Our first finished socks!

Michelle finished her Bonkers Handpaints socks last week. Check them out and congratulate our first finisher!
And just last night, TrevorKane finished her socks! Here was the progress as of Monday morning. Pattern: Knitty's Broadripple, Yarn: Socks that Rock in Mesa. She loves these so much, she’s making a second pair for herself.

I thought the knitting olympics would slow things down a bit, but there's a ton of updates this week! I hope you can take the time to follow some of the links and say hi to a few of your fellow sockapalooozers. Even if you don't get to visit everyone's page, you should be able to get some good ideas about great sock yarns and sock patterns by reading through. Enjoy!

Sock momma Alison will be bringing her sock pal yarn with her to Germany.
Abigail finished some lovely lacy "Cotton Candy" socks, but she's not saying if they're her sock pal socks or not! She's working on another lacy pair now in red.
Agnes will be making Fancy Silk Socks by Nancy Bush for her pal.
Alliesw wants to make Old Shale Two Yarn socks for her pal in Baby Cashmere and Kid Merino. Wow, those are going to be soooo soft!
Alynda is considering Marnie McLean's Wyvern pattern for her pal.
Amy keeps her sock by the bed for a few minutes of bedtime knitting each night. Check out her progress!
Amysue has chosen Gryfindor variegated yarn from Sunshine Yarns for her pal. Can't wait to see how that knits up!
Amy plans to dye her sock pal's yarn herself and knit Nancy Bush's Rib and Cable socks.
Angela has chosen to make Old Shale Two Yarn socks for her pal. Look at the beautiful blue socks she just finished for her sister!
Angela is browsing through Barbara Walkers Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns for the perfect cable pattern for her pal's socks.
You have got to see the unique red patterned socks that Angela has started for her pal. (Scroll down to February 12 - it's worth it!).
and another Angela (the last one in this update, I promise!) is making the prettiest Jaywalkers I've ever seen in Lorna's Laces "Happy Valley" color 24.
Ann's first cable and lace sock is coming out beautifully!
Annette has ordered some gorgeous Socks that Rock yarn (Fire on the Mountain colorway - love that colorway!) and is planning to knit Broadripple socks from Knitty.com.
After a false start, Bethieee is knitting Nancy Bush's Fancy Silk Socks in Mountain Colors Bearfoot "Wildflower".
Beth has been knitting through the East Coast snowstorm and has the leg of her first feather and fan sock finished already.
Bethro would like to know what sort of heel might be easier for a first timer, a short-row heel or an afterthought heel? Any suggestions for her?

Sock sister Ashley writes:
Brie has her yarn; now she'd love input on the right pattern.
Carrie has some scrummy-looking purple yarn picked out for her pal.
Carol S. is "swatching" for her pal's Koigu socks by making a pair for herself!
Chloe has some gorgeous pink and brown yarn, and is also taking pattern suggestions.
Despite some intensive Olympic prep, Christine has actually started knitting her Vintage Socks! (She's the first starter in the Bf-Da group!)
Dana found some lovely blue Dalegaarn for her pal, and is trying to decide between two patterns.
Dana W. is going with Jaywalkers—but is still waiting for her yarn to arrive.
The mailman just brought Danielle some green Dalegaarn for her pal.
Danielle found some definitively non-pastel yarn for her pal during a trip to Webs.

Sock sister Carry, has yarn and pattern, will be waiting until after the Olympics to get started.
Debi found some Twinkeltoes sock yarn in the perfect color for her pal in her stash!
Designated_Knitter has started on the toes.
For Diane, peacock blue and December 15 are the perfect combination.
Donna is going with Lang Jawoll sock yarn for her pal.
Emily ordered some custom yarn from TwoWaters.
Erica has the toe of the first sock completed!
Gracie has started Embossed Leaves socks in a lovely purple shade of Wildfoote.
Grauwal picked out a pretty pink/red Regia yarn and is leaning toward something from Nancy Bush.
Looks like we can expect another new pattern from Jaywalker designer, Grumperina! She's chosen yarn for her pal and is still contemplating a pattern, which will most likely be something new, but simple.
Heather will also be making up her own pattern. She started a baby-sized sock to test drive her idea – so far so good!

Sock sister Cathy reports:
JamKnitter has chosen Mountain Colors sock yarn for some great cabled socks.
Jayme is working on a pair of fancy silk socks (Knitting Vintage socks) with yummy blue Fleece Artist yarn
Jenn has purchased some rainbowy Ellyn Cooper's Yarn Sonnets yarn.
Jennifer has chosen the Not Cable Socks from Sock bug
Jennifer has started her Pomotamus socks from Knitty, in Lorna's Laces sock in Aslan which is NOT purple!
Jenny has red Wildfoote from Brown Sheep at the ready for her pal's socks.
JennyRaye is busy competing in the Knitting Olympics but has picked out yarn and a pattern for her sock pal.
Jessica is working on a very springy looking pair of Jaywalker socks, go tell her they're not too pastel-y at all!
Jessica is making good progress on two socks at once on two circulars!
Jill has ordered Socks that Rock in Beryl! Pretty greens!
JoShell has ordered yarn from Hand Jive and is pretty much decided on making the child's French Sock from Knitting Vintage Socks
Judy has chosen some very soft and cozy yarn for her pal's socks.
Julie reports that thanks to the blizzard, she was able to complete the first sock and cast on the second this weekend! She is using a twisted rib pattern in Cotton Candy Twinkletoes for a sock pal who likes pink.
Julia is making good progress on her Mata Hari socks.

