Whilst Anne is away at sock summit, I thought it a fortuitous opportunity to share with all of you some of my favorite socks, designed and knitted by Anne. There are eight in total; originally there were to be the top five, but alas five was not enough—i could not forsake the remaining three. This also presents an opportunity to familiarize some of you that are new to Knitspot, with some of Anne’s sock designs.
Now a sock is perhaps the perfect gift, so wonderful to have a glimpse of a beautifully designed sock protruding from a cuff, warm, comfortable and made with love. The knitter has toiled away hours at her (his) creation. I am ever so grateful for all of my bespoke socks; yes, custom made for the best fit possible.
Alright, onward to the socks; will present two socks per post. The first being the Longjohn sock. It is quite an accurate facsimile of the underwear with which we are all familiar.
A rather simple design, requiring no chart to implement. I believe there is a certain elegance to simplicity; there are so many ornate designs about, one being more embellished than the next (not that there is anything wrong with such elaborate designs).
The yarn used for the Long John sock is Shalimar Yarn’s Zoe Sock, a most delectable soft merino, I really like this yarn and that it is produced by good friends of ours in Maryland, Kristi and Paul, makes it that much more special.
Would love to ask Anne to make another pair, but dare not as she has for too many projects presently—guess I will seize the moment and learn to knit socks, perhaps Shalimar’s Zoe sock in gray truffle.
To purchase pattern or view complete pattern information, please click here to visit the product page in the Knitspot Pattern Shop.
Gridiron sock is designed after it’s namesake. As you will see in the photos, it is like intricate metal work, just incredible, what a great motif.
Now again, the design is simple, but has a certain complexity. I vividly remember sitting in cafe in Albany, NY, when a woman commented on these socks, asking if they were handmade, could she have a pair made
she too, spoke of the beautiful intricate design and even touched my socks. Moments later a guy walks by, (perhaps emboldened by previous comments) says “cool socks”, and I nod in agreement.
Gridiron was created in araucania ranco colorway, #120 midnight. A nice soft sturdy yarn, not bulky, fits well in casual shoes.
I do hope you give these projects a go, and give them to those you love who appreciate some of the better things in life.
To purchase pattern or view complete pattern information, please click here to visit the product page in the Knitspot Pattern Shop.
Anne tells me that she is preparing a post-summit post and that it will be ready soon . . .
52 thoughts on “mister knitspot’s favorite
thingssocks”You have started out with my husband’s two favorite sock patterns. I think my favorite is Gridiron but the Longjohn socks run a very close second. They are a perfect take-along project since you don’t need to deal with complicated charts. My husband has very large feet and likes his socks loooong so I have to be happy with the pattern to do so many pairs for him!
You rock, David! Mr. Knitspot at his best. Thanks for the great post.
Love the Longjohn socks! The pattern is fantastic and Zoe is one of my favorite yarns.
I have made numerous Gridiron socks and love the design each time I make another pair! I never get tired of it and it’s one of my “go-to” patterns.
Thanks for the update on great sock patterns for men. We just returned from a lovely weekend in Portland, which included sock summit for me and visiting friends for us both. The question did arise from our friends, about what have I knit for my husband? Actually, I haven’t….so off to check out Anne’s patterns.
Why David – How nice to hear from you! Great socks – and nice to hear from the viewpoint of the recipient. You’re right about there being so many ornate sock patterns out there. Anne has given us a gift in designing some simpler “unisex” patterns. Now We just need to see your first knitted pair – all done up and modeled!
Brilliant post, David/Mr. Knitspot…and such great encouragement! I have long admired both of these patterns, and it has been much too long since I last knit a pair of socks for my dear partner, David. Off to purchase a pattern (or two)!
Nice post, Mr. Knitspot!
Great post, Mr. Knitspot! Those are the same 2 patterns that I was considering for my first socks for my husband, who appreciates elegance but is not adventurous when it comes to socks. Great to have some reaffirmance, from a male perspective!
