Thanks everyone for all the really swell comments, I wish I could hire you all to just comment like that every day of my life! I would always be on the sunny side of the street then!
I like Tree of Life too, I have a love affair with trees, they just make me feel peaceful.
Several people have asked about the yarn used. The yarn in the blue/black version is Malabrigo Sock yarn in colors Indiecito and Black. It's a very soft yarn, and the resulting socks are kind of silky feeling even though it's 100% merino. I also have a sample sock knit up in autumn colors in Lisa Souza Sock! in colors petroglyph and garnet. It doesn't have as much contrast, but it's also striking in an autumny way.
And were you wondering what the back of the sock might look like? Well here's a peek at that - because you should look as good going as coming! I think they'd make great clog socks.
A few people have asked in the comments how they can pre-order the book. You can pre-order here. It's 10% off, free shipping for media rate mail or only $2 for priority upgrade, and arrives signed by me. International orders are 10% off but you have to pay shipping (I know the shipping part of the order button is broken, I will email international orders close to the ship date and let them know the shipping cost). Pre orders end July 31st, after that you will only be able to get it from your LYS or an online seller like Amazon or other bookseller.
And now for the winner!
Monday's winner for either the Tree of Life or Talking Fish
pattern is Steph!
If you are a recent winner please contact me and let me know which pattern you'd like. I've gotten a little mixed up, so even if you sent me an email before, send another and remind me. Thanks! Send email to MAIL AT JANELLAIDMAN D O T C O M (hopefully you figure this out - I'm trying to avoid spam)
Comment Contest Reminder - each day I'm giving away a downloadable version of the featured pattern. This week's featured pattern is Tree of Life or Talking Fish. Leave a comment and you'll be automatically entered for the random drawing. Winners are chosen by random number generator. Each Sunday I choose one person by random number to win a copy of the book when it comes out! So keep commenting to be entered for the drawing.
Wow..the front of Tree of Life is beautiful, but the back is spectacular.
Posted by: Joanne S. | June 30, 2009 at 11:00 AM
I think this is totally a work of art!!! Will the books that have been won on your blog also be signed by you?? Please, Please, Please...cheryl
Posted by: peachesforever | June 30, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Oooh, I like the autumn color version of the Tree of Life too! And the back of the sock is as wonderful as the front!!
I can't stop thinking about that sideways Talking Fish pattern though. That really has me intrigued! If I win a pattern, I think that's the one I would pick!!
Posted by: Cathy | June 30, 2009 at 11:15 AM
They just keep getting better - I cannot wait for this book to come out!
Posted by: Arlene | June 30, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Yum, Yum! Love the leaving view.
Posted by: Elysbeth | June 30, 2009 at 11:55 AM
I love the Talking Fish pattern, but I would definitely choose the Tree of Life pattern if I happened to win a pattern this week. I want them all, though, so can't wait to get my hands on the book...cheryl
Posted by: peachesforever | June 30, 2009 at 12:04 PM
I really love that new black and grey colored sock! I agree with you - there's no reason every angle of a sock can't look like a work of art! My hubby used to tease me about wearing silly socks with patterns and designs all over them, but I think the sock patterns are just an extension of my creative and quirky insides.
Thanks for another opportunity to win a pattern :) I would be thrilled to cast on.
Jolene
www.JoboDesigns.com
Posted by: Jolene | June 30, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Even though I've never made a colorwork sock, the heel flap on this design is absolutely stunning. Great job and I'll definitely have to pick up the book.
Posted by: Alex | June 30, 2009 at 01:33 PM
The back of the sock is gorgeous, too, and it's nice that the front and back are different.
Posted by: ikkinlala | June 30, 2009 at 02:09 PM
I just saw this pattern and had to come and tell you how beautiful all your patterns are, but this one is just extra gorgeous!
Posted by: Tina | June 30, 2009 at 02:10 PM
I think I'll need to get some fake legs to display those beauties on. Definately shouldn't languish in a drawer!
