Socktober can mean many things in the fibre industry. For many it’s a time to donate hand knit socks to local charities. For some it means finishing up all those pesky unfinished socks, whether it’s just darning in ends or the dreaded grafting of toes. And for others, it’s the starting line for a new and challenging sock pattern. Whatever your reason for celebrating Socktober, we salute you!
The term Socktober was coined by Brad Montague in 2011 when he learned that socks were the least donated items at local shelters, and the most needed. Brad started handing out socks and telling his friends, and then they told two friends, who told two friends, and so on. As word began to spread, it’s not hard to imagine how that went over with knitters and crocheters! Already generous in nature with their time, it was nothing for Socktober to become a movement in the knitting and crocheting community. Fast forward ten years and Socktober is now a regular calendar month for sock makers.
With the massive selection of sock yarns on the market, sock knitters have never had so many options! For wild and wonderful self-patterning fingering weight yarns, Estelle Sock Twins 100 and Evolution Sock are more than just a pretty face! Durable, machine washable, and with big and bold colourways, warm feet are just stitches away!
Should you prefer heavier socks, try out Estelle Worsted! A washable blend of wool, acrylic and nylon, we’ve got sixty-nine sensational shades to choose from, including traditional Ragg shades and heathers! Need a basic sock pattern? No problem! You’ll find free patterns for Basic Fingering Weight Socks and Basic Worsted Weight Socks on our website that are perfect for cold Canadian winters.
If you find you have an excess of socks in your drawer this year, why not check with your local shelter, AIDS chapter, or other local charitable organizations to see if they’re looking for donations? Let’s all do our part to keep the hearts and feet of others warm this winter.
Happy knitting and crocheting everyone!