Around the World in Knitted Socks

VACATION IN THE MOUNTAINS

mekincannon — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:46:56 GMT

The Alpine influence appears in Swiss knitting in the prevalence of traveling stitches, worked literally with a twist. Richly patterned stockings are an important part of the traditional costume of both men and women. This pattern can be found in Stephanie van der Linden's Around the World in Knitted Socks.

TRADITIONAL STITCH MOTIFS

mekincannon — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:44:55 GMT

Estonian socks are often knitted with elaborate, colorful stranded knitting patterns. Imaginative borders are combined with richly decorated tile or lozenge motifs. The braid that frames the cuff is characteristic of Baltic knitting patterns. This pattern can be found in Stephanie van der Linden's Around the World in Knitted Socks.

TRADITIONAL COSTUME

mekincannon — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:43:05 GMT

Although Alpine regions require a warm, durable knitting, Vienna and the surrounding area became well known for lace knitting. Motifs from everyday life such as flowers, trees, and animals are often knitted in cream, red, and dark green. This pattern can be found in Stephanie van der Linden's Around the World in Knitted Socks.

SCENT OF LAVENDER

mekincannon — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:41:08 GMT

A variety of lace patterns originated in Spain, but lace knitted socks came into it’s own in France. These created quite a sensation, especially in England, where Henry VIII owned many pairs of French-made lace stockings. This pattern can be found in Stephanie van der Linden's Around the World in Knitted Socks.

ROUTE 66

mekincannon — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:38:10 GMT

Immigrants to the United States brought an enormous variety of knitting techniques from their homelands, where they disseminated them quickly. These socks are inspired by a traditional American patchwork quilt pattern called Tumbling Blocks. This pattern can be found in Stephanie van der Linden's Around the World in Knitted Socks.

RIOT OF COLOR

mekincannon — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:35:47 GMT

The colorfully patterned motifs of North Africa are exciting and luminous. The traditional tiles are abundantly embellished and decorated with gold accents and artful ornaments. Saturated tones of red from crimson to ruby are often on display. This pattern can be found in Stephanie van der Linden's Around the World in Knitted Socks.

ON THE ARAN ISLE

mekincannon — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:34:14 GMT

The Aran Isles are well-known for the striking cables of their Fishermen’s sweaters. The patterns often serve as local or regional identification, and the wearer’s initials were often worked into the bottom of the garment. This pattern can be found in Stephanie van der Linden's Around the World in Knitted Socks.

NORDIC INSPIRATION

mekincannon — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:32:20 GMT

Swedish stranded knitting patterns are often more elaborate and intricately detailed than Norwegian patterns and often use red and white. The patterns may include motifs with pairs of birds combined with hearts, as here, or a ring of dancing people. This pattern can be found in Stephanie van der Linden's Around the World in Knitted Socks.

LISTEN TO YOUR WONDERLUST

mekincannon — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:30:06 GMT

Armenians live between the eastern part of Anatolia and the southern Caucasus. They were subjected to persecution and conquest during the last century, but they also maintained regular contact with European countries. Their designs reflect many cultural influences including Christian symbolism. This pattern can be found in Stephanie van der Linden's Around the World in Knitted Socks.

KNIT SAMPLER

mekincannon — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:27:50 GMT

The British Isles are home to a large variety of knitting patterns, incorporating the techniques of Western Europe and North Africa. As a result, a rich treasury of expressive patterns developed, including the typical tree of life motif featured here. This pattern can be found in Stephanie van der Linden's Around the World in Knitted Socks.

IT'S TEA TIME

mekincannon — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:26:08 GMT

The textured patterns found on English fishermen’s sweaters are made up of knit and purl stitches that are often combined with simple cables. The interplay of these patterns also appears frequently on socks. This pattern can be found in Stephanie van der Linden's Around the World in Knitted Socks.

IN THE HIGHLANDS

mekincannon — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:24:25 GMT

Argyle patterns can be traced back to the tartan patterns of the Campbell clan. Argyle is traditionally knitted in intarsia, so socks had to be seamed up when finished, but using short-rows avoids having to sew them later. This pattern can be found in Stephanie van der Linden's Around the World in Knitted Socks.

HUB OF FASSION

mekincannon — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:22:56 GMT

Italian design is characterized by floral motifs and bright textured patterns, often worked in lively colors. The colorful knitwear of Missoni has made it one of the most beloved fashion houses in the world of fashion. This pattern can be found in Stephanie van der Linden's Around the World in Knitted Socks.

HERRINGBONE FROM KIEL

mekincannon — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:19:44 GMT

In Northern Germany, you hardly see the abundant diversity of patterns found in the alpine regions. The knitting patterns are simpler, the lines are clear and unadorned. The style is graphic and the designs are reminiscent of weaving patterns. This pattern can be found in Stephanie van der Linden's Around the World in Knitted Socks.

GREEN ISLE

mekincannon — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:18:11 GMT

The three-leaf clover is the national symbol of Ireland. Legend has it that St. Patrick used it as a symbol to teach the Christian idea of the Trinity. Diamond patterns are found in textured knitting as well as stranded knitting. This pattern can be found in Stephanie van der Linden's Around the World in Knitted Socks.