Smooth Operator Socks Pattern ~ Sale Price & Must Stash Yarn Giveaway!

Hi, Knitters,

Today is an exciting day. First, I have randomly selected a winner for the Morning Bright Yarn giveaway. The winner of a skein of choice from Morning Bright is.... Molly Cline! I have contacted both Molly and Becky from Morning Bright and prize planning should be on its way soon. Thank you to everyone for entering.

There is more good news to go along with my new sock pattern release. Stacie of Must Stash Yarns has offered a very generous giveaway to go along with the pattern debut. Stacie is giving me two skeins of the Family Reunion colorway, the same as the socks in the photos, and one more skein of choice from her fantastic online shop to give to you! Three winners with a prize of one skein each of the hard-to-get Must Stash Yarn!! Hooray! Thank you, Stacie, for adding to the fun.

Details for entering are at the end of the post.

See how the Smooth Operator Socks match exactly? In the pattern I show and tell you how to get matching socks with your self-striping or patterning yarns whether or not your yarn was divided into two balls and dyed for matching socks or if you have one skein of sock yarn that you need to figure out how to match. 

Why the name Smooth Operator Socks you might ask? Just look at the socks in the photo above. These are the smoothest looking socks I have ever knitted. The heel transition is almost undetectable. And the toe is just as smooth with only a small line of decreases. They look clean and crisp but best of all they fit like a glove!

The pattern is on sale for a discounted price starting today, Wednesday, July 6th, 2016 through Sunday, July 10th, 2016. I have listed the pattern for $3.50, no code is necessary. On July 11th, 2016, the pattern will be set at the regular price of $5.00. 

Click here to see more information or to purchase the pattern on Ravelry!

I love the look of the Smooth Operator Socks and I loved knitting them just as much. 

FYI about the clogs: Birkenstock, Bern (style name), wool (I've had mine for years and I can't remember where they were purchased. I think they might be discontinued at this point.)

The yarn is from Must Stash Yarn in the Perfect Sock base and it is the Family Reunion colorway. I purchased this at the DFW Fiber Fest last spring. It is a lovely yarn. Be sure to enter to win by leaving a comment on this post. 

Here is some information you might like to know about the pattern:

Sock blockers are from theloopyewe.com. 

Smooth Operator Socks

Published in

Shop Susan B. Anderson

Craft

Knitting

Category

Feet / Legs → Socks → Mid-calf

Published

July 2016

Suggested yarn

Must Stash Yarn & Fiber Perfect Sock

Yarn weight

Light Fingering / 3 ply ?

Gauge

8 stitches = 1 inch
in stockinette stitch

Needle size

US 1 - 2.25 mm

Yardage

440 yards (402 m)

Sizes available

To fit: extra-small (small, medium, large) OR to fit the circumference measurement at the ball of the foot at: 7 (8, 9, 10) inches. The patttern is written with 1-inch of negative ease for a snug fit.

• afterthought-heel
• in-the-round
• kitchener
• one-piece
• other-toe
• seamless
• top-cuff-down
• top-down

 This pattern is available for $3.50.

Discounted release price: Starting Wednesday, July 6th, 2016 through Sunday, July 10th, 2016 the pattern is priced at $3.50. No code is necessary. On July 11th, 2016 the regular price will be set at $5.00.

Sizes included in the pattern:
Extra-small (will fit a large child)
Small
Medium (this is the size I make for myself!)
Large (will fit men or a woman’s larger size foot)

I love knitting top-down socks and I love self-striping and patterning sock yarn. I also love it when the patterning in the yarn doesn’t get broken up or rearranged on the front of the sock. This often happens when you are knitting the heel section of the sock. To avoid this problem I started exploring the afterthought heel, where the heel stitches are placed on waste yarn and saved for later. With a little variation of my own, I’ve found that this heel is a clever and perfect solution for your striping sock yarn woes.

What’s different about the Smooth Operator Socks you might ask? The pattern is written for four different sizes and includes instructions for both double-pointed needles and Magic Loop. The tutorial pattern is written in conversational style with tips and tricks along the way. The pattern includes step-by-step tutorials with photos but also has a quick read version at the end for those who don’t need the tutorial or want to have a printed version. The quick version is 3-pages long without photos.

I have a modified twist for placing the heel waste yarn that makes it much easier to remove later. Also, I’ve never loved the look of the bars of stitches in between the decreases that run along both sides of the heel and toe. I’ve found a sleeker decrease sequence to eliminate those bars so the sock looks almost completely seamless and so smooth. I like to complete the afterthought heel before the foot of the sock is finished so taking accurate measurements for the foot length is much easier.

I hope you enjoy knitting the Smooth Operator Socks as much as I do. This is now my go-to sock for self-striping or patterning yarn although it will work for variegated, solid or tonal yarns just as well.

Yarn: 100 grams of fingering or sock weight yarn

Needles: US size 1 or 2.25mm, set of 5 dpns or a long circular for magic loop or your preferred method for working in the round on a small number of stitches. Be sure to check your gauge and adjust the needle size as needed.

Gauge:
8 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch
13 rows per inch in stockinette stitch

Materials:
An extra set of needles in the same size (optional) Detachable stitch marker
Yarn needle
Ruler or tape measure
Smooth waste yarn in the same weight, about 3 yards

I am really pleased with the tutorial photos for the pattern. The pattern was definitely a labor of love that I hope will help you evolve and gain more techniques for your beloved sock knitting.

For those of you not as interested in the tutorial section I have a knitty-gritty only short pattern version for you at the end of the pattern. It is only 3-pages without any photos. This way you can print out that section only or refer to that section only and have a quick complete pattern at the ready. 

Let me know what you think about the new pattern. I am considering a knitalong so we could share our awesome socks along the way. Let me know if you'd be interested in a knitalong, too. I'm sure I could get Stacie of Must Stash to throw in another skein of her impressive yarn for a prize (if not I'll share one of my skeins). 

Click here for the Smooth Operator Socks pattern on Ravelry! Remember the discount is only available through the weekend, July 10th, 2016. 

To enter to win a skein of Must Stash Yarn please leave one comment on this blog post that includes your Ravelry username or an email address so I can get in touch if you win. Please only enter one time. Only click on "Publish" one time and please be patient. There is a delay before your comment will appear on the blog. There will be 3 randomly selected winners, two for the Family Reunion sock yarn, and one winner gets a skein of choice from the Must Stash Yarn shop. So exciting! I'll randomly select winners next week after the sale price closes.

Thank you for your sock support if you purchase the pattern. If you have used my free How I Make My Socks pattern through the years I really think you will like the Smooth Operator Socks pattern even more.

Good luck if you enter to win Must Stash Yarn.

Let the comments begin!

xo ~ susan

Morning Bright Yarn for you!

Hi, Knitters,

I have some exciting teaching opportunities coming up this fall and I sure hope you'll join me. 

September 17, 2016: Knit Circus Fall Retreat here in Madison, Wisconsin.

October 1-2, 2016: Knit City in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

November 4-6, 2016: Vogue Knitting Live in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

I have new classes that I am developing over the summer that I am loving. I've never been to Vancouver so I am especially excited about going there. I am always thrilled to be teaching in my hometown in Madison and I have long talked about Minneapolis being one of my favorite cities in the country. It's a good line up ahead.

I hope you'll check out all of the fantastic teachers at these events. It is going to be such fun. Can't wait. 

A quick update on my new sock pattern. The pattern is being professionally tech edited right now so that is good news. I am calling the pattern Smooth Operator Socks due to the smooth decrease lines and equally smooth transitions. The pattern includes four different sizes, child size up to men's size, both double-pointed needle and Magic Loop instructions, photo tutorials and links, and a Quick View pattern for printing. It is pretty comprehensive and I am super excited for the pattern release. The pattern is perfect for self-striping and patterning yarns (I give lots of tips for getting matching socks and using these colorful yarns), as well as tonal or solid yarns. The best part is that the socks fit great!

Now for a little about Morning Bright Yarn. Quite awhile ago a very sweet package arrived from Becky of MorningBrightYarn on Etsy. The yarn and intention behind the yarn took my breath away. 

Here is the description on MorningBrightYarn's shop:

Do you know where your wool comes from? Morning Bright does! All of the wool in our yarns and fibers are either certified humane and environmentally-friendly, or come from local farms that we've personally visited to ensure that animals are well cared for, and practices are ecologically sustainable. Together we can make the world a brighter place - one skein at a time.

