Lights! Cameras! Socks?

This lovely knitter is Jane Leverenz of Mankato, Minnesota. Jane, along with fellow Mankato knitter Melissa Seitzer, were commissioned by the Coen brothers to knit socks for actors Jeff Bridges and Peter Leung for the critically acclaimed film, True Grit.

Lights! Cameras! Socks? - Fiber Arts - timesunion.com - Albany NY

You can bet there will be a mad rush to purchase the yarn, however,  the article provides a direct link to the yarn shop the knitter bought her supplies from, and we could find neither of the yarns listed.

I went on a yarn hunt for Plymouth Galway, and didn't not have much luck finding any available stock, in most websites listed-Yarn.com offers it but was out of stock.  Marisol Akapana did come up in several links as well, . I've found it available here.

I use the Wisconsin Winter Socks pattern which is similar to the sock style shown in the interview. These style socks were used by loggers in the 1800's, to help keep the menfolk's feet warm and dry during logging season. Many a logging camp could be seen with lines of socks drying around the wood stoves, at night.

I got my copy of the book at Paradise Fibers, a great place to find yarn and supplies!

The Ships Project , Socks for the Troops

I have just finished a pair of Wisconsin WinterSocks and am happy with the outcome.

I went in search of an organization to donate to, found The Ships Project and have joined The Ships Project Yahoo Group, to become more actively involved. Please check it out and join us!

The next ship date is the first week of February. 1-7, 2011.

I saw a Fox in our neck'o the woods while on my way to Eye Dr. to get a new contact-shes crossed in front of my car, in plenty of time to get out of harms' way, . Losing a contact has it's up-side; I would not have seen Fox, otherwise~

Learn to Knit Magic Loop Socks - Part 1-2

Learn to Knit Magic Loop Socks

Turning the Heel

verypinkknits
And before I go, I wanted to share what I got from my next-door neighbor (the same Sharon I'm knitting the Sharon's Wisconsin Winter Socks for) I'm getting ready to turn the heel on her socks now, so the video will come in handy~

 The "vase" is a cutout of a cook book, isn't that clever? She fashioned the "roses" from ribbons, the colors inspired by my favorite rose, Blue Girl.  I just love this new beauty, it picks up the subtle blues in my Mom's table runner.

Baby Rhonda Winter Socks

I spent the evening outside with DH, knitting up a baby sock-start to finish, in record time~

I started Baby Rhonda's Wisconsin Winter Socks last night, cast on and did about 3 rows of ribbing, then put it down until morning.

Next day, 7 am sharp:

I picked up where I left off on the Baby Rhonda's Sock, worked on it for about 2 hours, turned the heel and never looked back It was way too windy to go for a walk, and the temps alone would have put us in hypothermia from the drastic change. I was content to stay in; the wind drives me nuts.
By 9pm, orders were packed and work was done, so while DH heated up some chili, I set to task on the sock foot, and finally the toe was in sight~

Later that night (2 hours later):
We have Baby Rhonda's Sock #1!

Baby Rhonda's Winter Socks

Igor is glad it's cooler out-he has his SpoiledBratzwear jacket back~

Wisconsin Winter Socks, Cuff Down

Tonight before DH started dinner, I finished my Wisconsin Winter Socks, and am mighty pleased with how fast the second sock went~and without a hitch! I figured I put in approximately 15 hours per sock, over about 3-5 days.

Taken outside: the background (a chenille shawl) is a little "hot" but the socks are pretty spot on, color-wise.

the heel gusset

the foot

the toe, close up

I have mastered the Kitchener stitch, these being my 3rd pair of completed cuff-down socks. I believe I may have enough yarn left from 3 balls, to make a pair of toddler sockies for Baby Rhonda.

I'm still pretty sold on the toe-up sock, having one less step to complete. The end result is still the same, a nice pair of socks that will outlast their retail counterparts.

On to my next project, The Wonderful Wallaby

 I got my pattern book here:  Paradise Fibers, same place you can also get  a copy of Wisconsin Winter Socks.

I am also going to whittle away at my Ladies jacket Drops “Alaska”, having left off last Spring at this point: