Hello and welcome to Lazy Sunday, a collection of five beaded sock designs. Whether you are a new to this technique or already an expert, I have some treats for you.
Socks have been my creative passion since 2009: they are the perfect size canvas for experimenting with pattern and texture, both for me as a designer and you as a knitter. In this collection of beaded knits, I have created patterns that really show off how beads accentuate lace, cables, eyelets and twisted stitches, as well as including instructions for my favourite method of beading – which also happens to be the simplest.
Of course you could knit these without beads but for me, adding beads to a design is an elegant way to give the knitting an extra embellishment that complements the shapes of the stitches and the tones of the yarn. You can choose to forgo the beads in these designs, but they are the cherry on a very delicious slice of cake.
I chose to use Eden Cottage yarns simply because of their beautiful colours. But any 4ply socks yarn will work as well. These muted shades come from a soothing, Sunday-perfect palette and the gorgeous yarn blends, with silk and cashmere, are a treat for the fingers – and soon for your toes.
The five designs in the collection are of varying complexity, each one building confidence. Each design has a chart for the both the cuff and the main sock. If charts are not for you, there are written instructions included for the cuff of each sock and ‘No Room For Ravers’ includes full written instructions for the entire sock.
The book includes full instructions for applying beads with a crochet hook, along with links to video tutorials. Warning, applying beads with a crochet hook is highly addictive!
Music is my constant companion, sometimes as a joyful escape into the thrills of live gigs, but more often as the soundtrack to my creativity and relaxation. While I was designing these socks, I imagined the perfect lazy Sunday: taking a bit of time to unwind, listen to your favourite music, and do just as you please: exactly the kind of afternoon the Small Faces captured in their lyrics.
So pour yourself a cuppa, put a record on and I hope you will enjoy knitting yourself some simply indulgent socks.