Using these pages, you can help us devise, begin and implement the Sock Museum. On the "Available Socks" tab, are a number of sock patterns that are historically significant or iconic in some way. Either they are the first known example of a technique (like the first use of a short row heel or ribbing) or reflect a trend or an interesting time in sock knitting, like the big boom in stocking knitting at the turn of the century, the evolution of kilt hose or the popularizing or a certain style, like argyle. In addition, because knitting in general is so young (only about a thousand years, which is pretty recent in human terms) this list reflects modern changes, tools and materials like circular needles or machine printed self patterning yarns. Some of them are even on the list because they were so widely knit that we think the represent our current sock knitting culture really well.
We think we’ve done a pretty good job, but as we mentioned, the origins of patterns and techniques are murky, and finding the first knitter to originate a technique or style can be difficult. We all come from somewhere, and it’s possible that we’ve got some of it wrong. If you think you know better, or if you have some history to share, or a sock that you’d like to see added to our list - we’d like to hear from you.
This project is by knitters, for knitters, so we’d like you all to help us build it. In short, we need knitters (or a group of knitters) to adopt a pattern on that page, sign up to knit it, being faithful to the pattern and materials required, and send it in to be a permanent part of the collection, both online and at the Summit. We’d like all knitters to feel free to be a part of this, it’s not just for knitters attending the Summit. If you live in Greece and you have your great-great-great grandfathers pattern for socks, we’d love to hear from you. If you live in the Shetland islands and you knit from a stocking pattern handed down from when your ancestors knit for a living, write us! This museum will only be its best if we all contribute our own cultural and personal histories. Knit on, and make it your own.
Read more on the Instructions Page
