2023 Sock Knitting Round Up
Am I obsessed with sock knitting? Some might say so…
I knit my first pair of socks in 2021 over the course of several months, and since then I have become what I would consider a sock knitting semi-pro. In 2023 I knit 12 pairs of socks using all kinds of yarn and patterns. I hope this post will help you find some fun patterns or new yarns to work with in 2024. Let’s do a wrap-up of my favorites!
Each pattern and yarn/dyer is listed with each photo.
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Most sentimental socks
Every year I try to knit up a pair of socks that have a special meaning to me - in 2022 I knit up some socks using yarn that I purchased on my trip to Yellowstone/Grand Tetons, where I got engaged to my now husband! Those socks have such a special memory for me.
In 2023, I took a natural yarn dyeing class with my sister, taught by Color Me Happy Fiber Arts Studio. At this class, we learned all about the science and magic of dyeing yarn with natural colors - from everything to bugs, roots, flowers, and onion skins! Class attendees were then able to experiment with dyeing their own skein of yarn. Because my sister isn’t a knitter, I offered to knit her a pair of socks from the yarn that she dyed.
From left to right: the socks I knit my sister with the yarn she dyed; the socks I knit myself with the yarn I dyed; a close up of the socks I dyed/knit.
Left Pattern: All the Frills from Summer Lee Designs using fingering weight yarn
Right/Middle Pattern: Scattered Pearls from Summer Lee Designs using fingering weight yarn
Something new I tried
In Christmas of 2022 I was gifted a really gorgeous, vibrant sock set by my in-laws and I knew I had to try them ASAP! The sock set I received is from YouKnitIDye on Etsy and you guys, the base she uses for her socks are SO. SOFT. The nylon component of this yarn is 15% biodegradable nylon and it just makes the yarn so soft and buttery. I recommend her sock sets to everyone.
Favorite pattern
2023 was the year I challenged my sock knitting skills and shew, it certainly paid off. I tried a lot of new patterns this year and I certainly discovered a new favorite! These socks were actually my first dabble into cable knitting. I always thought that cable knitting was way too intimidating, but working them into a sock pattern was less scary than taking on a cable sweater or cardigan!
Pattern: Guernsey Sweater Socks from Summer Lee Designs
Yarns: Pumpkin Pie Sock set from Woolberry Fiber Co (top) and Kenergy from Madeline Tosh (bottom)
My favorite socks of 2023
What can I say? The Kenergy cabled socks absolutely stole the show for 2023. The bright colors and intricate pattern kept me engaged every time I picked these socks up. These were my first ever cabled projects and it really boosted my confidence in my knitting skills!
See above for pattern & yarn notes.