Thursday 15 March 2018

Yarndale Socks 2018

I do like to be organised whenever I can be. It's for this reason that I decided to get the socks which I'll be donating to this year's Yarndale Sock Line knitted up early, it's usually around June when Christine from Winwick Mum puts out a call for handmade socks to be donated. First they're shown off at Yarndale, after which, the socks are gifted to people in need. This is something that I love being involved with, I'm sure all the cosy, squishy socks bring a little comfort to those who are less fortunate, for one reason or another, than myself.


This year's socks have been knit in Grundl Hot Socks, a yarn I've never used before but I have to say that I've thoroughly enjoyed knitting with it. The yarn is quite plump and very squishy and it comes in such fun colourways. I'm not sure how this yarn will wear, it's made from 50% merino, 25% bamboo and 25% polyamide, a mix I don't think I've used before, but I've read some good reviews so I'm sure it'll be fine.


I didn't think a pattern was required with this yarn as the different coloured stripes hold enough interest. I did quite well at colour matching each sock.


These will now be put away until the required time, but I'm happy in the knowledge that they're all finished and waiting, and that they might just bring a bit of squishy goodness to someone in need.

44 comments:

  1. They are beautiful, who ever receives them, will feel cherished.

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    1. It's such a great cause. I do hope that who ever they're gifted to gets a little comfort from them.

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  2. That's a lovely idea! I'm not a sock knitter but if I were I'd be in there like a shot.

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    1. I'm glad that I'm able to help out. The Yarndale Sock Line has grown and grown each year so I hope it's as successful, if not more, again this year.

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  3. They look fabulous and I'm sure they will be very well received. Sadly, I've never yet managed to colour match any socks I've made. X

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    1. It can sometimes be tricky matching up the yarn so that each sock is the same. Regia have brought out their Pairfect range to overcome any difficulties, though I've never tried it myself.

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  4. Lovely socks and I totally agree - this yarn shows perfectly in the simple stockinette. One of these days, I may be that organized!

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    1. There's some really fun sock yarns out there now which look fancy enough without having to knit a pattern. This is definitely one of them.

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  5. They are seriously funkily gorgeous socks :)

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    1. I love this colourway, I quite fancy knitting a pair for myself.

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  6. Love the colourway of the socks, really well matched too. Such a lovey idea and you are so well organised I´m sure they will be very well received xcx

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    1. I was determined not to be at the last minute this year and now I know I'm all ready for when Christine puts the call out.

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  7. What super yarn - I could fancy knitting a pair!

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    1. I really love this colourway and the yarn is lovely to knit with. I don't think I've ever had yarn with bamboo in it before though so I hope they wear well.

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  8. Goodness you are a real powerhouse when it comes to sock making. They are absolutely lovely.

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    1. Socks seem to fly off the needles, they're quite addictive once you get going.

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  9. I think that might be my next project.I have been knitting hats for the homeless and refugees using up my stash.I delivered 16 to a local charity.

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    1. What a great result, that's sixteen people who will be kept toasty warm, such a worthwhile cause. Hats for the homeless is something I've been thinking of taking on myself, it's the cold, snowy days we've had recently which have made me think how fortunate we are and how those people less fortunate could do with a little help.

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  10. My you are organised, I bet you've started your Christmas knitting too. Lovely socks someone will be delighted.

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    1. I haven't actually started any Christmas knitting yet but I've been planning it. It's always best to be ahead of the game.

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  11. I love the colours in your socks Jo, you've done well to match the pattern stripes too. I hope they are well loved. Cathy x

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    1. I find patterns with such a bold stripe, such as this one, much easier to match. The pattern matching on these socks has worked well.

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  12. The socks look great, Jo. Whoever gets them will be delighted, I'm sure. :o)

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    1. I think it's great that each pair of socks which are donated are tracked so that you can see where they've gone. They're distributed amongst the homeless, hospices, people with health issues, women's refuges and care homes. The pair of socks I donated last year went to a care home with residents who have dementia. Many of these people won't wear shoes but some will wear socks. I was really pleased that my pair of socks went to this particular care home as my own mum is suffering from dementia.

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  13. Liking the way the yarn stripes, I'll be doing a pair this year too.

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    1. The Yarndale Sock Line has grown and grown each year, I hope it's even more successful again this year with more people donating.

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  14. Oh I love these, aren't they colourful.

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    1. The colours are fabulous. I shall definitely buy some more of this yarn and try out a different colourway.

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  15. Anybody would be delighted to receive these beauties. Sadly, I manage to produce one pair of socks a year - if that - so this probably isn't the best altruistic project for me to get involved in.

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    1. Crafters are such generous people but we all find projects we're best able to help. I love knitting socks so this is a great one for me to get involved with.

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  16. Hi Jo
    I challenged myself to make a pair a month last year + 2 pairs for Yarndale. I thought I would be just about socked out but on the contrary I am finding I am missing making some so much so I think I may have to rummage through my stash and start a pair for Christine's sock line especially as you have given us the go ahead in making yours.
    Hope you are all well. This last year has been chaotic with a house move and various other things but I am back in blogland again. I see you are still reading Amanda Prowse. I need to order the Art of Hiding before going on to Anna & Theo although I'm not sure the last two are available yet so that gives me a little more time.

    Mitzi

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    1. It's lovely to hear you're blogging again. A house move, how exciting, I hope you're very happy in the new place. I knit sixteen pairs of socks last year but I'm still enjoying knitting them, I think I'm a bit addicted. I've got The Art of Hiding waiting for me on my Kindle. I shall pop over to see you shortly.

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  17. I could use some of those socks myself -- right now! Spring starts next Tuesday, but Mother Nature is ignoring it and sending another nor'easter to PA. I am so tired of looking at a white landscape. I just want to prune my shrubs and start getting my gardens ready for gardening season. I think it is great you provide socks for the needy, Jo. It is wonderful that you are sharing your talent. P. x

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    1. It's the same here, we're on an Amber alert for snow tonight with more due to fall over the weekend. I don't think Mother Nature knows it's nearly spring.

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  18. What a beautifully coloured pair of socks.
    I'm sure they will be very much appreciated for their snugness and their zingy colours.
    Lisa x

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    1. I hope the zingy colours will put a zing in someone's step.

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  19. Such lovely socks, love the colours. I'm sure whoever gets them will love them!

    All the best Jan

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    1. I'm very tempted to knit a pair for myself, I love the colours too.

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  20. That's wonderfully organised. The pattern matching is spot on. Someone is sure to be very please to receive these.

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    1. I try to be organised where crafting is concerned as last minute knitting tends to take the pleasure out of it.

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  21. You definitely have a gift for knitting socks and then "gifting" them to family, friends and charity. Well done, they are gorgeous stripes. Take care.

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    1. I'm determined that more of my socks will be for me this year, but I can't let Yarndale go by without gifting some for the Sock Line.

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  22. Fabulous socks someone is going to love them, well done for being so organised. :) xx

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    1. It feels good to have them ready to gift, I've started thinking about Christmas gifts to start on next.

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