Thanks for a post on your favorite sock patterns! Longjohn is in my cure; somehow, Gridiron has escaped me but such a nice pattern and my BF has recently hinted at a wish for hand knit socks… he’s a size 13 shoe – yikes – I still haven’t finished his afghan LOL
But the Gridiron is perfect for him.
Looking forward to the next posts – I’m currently working on Hayrick for my sister and love the pattern – will turn around and make a pair for me!
Maybe Anne is reading the post and will pick up on a hint 🙂
Woot! David it’s great to see a blog post by you 🙂 You’re the best sock model by far!
I would love to make a pair of socks for my husband, but he sniffs at most of the patterns I show him. Thank you for these two suggestions. I am sure he would adore both!
Dear mister knitspot:
I love your second paragraph, and that is exactly why I love knitting socks. Thanks for your post.
I’m making a pair of Cinderblock socks for my Oscar guy right now. In fact, they may actually be finished this week :-}
David, we love having you post. Just like Anne, you’re so warm and friendly and you make me want to go cast on for socks (and I may have about a dozen project already going). I’ve made both of these socks for my son and he loves them. They’re great man socks, but I made me some too. Very versatile. You’re a great model for the socks.
I know you’ve missed Anne. And I know you’re busy getting everything ready to ship for the club. We so appreciate you holding down the fort. : )
I think I could knit a pair of Gridiron socks in my sleep now 🙂 My husband, father and father-in-law love that pattern so much that even when I give them other knitspot sock options they ask for other pair knit up in the Gridiron pattern. By far a family favorite!
I love this post. David: you sound so much like my husband discussing his hand knit socks–the special things about each, the type of yarn, what they are best suited for. (However, he doesn’t even knit!) So glad you are also in the sock appreciation club.
Hi David!
What a wonderful idea to make use of Anne’s journey to tell us something for yourself.
I know the beautiful sock patternss and you should try to knit them yourself. It is not as difficult as it looks.
I’m looking forward to another story from you next time Anne is travelling around the world. Maybe you could tell us a little about what you are knitting?
Bravo! It’s a welcome change to read Knitting Commentary written in a somewhat more formal style. And it’s safe to say that few people are as well-informed about their socks as is Mr. Knitspot. Looking forward to the remaining eight!
Thanks for the interesting post Mr Knitspot. It’s good to hear about your favourite patterns. I’m sure that my husband would like eother/both of these deigns. And you should definitely learn how to knit socks!! But be warned, it’s addictive!! Thanks for all you are doing in the Club – hope everything goes smoothly for the first shipment.
Thanks for the great post! So nice to hear from the man behind the camera!
Thank you, Mr. Knitspot for the wonderful post. I am picturing a pair of Gridiron socks in a wonderful, soft cashmere yarn for the cold weather ahead. Sock knitting is my favorite and Anne’s designs the best.
Lovely post, Mr. Knitspot! These are two sock designs I haven’t tried yet, but surely will, once my other three Knitspot sock patterns are off the needles (Port Ludlow, Chiclets and Cinder Blocks).
Hope you will show us the tomato progress next time!
Thanks for getting the club ready for us. Can’t wait!
Thank you, David! You may have made a sock convert out of me. Nice to hear how hand-knits are appreciated! Looking forward to the rest of the favorites.
Great post-Longjohn is a favorite in our home-gotta get me that Gridiron pattern.
Thanks
David, your blog ‘voice’ is lovely! And I’m fairly certain there is a skein of Black Truffle in your future 🙂
Thanks for a wonderful and informative post. I will have to add these to the list of socks for the men in my family.
Wonderful post David! I know exactly how you feel & it’s exactly why I love knitting socks, especially designed by Anne!
You’ve inspired me to knit Gridiron socks, don’t know why I don’t have that pattern yet…anyway, off to remedy this situation asap & cast on. 🙂
Thank you Mr. Knitspot!
