Im looking for some cotton rich sock yarn in solid colours now its started getting warm - has anyone seen any?

LisaH xxx

The only cotton yarn I've seen specifically for socks in the UK is the one that you've probably already seen too, and that's the Opal. It isn't solid though, it's self-patterning.

The only thing I could think of is maybe try a swatch of one of the 100% cotton 4-ply yarns like this (http://www.mcadirect.com/shop/product_info.php/cPath/21_23_36/products_id/33) one by Rowan. It states that a 3mm needle should be used, but perhaps it might be posible to take it down to a 2.25 mm (if you can get one) or a 2.5 mm, to make it knit up a little tighter to compensate for the lack of sock yarn hard-wearing twist in the ply.

I know Cherry Tree Hill do a 100% cotton yarn (http://www.yarnmarket.com/yarn/Cherry_Tree_Hill_Yarn-North_Country_Cotton_Yarn-1327.html), but I haven't seen it in the internet shops over here, and the colours I've seen are variegated. It is gorgeous though. Now I come to think of it, I don't think that is specifcally a sock yarn either, but I have seen a pattern for socks made from it; I think it was baby socks though, which are hardly going to have the same requirement to be hard-wearing.

I found this (http://www.rikes-wollmaus.de/oxid.php/sid/x/shp/oxbaseshop/cl/details/anid/b36444e38a117fd14.55136498/tpl/-/lang/1) which had Lana Grossa cotton solids - postage from Germany doesnt look too bad.

LisaH xxx

There's also Cascade Fixation (http://www.cascadeyarn.com/cascade-fixation.asp), which is 98% cotton and 2% elastic. The elastic content might get over the problem that cotton has with sagging.

The Knitting Zone (http://www.knittingzone.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=cascade+fixati on&x=0&y=0) do a small selection of the solid colours.

There's also Cascade Fixation (http://www.cascadeyarn.com/cascade-fixation.asp), which is 98% cotton and 2% elastic. The elastic content might get over the problem that cotton has with sagging.

The Knitting Zone (http://www.knittingzone.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=cascade+fixati on&x=0&y=0) do a small selection of the solid colours.

The only problem with Fixation is that its a heavier gauge:?

LisaH xxx

I am after some super comfy hard wearing socks. What are my options for best suppliers?

I am after some super comfy hard wearing socks. What are my options for best suppliers?

You wouldn't go too far wrong if you could pop into see Jill at the Wool Baa in Hunters Bar. Im pretty sure she has the widest selection of sock yarns in the area from pretty standard wool through to those containing bamboo.

The only problem with Fixation is that its a heavier gauge:?

LisaH xxx

It'll knit up faster then! I've got a pattern for socks knitted on 4.5mm needles.
It could be nice to have a bit of give in the yarn.

I've knitted with the Lana Grossa cotton sock yarn Lisa and I liked it. I got a bargain bundle from GetKnitted, all self patterning though.

Regia Cotton comes in solid shades.

I've seen it in Web of Wool.

I made some socks from the opal cotton a while ago, but found they were a bit rough on my feet once I'd made them, probably just me though, I've not noticed anyone else saying it's been a problem.

Hello LisaH,
I've just finished a sock (about to start the next one) in patons 100% cotton, to a free regia pattern on 2.25mm needles. I bought the wool in a shop in Leicester, but I imagine it's widely available - mine is a bright peacock blue sort of colour, and I love it! The sock is really comfy.

Woolhunter does some exciting cotton socks colours