Thursday 10 September 2020

Preparing For A Sockalong

I've been gathering supplies to start a few new projects just lately but one regular event is creeping up on us once again, the Strictly Sockalong which Ali hosts on her Little Drops of Wonderful podcast. This will be the third year that I've joined in with this sockalong and each year it just grows and grows with more and more people joining in and it becoming a bigger and better event.


When I attended Yorkshire Yarn Fest last year, I came across a yarn dyer who I hadn't heard of before, Noodle Soup. She had such beautiful yarns on her stand and many were really sparkly. Last year's Strictly Sockalong was in full swing at the time but I couldn't resist buying a skein of a colourway named Disphotic Zone in readiness for this year's sockalong. I thought the sheer sparkliness of this yarn would be perfect for Strictly. No matter how or where I take a photo of it, I can't get all the sparkles to show up so you'll just have to take my word for it when I say this is the sparkliest yarn I've ever seen.


For the past two years I've knit the Cha Cha Chevron Socks by Sandra Paul from the Cherry Heart podcast which was designed especially for the sockalong back in 2018. This year I fancy a change so I've been looking for a different pattern to knit and I've finally decided on Aava by Heidi Alander. It seems a straightforward pattern with a lace panel on each sock, it should be easy to knit without having to concentrate too much whilst watching Strictly.


It was my birthday last week and I received a gorgeous new project bag from my friend Maggie who blogs at BlackCountry Wench. As soon as I saw it I knew I'd use it to hold my Strictly Sockalong project.


So that's another project all prepared and ready to go, though I'm not sure when Strictly is actually starting this year. Due to the coronavirus pandemic it's been announced that it will be a shorter series than usual, though there are going to be some 'Strictly specials' on TV prior to this year's series getting underway.

Will you be watching Strictly Come Dancing this year? Will you be joining in with the sockalong? Do let me know.

Don't forget, if you haven't already entered my giveaway, you've got until midday on Wednesday the 16th of September 2020 to do so, just leave a comment on my Tenth Blog Anniversary Giveaway Post. I also just want to mention that some comments which have been left on that post have not shown up. I've gone back through my emails and added the comments I'm able to but unfortunately, I don't get an email for every comment which is left and so I'm unable to track down two or three missing comments. Please check back on that post and make sure that your comment is there, if not, please leave another comment in order to be entered in the giveaway. I'm sorry to have to ask you to do this but I can't see any other way round it as I don't know whose comments are missing.

20 comments:

  1. I will definitely be watching Strictly. I love it! It's funny how, at the start, you haven't heard of many of the contestants and, by the end, you feel like you've known them forever! LOL Your sparkly socks will be perfect to knit as you watch. :o)

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  2. I'm not sure whether I shall be watching Strictly - I have enjoyed it in the past, but I am not a fan of Shirley (too biased and quite unpleasant to the women contestants she doesn't like) and Motsi is too loud and doesn't really seem to say anything helpful (just my opinion). I might watch a bit and see how I feel. I do like to see how the dancers improve over the weeks though.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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  3. We will watch Strictly, and I will be knitting socks, I have a few more pairs to make for gifts, I have already made 4 pairs.

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  4. The project bag is gorgeous and just perfect for what you have planned. I don't watch Strictly but I'm looking forward to seeing the results of your Sockalong. X

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  5. Great choice of yarn for the strictly sockalong :-)
    I don't watch Strictly so if I joined in it would have to be the best cheat ever lol

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  6. I love your new yarn and so admire your knitting ability! What a lovely bloggy friend to send you a gift on your birthday, and one that was just what you needed at the time!A belated happy 🎂 birthday.💖

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  7. I have made hand knitted socks but find them a bit tricky, getting started especially, but they are lovely to have. I have started on a complicated sweater but it’s on hold until my new kitty is old enough not to attack the yarn. Let’s hope that’s soon, ha ha.

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  8. Oh, I love that yarn. I'm not a great strictly fan but do dip in and out dependent on who's dancing.

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  9. The year has flown by but I think we're all ready for some Strictly sparkle although I'll have to concentrate on the steps rather than knitting socks. I'm looking forward to seeing yours though.

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  10. I like the idea of knitting socks with lacy panels in a pretty sparkly yarn. All the best with your Sockalong as you watch this year's Strictly. I'm looking forward to seeing the result.

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  11. I love the look of that yarn, sparkly socks sound wonderful :)

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  12. Even without the sparkles that yarn is beautiful. I love the color. I can't wait to see the finished socks.

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  13. Such a lovely gift and it'll be lovely to see your completed sparkly socks. I don't watch Strictly but am impressed you can knit and watch TV at the same time, I'd have to concentrate on the knitting and pattern :)

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  14. I don't watch Strictly or knit but it does sound like a lot of fun. The yarn is a glorious colour. x

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  15. What beautiful yarn! I love the name of the colourway. I watched the first couple of series of strictly and then got bored with it, I may have a look at it when it starts. I have so many pairs of hand knitted socks (they never wear out) so I'm trying not to make anymore for now I know how addictive they can be. Have a great weekend. xx

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  16. I like the look of the yarn.

    I will probably watch Strictly, will have to keep a check on when it starts.

    All the best Jan

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  17. What a great idea. I love the idea of a sockalong and watching a programme too, how wonderful that you will all be doing this together. Your yarn is beautiful, I am looking forward to seeing how it knits up, maybe that will make the sparkles easier to see?

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  18. Beautiful yarn for your socks Jo. Enjoy!

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  19. Your sparkly yarn is gorgeous and perfect for Strictly, that pattern looks cute too. I love Strictly and can't wait for it to start.xxx

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  20. I love the idea of this sockalong, it's a shame I've never got to grips with DPNs otherwise I'd take part. I can't believe it's coming up to Strictly season again already!
    How lovely to be using your new project bag :)
    xx

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