Morning Bright's products are hand painted by artist Becky Robbins in her sunny home studio in Maine, USA. All of our yarns are dyed and ready to ship unless they have "Dyed to Order" in the title (you'll find more information about this in the individual listings). We love to chat - if you've got feedback or an idea for a custom order, please don't hesitate to send us a message!

A love of nature and animals is dear to our hearts and it's important to us to contribute all we can, in the best ways we know how, to help protect and care for them. To this end, we currently offer two "Colorways for a Cause" colors:

"Blue Tabby" (a semi-solid medium blue), for which all profits are donated to the Cat Coalition of Western Maine. This is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that tirelessly fosters and cares for the feral cats and kittens of western Maine and works hard to educate the general public about their plight.

"Harbor Seal" (a semi-solid medium/dark gray), for which all profits are donated to the National Marine Life Center in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. The National Marine Life Center is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) marine animal hospital and science and education center dedicated to rehabilitating for release stranded sea turtles, seals, dolphins, porpoises, and small whales, and to advancing scientific knowledge and education in marine wildlife health and conservation.

You can find a list of wonderful patterns written for Morning Bright yarns and read our blog at morningbrightyarn.com. And come join in the fun in our Ravelry group, Morning Bright, at ravelry.com/groups/morning-bright. We also occasionally offer luxurious angora handspun yarns from our own beloved rabbits.

How's that for a wonderfully thoughtful mission for an independent dyer from Maine?

Click here for the Morning Bright Yarn website!

Click here for the MorningBrightYarn shop on Etsy!

Click here for MorningBrightYarn on Instagram!

Becky sent me the two skeins above. On the left is fingering weight yarn in the Moonlit colorway, 80/20 Certified Organic Merino/Nylon Sock, 100g, 405 yards. On the right is the same yarn in the Azalea colorway.

The yarn is incredibly squishy and soft. It is not superwash but it feels softer than superwash. It is so scrumptious. I am itching to dig into these skeins. My favorite yarns are always regular-old wool rather than superwash so the two skeins suit me perfectly. Thank you, Becky! 

I think combining the two would make a really fun project. Maybe a gray sock with cuffs, heels and toes in the variegated and then reverse it for another pair? Yes to that! I love wool socks and this yarn is great because it has a bit of nylon blended in for strength and to help with wear and tear. 

The photo is from MorningBrightYarn on Etsy.

Above is my favorite yarn in the shop right now. It's called, When I See Birches, and it is beautiful.

Well, I have a treat for you. Becky has generously offered a giveaway from her shop for one lucky winner. Here is the prize offer in Becky's words:

Winner's choice of any skein in my shop with free shipping worldwide! Click here to take a look at the shop.

To enter to win a skein of Morning Bright Yarn of your own, please leave one comment on this blog post that includes your Ravelry username or an email address that I can pass on to Becky. Becky will be in touch directly to finish up the details of your prize with you! When leaving a comment please only click on "Publish" one time. There is a delay before you will see your comment appear on the blog.

Seriously, you will love this yarn and you will feel good knitting it, too. I totally agree with Morning Bright Yarn out of Maine that, "Together we can make the world a brighter place - one skein at a time."

One last thing I want to mention is that Operation Wedding Necktie has commenced. This week I started knitting a navy blue necktie at my son's request for his wedding that is a little over two weeks away. I searched all sorts of tie patterns on Ravelry and none of them exactly matched what we wanted so I have sort of combined some different ideas I gathered and started off on my own. He has a back-up tie (in case this doesn't work) that I am using as a template for the width and length as I work. 

I am knitting the tie in Quince & Co.'s Chickadee in the Peacoat colorway. It is a sport weight yarn and I am using two US size 5 double-pointed needles to work flat. The needles are 6-inches in length and are from Signature Needle Arts. I am knitting the tie in a tight and crisp fashion. I think the seed stitch will help give the tie some stability.

I am about 12-inches in so far and I have some fun ideas for the finishing. I'll keep you posted and will try my best to get a good shot of him wearing it if it turns out to be a success. There is something pretty special about knitting this tie. I feel good about it. It may just be the best thing I've ever knit. 

