West Knits SSAL 2023 - Bonus Edition!

[@knit365blog]

I’ve had a few questions from folks about yarn used, in total across both socks I used: * Thane (MC) total used 53g, approx 225m * Alwyne (CC) total used 42g, approx 178.5m Hope that helps!

[@thizizliz]

Oh they are so cool!!!!! They are very much your style and you will rock those socks. Well done keeping the secret this long. Italy sounds delightful - enjoy.

[@miekevanreet2544]

oooh that was the secret!! lovely!! have a nice holiday

[@katpeacock3317]

Hello Martin, the ssal is so much fun! I just love you’re colors. I make my yarncakes with a Nostepine. In fact you can do them on a stylo/pen. And they are great yarn cakes with a centre pull. Enjoy you’re weekend! Love from Belgium, Kathleen

[@jangold6787]

Thank you for this episode. I am also using 2.00 mm needles because I fell in the middle of sizes. It seems to be working. How exciting you got to be part of the test knit.

[@marilynlongcoy9914]

I am enjoying the sock a long. I am only doing one sock at a time. Thanks for the bonus episode!

[@SofiaSanchez-io5xy]

I’m SO happy you decided to do a video! Please do others for the other clues as they come out! It doesn’t feel right to be doing a Stephen knit along if you aren’t doing it, too!

[@marionlisle8145]

Looks fabulous, love the colours xx

[@valeriea.gladstone6440]

Oh i am doing it! I commented on the Ravelry group how neat and clean your work is! I didn’t know it was you! Wow,

[@stephanienorris364]

I just finished watching your video and Stephen's and I am going to start these tomorrow or Friday. Your colors are beautiful.

[@jackieleipert1950]

Beautiful!

[@bettylopez3966]

Thank you. I am working on both socks at a time. This is my first pair of sock.

[@debralohr7379]

Your socks are so beautiful! I wish they were for me 😂

[@jsmultron]

Ah, that explains it. As I started the SSAL I was feeling a bit abandoned. The last few Stephen KALs I’ve joined I got to knit along with you. Loved your colour combination. I was planning on knitting only the one sock, and save the second for later, but Clue 1 knit up so fast, so now I have them both started. Looking forward to seeing your sock as the SSAL progresses.

[@zabaglione]

Yay for socks that fit! And you got a mystery knit done way before the deadline! 😁 There's a crochet stitch pattern often used for blankets that's the same graphic pattern as the colour work that used to be called "Apache tears" or something like that. I don't remember the modern, more suitable name I'm afraid! Great for using up odd balls, leftover balls and scraps of yarn.

[@shetlandlace]

Your colors are wonderful! I am not doing the Sock along because I have too many things that must be knit. But it looks like fun, and I am keeping it my future plans.

[@jacquipiper4641]

Clue one done, two socks on 9” circulars. Such a challenge for someone who doesn’t knit socks

[@traceywojcicki8207]

Just finished my first sock from classes l just did. Now doing the mystery sock, enjoying immensely. 😊 l am doing one sock completely only have one set of needles, have completed stage one.

[@bags-by-carol]

How exciting!!! So glad to see you have the extra video for the sock-a-long. But I do have to say I had a heck of a time with those first cables - 3 times through on the first sock and they are still a nightmare, but I’ve wound off the second sock to get started and hope they look better.

[@alliehabib1654]

Love the teal green yarn ❤

[@carolyn3543]

The rib was easy peasy, then I miscounted a couple of times on the first row of cable. It was a bit frayed from tearing out, but I moved on. Row 3 of the cable involved me missing the whole "P2" at the end of the pattern. I can't believe that I actually considered just leaving it and forgetting how messy it was until I counted the stitches. Short. I ripped it back to half of the rib and am going at it again NOW KNOWING where I might slip up! I can do this!

[@janetjroberson2581]

Hello from Mounds, Illinois.

[@phaedraknoeller4482]

Clue one and done 🎉

[@ChemCath]

Congratulations on getting to test knit for a Stephen West project. And here I was going to chastise you for starting another project before finishing your Mom’s birthday jumper, knowing you were going to Italy. Good on you!!

