Before the Club officially starts....

...you can get started on Lord of the Rings knitting!
2 patterns not in the club, but inspired by LotR are up for sale. Get more information here.

Answer to Question about Top-down vs. Toe Up

Uh-Uh! Now that is in the category of "Too Much Information"!! I want to answer all your questions- but part of the fun of a sock club is the surprises. I am so excited to have you all see these patterns- I just love them(I know I designed them, but these designs are special to me)- but the anticipation is part of the fun. To encourage you; if you like The Lord of the Rings, and enjoy knitting socks, then this club is for you. Another really great part of the sock club is that I, as the designer, get to be involved in it with you---I am available during the club for questions and help. So, no matter how you knit socks, you can enjoy these ones. :D

Magic Loop vs DPN

I have been asked if the patterns were written for Magic Loop or Dpns. Well, I personally use both methods. Therefore, I try to write my patterns in such a way that you can use the method of circular knitting that works best for you. Some people prefer 2 circular needles, some prefer Magic Loop, some- dpns. The great thing about knitting is there is no right way- and there's always something else to learn. :-) If you are concerned about signing up because of converting the patterns to your technique- I encourage you to sign up. Again, I try to write the pattern so you can use the method that works for you. And because it's a sock club- I will be available here to answer your questions and help you with any pattern method conversion things that may come up. :-)

A wee bit of information

After reading some of your comments, I thought I would add a little bit of information as well; I hope it is helpful. :)

These designs are all inspired by The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien--to be more specific, the books. There is a lot in the books that (obviously) was too much to be included in the movies- which means there are some design details that are book specific. But not so much that those who have seen the movie but not read the books will be confused.

There is so much material there for inspiration, that I am overwhelmed with ideas! From the places to the people to the people groups...there's just so much I could do with all that! I am working to make sure my designs will have "something for everyone"--not every design; but in the variety of designs and techniques used. You will not get bored working the same basic style with each sock in this club!

As to price- it may seem like a lot up front, but I think if you comparison shopped, you would find it quite reasonable. You have to figure that you would pay for a pattern, then pay for the yarn for the pattern (and in this case you are getting top quality yarn in amazing colors--really it's not expensive for what you're getting!), and then figure shipping.....times that by 6- it's a good deal. ;)

Hints

People have asked for hints about designs and colors. I don't want to give much away, but will say that all the colors and designs are inspired by the novels. Some of the socks are inspired by particular locations in the world of the LotR. Others are inspired by people or groups of people. Without giving too much away, I think I can say that the colors are unlikely to be offensive to anyone; i.e. they aren't garish and don't scream out "male" or "female". Some of them are subtle handpainted semi-solids, others are variegated. Techniques used in the socks vary quite a bit, too. There are cables, lace and colorwork. Some patterns are more complicated than others, but the great thing about a club is that if you take on a more challenging pattern with new techniques you have a huge group of knitters plus the designer herself to help you! Lets see, what else can I tell you. All the patterns are being written for lots of different sizes-- from huge US size 14 men's feet to dainty little ladies size 6. If you have larger feet (i.e. you tend to use more than 100g for a pair of socks), please make sure to sign up for the "Big Foot" addition. That way we will know to send you extra yardage.

I'm just the dyer, though- I'll have LoBug, the designer, post about her sources of inspiration too!

Welcome

Welcome to the home of the Lord of the Strings Sock Club sponsored by The Unique Sheep and Lobug Designs. Sign ups are now open!