This is the TWELFTH pattern in a year-long journey of knitted sock patterns, twelve in all, a new one each month, beginning January 2018. The patterns are inspired by streets, homes, and places of interest from my little town in Southeastern Connecticut.

One would think the Lighthouse would be the very last structure at the end of a land mass surrounded by water. Perhaps at one time the Stonington Lighthouse was, but now it is surrounded by beautifully restored old captains’ homes, its light extinguished for more modern technology.

There is a quaint museum there run by the historical society, and the rolling lawn serves as a comfy spot for concerts in the summer with the sea as the backdrop. You just need to bring your lawn chair or a blanket.

This being the season of light and the last of the Stonington Socks 2018 series, I felt it appropriate to showcase this special monument of our lovely village. At one time guiding the fishermen home from far away, the lighthouse remains solid standing and proud, a representative of a group of common folk determined to preserve our sweet spit of land and the centuries of history it has added to our world.

Each month a new sock pattern will feature a part of the town and the theme will be repeated in various stitches, colors and techniques. There will be a varied assortment of lace, eyelet, cables, decorative ribs, slip stitches, color work and maybe even some bobbles. Every month will be different, either top down or toe up with various heel techniques, and some months will even feature two separate designs for a fraternal pair. There will also be a descriptive essay sharing my thought process and inspiration: Stonington through the eyes of a knitter!

Regular subscription price $72.
Individual patterns $6 each.

A GROUP FORUM IS LIVE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR FOR INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSCRIBERS AND THE DESIGNER.

Stonington Borough is the quintessential New England village, complete with old sea captain placards on centuries-old homes and gossip galore. Filled with seafaring history, fishermen and multi-generations of working-class families, it is a quirky and sought-after seaside village that, as everything, has changed through time - not always to everyone’s agreement.

A train viaduct is the only entrance and egress to this tiny 18th century village, and the feisty dwellers are happy it is so. Here is where you can walk your dog, get your mail, go to church (there are three), stop at the library, the newsstand, the barber, the florist, board your boat and sail to three states within site. No car required. There is a nice inn, a bank, a boatyard, cute boutiques, antiques and tasty restaurants, all of which echo the surrounding sentiment.

With one road in and out, beginning with Alpha Avenue and ending with Omega Street, the flora, fauna, and historical house color combinations of this rough and craggy New England coastline community date back to the 1700’s. Some of these houses are still standing in all their originality for a lost time. Many have been lovingly restored but thanks to a terrific historical society, retain their original character and charm. Planning and zoning battles rival TV reality shows, but it seems to work as the village is strongly hanging on to its original message. Each street boasts some color that identifies it: Wall Street is just that - a rock wall at water’s edge. Water Street follows the coast as the main road in, while Main Street with its magnificent tree-lined sidewalks, guide the motorists out past Church Street, Union Street, the post office, and library.

I hope you come along for the ride!