[@hrhccommentmorepeople1329]

I'm knitting socks concurrently. Clue 1 completed in 2 days! Bright orange and lime green 😳

[@ritatannehill7487]

LOVE your color choices !!! I’m in week 4 of the SSAL - a little behind due to a short vaca end of last week - finished right sock completely and working on the left sock at week 4 -

[@LisaNakao-g6l]

Casting on tomorrow, knitting both socks at the same time.

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

What a teaser you are !!!

[@guineverecassidy4855]

So this is the super secret test knit you were all secret about 😊 Your colors are wonderful. I'm loving the Sock Along. I just finished up Clue 1 this morning before work. I'm doing one sock at a time. I'm a one sock at a time kind of gal LOL. My colors are teal and purple.

[@karlasnelling-mcewen3273]

Firstly I Love your video's.... I am having a blast, this is my 1st ever pair of socks and I thought it was going to be much harder than it has been so far... I have decided to only knit the socks 1 way and if I manage to get them completed then next pair will mirror... I have knitted one sock and am now almost finished the second on another set of needles. I was super excited to also learn the magic loop and now wonder why I have a voided it for so long.. I can not wait for the next clue about 7 hours away as beening in New Zealand it will ping in to my email just after midnight. Thank you so much for your time and video's.

[@maikengundsoe]

I finished Clue 1 on Friday. They took an unreasonable long time. I managed to frak up the cables, because I started thinking and not reading. I droped a stitch somewhere in the ribbing. Let's just say that the right one was a nightmare. The left did not stir up any problems. I hope clue 2 will not caue troubles😂

[@steffanieiorio40]

I’m so glad you’re spinning now-- so am I -- I started with a drop spindle then my hubby bought me a wheel. It’s a Majacraft “Pioneer” manufactured in New Zealand. It’s not a new wheel it’s secondhand, one of their older models. They still make the “Pioneer “ with a few new enhancements. Years ago I had an Ashford “Elizabeth” that spun fine but this Majacraft wheel is AMAZING it spins like butter. Thanks again for all you share with us and tell Mark I said Hi -- Have a good day!!!

[@chandab766]

Finished clue one for both socks on Sat night.

[@phaedraknoeller4482]

It was fun watching you be nervous you might give an illegal spoiler 😆❤️ good job, I think you did it really well!

[@sonjagerstl6593]

Clue 1 done, left and right sock. Fun and easy knit so far!

[@sandracroley9784]

How exciting for you to have test-knit the socks! I can picture your feet....in my little family we call them the Croley Cube Feet. My husband often had to buy a bigger size to accommodate. I am knitting my socks in tandem...just finished the rib section of the second sock ❤

[@kiknadzeknits]

I cannot wait to start on my pair. The yarn package I ordered for this SSAL got lost so I am still waiting. 😢😅 The bliss of German post.

[@jillfoster6369]

Oh my giddy aunt - I am thrilled you are doing this. I have never ever knitted socks in all my many years of knitting ( over 50!!!!) and thought this is the year. So this is a learning curve for me - but I am loving it. Took until eleven at night to master the German cast on though 🤭. Just fabulous.

[@susankutz4142]

Haha, I was wondering why you hadn't mentioned this 😂!

[@knitty781]

Well,well, well. I wondered why it took me so long to find your socks on IG. You should make a contrasting pair with your leftovers. I love the idea of WestKnits Sock Along. I always love his shawls, but never seem to finish one. Socks being a much smaller project gives a higher chance for success. I am knitting along as well. Having a difficult time with the first two rows, though. I keep getting different numbers on my cast on. Then I somehow managed to twist the cast on. DANG IT!! So third time's the charm, right? You'd think I never knitted in the round before!

[@nefraial]

I support the idea that once a clue is out it is out. That one could only spoil what isn't out yet. As such, I've been enjoying seeing all the combinations of clue one pictures and videos being shown now and decided today to cast on my own. I was almost finished right sock clue 1 when I realised that having not divided my yarn was going to be an issue if I wanted to start the other sock too. I knit most of my socks one after the other (I don't suffer second sock syndrome) unless I have more than one ball of the same colour/s. This led me to decide I will finish that sock first and make its partner when the yarn was off the needles. Given I had one finished cuff and a wait, I decided to look into the sock stash for other combinations and made another cuff. Having more balls I made a partner cuff. So now I have a right cuff and a pair of cuffs and I really need to get on with another WIP before I end up with more cuffs in further colours.

