Real Socks for the
Real World
Heavy Duty Socks For Sale, Custom Knitted for Men and Women
Designed & knitted by Ronda Jemtegaard
I create hand knitted wool socks warm enough for hunting in the woods, working on the farm, and padding around on wood floors in winter, yet soft, sturdy, and smooth-fitting inside boots.
These socks are knitted double thick, using two strands of the highest quality superwashed wool yarn. They are very soft, washable, and durable, with a reinforced heel and toe, and they DO NOT SHRINK!
I designed these socks in 2004 to meet the needs of my own family. I was not interested in the single-strand patterns commonly sold to sock knitters, which do not meet the needs of my family. I began doubling the thickness of typical hand-knitted wool socks, and adding longevity features. I experimented with about 10 different sock yarns, and eliminated those that didn't meet my high standards for longevity, softness, warmth and lack of shrinkage. My 5-year-old socks are still in regular use, still warm and soft, still retaining their shape and size.
PRACTICALITY:
If you have read any of our farming webpages, you know that we are all about practical farming and practical living.
I make sure that my family members have at least 3 pairs of my Real Socks at any given time, which was a challenge while my teenage son was growing! The reason for a minimum of 3 pairs per person is that I air dry these socks after washing, and during winter weather this number of socks allows everyone at least one pair available at any given time as long as I keep up with the laundry.
LAUNDERING
If you would like your Real Socks to last a long time and retain their softness, they must be cared for in the following manner. The type of detergent is essential for longevity of your socks, and the vinegar is essential for softness as well as longevity. Vinegar returns the socks to their proper pH level, keeping the wool fibers from becoming dry or scratchy.
- Use just a dribble (less than a Tablespoon) of Planet or Seventh Generation liquid laundry detergent in your washing machine on GENTLE cycle with COLD water.
- After the entire cycle is completed, leave socks in washer and begin a rinse cycle, adding about 1/4 cup vinegar. Vinegar is the most natural and effective laundry softener; and can be used in the last rinse cycle, or 2nd to last rinse cycle if you'd rather not have a faint vinegar scent in your laundry.
- Air dry on a wooden drying rack, or from the clips of a skirt hanger. In average room temperature, socks will be dry the next morning. Your drying time may vary.
Above: The color of the Ladies' sock-in-progress is Lakeview/Pond Blue. The subtly striped Mens' sock next to it is Icehouse/Pine Green with Pond Blue stripes.
Below: A close-up view of the smooth, seam-free toe. These Mens' socks are Pioneer/Cedar.
© 2000 - 2011. Website design, text and photos are copyright by Ronda Jemtegaard unless otherwise noted.
Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical, is forbidden unless written request
is submitted to and approved by Ronda Jemtegaard of Greener Pastures Farm.
Purchasing the Real Socks Pattern:
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Where to find Lorna's Laces yarn?
I believe in patronizing local shops (Buy Local!) whenever I can, but if my local shops don't carry what I need, then I do shop elsewhere. Lorna's Laces should be able to advise you where you can find their yarns locally. If not, I buy mine from Angelika's Yarn Store, where the prices are fair and the shipping is fast. This shop also carries the 6" bamboo double pointed knitting needles you see in the photos above, and a very handy Project Pouch Zippered Bag that I'm never without!
Not a knitter? You can purchase custom made, knitted in the USA, heavy duty wool socks that are warm, soft and last for years. Pick your colors and sizing, and order online! Click on Buy Socks below to view photos and begin to customize your own Real Socks!
