The Sock Knitter's Almanach - October 2021

Hello and welcome to the tenth installment of the the Sock Knitter’s Almanach: October!

For the new kids on the block, the Sock Knitter’s Almanac is Tricot & Stitch’s informal monthly yarn club. Each month you’ll discover a new colorway inspired by the month theme and a suggested sock pattern to knit, to expend your sock knitter’s experience and have fun!

The colour of the month is inspired by Halloween. Celebrations on that day have only recently taken place in France but Halloween has been one of my favorite day of the year since many mony moons! Here’s the month moodboard:

And here’s “Fais-moi peur!” (French for “spook me!”):

“Fais-moi peur'!” starts with a light gray base on which I layered generous dashes of neon purple, pink and orange, some chartreuse and lots of black. And speckles. Lots of speckles!

“Fais-moi peur!” will be available on five bases, first at the Knit.Eat Festival in Lyon on October 2nd and 3rd, then in the shop from October 6th. The bases are: BFL Fingering, Stellina Fingering, Lurex Fingering, Extrafine Fingering and Tweed Fingering.

Evil Eye Socks by HellsKitsch on Ravelry

The pattern I choose to pair with “Fais-moi peur!” are the “Hat Heel” socks by Kathleen Sperling. The construction is mind blowing but what really got me was the projects knitted out of this pattern on Ravelry: the “Evil Eye” or “Halloween Eyeball” socks knitted by HellsKitsch. To knit the same, you will need some sock yarn leftovers in three colours: one dark for the pupil, one for the iris and some white/undyed for the white of the eye.

Check out my latest podcast episode, Inspirations S3 Ep4, for a peek at “Fais-moi peur!” as well as the Hat Heel Socks. You will be able to order your skein from the Etsy shop on October 6th.

Happy knitting!

The Sock Knitter's Almanach - September 2021

Hello and welcome to the eigth installment of the the Sock Knitter’s Almanach: September!

For the new kids on the block, the Sock Knitter’s Almanac is Tricot & Stitch’s informal monthly yarn club. Each month you’ll discover a new colorway inspired by the month theme and a suggested sock pattern to knit, to expend your sock knitter’s experience and have fun!

Cakes got me inspired this month! Pies prepared with fresh blueberries, clafoutis with freshly picked cherries, blackberries breakfast cakes… Summer is almost over and fall will be here soon: the timing is perfect to start baking, especially when your little ones are back to school! This month’s moodboard is an invitation to join me in my baking daydreams:

Here’s “Clafoucake”, a yummy colorway full of little surprises:

The recipe for “Clafoucake” is simple: start with the dough, with browns and tans and swirls of honey. Mix in the raspberries, blueberries and fig and sprinkle generously with rainbow speckles!

“Clafoucake” is again this month available on a eight bases this month: BFL Fingering (short preorder), Stellina Fingering, Extrafine Sock 3ply, MCN Fingering, Lurex Fingering, Extrafine Fingering HT (short preorder), Polwarth Fingering and Extrafine Fingering.

The pattern I choose to pair with “Clafoucake” are the “Monkey Socks” by Cookie A. It’s an absolute classic of sock knitting and is one of the most knitted patterns on Ravelry! It was first published in Knitty in 2006 and is still available as a free pattern.

Check out my latest podcast episode, Inspirations S3 Ep1, for a peek at “Clafoucake” as well as the Monkey Socks. You can order your skein in the Etsy shop below, in the '“Almanach” section.

Happy knitting!

The Sock Knitter's Almanach - August 2021

Hello and welcome to the eigth installment of the the Sock Knitter’s Almanach: August!

For the new kids on the block, the Sock Knitter’s Almanac is Tricot & Stitch’s informal monthly yarn club. Each month you’ll discover a new colorway inspired by the month theme and a suggested sock pattern to knit, to expend your sock knitter’s experience and have fun!

Would you care to join me for a drink (in moderation or virgin) ? Well, the closest thing to a drink, knitting style, is what I tried to achieve with this month colorway! Think bright colours, umbrella in your glass, ice cubes, fruits and the sea in the background… This month’s moodboard is garanteed to make you thirsty!