[@karinafleron5161]

This is a fun pattern with great details, already loving it. And socks are a great knit during the summer heat. Thanks for a doing a SSAL video! 😊

[@cindybird4723]

Just started the sock a long. My very first knit a long .I am sooooo excited 😅

[@debbiewigen805]

Martyn, great job! (You Knitting a swatch?…I almost fainted 😂….finishing a secret test knit…AND you finished knitting socks that fit you and you are pleased with!!!) Polish the halo and have a drink indeed! I have totally knit the left sock clue one and am just working on the stair step stripes of the right sock. These are really fun and I am enjoying them immensely! Wishing you the best time getting ready for your trip…(you could take another pair of socks to knit…just sayin 😉)

[@ixtlanisabelle]

Yessssss

[@robertoamezcua7624]

I actually got the pattern last night and I started the cuff of the first sock. SO EXCITING!! Happy to join the fun.

[@lisaliedberg2772]

I’m doing both socks together. One on a 9” circular and the other on flexi flips. I couldn’t go without a cable needle as the stitches were too small and I kept dropping them so I used a sewing needle for my cable needle and it worked great. I prefer doing socks in dk cuz it’s faster, but so far these are fun in proper sock weight yarn.

[@MrsAnette1968]

I’m in, I have only knitted the right one and can’t decide if I should make the left one now or wait 👋😉

[@daniellepicone2599]

I knew it! Just had a feeling!

[@susandent3611]

First ever mystery knit along anything. Pink and white wool is making me think coconut Ice . Car at the mechanic this week so should get second sock first clue done too hopefully. Thanks for the bonus episode Martyn

[@angieanderson6082]

I wasn’t going to do the SSAL, but once I started seeing how cute they are, I had to join the fun. 😅. I have my right sock done and am three rounds in on my left. 😉

[@deb2529]

Week one done! One on dpns and one on 2 circulars. Love it so far!

[@ginnyc]

They look great! Congratulations on getting a sock that fits you! I'm still struggling with that!💜

[@steffanieiorio40]

Thank you so much for sharing-- I’ve finished both socks clue one and love it so far!!! I just love knitting with Stephen and having you share makes it even more fun!!!! I’m so glad you finally have a pair of hand knitted sock-- Congrats!!!!!

[@katpraeuner9794]

I learned with the twists and turns mkal that I don't do well with mystery stuff. I did finish that shawl but I over used my fingers trying to keep up. So, no pressure for this gal. I will enjoy watching ya'll get them done and will be super proud of everyone. I now know my limits and I am finally healing from last October.(Didn't stop me completely, just slowed me way down) I love to knit too much to deprive myself of that. (for those who are curious, I have arthritis in my hands and my right hand ring finger basically locked up and I couldn't move it for quite awhile, both hands were swollen and hurt to the point I could barely use them and this happened right after I finished, not during or I would have stopped. Not sure if I was just so invested in completing it on time or what kept me from noticing. I think I spent 30+ hours the first three days knitting and that week was the hardest.) Kudos to everyone who is joining in on any knit alongs...

[@pattikubacki8920]

I am doing the Surprise Sock Along with Stephen West. This is my first mystery knit a long with Stephen West, and I am enjoying it. I am working on Clue 1 and I agree with you that the pattern is pretty easy to follow and remember thus far.

[@sams_sew_scrappy]

I have the darnedest time knitting socks but would LOVE to try these anyway! “In Stephen we trust” and I trust that these will be FAB.U.LOUS!!!

[@maryimmesberger9272]

Polish that halo! You did a good job keeping the secret.I also had a feeling that’s what you were up to.Are you taking US to Italy too?If not, you & Mark have a wonderful time.

[@Winterknits]

I joined last minute & I had a lot of fun with the first clue. I just love these mystery knits 😊

[@purlmonster]

Ah! I'm so excited for you and that you got to secret test the socks for Stephen West

[@aimeesmith3575]

Your colors are very similar to the mystery kit sold. I was luck to grab one. I’m doing both socks magic loop on one needle. Crazy with four balls of yarn, but it’s the chaos I like.

