I was getting a little bored with socks, having made 22 pairs as Christmas presents (a few years ago). I longed to productively and purposefully channel creativity brewing deep inside.
First, I made smaller socks from leftover sock yarn. I intended these mini socks to hang on the Christmas tree.
![Sock Tree](https://photos.smugmug.com/Fun-Stuff/Sock-Heaven/i-k3pHKq4/0/M/DLA57103-M.jpg)
![Mini Sock Tree](https://photos.smugmug.com/Fun-Stuff/Sock-Heaven/i-tXCBk7C/0/M/DLA56906-M.jpg)
My friends insisted these charmers would make wonderful baby socks if I made two of each instead of just one.
So a bundle of twins were born. Once again, even mini socks get boring after 10 pairs, so I decided baby socks need something else to keep them interesting. What else besides soft, cuddly lizards?!? Named after the places they were born! (Because I often crochet in the car while The Lizard takes me to awesome, eye-popping, jaw-dropping Colorado venues.)
![Cortez Lizard with Matching Baby Socks](https://photos.smugmug.com/Fun-Stuff/The-Zoo/i-rzj99xJ/0/M/DLA58992-M.jpg)
One sock yarn I liked so much, I decided to try designing a baby sweater to go with the baby socks. A neighbor was having her very first baby, and I'd bought some Onesies and blue baby stuff for her first son. I used the Onesies to size the sweater. I remember thinking at the time maybe I wouldn't have to buy baby gifts from now on. I can make my own!
![needs buttons](https://photos.smugmug.com/Recent-Shots/2016-UnNikon/i-KvJm7cs/0/M/CA_05101623364913-M.jpg)
Most socks don't leave enough yarn for a baby sweater, so I decided to try designing a baby hat to match a pair of baby socks.
Then, of course, I had to do a matching adult hat. Because I had to. That meant a couple pairs of Christmas socks included a bonus to keep some very special people warm head to toe! (One even got gloves, too!)
![family photo](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hJ6ZjC2/0/M/i-hJ6ZjC2-M.jpg)
I then decided adult socks should have matching hand warmers. My next craze was fingerless gloves. I personally think they are silly because MY fingers need warmth in the depths of winter, not exposure to cold air! One of my friends explained the love of fingerless mittens: people can't operate their hand-held devices with their fingers, particularly their thumbs, bundled up!
Monster socks, a.k.a Frankenstein socks, made of leftovers from a variety of projects, were the rage at the time, so I had to try my hand at the fad.
![Monster Socks](https://photos.smugmug.com/Fun-Stuff/Sock-Heaven/i-6f2m5D6/1/M/DLA50486-M.jpg)
Of course, no winter set is complete without a scarf or cowl, so I designed a monster cowl, too, made entirely with leftovers...
![monster cowl](https://photos.smugmug.com/Quilts-Plus/In-stitches/i-xK5jr43/2/M/DLA59103-M.jpg)
...and then after that, a monster vest!
![sock yarn monster vest](https://photos.smugmug.com/Quilts-Plus/In-stitches/i-zWk2jvs/2/M/DSC8724-M.jpg)
![stripes galore](https://photos.smugmug.com/Quilts-Plus/In-stitches/i-6vBnDJv/2/M/DSC8681-M.jpg)
Oh, and somewhere in all that sock madness, I decided to see how small I could go. I made thread sock key chains. I knitted the cuffs with toothpicks. Yes, really. On the bumpy train!
![Thread Sock](https://photos.smugmug.com/Fun-Stuff/Sock-Heaven/i-CzqNmV2/0/M/DLA60249-M.jpg)
I have a ton more ideas up my sleeve, but my sleeves typically are attached to the collar of working stiff. Hmmm... maybe I need to make a working stiff sleeve. Could always use it as an arm warmer on the bicycle!
![one day they will become something, hopefully an intarsia turtleneck sweater](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8VKBHVw/0/M/i-8VKBHVw-M.jpg)
the unmade warm silk sleeves (and sweater) await
Wow, you sure know how to change it up and design just about everything indeed. Thought the cat was real there for a second lol
ReplyDeleteI wish that cat was real, Pat! I miss my kitties!
DeleteOkay....go even smaller by crocheting sock earrings! I know you can do it.
ReplyDeleteYou do such beautiful work.
Done deal, Maria!!! Right here.
DeleteBut you did inspire me to try knitting a smaller pair. I wonder if those tiny needles you sent will do the trick!
That is a LOT of socks!!! They are all so very cute though!!! .... Oh ... Biking socks?????
ReplyDeleteThat might make a fun project, Alycia! Or maybe I should finish the cycling gloves I started...
Delete