you'd like to donate directly to Down Syndrome International, you can do so via their website.  

Susurration socks

Click here to see all the designs on offer today!
Remember to use the code LOTSOFSOCKS

*Sale price minus fees and taxes.  

**Ravelry link; you need to be a member of Ravelry to open this link. Membership is free.

Lots of Socks KAL

I'm very excited to announce that I am a participating designer in the Lots of Socks knitalong (KAL)* being organised by Lisa Ross of Paper Daisy Creations, and running from February 1st until March 21st 2019. 

Have you heard of the #lotsofsocks initiative? On March 21st every year, people are encouraged to wear two different brightly coloured socks to highlight the uniqueness of individuals with Down syndrome and to show their support for the Down syndrome community. Why March 21st? People with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21, so the date 3/21 was selected. Lisa designed the Lots of Socks KAL to create LOTS of socks, and at the same time generate support and awareness for a great cause! 

There's a sale!  

On each day from February 1st to 15th 2019, a different designer has been selected to offer a pattern on sale for 50% off. Some of these are new designs and some will be existing designs… each day will be a surprise! ALL proceeds from the highlighted design on the designer's given day will go to supporting Down Syndrome International. To be notified of the sale patterns, either sign up to Paper Daisy Creations' newsletter via her website or follow @paperdaisycreations on Instagram. The designers participating are: Lisa Ross, Kate Atherley, Mina Philipp, Mary Hull, Megan Williams, Shannon Squire, Tracie Millar, Sarah Jordan, Mindy Wilkes, Jen Lucas, Adrienne Fong, Susie White, Vikki Bird, Clare Devine and Anna Friberg.  

What does the KAL involve? 

Starting on February 1st, cast-on ANY sock design from ANY of the participating designers (no works in progress, sorry!). For each single sock that gets knitted (this might be the perfect opportunity to finish up some lonely socks...), you will get an entry for prizes. If you use yarn from one of the sponsors (a list of sponsors can be found here*), you will get an extra entry. When you finish your sock, post a photo of it in the FO thread, remembering to include the pattern name, designer, and yarn used. If you used sponsor yarn, include a photo of the ball band or tag to get a bonus entry.  

Lisa will keep a running list of sock entries in the prize thread. After the KAL has ended, prizes will be drawn based on the entries listed (if you've finished some socks but they haven't been included on the list of entries, send a message to Lisa before the end of the KAL).  

On March 21, 2019 (World Down Syndrome Day), be sure to wear your socks and spread the word! You can post your socks on Instagram using the following three hashtags #lotsofsocksKAL, #lotsofsocks, and #WorldDownSyndromeDay AND tag @paperdaisycreations. You might also want to tag the designer and include hashtags #WDSD19 and #LeaveNoOneBehind.  

When you're knitting your socks for the KAL, feel free to make the socks your own: you're allowed to modify patterns from toe-up to cuff-down and vice versa, switch out heels and toes to your favourites, or to make modifications for fit. However, you must use the minimum stitch count listed in the pattern and at least 25g of sock yarn for a single sock.  

What could I win?  

Lisa has done an amazing job of sourcing prizes for the KAL, and you could win all sorts of amazing yarn-related goodies and patterns, including a £100 gift card to Countess Ablaze, project bags and special skeins galore! The full list of prizes can be found here.*  

Where should I head for more details and to join in? 

The KAL is being hosted in Lisa's Ravelry group,* so go there to join the chat and to show off your projects. I cannot wait to see what everyone knits! 

If you want to make sure you don't miss out when my pattern is on sale, sign up to my newsletter.  

Of course, it's always possible that you might already own all the sock patterns you want. If you'd like to donate directly to Down Syndrome International, you can do so via their website.

*Ravelry link; you need to be a member of Ravelry to open this link. Membership is free.

Yarn Along: Tiny windows

It's the first Wednesday of November, so today is Yarn Along day (on time for once!).

The knitting I've done since my daughter arrived has been done in tiny windows: a row or two in a waiting room; a few rows during a feed; the odd slightly longer period in the evenings when she sleeps (those are a little few and far between at the minute!). And I'm actually starting to see progress on a few things.

The big breakthrough in the past week is that I have suddenly worked out how to do intarsia round a feeding baby, and have actually finished a multi-coloured project apart from a little bit of finishing. I can't share that project at the minute, but will be able to soon. My new-found intarsia skills do bode well for getting the blankets for my nieces finished* - they were meant to be new-baby presents (the girls arrived in the summer), but have been reassigned as Christmas presents. If I get my act together they might actually be ready for Christmas Day!

I've also seen good progress on my Marie Curie socks. I'm knitting these for the Marie Curie Sock Quest 2018 being organised by Sarah Holmes. These socks will be a gift for a patient in a Marie Curie centre over Christmas.** I chose to knit size 12 socks as Sarah said that most people knit smaller socks. These socks have 80 sts per round, so are rather slower than my usual 64 st socks! I am determined to get these finished on time.

My Vinterskov sweater has been growing too. I'm still on the body as each round takes ages (220 sts per round), but it's definitely getting bigger. I have decided on the contrast colour for the yoke: the main colour is Purple Heather and the contrast colour will be Lavender. I've gone for a pale purple as I thought a cream or white would be too stark and I couldn't find a shade of grey I liked. Hopefully I'll be on the sleeves by the time I write again.

I've been really enjoying the #showoffyourwoollysocks challenge on Instagram (I'll post the summary for days 1-7 on the blog tomorrow), and it's been inspiring me to cast on some more socks! I have resisted so far as I'd really like the satisfaction of completing something. I do have a lot of Christmas sock yarn though, and would love to have a new pair of festive socks ready for Christmas...

And what have I been reading recently?

My Teenage Diary

I was reading this collection of excerpts from celebrity teenage diaries last time I wrote, but moved to something else while I was travelling last month. I’m not totally sure I’ll get back to reading it in full, as I did find some of the chapters a bit boring. I might dip back in and read the chapters written by the celebrities I’m more interested in, then return the book to the library!

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

I’d seen a few recommendations for this book on social media, and chose it to read while I was away last month. The book (based on a true story) tells the story of Lale, a prisoner in Auschwitz, and his improbable survival. The key question in this book is ‘how far would you go to ensure your own survival?’ As most of the story is set in Auschwitz, it is harrowing in many places, but also filled with an optimism provided by the main characters, Lale and Gita, who become lovers while in the concentration camp. I’d definitely recommend this.

Eve of Man by Giovanna and Tom Fletcher

I fancied reading this having enjoyed books by both authors, but am no quite yet far enough through it to tell you what I think. So far the plot can be summarised as follows: For many years, no boys have been born, until one day Eve arrives and finally there is hope for the human race.

That's all for now. What are you working on this month? Are you all about the festive knits, gift knitting, or making something lovely for yourself? Whatever it is, tell me all about it in the comments below.

Linking up with Ginny for Yarn Along.

*Peter Rabbit blanket by me.

**They also count for the Festive Cheer KAL!