Here’s “Mai Tai Bleu”, inspired by summer cocktails!

“Mai Tai Bleu” starts with an explosion of yellows, ranging from warm to very bright and neon! Then comes on top two other colours, intense turquoise and neon pink, both in liquid dye and speckles. The mixing effect are magical and yields gorgeous greens and oranges.

“Mai Tai Bleu” is available on a whooping eight bases this month: BFL Fingering, Stellina Fingering, Extrafine Sock 3ply, MCN Fingering, Lurex Fingering, Extrafine Fingering HT, Polwarth Fingering and finally back in the shop, Extrafine Fingering.

The pattern I choose to pair with “Mai Tai Bleu” are the “Lyne Socks” by Dawn Henderson. Those short socks are adorable, with a textured cuff and twisted stitches, perfect to showcase the delicate touch of colours of “Mai Tai Bleu”. The heel is reinforced and the pattern is very well written. Cherry on the cake: it’s available as a free pattern on Ravelry!

Check out my latest podcast episode, Inspirations S2 Ep28, to have a peek at '“Mai Tai Bleu” as well as the Lyne Socks. You can check it here and order your skein in the Etsy shop below, in the '“Almanach” section.

Happy knitting!

The Sock Knitter's Almanach - July 2021

Hello and welcome to the sixth installment of the the Sock Knitter’s Almanach: July!

For the new kids on the block, the Sock Knitter’s Almanac is Tricot & Stitch’s informal monthly yarn club. Each month you’ll discover a new colorway inspired by the month theme and a suggested sock pattern to knit, to expend your sock knitter’s experience and have fun!

This month, inspiration came from childhood memories. On my mother’s side, my family is from Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. My grand-mother flew to France with my mother in the mid-70’s. When she was living in Mauritius, she used to collect conch shells she harvested herself or found on the beach. One souvenir she took with her when she left the island was her collection, which I have always known to have a prominent place in her flat. Her conch shells fascinated me: big, beautiful and you could even hear the sound of the waves when you put one to your ear. They look even more beautiful in their natural habitat. The moodboard this month will have you craving for a stroll bare feet on the beach. Here’s a peak:

The colorway I created based on this inspiration is “Beach Treasure”:

“Beach Treasure” starts as a very pale yellow with streaks of pale pink and brown, on which I added different colours ranging from warm browns to peaches and pinks for depth, with a touch of yellow, like a the caress of the sun on the conch shell. I then added a layer of speckles for a bit of texture.

“Beach Treasure” is available across seven sock bases this month, two of which are new to the shop. The usual first five are BFL Fingering, Stellina Fingering, Extrafine Sock 3ply, MCN Fingering & Lurex Fingering. The new bases are Extrafine Fingering HT and Polwarth Fingering.

The pattern I choose to pair with “Beach Treasure” is the “Guethary Socks” pattern by Inky Atelier. I selected this pattern because of its innovative and lovely heel design, which was created to improve the fit around the heel section of the feet. It’s roomier and avoids the stretched stitches one can observe usually on the front of the foot, especially with short row heels. Another arrow in your Sock Knitter’s quiver!

In my latest podcast episode, Inspirations S2 Ep23, I’m presenting the '“Beach Treasure” colorway as well as the pattern of the month in more details. You can check it here and order your skein in the Etsy shop below, in the '“Almanach” section.

Happy knitting!

The Sock Knitter's Almanach - June 2021

Hello and welcome to the sixth installment of the the Sock Knitter’s Almanach: June!

For the new kids on the block, the Sock Knitter’s Almanac is Tricot & Stitch informal monthly yarn club. Each month you’ll discover a new colorway inspired by the month theme and a suggested sock pattern to knit, to expend your sock knitter’s experience and have fun!