PS, lovely modeling & photos!
Great post, David! I appreciate your comment on each of the socks, both the pattern and the yarn.
Thank you, David! Every time I see those Longjohn socks, I think I want to knit a pair for myself – I may just do it now!
This is like a love letter to the precious feeling that one gets from receiving a heartfelt gift from a loved one. The designs are so fantastic-ly masculine without even needing to be knit in “traditional” sock colors.
Thanks for sharing, and you rock for beginning the post with “Whilst”.
So dreamy…I imagine you write letters on actual paper.
Great post David! It’s nice to hear/read your voice – maybe you’ll become an occasional blog contributor?
I like that people commented on your socks and think maybe my mr wonderful needs a pair of the grid iron socks too.
I know how much Anne loved making those socks for you…and you wear them well!
xoxo
David, you just make me chuckle!!! I love it when you write posts! And I love your choice of socks. Gridirons are one of my favorites too, and I’ve made several pairs! Can’t wait to see your next post!
Hi David!!! Great socks. 🙂
Thank you for the marvelous post on socks Mr. Knitspot! I’ll have to try out these patterns for my brothers and Dad. All of the sudden I’m in a serious want-to-knit-socks mood! Looking forward to seeing the other 6 favorites featured. 🙂
What a lovely post! Looking forward to others!
what a great idea to re-acquaint us Knitspot fans with some of Anne’s patterns! I’m thrilled to see these two and immediately downloaded Gridiron — I need some “simple” projects to work on while not at home. And I love the small “diversion” while we await the upcoming club 🙂 cheers!
Awesome post David 🙂
love a man’s opinion on patterns & fit: I need to make my Father-in-law some socks & will eagerly await your next instalment!”
take care
Megan
Nice to meet you, David. My hubby will only wear black socks, so no socks for him! But my nephews can’t get enough of the hand knit socks. These patterns will be perfect for their Christmas gifts 🙂
thanks for doing this! i’ve been looking for the best socks to knit for my husband for christmas. so nice to be able to hear from the sock-recipient/guy perspective!
You made me smile! Love your post and hope to see (hear?) more of you on here. I’ve made both of these patterns and love them. With fall coming up (soon, I hope?) it gives me a good excuse to pull those patterns out and knit them again.
Mr. Knitspot sir, your voice on the screen is sublime. Please, continue your rankings of favorite socks. I look forward to it.
Great post David. Thanks!
Dear Mr. Knitspot,
Thank you for the use of the word “bespoke”, a word that has lurked beyond the periphery of my vocabulary. I’ve been running into it a lot lately and could never come to a clear understanding – the “spoke” part kept getting in my way. But “bespoke socks” I completely understand. I believe the word could not be in better or more fulfilling company.
Looking forward,
N
That was a thoughtful and eloquent post, David. It’s always nice to hear from Mr. Knitspot. I am looking forward to seeing a pair of socks come off of your own needles. Perhaps you should make a pair for your dear Anne as well. 🙂
Brilliant post David, I look forward to your further posts. It’s interesting to ‘hear’ your writting voice, differnt to Anne but no less fabulous.
Would be great to see a pair of socks from you too.
Great socks & great review. My husband loves handknit socks too. I just finish a pair & he wears them immediately after I cast off.
Dear Mister Knitsopt,
Your are wonderful! Your post is wonderful!! Your socks are wonderful!!!
I do hope you will knit a pair, yourself, in the gray truffle yarn. You write so beautifully about knitting; I’m certain that any socks you make would be beautiful, to. So why not surprise Anne and make a pair as a present for her next birthday – or just as an “I love you” gift. Just remember to post a picture of your creation. Thanks for filling in for Anne!
I’ve made both of these patterns, and they’re definitely the make-more-than-once type. I love the texture of them, and I’m a toe-up sock knitter, so patterns like these are easily adaptable for toe-up socks.
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