Need A Sock? Cabin Fever Will Keep Those Tootsies Warm!

I’ve had the opportunity to take a look at the new Cabin Fever Need A Sock Book. This is really a cool idea, no more patterns. I’m all about no more patterns!

Using a percentage system, there are only 3 numbers to remember. The cast-on number of stitches, 1/2 that amount and then 1/4 of that amount.

With this unique way of sock knitting, you can use any needles, any yarn, any gauge to knit your socks.

This book (also in download format!) explains in detail the percentage system and holds your hand through your first pair of socks. Then soar along in the sock knitting world, allowing your own stitch patterns to be incorporated into this “no pattern” technique.

Awesome!!

Next Pattern:

Many times when I write these posts I will say something like “you can use any yarn you want” or “this would be a great stash-busting project.” That’s just how my mind works. And my stash, too, since I probably have sweater quantity of two or three yarns at most, but tons of singles and odd balls and leftovers.

Blankets are generally a really good way to use up those bits, but in this case, I think you’re going to want to plan it out a bit better.

Looking at photos of the Color Study Blanket from Purl Soho, it looks like it’s made with two yarns held together, and that block in the center is worked with one of each color from the adjoining sides to make a mixed up color.

But that’s not actually how it’s done. This is three separate colors (four, really, with the neutrals in the corners) chosen form a yarn with an expansive palette so they play off each other. The project calls for a worsted weight superwash wool, which is a great choice for a blanket that’s both warm and washable.

This pattern was originally designed by Laura Ferguson and was updated by Hiromi Glover. It is worked in one piece in garter stitch intarsia, which is a great way to learn the intarsia technique if you don’t already know it. It comes in crib or throw sizes.

Despite the introduction to this post, I am going to go ahead and say that, yes, of course you could do this blanket with scraps or odd balls or even just choose five colors that don’t blend together so easily. But I really do love the look of the color play, and I think it would be worth your time to find colors that play well together to get a similar effect.

This pattern is available for free from Purl Soho.

[Photo: Purl Soho]

Next Pattern:

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