The theme for June is, like for May, floral. Don’t act surprised, you were told! ^-^ This month I was inspired by the beautiful shades of irises and lilacs. I’m actually an irises paparazzi, always stopping to take pictures of a beautiful specimen, fascinated by the shades, depth of colours and shapes… I dream of having my own irises garden one day, with all the colors in existence. The moodboard is absolutely gorgeous, if I may be so bold #Ilovemywork! Here’s a peak:

The colorway I created based on this inspiration is “Garden Prince”:

“Garden Prince” starts as a very pale blue and purple base, on which I layered different shades of intense purple, mauve, fuschia and blue, with a touch of orange. I then added a generous layer of speckles of what I feel like is every shade of purple in my studio + a bit my signature neon speckles.

“Garden Prince” is available across my usual five sock bases both as ready to ship and as short pre-orders when the ready to ship stock has sold out (1 to 2 weeks turnaround) : from right to left, BFL Fingering, Stellina Fingering, Extrafine Sock 3ply, MCN Fingering & Lurex Fingering.

The pattern I choose to pair with “Garden Prince” is the “Faded Princess Socks” by Claire Jackson (Perfectly Knotted). It seemed fit to pair a Prince and a Princess - ha ha. But what really decided me to select this pattern is the fact that the sole is knitted using reverse stockinette stitch, so that the sole of your feet lies on the knit side of the stockinette, not the purl side. According to the designer, this adds even more comfort to your knitted socks, and after trying them for myself, I can only concur! Fit for princess’ feet!

Again this month, the June pair of socks is already knitted up, thanks to my friend Laetitia! Thank you dear friend.

In my latest podcast episode, Inspirations S2 Ep19, I’m presenting the '“Garden Prince” colorway as well as the pattern of the month in more details. You can check it here and order your skeins in the Etsy shop below, in the '“Almanach” section.

Happy knitting!

The Sock Knitter's Almanach - May 2021

Hello Knitters!

And like this, it’s May! I’m very excited to reveal this month’s colorway so here we go!

The theme for May is floral. I was inspired by the beautiful flowers blossoming around us at this time of year. All the flowers that inspired me have not blossomed yet but that colour association of flamboyant oranges, delicate pinks and peach and intense purple is one of my favorite ever. The colorway this month is very personal, both in terms of colours and inspiration. The moodboard is a total explosion of colours! From Snapdragon Azaleas that give the colorway its name, to tulips, renunculus and anemones… the most beautiful colours are definitely the ones Nature keeps giving us each spring.

Here’s a peak at the moodboard:

The colorway I created based on this inspiration is “Snapdragon”:

“Snapdragon” starts as a peachy base with swirls of orange and warm yellow, on which I layered different shades of intense purple, pink, orange and yellow. I then went a bit wild on the speckles in the same family of colours, with a final dusting of green to spice things up! My signature fluo yellow and pink are also part of the fiesta, although this time around they’re quite at home and blend in beautifully.

“Snapdragon” is available across my usual five sock bases both as ready to ship and as short pre-orders when the ready to ship stock has sold out (1 to 2 weeks turnaround) : from right to left, BFL Fingering, Stellina Fingering, Extrafine Fingering, MCN Fingering & Lurex Fingering.

The pattern I choose to pair with “Snapdragon” is the “Sostre” socks by Lucienne Tricote. Elise aka Lucienne Tricote is a very talented French designer and her latest sock pattern is sheer perfection: the mock cables allover pattern and fleegle heel with centered increases makes this toe up sock an enjoyable knit and a match made in heaven for Snapdragon.

This time, the May pair of socks is already knitted up, thanks to my friend Laetitia! She offered to sample knit the Almanach socks for me and I gladly accepted as I was despairing to be able to knit myself a complete pair of socks in the space of a month. Now I can lay back and enjoy whatever I’m knitting on without pressure! THANK YOU LAETITIA! And last but legit not least, you get to see the result of the yarn knitted up and how the pattern I chose looks in it. Just peachy!

In my latest podcast episode, Inspirations S2 Ep15, I’m presenting the '“Snapdragon” colorway as well as the pattern of the month in more details. You can check it here and order your skeins in the Etsy shop below, in the '“Almanach” section.

Happy knitting!

The Sock Knitter's Almanach - April 2021

Hello Knitters!

Welcome to the April edition of the Sock Knitter’s Almanac! This month is just yummy.

