Embroidered Knee Socks

Pattern/Idea:  Vogue Knitting Fall 2006.  Yarn: 3 balls Cascade Fixation #3919.  Thrifted DMC embroidery thread. 

Modifications:  Where do I start?  I used the needles one size too small, #2 dpns, because that's what I had with me when I cast on, accidentally started with the wrong number of stitches, 28 (56 total), changed the placement of the shaping in all three places that it's called for to better fit my own calves, didn't even read the toe and heel shaping using instead my usual standby, and did different embroidery.  Still, it was worth having the pattern as a guideline and as inspiration.  There are several other sock patterns in that issue I'd love to try, including another fun pair of colorful embroidered knee highs designed by Kristin Nicholas.  Seeing as it features sock knitting, it's strange that I missed this issue when it first came out on the stands.

They took all but a small amount of the three balls of yarn, certainly not making it up and over the knee.  There is row of eyelets at the very top edge of these socks and, if need be, I'll crochet two chains from the extra yarn to string through the holes and tie to help keep the socks from falling down.  It seems, though, that the elastic in the yarn and the calf shaping may not make this necessary.  If these do stay up and hold they're fit, I can see making more of these in different colors.  The yarn was under $15 and you could substitute Elann's Esprit or Esprit Print putting the price at less than $9.   

So, the knitting part of these were nearly done when I came across this picture, which sealed the deal on how I would end up embroidering them, except I only put the flowers on the outside each leg:

Christmas (1975? 76?) at our cousins' house, a few blocks away from our own.  I remember those knee highs well.  I was wearing them in several other pictures at different times.   I think their polyester and elastic content were a fair bit higher than the current pair.

Another reading picture, summertime, in the bow of our family's sailboat, probably somewhere on the British Columbia coastline of Canada, wearing those favorite cut-off pants from yesterday's post.  These shorts reminded me so much of my old pair, only far more mod.  Speaking of which, if you've never seen the SLOPPOP shop or her Flickr pages, go check them out now.  Such fun clothes and toys, made from thrifted Austrian fabrics, I believe?  It makes me want to go cut up curtains à la the Von Trapp children's play clothes!

Comments

[Mari]

Such lovely socks!
The embroidery makes them truly unique.

[kate]

ack! Those socks are so freakin' cute!! You are brilliantly talented. I started reading your blog last winter and literally drooled over all your beautiful socks...you inspired me to attempt my first-ever pair. Downloaded your pattern, went and bought tiny needles, and beautiful self-striping yarn....which is still, um, a lovely little skein. Maybe this winter...

Anyway, thanks for continueing to inspire and amaze! : )

[Stephanie]

I love the socks!! Great embroidery too. Love 'em!

[Miss T]

How cool that you recreated your favorite socks!

[sarah]

amazing socks!! Just amazing!! I love them and am seriously coveting your amazing sock collection. Great job!

[Jennifer]

LOVE the socks! And how fabulous that you had such a similar pair as a kid!

[Peg]

Siri, you remind me so much of my daughter. She was very blond as a child and always had her 'nose in a book'. She had wild shorts too, but not those lovely knee socks. Let us know how they stay up after a few hours of wearing!

[Melissa]

Love the socks! Love the modifications, totally looks much better then the original. You were such a little cutie when you were little. Now you have two little cuties of your own. May they also be blessed with crazy patterned pants!

[Lolly]

They are so beautiful, Siri! You made plenty of mods, but they really couldn't be any better. I love that you worked in your favorite socks from childhood. So meaningful! Beautiful work. I hope mine turn out half as well ;)

[Julia]

Cute!! I love the pink and the embroidery!!

[Hege]

Beautiful socks!

[Faith]

It's uncanny how much they resemble the one from that old photo! Mind if I link to them?

[Amber]

I was wondering when you would have these completed, and like always, they are quickly finished and just beautiful! I love your embroidery design choice.

I have a bunch of Fixation in the stash for making baby hats but I guess I didn't even think about sox?! These would be very fun...

[Kristin Nicholas]

Great post and great socks. Love the embroidery!