Posted by: Jennie | June 30, 2009 at 02:18 PM
Wow - gorgeous in the autumn colors. A bit lower key, but you can still see the awesomeness.
Posted by: Tobey | June 30, 2009 at 02:19 PM
It looks great front or back! I do like the greater contrast better though the other is beautiful too.
Posted by: Susie | June 30, 2009 at 02:20 PM
Beautiful! Another one that I definitely want to try.
Posted by: Kairi | June 30, 2009 at 02:25 PM
The heel is even better!
Posted by: Sarah | June 30, 2009 at 02:42 PM
what a brilliant heel.
Posted by: sarah | June 30, 2009 at 02:49 PM
I just want the whole book. Every sock is spectacular.
Posted by: Sharon | June 30, 2009 at 02:54 PM
I love this sock pattern, and I could make it in the autumn colors for my mother, whose name is Autumn! All these lovely socks are making me think I'd need a source for transparent shoes!
Posted by: Kimberly B. | June 30, 2009 at 03:43 PM
Oh, I love that heel! I'm a sucker for a patterned heel on socks. The Malabrigo Sock is gorgeous!
Posted by: Corvidae | June 30, 2009 at 04:09 PM
The heel is so cute! I have a skein of the Malabrigo in Indiecito in my stash so it might have to become a pair of these!
Posted by: Kimberly | June 30, 2009 at 04:11 PM
I love the sock in the Indiecito and Black! And the heel is great!! So far I've knitted regular heels. It'll be fun to knit a pattern on the heel.
Posted by: SusanB-knits | June 30, 2009 at 04:30 PM
OMG! I love these socks. I really like how the increases look on the leg, in addition to all the other very pretty details. :)
Posted by: Eleanor | June 30, 2009 at 05:02 PM
This sock is amazing. I love all the socks in the Eclectic Sole and I think I will love all the patterns in the Enchanted Sole. Sure wish I could knit them all!Beautiful work, Janet.
Posted by: Stephanie Haitz | June 30, 2009 at 05:10 PM
I thought I was already totally awestruck from the first glimpse of the Tree of Life . . . and then you show us the back! Perfection!
Posted by: Cheryl | June 30, 2009 at 05:33 PM
The Tree of Life socks are amazing. I would wear those every day.
Posted by: Kirstin | June 30, 2009 at 06:31 PM
Oh, I just love the Tree of Life socks - each and every sock you have given us a peek at has been wonderful. I can hardly wait for your new book to come out!!!
Posted by: Sue A | June 30, 2009 at 07:22 PM
Love the back of the sock as much as the front.
Posted by: Gabriele | June 30, 2009 at 07:35 PM
Thanks for sharing the back of the sock. I wear clogs with all my socks & love having a patterned heel!
Posted by: cmflame | June 30, 2009 at 08:38 PM
They are both so beautiful!
Posted by: Tempe | June 30, 2009 at 10:05 PM
oh! now I see that the decorations on the cuff are leaves! :P
Posted by: jennyswonderland | June 30, 2009 at 10:06 PM
I love these socks.
Posted by: Ineke | June 30, 2009 at 10:46 PM
I think I prefer the high contrast version, but the colours on today's version are pretty though.
Posted by: Rebekka | June 30, 2009 at 11:59 PM
Even in the other yarn, the tree of life looks great, more subtle but very nice. The back is nice looking too, which is nice, since some sock designers don't give the back of the sock it's deserved attention.
Posted by: Walden | July 01, 2009 at 12:12 AM
I just found out I've over paid my rent.... I have a little spare money. I think I'm off to order!
Posted by: Katie | July 01, 2009 at 01:16 AM
I am getting more excited for the release of this book every time you post! The designs just keep getting better. I want to knit them all!!Darlene
Posted by: Darlene | July 01, 2009 at 03:26 AM
Oh My!!!!!! They just keep getting better and better.
Posted by: Suzanne | July 01, 2009 at 03:59 AM
Wow! Just simply Wow!
Posted by: Kari W. | July 01, 2009 at 06:54 AM
Absolutely beautiful front and back.