The theme for April is the yummy treats we bake and eat for Easter. So many scrumptious delicacies to choose from! This month’s moodboard on Pinterest is all about pastel colours, cakes, biscuits and of course, chocolate. Serious inspiration for your Easter menu & table decoration is just a click away!

Here’s a peak at the moodboard:

The colorway I created based on this inspiration is “Gourmandises”:

“Gourmandises” starts as a creamy vanilla base on which I delicately layered different shades of pastel colours. I then applied some speckles of the same colours before ending with a generous speckling of chocolate. Fluo yellow and pink are the finishing touch as usual, applied with a very light hand.

“Lucky” is available across five different bases as a short preorder (1 to 2 weeks turnaround) : from left to right, BFL Fingering, Stellina Fingering, Extrafine Fingering, MCN Fingering & Lurex Fingering.

“Gourmandises” on BFL Fingering with the coordinated stitch markers for April

The pattern I choose to pair with “Gourmandises” is the “Edwardian Boating Socks” by Emma Grundy Haigh. It’s a free pattern published back in 2009 that’s just perfect to showcase the beauty of variegated yarn. It’s been sitting in my queue for approximately 12 years! The heel is your classic reinforced heel flap with a twist: instead of slipped stitches on the heel flap, it’s the same woven stitch that’s used throughout the sock. It gives them a very harmonious and nicely finished look that I love.

I was very eager to start knitting, so here are the first rounds. Aren’t they lovely? I choose to knit mine with the BFL Fingering base.

In my latest podcast episode, Inspirations S2 Ep10, I’m presenting the '“Gourmandises” colorway as well as the pattern of the month in more details. You can check it here and order your skeins in the Etsy shop below, in the '“Almanach” section.

Happy knitting!

The Sock Knitter's Almanach - March 2021

Hello Knitters!

It’s beginning of March and high time to introduce the Sock Knitter’s Almanach theme and colorway for March!

The theme for March is Saint Patrick’s Day and Irish Folklore. Clovers, beautiful shades of green, gorgeous hills and ancient castles, leprechauns, fiddle, party, rainbows and pots of gold… and to have an even more immersive experience, check out this free radio!

You can visit the moodboard I prepared on Pinterest to illustrate this theme and have a peak at a selection of photos below:

The colorway I created based on this inspiration is “Lucky”:

“Lucky” starts with a beige base, on which luscious and vibrant shades of green, yellow-green and yellow are layered. A full on party of rainbow speckles completes the scene, with my signature odd fluo speckles for good measure (can’t help it).

“Lucky” is available across five different bases as a short preorder (1 to 2 weeks turnaround) : Extrafine Fingering, Tweed Fingering, BFL Fingering, Stellina & Lurex.

The pattern I choose to pair with “Lucky” for the Almanach is “Amberwings” by Summer Lee. This pattern was published in February and jumped directly in my queue. It’s a gorgeous pattern with an interesting feature: it uses the Rosimine inlay technique, which creates beautiful embroidery-like decorations on your knitting.

As this pattern calls for a contrasting color, I dyed another colorway for the almanac this month: “Paddy”, the most lovely and vibrant of greens. “Paddy” is available in the shop as a short preorder on Extrafine Fingering mini (20g) and full skein (100g).

In my latest podcast episode, Inspirations S2 Ep6, I’m presenting the '“Lucky”and “Paddy” colorways as well as the pattern of the month in more details. You can check it here and order your skeins in the Etsy shop below, in the '“Almanach” section.

Happy knitting!

The Sock Knitter's Almanach - February 2021

Hello Knitters!

It’s February 1st already! Incredible how time does fly. Well, it’s time for the big reveal of the Sock Knitter’s Almanach theme and colorway for February!

