Socks for three knitalongs: Sockapaloooza, Knitting Olympics and Knittin’ Mom’s Sock-a-Month. I used Wendy’s toe-up sock pattern for the basic sock and my own creativity for the textural design as I went along. Knitted February 10-26.
First each sock was going to have a sort of stylized map. I’m familiar with the shape of my state, so this worked well. But I just couldn’t do justice to my sock pal’s home, not on a deadline, at least. So both socks represent the lovely state of Oregon. One sock has an image of Oregon, the other has a pine tree.
Correction: I will probably keep these and make another pair of Oregon socks for my pal. I didn’t size them quite right for her and I want to account for stretch of the free-form designs with my next pair. I should have made the images thinner so they will stretch and look correct when worn. My pal’s socks will most likely be another color, just so I don’t get bored with this green.
For more photos and details, click “more” below the photo.

finneshed free form socks

oregon socks detail

free form sox for sockapaloooza

  • Needles two sizes larger for tubular rows and bind off.
  • Body of socks are stockinette stitch.
  • Images are reverse stockinette stitch.
  • Leg is 2×2 ribbing.
  • Tubular bind off for 2×2 ribbing was learned from Knitter’s Handbook by Montse Stanley.
  • Cut out cardboard for sock blockers. Using an Exacto knife, I cut a large hole in each of the leg and foot portions, leaving several inches of cardboard between the two areas for stability.
  • Yarn is Falk by Dalegarn/Dale of Norway in color 8426, green. This is my second time using this yarn. I also used it on my first pair of socks and found it to be very strong and forgiving. There’s a great palette available, too. If you’re a knitter, you really should try it.
  • Aqua reinforcement thread.