Posted by: Gabriele | July 01, 2009 at 08:20 AM
omg. I think that tree off life is my favorite so far :)
Posted by: Stephanie | July 01, 2009 at 09:20 AM
What inspires your intricate designs? The tree of life is now my favorite!
Posted by: Linda B | July 01, 2009 at 09:38 AM
You've really out done yourself with this design. I may actually have to try my hand at color work so that I can have a pair for myself. :D
Posted by: Zardra | July 01, 2009 at 10:45 AM
I absolutely love how these look, but they would also look good with just the heel and instep pattern with striping for the rest of the sock. I've got to do some more stash diving....cheryl
Posted by: peachesforever | July 01, 2009 at 11:22 AM
I'm also anxious to try your free pattern "Nordic Lights Socks" - I printed it out and will add it to my "to knit list". :-)
Posted by: Cathy | July 01, 2009 at 03:10 PM
Just finished some fingering weight yarn on my Ashford Traveller that was supposed to be norwegian mittens.... hmmmmm maybe I should be spinning some for patterned socks instead?
Posted by: Jolene | July 01, 2009 at 03:22 PM
I cast on Tristan & Isolde today!! It's going to be so lovely...cheryl
Posted by: peachesforever | July 01, 2009 at 03:38 PM
The Tree of Life is absolutely gorgeous! I can't wait for this book to come out!
Posted by: Amy | July 01, 2009 at 03:46 PM
Jaw dropping!
Posted by: Anne | July 01, 2009 at 05:13 PM
What creative designs! Awesome Knitting!
Posted by: diane | July 01, 2009 at 05:20 PM
Wonderful patterns! I can't wait for the book. I'll have to pre-order it!
Posted by: SusanB-knits | July 01, 2009 at 05:52 PM
fantastic! love the tree of life! I have to learn to walk backwards before i wear those.....
Posted by: knittingknudnik | July 01, 2009 at 10:25 PM
trying again to win a free pattern... I really like your work!
Posted by: Jolene | July 02, 2009 at 08:24 AM
Absolutely gorgeous!!!! You are a genius!
Posted by: Rowan | July 02, 2009 at 09:02 AM
gasp! I love that the back is as gorgeous as the front... my kind of sock
Posted by: Denise | July 02, 2009 at 09:16 AM
Oh wow, the Tree of Life looks stunning in just about any yarn! And the back is as beautiful as the front! Lovely, just lovely.
And I've pre-ordered the book. :)
Posted by: Laura | July 02, 2009 at 12:40 PM
Hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend! I'm anxiously awaiting the posting of another beautiful sock pattern!! :-)
Posted by: Cathy | July 02, 2009 at 01:07 PM
I got my Malibrigo in the mail today, so I'm ready!!!!!
Posted by: peachesforever | July 02, 2009 at 03:03 PM
Here's today's comment: "Love the socks"
Posted by: SusanB-knits | July 02, 2009 at 05:33 PM
My favorite sock so far :-)
Posted by: Gabriele | July 02, 2009 at 06:44 PM
Oh! I'm sort of in love with this latest pattern.
Posted by: sprite | July 02, 2009 at 06:51 PM
I loved it before I saw the back - now I'm drooling on the keyboard! Beautiful!
Posted by: farm-witch | July 02, 2009 at 08:22 PM
Lovely design.
Posted by: Debra in Seattle | July 03, 2009 at 06:52 AM
I'm starting to wonder what the next sock will look like.
Posted by: Gabriele | July 03, 2009 at 11:06 AM
I am excited every time I see a new one of your ads on ravelry - every pattern is more beautiful than the last, if that's possible. Tree of Life is my favorite so far.
Posted by: Meg | July 03, 2009 at 03:53 PM
I love the back of tree of life! Don't know if I can put that much into a pair of socks, but I am still a newish sock knitter!
Posted by: ReadingKnitter01 | July 03, 2009 at 07:42 PM
The back of the sock is so cute! Very cool.
Posted by: Jill B. | July 06, 2009 at 05:46 PM