New pattern!

I had hoped to come to you today with photos and discussion of a finished blanket (today being my “half-birthday”, my blanket being a birthday present to myself, there’s the connection), but lately, it’s been entirely too hot in my apartment to work on the blanket, so it’s not done. I did drag it with me to knitting group last night, where I finished joining the squares and started working on the border, but yeah. That sucka requires a/c to receive any attention.

Instead, I get to talk to you today about my new pattern that will be available in the upcoming Knitscene Fall 2010! They’re the Blackberry Jam Socks (Rav link), and I’m really excited about them!

The origin story of these socks is a circuitous one. Back when Wasabi Peas was first published, I had a thought about making a blog post regarding how to resize those particular socks for different sizes (which would be totally easy by the way, and I’m still down for making such a post if there is a demand). But then I thought, “Why limit this discussion to one pair of socks? Why not share pointers about how to make almost ANY pair of socks fit your feet?” And I realize there have probably been many people who have done such a thing, but I couldn’t recall coming across a real discussion about it recently. So I pitched the idea to Lisa Shroyer, editor of Knitscene, and she took it.

In addition to writing the article, I said I would design a pair of simple socks that could be easily customized using the techniques discussed in the article. Because I’m a masochist like that. Deadlines. Those are fun. So anyway, in addition to having this pattern, this issue will also be my debut as a full-length feature article* author.

Funny story, this issue is also my debut as a foot model. Yes, those are my feet wearing my socks. I was tired of knitting socks that I couldn’t wear (since sample sizes for women are a size 8 and I wear a size 11), so I worked out a deal where I could knit the socks to fit my feet, and if a model with longer feet could not be found, I would “model” the socks myself. That was a silly idea. You’ll see why when you get the magazine.

Please, someone overseas, buy this magazine so I can say I’m an “international foot model.” I will get loads and loads of laughter out of that. Edit: Thanks to my friend B over in Ireland, I will be able to add “international foot model” to my resume. BRB, dying of laughter. 😀

If you’re new to sock knitting, or have trouble getting socks to fit your feet, I hope you’ll give this pattern a try! It is a really easy project, and the article includes instructions specifically to alter this pattern to fit your feet, while hopefully giving you a step-by-step look at learning how to customize other sock patterns. The issue hits shelves July 20, or you can pre-order it to receive a copy in your mailbox. And be sure to check out all the other amazing patterns in this issue: Hannah Fettig’s the feature designer, and Melissa Wehrle, Connie Chang Chinchio, Cecily Glowick MacDonald, Elinor Brown, and a slew of other amazing knitwear artists contributed to the issue.

*My favorite part about the article, however, is my bio, in which I mention both knitting math and roller derby. NERD.