There seem to be two common motivators: knitters are seeking a yarn that will make warm boot socks for the encroaching winter. And they are also seeking a yarn that will knit up quickly, for gift knitting.
Now, here's the thing about Tuffy: It's hard-wearing yarn spun tight and blended with nylon for long-lasting socks. It's machine washable, and very easy-care. And it comes in a wide range of classic colours. But soft it is not. It's woolly. Boot-sock woolly.
Also in its favour is the unbelievably low price: $5.99CDN for a skein, purchasable online from Ram Wools in Winnipeg. 1 skein will make a pair of women's medium socks; anything larger requires two skeins. Still a bargain. And they will last you a lifetime, I guarantee it.I'd heard rumours about the wonderfulness of this yarn, but was having trouble finding it in Toronto. A couple of years ago a student found me a couple of skeins at Spun Fibre Arts in Burlington. I was easily able to get two pairs out of those two skeins, and wore them to death in my boots last winter. My feet were warm, well-protected and comfy.
Prompted by a student in a recent sock class, I've written up my pattern and made it available for free. Download now, from Ravelry. Naturally, there are multiple sizes: Women's S, M, L, covering US shoe sizes 5 to 10, and Men's S and L, covering US shoe sizes 6 to 12.
So whether you're in a rush to finish up a holiday gift, or just need a pair of socks for the oncoming snow, your needs are taken care of.
6 comments:
ooh! i've been wanting to make some hard-wearing boot socks! i have many pairs of thick wool socks from Ireland that i wear all the time. they are not yarn i would consider super soft, but on my feet i don't notice. they are starting to wear thin so i need some replacements! thanks for sharing the pattern. oh, and the "download" link isn't working!
Hey Kate
As it happens I recently inherited 61/2 skeins of Tuffy-not the nicest colour but wearable as boot socks. Thanks for the pattern. I will happily donate 3 of the skeins for your use if you want them. My way of apologizing for polluting your brain with the crazy mohair fetish site. I can drop them off at the Purl for you if you would like.
best
Maureen
I cannot believe that I was in NB this spring and didn't go look up Briggs and Little. For shame. For. Shame.
Now the Briggs & Little is one yarn I can find in my little town. And I can attest to the wool's hardiness. Last year I made a pair of mitts with the Tuffy. By mistake they went into the dryer a few times and emerged relatively unscathed.
And thanks for the free pattern.Its already in my Rav library. :)
If you're ever in the Quinte area, the Knitting Nimrod in Belleville has a whole stack of Tuffy yarns for 6 bucks. Thanks for the free pattern, it's exactly what I was looking for!
I live in NB quite close to the mill. Once per year they have a large sale including seconds (colors not quite right) at half price. I always stock up. Tuffy makes great heavy socks.
Post a Comment