Free sock patterns!

Knitters are always looking for free patterns--at least I am. This morning's e-mail came with two good links. Diana Peterson provided this on on the socknitters list: http://soysilk.com/mrcfiles/mrc-patterns/tofutsies-patterns/tofutsies-tidalwave.pdf She also links to Cookie A (http://www.cookiea.com )--not free, but you can find some free Cookie patterns in the archives of the on-line knitting magazine Knitty (http://knitty.com), and you should definitely check out the patterns for sale on her site. I want to make socks like hers!! I just can't decide which pattern to buy first. Twisted Flower is nothing short of stunning, a true tour-de-force. Millicent has intriguing ribbed shaping on the foot (I think I'd probably skip the lace cuff). Rhiannon is kneesocks with a great cable pattern down the front (and we all know how much I love cables), more of that intriguing ribbed shaping from calf to ankle, and the final fillip of a cable seam down the back of the leg. She includes instructions that should make it possible to create a kneesock absolutely custom fitted to your own legs (or someone else's, should you happen to have a friend or relative who understands knitting and handwork and would be wowed by such a work of art). Other patterns, such as Flicker and Gothic Arches, are combinations of lace and stitchwork. (no affiliation, I hasten to add--just a knitter who wants to take a crack at *all* those patterns)

The 2nd link to patterns came from Frankie Clement, also on socknitters: http://straw.com/cpy/patterns2/socks/Sock_Index.html This links to free patterns for socks made with Crystal Palace yarns, many by Laura Anderssen, who likes to work with color. Her Butter Creme socks feature 2-color cables in spring pastels. I don't so much like the bubbles in the Bubble socks, but I do like the cheerful color combinations she's used. Cathy Campbell has a pattern for 5-color rainbow socks made from kid mohair, offered in 3 colorways, but the wide range of colors obviously gives one plenty of opportunity to experiment and personalize.

If, btw, you click on Free Patterns at the top of this page, you'll be taken to a page with--amazingly enough--a list of free patterns of things besides socks. Organized by category, with new not-yet-categorized patterns at the top. A lot of patterns to look at here. The Bamboozle Short Sleeve top is calling to me-- a loose-fitting TOP-DOWN (i.e., no seams!) t-shirt with a cables-and-lace panel in front. I probably wouldn't use that yarn, but it's a lovely pattern.

Have fun browsing!

Late addition: http://monika-freepatterns.blogspot.com/ Monika is a very creative knitter! Her latest socks, Bluebell Lace, features a lace motif she hand-painted after she finished the socks, and the result is so springy and cheerful! I think I'm going to try the Smokin' Hot Socks (modular knitting in the leg and an interesting ribbed pattern on the foot). Some great scarf patterns, too! "His Scarf" is elegant and a perfect gift for a guy, and Vertigo just looks like too much fun!