Cashmere Cookie's

I love knitting, I love cashmere and I love socks so needless to say, I love knitting cashmere socks! There is something luxurious about having hand knitted cashmere coddled feet. As a member of Ravelry, I was recently introduced to the knit designer Cookie A. who it seems is best known for her exquisite sock designs. I googled her and found several of her patterns on the internet for free! I coveted those socks and realized that I just had to have some, preferably in cashmere. So, I've joined a KAL (Knit Along) to make myself a pair of hot-pink, feminine, lacy, cashmere Cookie A. socks. (Actually, I'll be making all of the socks in her soon to be released book Sock Innovation: Knitting Techniques & Patterns for One-of-a-Kind Socks with this KAL.)


I went to the stash and pulled out some hot pink cashmere sock yarn, printed out Cookie A's "Baudelaire" pattern, and cast on my first of what I have no doubt will be many Cashmere Cookies. These cashmere confections are knit from the toe up, beginning with what is known as a figure eight cast on. Now, I have been knitting since I was twelve years old when Mrs. Wilson, who lived across the street and smoked 3 packs of cigarettes a day, taught me how. It would take several washings to get the smoke stench out of my project, my hair, my clothes and my nostrils but it was worth every eye-watering moment, every lung-searing breath I took to learn how. I teach knitting, I have subscribed to various knitting magazines over the years, and I even have June Hiatt's Principles of Knitting that I paid way too much for several years ago, and I had never heard of a figure eight cast on. Fortunately, there was a tutorial at the www.knitty.com website. After I got past the frustration that sometimes comes when I'm learning a new technique in an area that I consider myself to be somewhat expert at, I actually saw the benefit of this cast on - no grafting at the toe which will make for an extremely comfortable seamless fit! Love it!

The idea that a couple of hundred knitters from diverse backgrounds, many nations, all ages, and both sexes are celebrating connectedness, comfort, and Cookie A.'s creativity appeals to me. I will wear these socks and remember that I am not alone in my love for fiber, beauty, and the art of well crafted handmade socks!

Be Blessed, Cookie A. and bless my little cashmere socks!

D.D.