Its so hard picking a pattern for others, but the 2 times I've done it, I've managed to pick the yarn first, then find a pattern, and the pattern speaks to me once I have the yarn. No idea, but it has worked for me!

I agree with the difficulty of picking a pattern. I've been mulling it over for the past few days myself. I have a pretty specific color picked out, now I need the yarn and pattern. I'm thinking of doing something out of Sensational Knit Socks. They give charts for so many different sizes that it makes it easy to knit something for someone else when only given their measurements.

I saw the mention on Whip Up too, and *yes*, it's pretty freakin cool. ;)

Good luck picking out your sock pattern! Wish I could help, but I have no experience picking out sock patterns for other people (or in general - all of mine have been boring stockinette so far :)

My advice on socks - DO NOT knit Jaywalker for someone else. The problem is this sock is very tight fitting and there have been lots of fit problems. The chances are quite likely it would be too big or too small for your pal and that would be a disappointment.

That said, I totally recommend knitting it for yourself. :-)

yeah... it is hard to pick out a pattern for someone else. i love the gentleman socks, it is pretty! i would not try jaywalker either, one it is extremely popular, your sockpal may be knitting it already, second... the fitting may be tricky. i think to knit something a little challenging is also a good idea. let us know what you decide!!

I'd agree with Cara and Blossom on not making Jaywalkers. Fit is tricky and she may already have made it or have it in the works. I would also have to agree with Blossom on the gentleman socks.

How about Slouch Socks in "Socks, Socks, Socks?" They are soooo pretty. Or Butterfly Bows on the facing page? If you want lacy...try Feather and Fan or Gull Wings, same book. I did the F&F for my aunt...fun pattern. As for Gentleman's Socks, which I just finished and had declared "great" by my Utah son, I modified the pattern just a tad. I ran that ribbing all the way down to the ankle.

Hmmm, I would probably go with Gentleman's socks. Cause they are cool. But I also really like the shooting stockings and the bed socks. I probably wouldn't go with the chalet socks, cause I've looked at those charts and they look difficult. And then I'd base my yarn choice on how big the sock needed to be compared to the number of stitches. For instance, if the pattern had 72 stitches and the person's feet weren't that big, I'd go with something tiny like Lorna's Laces. I'm sure whatever you choose will be awesome.

I would have to second the Gentleman's shooting socks - there were my first of the new year, and I loved knitting the pattern.....will do it again!

I have to put in my vote for the Chalet socks. Classic, yet challenging. Honestly, though, I think pretty much any of those Nancy Bush patterns would be a hit.

Good choice to scrap the JWs. They are hard to make fit when you have a foot right there. Nancy's patterns are so great and any one would be good. I'm going to knit the Gentleman's sock for Smith as soon as my Sockpal Sock is done. I'm having a hard time deciding, too!

I like Chalet very much. That would be my vote. Plus it's one I haven't seen around much so chances are they wouldn't have themselves.

Yeah for Friday!

Wow you have been written up! Congratulations! I just purchased 2 sock books off Amazon. I have one dinky little sock pattern and I'm branching out, growing the family of patterns! I know you will pick a wonderful pattern for your secret pal!

I am really looking forward to Sew? I Knit. Great idea ;)

Whoa, am I the only one who really likes the cycling socks? There's just something about cuff details that calls to me, I suppose.

You're getting lots of great advice from everyone - isn't that wonderful? I'm sure whatever you make your sock pal will love!

Yes, the first time you do Jaywalkers should be for yourself, and then you'll know if you can do it for someone else or not, and then, only if you really know those feet very well! LOL

Love all your sock ideas... I was sort of not into the Jaywalkers at first simply because EVERYONE was knitting them, but this week I cast on and have most of one done... I am sure they will look great whichever you choose!