The theme for February is Candlemas. In France, it’s called “Chandeleur” and is not a holiday per se, just a special day on which we eat crêpes. Do you know what crêpes are? It’s like a pancake, if a pancake was squished and flattened to the size of a dining plate and to the width of a heavy paper sheet. You can eat crêpes as a whole meal, starting with a filing of ham, cheese and eggs and follow with toppings like nutella, sugar or honey for desert. It’s delicious. But… it’s not related to the month’s colorway. ^-^

No, the theme for this month is more about the root of the word: candle. Celebrated on February 2nd, Candlemas is of pagan origin and is considered the very last day of the Christmas period. The day after Candlemas is usually the day on which you ought to remove all Christmas decoration from the house. It's also a day on which all the candles in the house should be burning (under close watch of course). To me, it’s a day that represents hygge and cozyness, a time for self care at home and enjoying the moment.

You can visit the moodboard I prepared on Pinterest to illustrate the Candlemas theme and have a peak at a selection of photos below:

The colorway I created based on this inspiration is “Lueur”:

“Lueur” is a tonal, multi-layered colorway that starts with a grey-beige undertone, like old polished stone in an ancient hearth. Hints of dark grey, brown, mauve and blue add some depth to the colour and a dash of golden yellow shines like the flamme of a candle. A light layer of speckles brings in points of light and shade to the colorway, adding visual interest upclose. From afar, “Lueur” is a beautiful neutral with a touch of gold.

I dyed “Lueur” on Extrafine Fingering, Tweed Fingering and MCN Fingering. Stellina & Lurex will be added as soon as my shipment clears the British/French customs. More on that very soon I hope!

The pattern I choose to pair with “Lueur” for the Almanach is “Mile Forward” by Mara Licole Knits. Mara Licole designs the most beautiful patterns and her universe is both poetic and romantic. I’m a big fan of her work. Her shawl patterns are gorgeous.

Mile Forward is a toe up sock pattern with a beautiful lace motif on the front and a Fleegle heel, which is new to me. I can’t wait to start knitting on these beauties!

In my latest podcast episode, Inspirations S2 Ep3 “Castonitis”, I’m presenting the '“Lueur” colorway and the pattern of the month in more details. You can check it here and order your skein of “Lueur” in the Etsy shop below, in the '“Almanach” section.

Happy knitting!

The Sock Knitter's Almanach - January 2021

Hello Knitters!

I’m super happy to introduce you my first year-long event: the Tricot & Stitch Sock Knitter’s Almanach!

The idea of associating sock knitting to an almanach set up has been brewing in my mind for some time. Inspired by Elizabeth Zimmermann’s “Knitter’s Almanach”, it’s been a project on which I’ve worked for several years now. It went through several stages, took several forms, before I decided it was time to make it happen!

So this is how it’s going to work: each month I will offer a new colorway in my shop, inspired by a theme related to the ongoing month. For instance, January 2021 theme is “Winter Night in the Great North”.

You can check out the Pinterest moodboard I prepared to illustrate the month theme. Here’s an selection of pictures:

This board inspired January 2021 colorway, “Nuit d’Hiver” or “Winter Night” in English.

I chose to dye the first batch of this colorway on my Lurex Fingering base, to add a sparkly touch to its deep nuances. I wanted to evocate the colour palette of a beautiful winter sky at night, overlooking a snow-covered landscape, such as can be found in the Great North. “Nuit d’Hiver” is also available in my shop as a preorder across all my sock bases.

But the Sock Knitter’s Almanach is not just about yarn though. Each month I will pair the colorway I created to a carefully selected sock pattern, to shed light on some sock knitting “classics” and favorites amongst sock knitters! My objective is to come as close as possible to the perfect match between yarn and pattern, but also to experience new techniques and broaden our sock knitting knowlege!

This month, I want to shed some light on “Vanilla is the New Black” by Anneh Fletcher.

I’ve been wanting to knit this beautiful pattern for ages! The striking feature of those socks is their elegant and innovative heel. I had never tried that heel technique before and it’s awesome - I cast on a pair to show you how the “Nuit d’Hiver” colorway looks knitted up and how it pairs with the pattern. Suffice to say I am NOT disappointed! The pattern is a breeze, all stockinette apart from the heel. It showcases the nuances of the yarn perfectly. And the best part is that it’s completely reversible!

You can buy or preorder “Nuit d’Hiver” in my Etsy shop, in the “Almanach” section!