When I first thought about having a husband turning 60, I thought about getting a really special gift. Something he would always remember, something he wouldn’t buy for himself, something momentous. And then the party planning started and the money spending started and I realized that I got him a party and that was enough.
Except that it wasn’t, so I did what I usually do for birthdays and I knit him a pair of socks.
I wanted the socks to be extra special, though, so I picked the Treads pattern from the book Son of Stitch ‘n Bitch. Cookie made a pair of these a while back and I fell in love with that intertwined cable going down the side of the leg. Like Cookie, I also made some significant changes, including decreasing the number of cast on stitches to 72 rather than the ridiculous number called for in the pattern.
I used yarn from Judy that I had in my stash. I knew the color was just right for man-socks and Dale and Judy are great friends so it just seemed right that I use this particular sock yarn.
I was worried that I wouldn’t get them done on time, what with all the party planning and preparing, but I actually finished with 2 days to spare.
I wrapped them with one of my special sock labels and threw them in the pile with all of the other gifts. He got a lot of great gifts, including restaurant gift cards, bottles of bourbon, and Civil War memorabilia but he only got one pair of hand knit socks.
I guess that makes them memorable enough.
Perfect!
Yup, perfection! Great marriage of pattern an yarn.
What handsome socks!
He’s a lucky guy! 🙂
The perfect Union blue!
Of course they’re memorable enough … and he’ll think of you each and every time he puts them on!
Thanks for the yarn referral. (If it’s anything I need, it’s more sock yarn….) Are Dale’s lovely socks in sock weight yarn or something heavier? The new Wear to Work line? P.S. I was wrong yesterday. Molly Weasley does not roll back her sleeves to battle Bellatrix, she throws off her cape. It was Snape who rolled back his sleeves in the movie Goblet of Fire before he whacked his inattentive students. Much like a nun.
What a gorgeous pattern/yarn combo – gorgeous in the most manly sense of the word. I bet Dale would say you make every day memorable!
What a lovely birthday gift for any age 🙂 The label is adorable too!
It certainly does! He’ll remember the party too, but the socks will be here next year. :o)
They look great! I’m sure Dale will wear them and love them for a long time.
(Wasn’t that cast on number crazy?!)
Nothing says I love you more than a pair of hand knit socks!
They are spectacular! May Dale wear them in all good health. Your sock wrappers are so cool.
you know i think you made the right decision! my husband will gladly take a pair of handknit socks as a gift no matter the occasion – i know dale loved them!
hmmm…off to check out Judy’s yarn 😉
Those are gorgeous socks, Carole! Such a wonderful birthday gift . . . whatever the year! Just perfect.
What could be a better gift?
I made fireman 2 pairs of socks since knithood. He only wears one pair once in a while
LOVE those.
Made with love, what could be better?
They are great! I bet Dale loves them. 🙂
ahhh, he’s a lucky man, but I think he knows that!
They are wonderful!! Love the label. You are very clever. Give Dale a hug for me.
Birthday socks have to be the best present ever!!! And of course, you know how much I love your labels~~I’ve gotta try that some day 🙂