Sock sister Donna reports:
Katherine's lucky sock pal is getting Yukon Leaves socks in Socks That Rock - it does indeed look yummy!
New blogger Kelly is working on some fabulous Pomatomous socks in lovely purple Koigu.
Kerrie has finished her first sock! The crowd goes wild for the stripes!
Kit's working on some gorgeous Lace Scallop Socks in Lorna's Lace's Shepherd Sock Bittersweet - they're lacey and lovely!
Kitty's lucky pal will be Jaywalking through a sock garden - she's up to heel flap number 1!
Kristen's knitting beautiful socks with Wildfoote and playing with "wild" cats and dogs - wish her luck on her interview for veterinary school today!

Sock sister Erin has decided to make Sockbug's River Rapid socks.
Laura has chosen some Cherry Tree Hill yarn in Wild Cherry for her pal. Now she just needs to decide on the pattern.
Lavendarsheep is opting for "Spring Fever" socks from the Socks Socks Socks book.
Lily has chosen yarn and a sock pattern. Go check her progress.
Lindsey has decided to try to make her pal two pairs of socks. What a lucky Sockpal!
Lisa P. has decided on some Knitpicks Sock Memories yarn, and she is going with the falling leaves pattern from Knitty.
Liz has chosen her sockpal's yarn. Isn't it pretty?
Lori has started a blog and has chosen the Pippi Kneestockings from the first S n B book for her pal. Although she is going to have to order the yarn for them.
Lorraine has dyed her sockpal's yarn. Go read of the sock's latest adventure.
They aren't sockpal socks, but check out the socks Lucia has made.
Lyme has picked a pattern and ordered some yarn off ebay.
Lynn is thinking about making "Ribbed Cycling or Golf Stockings with Fancy Cuff in Trellis Pattern" from Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks for her sock pal.
Mai is making gorgeous fair-isle socks for her pal. You gotta see them!
Malle has chosen some bright Regia for her sockpal, and wonders (since the yarn line is called Nation Color) what countries flag colors would be represented in this yarn. Also check out her Jaywalker progress!
Mama-E has decided on falling leaves for her pattern and has been caught red-handed, (sorry, I just couldn't resist) dyeing some sock yarn for it.
MamaSnooze has painted, skeined, wound, and swatched her sockpal socks. She has chosen a twisted cable pattern from Hello Yarn. Aren't they going to be beautiful?
Margene has chosen some very pretty red yarn to make "Child's first sock" from Nancy Bush's book, Knitting Vintage Socks.
Maria Isabel is debating between a few yarns and patterns, but appears to be leaning towards some Cherry Tree Hill yarn, now she just needs to decide on her pattern. She is looking at a few here.
Mariehas chosen her pattern and yarn, and plans to start them after the Olympics. (Mmm...koigu...)
Marie has been struggling with her shapely tank, but has since worked things out and has some serious sock yarn bootie to show. Her sockpal yarn is in there somewhere...
Mary Alice drops a hint about her socks. Pink, Cashmere, and Lace.
Mary C. has chosen some Artyarns Ultramerino4 (Color 122) and has chosen to make embossed leaves for her pal.

Sock sister Ina reports:
Megan has selected Falling Leaves and is waiting for payday to order yarn.
Melissa has selected Knit Picks Flower Power and Sock Bug's Lava Flow pattern.
Meredith has selected purple Koigu and New England from Knitting on the Road.
Mia is studying for professional re-certification and pondering colors of Socks That Rock.
Miss.Sarah has selected Fleece Artist yarn.
MommyknitsJen is combining Sockapaloooza and Knitting Olympics, and is avoiding Second Sock Syndrome.
Morgan has two great Lorna's Laces colorways for Jaywalkers.
Nathalie is test-swatching Vine Lace and has received beauteous cabled Sockapaltwoza socks.
Neva has ordered two Valentine's Day pretty colorways of Lorna's Laces and has a two-color pattern to show them off.
Olga is seeking opinions on which colorway of Hill Country Yarn to use and also has a fabby FO.
Parikha has selected Embossed Leaves and Jaeger Matchmaker and is perfecting a "ragtop".
Patty has selected Koigu and Anklet Coronets, without beads.
Penny has selected yellow Rowan 4 Ply Soft but is completing a baby blanket first.
PinkHebe has selected purple Opal and Falling Leaves.