[@bgummeson]

Beautiful socks! I’m partial to teal. I’m so glad you’ve found a sock pattern that fits you! I had to go up a needle size on the leg, but my feet are narrow, so I think I’ll be going back to 2.25mm for the heel and foot.

[@georgina4866]

Still behind, still behind... Quicker video, quicker comment: I'm not in this KAL cause I usually knit a pair of socks on 1-2 days if there's time and not too much pattern. So, stretching socks over 4 weeks feels just "wrong" to me 🤣 And it's special as socks usually stick to one theme. Do you know if/when Toft will send out Advent calls? I'm wondering, I haven't missed it so far, have I? Maybe they'll send it tomorrow haha because I write it out now. I always calble without the needle if possible. But another useful helper would be a toothpick. Super short, mostly pointy enough. Oh I really hope you'll be okay in Italy.. dangerous heat there still. 😰

[@VroniDi]

Congratulations! Your colours are very similar to the surprise sock along kit from Stephen and Penelope. Is this just by coincidence or did you know the colours from the Kit? Or did Mominoki dye their kit inspired by your testknit…😍?! I love this sock along. Happy Holiday!

[@knit365blog]

I’d love to think I was that important and influential haha

[@sarahadams6881]

I am new to the knit alongs by Stephen and was going to join the MKAL this year (I still will!) but I was so excited that he was doing this SSAL! I’m only doing one sock at a time as I only have one set of 2.25mm needles. Really looking forward to seeing how they turn out week by week! Thanks for your extra video 😊

[@miekeharinck500]

I love your podcasts very much, but I would not like that your spinning becomes another 'marks jumper'-project, something like you telling us every month : I didn't not do any spinning this month but I sure will next month, and this going on for years. I think you should admit that you don't have time for spinning now. time for spinning will come when you don't have a fulltime job anymore. enjoy your knitting and crocheting, that is more then enough excitement! enjoy your stay in Italy. looking forward to see if Italy has some woolly things to offer. greetings from belgium. (I hope you don't get annoyed me telling what you should do or not do, that is not my intention, it is your live and your podcast, I will always respect that)

[@chiptaylor7925]

nice, I'm still waiting on the base yarn to dye for my Main color but I cant wait to get started. My yarn should arrive this week

[@chiptaylor7925]

yarn came in now I just need to dye it orange

[@epiphany8276]

Well done for keeping the secret. I was curious of how much yarn you had leftover? I have the cuff of the first sock and the first 8 rows.

[@knit365blog]

I’ve had a few questions from folks about yarn used, in total across both socks I used: * Thane (MC) total used 53g, approx 225m * Alwyne (CC) total used 42g, approx 178.5m Hope that helps!

[@georgianasstudio]

Is Stephen a loose knitter? I’m still learning and I think I’m quite a tight knitter. My SW MKAL shawl seems small even though I increased my needles.

[@theknittingchick]

Surprise Sock A-long

[@angelagrant9937]

Clue one right done now on rib for left. My only worry is I wont have enough of the contrast colour as I only bought 1 50g ball. Do you think I will have enough or will I have to be creative?

[@knit365blog]

I’ve had a few questions from folks about yarn used, in total across both socks I used: * Thane (MC) total used 53g, approx 225m * Alwyne (CC) total used 42g, approx 178.5m Hope that helps!

[@joowen1949]

Ok, I am in. A little late but I will catch up. Love your color choices Martin. I am wondering if a self striping with a solid will create a fade effect. Any thoughts?

[@knit365blog]

Go for it! That would look amazing as the design develops and spreads the colour change in the self stripe!

[@dawnbanks5147]

Thank you for the bonus video. I finished clue 1 this morning and have both socks done. I would like to know roughly how many grams did both socks take please 😊

[@knit365blog]

I’ve had a few questions from folks about yarn used, in total across both socks I used: * Thane (MC) total used 53g, approx 225m * Alwyne (CC) total used 42g, approx 178.5m Hope that helps!

[@joyofyarnwithkiwijames]

I'm popping my Stephen West cherry with these! 😉 I'm using DPN's and I've completed clue 1 for both the left and right socks. I'm trying to stash bust wherever possible this year and I'm actually using three colours 🧶🧦