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Turkish Travels

Hello all – Karen Alfke here, Blue Moon’s ‘Knitter in the Field.’ I’ll be taking over the blog from time to time to tempt you with project ideas for all the great yarns that the Blue Moon team has to offer.

Many of us here south of the 49th Parallel are traveling to see family and friends for the annual Thanksgiving feast. And with travel comes the usual knitter’s conundrum: what to pack?

My go-to travel project is a skein of Socks That Rock™ Mediumweight and the pattern for Turkish Bed Socks by Churchmouse Yarns & Teas. As far as I’m concerned, this is the dream combination for the consummate travel-worthy project.

Pumpkin Spice Latte, anyone? Make mine a double-tall - in a reusable mug, of course.

Pumpkin Spice Latte, anyone? Make mine a double-tall – in a reusable mug, of course.

All you need to pop in your bag is a set of US3/3.25mm DPNs (or your small-tube needle method of choice) and a tempting colorway of Socks That Rock™. Mediumweight is on the hefty side of fingering weight, which means it’s an ideal gauge to make a great fabric on these larger-than-usual sock needles.

Turkish Bed Socks are shortie socks, so there’s no time ‘wasted’ on a cuff. It’s straight down to business, with entertaining twists and turns right from the get-go. I’ve been known to cast on a pair on the light rail on the way to the airport and be finishing the toe before the plane lands!

It’s an unusual heel construction, which means there are several fun phases as you work down toward the foot. It’s ideal ‘in-law knitting’: something to concentrate on while making polite ‘I’m listening’ noises as Uncle Ernie recounts the details of his hernia surgery – again.

Since every skein of Socks That Rock™ Mediumweight boasts a generous 405 yards, you’ll have enough in one skein to knit a pair as a gift (find out your hostess’ shoe size and leave ’em there!) and knit a pair for yourself. (After all, you picked the skein because YOU loved the colorway, right?!)

You'll have the first one done before they bust out the dessert course.

You’ll have the first one done before they bust out the dessert course.

And if your holiday travels call for a few nights in a hotel, these make great little packalongs. If you finish a pair during your trip, they’re the ideal way to make those impersonal hotel rooms (and cold bathroom floors!) just a little more cozy.

There’s always room for one more skein, right? Pack up this winning combination and you’ll sail through your holiday travels this season.

And now I gotta go – there’s a skein in the “Elf” colorway that’s calling my name!