DESIGN INSPIRATION

Each year, my family chooses one new ornament to hang on our holiday tree. We try to choose a piece that represents something that we loved during the year, whether it was an activity, a favorite show or book, or something that captures our overall mood from the year. Last year, as part of a knit-along with my local yarn store, I knit miniature versions of the socks that I had knit during the year. Unfortunately (fortunately?), I didn’t stop at just one mini sock, and I ended up with so many that they needed their own tree.

This year, I decided that instead of purchasing a yarn advent calendar, I would take the “Cold Sheep” route and make my own countdown calendar from leftover yarns that I used in projects throughout the year. I saved up about 5 g of each bit of leftovers and will be knitting up some mini socks for my sock tree. To give myself a bit of guidance as I’m working on my mini socks, I’ve come up with the Cold Sheep Mini Socks, Volume 1 designs as miniature representations of the socks that I’ve knit this year.

This pattern booklet includes five different mini sock designs. Each design features an element or texture from a full-size sock pattern that I’ve published in the past few years and/or knit up this year. Join me in decorating your own mini sock tree, string your tiny socks together on an i-cord for a lovely garland, or tie these mini socks to gifts for a sweet, personalized touch.

Miniature versions of the following sock patterns are included:
Sweet Cream (vanilla)
Candy Dot Grid Socks
Super Sprinkle Socks
Dragon Fairy Socks
Pause Time Socks

Note: Full size (i.e. wearable by humans) sock patterns are NOT included in this pattern. This pattern booklet only includes patterns for the miniature, ornament size versions of these designs.

CONSTRUCTION

The Cold Sheep Mini Socks are knit in the same way that we would knit a full-size sock; they’re just miniature versions! The socks are all knit cuff-down, beginning with a German Twisted Cast-On and ribbing. The leg and instep of the socks all feature simple patterns that are great for trying out different techniques and/or textures. A traditional heel flap and gusset make these socks look like miniature versions of the socks we love to knit throughout the year, and a rounded toe and Kitchener stitch finish off the socks.

PATTERN INFORMATION

Recommended Yarn

• Approximately 4.0-4.5 g OR 20 yds (18 m) light fingering to fingering weight yarn for each mini sock. Samples are shown in:
• Sock by Teal Torch Knits, 75% superwash merino wool/25% nylon, 463 yds (423 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g): Cake By The Ocean, Neon Melon, and Mermaid Moonsets
• Practically Perfect Sock by Emma’s Yarn, 80% superwash merino wool/20% nylon, 400 yds (366 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g): Trendy AF, Just Add Salt
• Bean Sprout by LolaBean Yarn Co., 80% superwash merino wool/20% nylon, 400 yds (366 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g): The Magic Yarnstalk

These patterns will play nicely with any fingering weight merino/merino nylon blend yarn in solid, tonal, speckled, or low-contrast colorways.

Needles/Notions

• US #1 (2.25 mm) 32-40” (80-100 cm) circular, or five double-pointed needles; OR size needed to obtain gauge.
• Tapestry needle for Kitchener stitch and weaving in ends.
• 1 locking stitch marker.

Gauge
36 sts and 48 rnds to 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on US #1 (2.25 mm) needles.

Pattern gauge was measured after washing and blocking. While gauge is not important for these ornaments, your gauge will impact the overall size and how much yarn is required for each mini sock.

Sizes Available
one size

Finished Measurements
3.75” (9.5 cm) from cuff to toe; 1.25” (3.2 cm) wide, measured flat.

This pattern has been tech edited and test knit.