AGSAS sock pattern

[col90]

For those of you who have been asking about the AGSAS sock pattern, we are pleased to announce that the pattern is now up. Karin Timour, one of our members, has done extensive research into period sock knitting, and has created four versions of the 1865 Sanitary Commission sock pattern for people to use and learn from. Please note that the pattern is free to use, and if you have been using the old pattern that was up there, we request that you get rid of it for period use, and go to this one, which has more information and research to back it up. Below is a portion of the information to be found on the website:


Knitting the 1865 U.S. Sanitary Commission Sock
By Karin Timour

The Atlantic Guard Soldiers’ Aid Society wishes to encourage knitting in general – and period-correct sock knitting in particular. Taking into account the recent research on period knitting, we wanted to revise the sock pattern on our website.

We have decided to expand our sock selection by not one but four versions of the “Directions for Knitting Socks” from the United States Sanitary Commission Bulletin (Volume I, Number 31, February 1, 1865, page 963). We are including a) the original 19th century pattern; b) a modern “translation” of this pattern into modern knitting instructions for experienced knitters, using 3/8 JaggerSpun yarn; c) an intermediate version of the same pattern (more detailed explanations of terms and techniques); and c) a version for beginning knitters using worsted weight yarn. Please note we have no documentation that period socks were ever knit with modern worsted weight yarn.

The full pattern and information may be found by going to our website, www.agsas.org , and clicking on the "research and how to" section, and then going to "patterns". The direct link is http://www.agsas.org/howto/patterns/knitting_sock.shtml

We want to thank Karin for her research, and her spirit of sharing!

Colleen Formby
President, AGSAS

[KathyBradford]

Re: AGSAS sock pattern

Karin,

Reading through the details of your research made me appreciate how much is involved in doing something that looks so simple, yet is so intricate.

Thank you for generously sharing what you've been doing well for so long.

[KarinTimour]

Re: AGSAS sock pattern

Dear Colleen::

You're entirely welcome it was a honor to be given the opportunity. A big thanks is also due to you personally for being so supportive and patient as I was writing and rewriting and re-re-writing ........!

Sincerely,
Karin Timour
Period Knitting -- Socks, Sleeping Hats, Balaclavas
Warm. Durable. Documented
Atlantic Guard Soldiers' Aid Society
Email: Ktimour@aol.com

[KarinTimour]

Re: AGSAS sock pattern

Dear Kathy:

Thank you for your kind words about my research.

One of the things that I most enjoy about AGSAS is that our membership are always looking to learn and encourage others to learn period crafts. We're hoping that with the new patterns there will be a whole host of sock knitters in 2007!

Sincerely,
Karin Timour
Period Knitting -- Socks, Sleeping Hats, Balaclavas
Warm. Durable. Documented.
Atlantic Guard Soldiers' Aid Society
Email: Ktimour@aol.com

[MGutzke]

Re: AGSAS sock pattern

Karin,
My sincere thanks for writing such a detailed article/translation that makes sense to the masses! You can be sure that a great many people will benefit from your info and will be on the right track toward more period-correct knitting. You helped me several years ago as I stumbled through my first Dutch heel (which looked strange to me at first, until I looked at it next to Nancy Bush's picture in her book and had that "hallelujah" moment!).

Many thanks,
Mary Gutzke

[MrsArmstrong]

Re: AGSAS sock pattern

A very big thanks Karin and AGSAS!
I too stumbled through my first couple pairs and without Karin's patient assistence I would have just knitted a very long tube, no heel no toe! LOL
I keep my notes and messages from Karin when working on socks just to be on the safe side. The other best advise came from Mrs Lawson in don't try to out think the directions the first time I attempted the dutch heel!
I'll have to get some yarn and get another pair on the pins as I start at George Mason U this afternoon to get my bachelors degree. I have found when stressed or need to stay focused to knit socks and I have a pile of period socks!
Susan Armstrong
GMU-BIS

[Spinster]

Re: AGSAS sock pattern

The other best advise came from Mrs Lawson in don't try to out think the directions the first time I attempted the dutch heel!

The more I work with fiber, the more I learn that humble message--don't think too much. We must not loose sight of the fact that much period fiber work was the job of children, and one that they were capable of on a daily basis.

And, now that the long awaited patterns are out, its time for me to start spinning and dyeing to meet the standard. Its a good thing my Lazy Kate is a three bobbin one--I've been spinning 2/65 so long, it will take me a few months to get up to speed on 3/8 yarn. Good thing I've got a little time before my spring dye run.

[KarinTimour]

Re: AGSAS sock pattern

Dear Mary, Susan and Terre:

Thank you all for your kind words -- I'm so glad that I've been able to encourage more sock knitting!

Mary, I know entirely what you mean about the "Hallalujah" moment -- there's nothing like finally figuring out "how, exactly, did they get it to do that" -- and then finding out later that you're absolutely on the right track.

Susan, congratulations on George Mason! What fantastic news! I had a friend who had always wanted her bachlor's degree, but for years a whole raft of circumstances kept her from having the time, money, energy, hope to actually start school. She finally decided to just "go for it" when she was 76 -- went on to earn a master's degree when she was 82 and just had a fantastic time the whole way through. I've been toying with the idea of going back to school -- you may inspire me to head back to the books at some point in the future. And I know just what you mean about knitting helping you when faced with an insurmountable task -- I often use this now when it just seems like something is going to take forever -- "Ok, now how many stitches make up a sock? If you can do that, you can tackle this..." And I actually look forward to long lines, waits and getting stuck in stop and go traffic, as those are all opportunities to get a little more done on the current sock. I had to buy tires at Sears the other day, and by the time they got everything mounted, balanced, aligned, etc. I'd taught a perfect stranger in the waiting room how to cast on.

Terre, it's terrific news that you're getting the Lazy Kate warmed up to production level, it's been a real quest to get yarn that will produce the correct sock, and I'd really love to have some that will wear better than the current candidates.

Thank you all,
Karin Timour
Period Knitting -- Socks, Sleeping Hats, Balaclavas
Warm. Durable. Documented.
Atlantic Guard Soldiers' Aid Society
Email: Ktimour@aol.com

[Mutt]

Re: AGSAS sock pattern

Thank you for posting the info Colleen and to Karin for all her hard work! Now I know what I'll be bugging my girlfriend to make me :) haha

Knowing her, she'd tackle it full speed. I'm still trying to get her to register on the AC Board and browse these forums for civilian info. She's new and shy. :)

Best,

[Spinster]

Re: AGSAS sock pattern

Mutt honey, if she is that shy, give her your password.

Then bring her on down to Kentucky for Perryville on the Farm in June. We'll take it from there. :D

[Mutt]

Re: AGSAS sock pattern

Mrs. Lawson, you read my mind on all accounts. haha She's really not as shy as I make her out to be, but if you see Mutt posting in regards to chemise, etc. you'll know who has come out to explore. :)