Well, they did it again! Completely changed the blog set up. It is even harder to post than before, but I will try!
Thank you to everyone who commented after my last post. It really means a lot to us!!
Some of you may go way back. If you do, you may remember the Sock Monkey Dress I posted during the 2006 Minnesota State Fair. I did say way back! It went viral and put The Rainey Sisters on the map. Because of that post, I have been associated with sock monkeys ever since.
This ad hit my email a few months ago. You may have also seen it. It triggered my “sock monkey” response!
I decided to recreate the sweater in the ad. I don’t think I quite succeeded, but here it is!
I used Cascade 220. I started out with Joji Locatelli’s Basic Raglan, but it just didn’t work at the neck. I ended up needing to do major surgery to correct it. The neckline just didn’t drop enough in the front. I think that is a major problem with most top-down sweaters that rely on short rows to raise the back neck. It just isn’t adequate. The blue lines show where I machine stitched and then cut out fabric. I picked up the live center front sts.
I wish I had used a marled yarn instead of the color I chose. Also, I used a bluer red than the picture in the ad. I tried lipstick red, but this looked better to me. I do wear it because it’s kind of a workhorse sweater. And, just to let you know how I really feel:
PS to Samina: There’s not much of a story regarding the sock monkey dress. It was on display at the fair as an art installation, not an entry. The artist, whose name escapes me, used sock monkeys often in her work. Very fun and creative!
Lovely work—you’re much braver than I am to accomplish the fix. Cascade is such a great go-to workhorse yarn.
Comment by Elaine in NYC — May 21, 2026 @ 9:32 pm
I’ve followed this blog for many years, but I must have started after this dress was shared. This is amazing! Yeah, the sweater is lovely, but can you share more info about the dress for those of that missed it the first time? The links to the dress on right are either no good or no good.
Again, ah-mazing!
Comment by Samina — May 22, 2026 @ 12:45 pm
The dress is fun. I love your sweater. You are brave to readjust the neckline. It looks great..very modern.
Comment by Connie — May 23, 2026 @ 8:01 am
A lot of computer things are harder these days, I find. We are no longer in the Wild West phase of the Internet. Forces have worked to harness it for its own purposes. It was bound to happen, I suppose. I remember that dress, but I don’t think from 2006. Maybe you “reprised” it at a later date? I like the red you chose but I also know how hard it is to find the “right red”. I think your gray, while not marled, still stays true to the sock monkey spirit. And I love the neck ribbing. It seems to sit well on rhe body. (I did not do short rows on my top down Anker Summer Shirt but maybe because I knitted it (mistakenly) at a slightly looser gauge, it did not seem to be a problem.)
Comment by Chloe — May 23, 2026 @ 9:11 am
I have been following for a loooong time, at least back to sweetheart mitts days, but I don’t think I was here for the sock monkey dress! I love your blog and “stop by” to look for updates often. Your knitting is always amazing and the techniques you use to elevate your projects are inspired! I made the Not Just a Hat a few years ago, way before LBJ was ever recommended in ANY pattern, and was totally blown away. Thank you thank you!!!!!
Comment by Maura — May 23, 2026 @ 1:04 pm
What fun to look back. Despite reading your blog since 2006 I had forgotten the sock monkey dress.
Nice work on your new sweater. Hard to get a good look at the inspiration due to the model’s pose.
P.S. Your raglan stitches look better than theirs.
Comment by Elizabeth — May 24, 2026 @ 3:37 pm
I had a picture of that dress pinned up on my bulletin board at work since people always teased me about being a knitter.
Your sweater looks great, and I agree that lots of patterns don’t provide enough drop for the front neck. I can’t stand anything tight around the front of my throat, so I might be a little biased, but raising the back neck while also lowering the front definitely provides a better fit for me.
Comment by Maryanne — May 25, 2026 @ 9:55 pm
Thanks for showing your wonderful pullover and how you fixed the problem
Comment by Gail snowden — May 25, 2026 @ 11:36 pm
What an adventure! And I totally agree with you about the problem with top down sweaters! Thanks for pointing it out. I knew something had been irking me but I hadn’t been able to put my finger on it entirely. I feel like the ones knitted flat at the top instead of having short rows fit much better.
Comment by Nina — May 26, 2026 @ 9:23 pm
Hi, Susan, until a few weeks ago I had no idea you had to pay for your side. I love your side, always learn new techniques from you.
I am with you…stay well, Renate
Comment by Renate Baur — May 29, 2026 @ 5:07 pm
Very much enjoy your website!! Sock monkey dress is hysterical (and a lot of work).
Yours,
Marilyn
Comment by Marilyn — June 3, 2026 @ 9:18 am
Impressive surgery Doctor!
Comment by Kris Jensen — June 6, 2026 @ 7:45 am
I check in to your page when I need a knitter-friend-hug. Love your posts and your sisterly love for each other. Thanks for the work you do here! Anita
Comment by Anita — July 1, 2026 @ 9:54 pm