Advent 2023
One of my favourite things about Advent knitting is the preparation. I spend many hours leading up to December 1st getting my yarn ready, my needles and project back picked out and most importantly deciding on a pattern.
Personally, I like to cast on my cuff or toes depending on the pattern a few days before December so they are ready to go. December 1st I try to wake up before the rest of the family so I can open my Advent and spend a few quiet moments winding the yarn and knitting my first stripes.
Over the years I have knit many socks and as I am sure it is true for many sock knitters I have come up with a personal recipe that works for me and gives a perfect fit. I don't usually use a specific pattern but rather I will modify my recipe to incorporate a fun twist. Sometimes I will add slipped stitches, a fun cable or a new heel construction.
Below you will find a list of patterns I have used in years past, in some cases I've knit the exact pattern, and in others, I've used parts of it. I encourage you to have fun with your knitting and try new techniques.
My advent socks:
2018: For this pair, I used my tried and true recipe. A simple 2x2 ribbed cuff and an eye of partridge heel on an otherwise plain stockinette sock.
2019: Cozy Striped Socks
2020: For this pair, I used the same recipe as in 2018 but incorporated a cable from the DunBroch pattern by Kay Jones
2021: For my 2021 pair I did a slipped stitch variation of my Cozy Striped Socks however it is very close to the Cold Brew Socks pattern by Allison Stuefer of Lofty Loops Yarns
2022: in 2022 I used my Cozy Striped Socks recipe again and incorporated the cable from Socks on a Plane by Laura Linneman, this is a free pattern on Ravelry
Soxploration Shadow Wrap Heel
Afraid of knitting Socks? Then start here! This simple, full length vanilla sock pattern is designed for the beginner (and fun for the experienced sock knitter too). The pattern includes a Shadow Wrap Short Row Heel and the basics of sock knitting video tutorials. Once you replace the fear with understanding, you will be knitting socks in no time.
COZY STRIPED SOCKS
This is my simple toe-up sock pattern for self-striping yarn. It incorporates a small heel flap and gusset as well as the Fish Lips Kiss heel (you could substitute this with the Shadow Wrap heel or other similar heels).