Announcement    NEWS: I added a new section on baby hats. I did this for a number of reasons. First, they are so darned cute! After my first one, I couldn't resist another, and another... Second reason is that I have a vast stash of sock yarn partials - too small for another pair, but I couldn't think of a good use. And I hate to waste good yarn. Baby hats were an answer. Many of the hats are knit out of the same colorful luxury yarns I've used for socks for years. As always I try to coordinate colors. I also knit some hats out of soft warm yarns which I've been saving for that special knit. See below for care for these hats.

Sock sizing: I have a chart which converts length of foot into sizes and two real-life models - me (size 9-9.5 M) and my husband (size 11, extra wide). When I list a range of sizes, the socks will fit any of these, but they will be more snug on a larger foot and looser on a smaller foot. Personally I like my socks to be snug so I don't have any fabric folds. I can wear any of the socks labelled size 7-9 and they will be comfortable. I always list measurements as a guide. To check, place a sock that fits you or the recipient if it's a gift, on a flat surface and measure the lengths and width. Don't stretch out the curved part of the toes or heel or you'll get a misleading value.

I knit my socks to a tight tension. I want a knit fabric which is dense and smooth, for two reasons. First, they are more comfortable. Loose stitches will irritate the foot, particularly the sole and heel where you carry your weight. Second, the knit will last longer. I have socks which are 10+ years old and still going strong. I have yet to wear out any of my own hand knit socks which is more than I can say about ones I have purchased.

Care of your knits: I list brief care instructions. Please note that for anything listed, I have cleaned the item exactly as described. However, if you buy a pair of hand dyed merino socks, they will maintain their new look longer if you hand wash them. This isn't as big a deal as some think. Fill a basin with tepid soapy water (use shampoo, it works as well as any of the special wool washes). You don't need a lot of soap, a teaspoon per gallon of water is enough. Dunk the knit into it and let it soak for at least 10 minutes. Squeeze GENTLY so the soapy water passes through the knit thoroughly. Rinse the item in tepid water, squeezing gently to get the excess out. If you have a washing machine, put your wet knits into the machine and turn it to spin dry ONLY - no agitation. This will get most of the water out of your knit without agitating it. Place your damp item on a clean towel. That's it. Take care of your knits and you will enjoy them forever.

Baby hat care and sizing: I always indicate if an item is machine washable. In some cases, I use yarn that is machine washable IF you have a high-efficiency washer - the kind without an agitator. If you don't, please hand wash - see paragraph above. Do NOT machine dry, Non-superwash yarns will shrink and felt. A machine is too harsh for even superwash fibers. Seriously, drying flat is the best way to get years of wear out of your knits. For hat sizing, I use a general chart of which ages the hats should fit. But babies come in all sizes so I also give measurements where I can. The glass globe I use for photos measures 15" around, so use this as a guide.