Alright, friends, please enter the giveaway for the incredibly sweet yarn from Morning Bright and good luck if you do. I'll be back soon with the winner.

xo ~ susan 

Summertime Socks & Showers

Hi, Knitters,

I hope you are all off to a super start to your summer! It's going to be a wild one around here.

I've selected a winner for the ShopLouLeigh tote bag. The winner is....

Patricia or 51Off on Ravelry!

Congratulations, Patricia! I've contacted all parties to make arrangements. I've got lots more to giveaway so I'll pull something very soon to share. Thanks to everyone for the wonderful response. And thank you to Leigh for the generosity.

Currently I am working hard on a handful of new designs and patterns to be released this fall. I'm pretty excited about the potential of a new collection or two. It still makes me happy to design new things in knitting so that's a continued good sign. 

Well, as far as sock news goes I am working on a new cuff-down sock pattern with the afterthought heel and toe with a twist. It's going well but it's going to take me awhile. I think it will be worth the wait if you are interested. 

In the new sock pattern I am using Must Stash Yarn in the Family Reunion colorway. If you are interested in this yarn you can pre-order it right now, click here to find out more! The yarn has 12 different color and even stripes and it is super fun to knit. The yarn is dyed in two matching skeins, one skein per sock. This makes getting matching socks a breeze.

I'll keep you posted on my progress. 

On a quick side note I found this adorable cable sweater tape measure at Fibrespace.com. I don't know if they still have them in stock but you could check. It's super cute and sturdy, too.

The bridal shower I hosted for my niece this past Sunday went off without a hitch. I loved every minute of it. The theme for the shower was Iced Tea and Sweets but the gifts for the bride could be anything. We had iced tea, lemonade and ice water, brownies and lemon bars from my sister-in-law, cake pops (more on this below) and my sister brought chips from Pasqual's (the best chips ever!) and taco dip and veggies and humus. The chips and taco dip were so popular. I took note of this for future reference.

We played a couple of simple games. One of the games was that each person got a piece of paper with the bride and groom's names spelled out. The challenge was to come up with as many words as possible using the letters in their names in 5 minutes. Guess who won... my sister. My sister came up with a whopping 44 words, second place was 34 and Peachy had 33 words. My sister loves a game. 

The party favors for the guests were my favorite thing. I don't know if you remember but a long, long time ago I made a whole bunch of granny squares. Well, I looked it up and it was in 2008 and I blogged about, too. Click here if you want to reminisce with me.

I used Tahki Cotton Classic yarn and the free pattern for granny squares on Purlsoho. Click here for the free pattern!

I had these granny squares stitched together in an unfinished blanket. I undid the seams on all of the squares until I had a large stack of individual squares. I couldn't believe that when I stitched two squares together it fit perfectly around the mason jar. Two squares make the perfect Ball mason jar cozy! 

I pulled out an old tag cutter I have had for many years. We had some sturdy craft paper from another project and we cut out tags and stamped them with the happy couple's initials to make the cozied jars more personal.

We tied the tags on with baker's twine and filled the jars with chocolates, tea and mints. The shower guests seemed to really love picking out their favorite colors in the granny squares. It was a fun favor. 

I also made an embroidered journal cover with a blank book inside and I had all of the guests sign it with a note for my niece. It's super sweet. I gathered the shower cards, her save the date and wedding invitation and a few recipes that people brought. I will put it all together nicely for her and give it to her later.

The other fun and quick game we played was the classic guess how many _______ are in the jar. I found some giant Ball jars and the kids counted the candy when we filled the jars. I had pieces of paper and pens and little bowls in front of each of the jars for the guesses. The person who guessed the closest number won the jar. This was a fun and easy game, too.

I asked what the favorite candies were for the bride and groom. The bride picked Reese's and the groom picked Skittles. We also had Tootsie Pops and Sour Patch Kids.

Lastly for the shower, TC made a valiant effort and made Cake Pops. She had so much fun with these and they were just adorable. I got her a Babycakes Pop Maker and it worked great. So she set out to make three different flavors and a bunch of different toppings. She used chocolate melting wafers in some different colors to coat the cake pops. She used coconut, sprinkles, Reese's Pieces and M & Ms. They were just adorable as decorations and as bite-sized desserts.

