March of this year Jeff and I have been married one year, and 21 years together, and I thought as an anniversary gift to Jeff, with whom I have backpacked the John Muir Trail many many miles, that I would design him trail socks !! He seemed to be okay with the idea, however, he is very picky about scratchy woolly things and socks, and anything ‘gear’ related. Made of super fine quality Merino-superwash & nylon sock yarn, in granite tones, the socks ended up very soft & completely not scratchy, and the nice cushioned heel, instep & toe are ultra comfortable in and outside of a boot. Now two & 1/2 months after our anniversary, here is the final result ~~~ and he approves!
Shown are Wild Wool Trail Socks, designed for and dedicated to Jeff.
This is actually the first real pair for Jeff that I’ve made since releasing the pattern, delivered a little belatedly.
Incidentally, the last time we were in the Sierras in July 2014, it was for our 20th anniversary of being a couple, and we backpacked to Granite Lake in John Muir country, where the inspiration came to me…
Well, it may have taken me a year and a half to ruminate this design from inspiration to finished pattern, but perhaps for good reason, for the timing of events involve a spooky coincidence of anniversaries! To start, our 20th anniversary in 2014 was 100 years after Muir’s death in 1914, this year is the centennial anniversary of America’s National Parks established August 1916, and lastly, I just happened to have submitted (unknowingly) the pattern on John Muir’s birthday April 21st.
In forthcoming posts, I may go on with presenting you finished projects, both of my own and of other knitters, so that we can have a bit of an extended tribute to John Muir.
Sock details on Ravelry HERE.
Jenjoyce Design 
Wow-wee! What a design. I like the mix of patterns in the sock.
Purely functional ‘cushioning’ stranding work, and corrugated ribbing for a little sheer strength, just so happens they look a bit decorative too 🙂 xx
And happy anniversary!
Thank you Stefanie! xx
They’re lovely chookie and look so comfortable and cosy. x
Thank you Kelly! Now that Jeff has worn them about a bit, I’m thinking a half size smaller would do him better, so actually going to consider knitting next pair for him on a size smaller needle for experimental purposes. However, that said, a few more washings & dryings in the machine would tighten up a lot more and make the fabric more dense too. xx
Great socks and a sweet story.
Thanks Liz, and as the story goes, coincidences are found wherever you look I suppose, but pointing them out surely is entertaining, if not mystifying. 🙂 xx
They are gorgeous. 😃
Hello Debbie! Thank you so much. Would you like to knit a pair?? 🙂 xx
I’d absolutely love to. I’ve never knit Fred socks either, despite good intentions. I think he’d love these. 😃 xx
That is wonderful ~ I’ve sent you the pattern through Ravelry, it should be there waiting for you when you’re ready. 🙂 xx
Oh! And there is a thread on my group forum devoted to those knitting the socks, voicing their praise & frustrations , where you are welcome to jump in if you like, or just lurk 🙂 http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/jenjoyce-design-patterns/3413642/226-250#238
Got it! LOVE then so much. I’ll keep you posted. Thank you for your generosity. 💗
You are TOTALLY welcome ! 🙂