The Designer's Perspective

Our designer, LoBug, has posted some information about how she came up with the first pattern on her blog here. There are pictures and spoilers, of course, so only click if you have received your package or don't mind ruining the surprise. 

A Word about Spoilers

The first packages are beginning to arrive. Please remember that it will take a few weeks before everyone has received their packages, especially the international members. Therefore, please don't post any pictures or descriptions of what you received without first posting a Spoiler Warning or making sure that you are posting in a "Spoiler Thread". This goes for personal blogs, comments on this blog and comments in the Ravelry group. Also, please do not add your stash or project images to the Ravelry group until everyone has received their packages. Thank you!

If you would like to use this Spoiler graphic to warn people that you are going to be posting images/information about the package, please feel free to use it. 

New "Teaser" Pattern: Tom Bombadil Socks!

I know it feels like February will never arrive, so here is one more pattern to keep you occupied until the first club kits ship out. Though he played a small part in the books, and wasn't even included in the movies, Tom Bombadil is one of my favorite of Tolkein's characters. We don't know a lot about him, but that mystery is part of what makes him special. To celebrate his merry personality, Lobug designed this colorful sock.

February Shipment Bills

If you have signed up for the pay-as-you-go option, you should have received a bill by now for your first package (shipping out in February). If you have NOT received a bill, please let us know ASAP by emailing us at laura@theuniquesheep.com. Since this is the first billing, its important that we make sure that we have all of your email addresses down correctly. We ask that you pay your bill by January 15th. If you are going to have a problem paying by then, please let us know. We can work something out. 

Your payment will always be do on the 15th of the month before each package ships. If you know that you will be out of town for the first couple of weeks of a month and won't be checking email, please let us know in advance. If we don't receive your payment we will be very worried about you (plus you won't get any yarn). 

ETA: the first shipment will go out at the beginning of February (and after that the beginning of April, June, August, October, and December). We'll post here or on the Ravelry group when we send them out so you can be on the lookout!

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. :-)