And finally, a couple days later the cake pop maker turned 17 years old. Incredible. We love her so.

It's a busy time coming up. We have our wedding anniversary and Peachy's birthday in less than two weeks. This coming Sunday my sister is giving a shower for Miss Molly. I can't wait for that. My niece is getting married a couple weeks after Miss Molly and my son so we have had showers going for the two brides for the past four weekends. 

Is anyone else having a schedule like this? I'd love to hear about it (and your knitting, of course!). 

I'll be back soon with more! 

xo ~ susan

Episode 25 ~ Christmas Socks, anyone?

Hi, Knitters,
I have posted Episode 25 ~ Christmas Socks, anyone?

You can find this episode and all of my other videos on my YouTube Channel, SusanBAnderson. Please subscribe!

You can find me on other social media as susanbanderson here:
Instagram
Ravelry Pattern Store
Ravelry susanbanderson
My Ravelry group, Itty-Bitty Knits
Facebook
Craftsy ~ I have three classes now.
Pinterest

Photo from Shoplouleigh on Etsy

Note: Leigh and the winner will work out the fabric selection for the prize. The photo is just a sample of one of the tote bags.

Giveaway Information:

To enter to win a fantastic Tote Bag from Shoplouleigh on Etsy please leave a comment on this blog post. Please make sure to leave your Ravelry username or an email address to contact you if you should win. Please only leave one comment and be patient for your comment to appear, only click on publish one time. There is a delay before you will see your comment.  I will be back in a few days to randomly select a winner from the comments and then I will put you in touch with Leigh to figure out your tote bag prize! Leigh is located in the UK.

I promise you will LOVE this tote bag or any project bag made from Shoplouleigh! I have purchased several of her bags and they are among my favorite and most used. 

Click here to visit Shoplouleigh on Etsy!

Click here for Leigh's podcast on YouTube!

Show links:
I'm wearing the Yowza Weigh It Shawl. Yarn: Miss Babs Yowza in a one of a kind color.

Regia Pairfect Mine are in color number 7115.

Everlasting Gobstopper ~ How to video

Must Stash Yarns ~ Family Reunion colorway pre-order is available now.

Sheep! ~ my new pattern for the three sheep Thank you for the overwhelming response!

Makingzine.com 

Flower Fairy & Leaf Sprite ~ my new pattern in Making by Carrie Bostick Hoge. The pattern will be available for individual download in my pattern shop this fall 2016.

Quince & Co. Chickadee

Branches & Buds Pullover by Carrie Bostick Hoge

Christmas Socks:
Desert Vista Dyeworks
Freshisle Fibers
Kreinik Glitter Thread (I ran this thread along with the yarn to make Tinsel Socks)
Knitted Wit
Socks that Rock
String Theory
West Yorkshire Spinners

Christmas Project Bags:
Shoplouleigh
Knitting Daddy
LoveSockWool

Journal covers: I just used the blank book as a guide for measuring the fabric, there isn't a pattern.

Blank books from Treetop Publishing! super inexpensive and good.

Gifts from FibreSpace students (there were more that I'll talk about later):

Handspun from Highland Handmades fiber, On the Rocks SW Targhee, spun by Emily Estrada (click here for her podcast!)

Twist Fiber Studio Yarn  Worsted in the Oooh Girl colorway

Handknit Socks from Laura of TheKnitShift Podcast!! Thank you, Laura!

Stitch Markers ~ Mermaid set from Neeko Needles & Art on Facebook.

That should do it, Friends! Please don't forget to enter to win the beautifully crafted Tote Bag from Shoplouleigh! Leave a comment and good luck if you enter!

I'll be back soon with more.
xo ~ susan

Sheep! ~ a new pattern and discount ~

Hi, Knitters,

I have a new pattern release for you today and it is called Sheep! I have placed the pattern for Sheep! on a special release discount for $3.50, no code is necessary. The discount it good from today, May 26 through June 2, 2016. After June 2, 2016 the set pattern price will be $5.00 per pattern.

Click here to find out more or to purchase the Sheep! pattern on Ravelry!