Like most everyone else, sock sister Jenipurr is too distracted with the Knitting Olympics right now to make sock decisions.
PumpkinMamma is knitting Mermaid Socks out of her very own hand dyed self-striping sock yarn.
Rachel reports that she has started her socks.
Regenia is making the Peony Garden Socks for her sock pal.
Rocketbride will be making Falling Leaves socks, in a colourway of DGB Confetti that reminds her of pumpkin soup.
Ruth has chosenTrampoline Stretch yarn and is trying to pick a pattern.
Sally has been working on the first Lacy Mock Cable socks in KnitPick's Essentials sock yarn, in Grass.
Sara is making Socks with a Cable and Moss Stitch pattern, in turquoise Wildefoote, and has decided to make them her Olympic Knitting challenge.
Sarah is making a pair of Pretty Comfy socks in pastel varigated Cascade Fixation.
Sarah has started her socks and is almost through the leg on the first one.
Scout is done polling and has decided to make Web Socks for her pal.
Sheri has selected Watermelon Patch Sunshine Yarn and is trying to decide between Friday Harbor socks or Traveler's Socks from Knitting on the Road.
Sherry is making Embossed Leaves Socks in a deep red yarn.
Sheryl has selected some lovely brown self-patterning Trekking XXL and will be making Chevron socks, from Sensational Knitted Socks.
Sigga_Sif has started her first sock for her sock pal, using the Japanese Feather pattern in a gorgeous aquamarine color.
Stephanie is ordering several different sock yarns to pick which one she likes the best.
Strangelittlemamma has decided to make Peak Experience socks to try to give her sock pal a feel of the beautiful landscape where she lives.

Sock sister Lisa writes:
Sabine is having a hard time getting started as she’s mesmerized by the Berlin Film Festival and admits that only movies can stop her from knitting. She has posted pictures of her yarn and the pattern. Look closely, she blogs in English.
Sue has purchased Cherry Tree Hill “Wild Cherry” and has ordered another colourway to see which one she likes best (for herself or her pal? Hmmm). She’s planning on lace but hasn’t settled on a pattern yet.
Theresa (who I was lucky enough to meet a couple of weeks ago at Knitsmiths) has picked the yarn for her sock pal. Check out the Feb 10 post. For now, it appears that she will be concentrating on her Olympic dreams.
Thistlerain has started planning her socks. Patterns and yarns are being reviewed and investigated.
This is Tuullia’s first time in an international KAL but she is no stranger to socks (she made 8 pairs in January). She’s a Finnish expat now living in sunny San Diego. She’s narrowing down the pattern choices but the yarn will be 100 % Finnish lamb wool she is going to dye herself in her sock pal’s favorite colors—WoW. She’s finnish-ing up a couple of other KALs, and exchanges as well as the Olympics so she’ll be starting in a couple of weeks.
Weeza has found the yarn for her sock pal…Lorna’s Laces in the “Get Knitted!” exclusive colourway you can only get in the UK. She’s still mulling over patterns worthy of this exquisite yarn. Check out the pic.
Wendy sent a link to the beyooootiful yarn she’s using for her sock pal. She’s already cast on and has about 3 inches knit.
Trina ordered knitpicks merino sock yarn over the weekend and is browsing sock patterns. She’s hoping to have a pattern picked out by the time the yarn lands on her doorstep.
Angelle just started a new job so not much knitting to report. Her sock pal requested something lightweight, so she was going to use the pattern for Alison's ankle socks, but is having a little trouble with the short heel backward yarnover. She loves the pattern but if she can’t get the hang of it, she’s going to change patterns.
Amy dropped me a line to let me know that she’s picked out her yarn…those are my colors!!
Bertha’s going to use the Magic Loop. Her sock pal doesn’t like variegated yarns, so she’s using Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in a solid sage green color. She hasn’t quite decided on a pattern yet, but is pretty sure it will be from "Sensational knitted socks”. She’s participating in the Knitting Olympics and is knitting her first pair of socks. Her sockpal will be the lucky recipient of her 2nd pair of socks which she will begin right after the closing ceremonies.
Carrie now has a blog! She won’t be starting until after the Olympics but she’s pretty sure she’s going to use Socks That Rock. (provided that January One hasn’t bought up all the yarn like she did at Rhinebeck. ;0) )
No stranger to socks, it seems, Christine has bought her yarn and posted a pic. It’s Knit Picks Sock Garden in Zinnia. Now for a pattern.... hmmmmmm....
Deidre is using the two circular method, and while she had to rip out twice (she kept knitting with the needle she was supposed to drop), patience prevailed.
Desirée won't be starting until after the Olympics but she’s taking this very seriously and carefully considering her yarn and pattern options.

Sock sister Mary reports:
Jill has been having fun choosing her sock yarn.
Lara has bought her yarn but has been having some problems with her cast on.
Leigha has started her socks. She's doing them for her Knitting Olympics project.
Keli is knitting lace knee highs for her pal. Go and give her some encouragement as she's having a few problems with the chart!
Johanna has been having fun getting to grips with short rows for her pal's sock.

And remember, the sockapalOOOza is a marathon, not a sprint, so no worries if you're doing the knitting olympics. Knit for the gold and then start those sock pal socks in March! If you do make progress, though, remember to let your sock sister know. I'll be posting while I'm in Germany, so keep those updates coming!