Here is a little about the construction of the Sheep! toy:

The sheep, no matter which stitch pattern, is started with a garter stitch base worked back and forth. The body is picked up around the edges of the base and the rest of the body, neck and head is worked in one piece. There is some Kitchener stitch involved as well.

The ears and feet are picked up and knit onto the head and body. It is fast and fun and completely seamless. 

There are three choices in the pattern, a wrap stitch (the white sheep), the loopy stitch (the tan sheep) and the colorwork sheep. All three patterns are included. The colorwork sheep instructions include a simple chart.

Here is some pattern information you might like to know for Sheep!:

Finished measurements:  Body length 4-inches, height 3.5-inches

Yarn: Quince & Co. Chickadee, sport weight, (181 yards/50 grams), 1 skein for the solid sheep, 3 skeins in contrasting colors for the colorwork sheep.

Colors used:

Loopy sheep: Chanterelle

Textured sheep: Egret

Colorwork sheep: Iceland (base, legs, head and ears), Pomegranate (Main Color) and Petal (Contrast Color)

Needles: US size 3 (3.25 mm) double-pointed needles, set of 4, or size to obtain gauge

Gauge: 6.5 sts per inch in stockinette stitch

Materials:

Detachable stitch markers

Tape measure or ruler

Yarn needle

Polyester fiberfill

Black embroidery floss

Scrap yarn

Cable needle

By adding simple two color stranded colorwork to the body the sheep becomes even better! 

 The wrap stitch Sheep! is simple and elegant. The stitch pattern is fun to do and adds the perfect touch.

 This loop stitch is fun and it gives the perfect wooly coat for the sheep.

I am excited to be able to release the pattern for Sheep! I hope you enjoy it. The Sheep! pattern makes the perfect gift for any baby, child, sheep lover, knitter, wool lover.... you name it.

Click here for more information or to purchase the Sheep! pattern at the discounted price!

I hope you enjoy it. I'll be back soon with more.
xo ~ susan

Best Laid Plans of Mice

Hi, Knitters,

You know how the saying goes.... " the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry."

I even looked it up to make sure I was saying the quote correctly and here's what I found. 

Etymology

Shortened form of “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”, translated from Scots “The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men, / Gang aft agley,” from To A Mouse, On Turning Her Up In Her Nest With The Plough by Robert Burns (text and reading of poem).

I have had the best laid plans to get a podcast and giveaway and my new Sheep pattern up this week but instead the week has been riddled with repairs to necessary household items. Two cars, a refrigerator door, and two burners on the stove all broke down at about the same time. We've had maintenence and repair people in the house a lot. Why does everything collapse at once? No one will ever know.

Today I need to pack and prepare for my teaching travels and I didn't realize that my husband had scheduled a new and super duper high-speed internet installation which involved workers inside and outside of my house from early this morning to well into the afternoon. I had to be home for all of that and it was difficult to get any work done. And we had our wonderful daughter returning from college (the only fun new thing on the list!) all amongst the usual hustle and bustle.

None of that repair stuff is exciting or particularly interesting, it's only time-consuming. So the best laid plans of this knitter have gone awry.

Early tomorrow morning I'm off to Fibre Space in Alexandria, Virginia to have a fun weekend of teaching. The rest of my day is going to be filled with packing and organizing for my travels!

Next week, I should be clear and free to execute all of the fun plans I have laid. The finished Sheep pattern has been photographed, tech edited and graphically designed for polish and it is ready to publish. That will be out next week.

I have a super functional and beautifully handmade tote bag to give away from Shop Louleigh on Etsy. It is a brand new design she is offering and you will love it. And I have so much to share as far as fun yarns, projects, patterns, podcast and book recommendations, etc.! The list goes on and on.

The piles are piling.

So, I hope all of your repairs are under control. I am hoping we are in the clear for a moment or two when I get back. I'm off to teach knitting to wonderful knitters in Virginia and all is looking up!

Next week I have BIG plans for this blog! I hope you'll join me.
xo ~ susan
p.s. The sock yarn is a Watermelon Matching Socks Set Gradient from Knit Circus. The needles are Signature Needle Arts double-pointed needles, US size 1/2.25mm, 6-inch length. The pattern is my free pattern, How I Make My Socks.