Amethyst is a super fascinating stone, used for protection in battle, as a ward against drunkenness and for intaglio carving, its soft purple hue lends a calm beauty to goblets, amulets and jewellery. Found in a range of purple (one of the definitions of Amethyst is “purple” qualified by “any purple”), some of amethyst’s more common shades are rose, mauve and lavender.

• Wrinkle Press Knee High •
• Check Pattern Footies •
• Harajuku Scrunchy Socks •

The most valuable amethyst, however, is deep purple, with tinges of violet. I think what we and our suppliers tend to call “plum” is a good match.

• Super Ms •
• Soft & Dreamy Knee Highs •
• Boy’s Socks •

Because people have always loved to coordinate, violets (more properly, “violas”) are February’s flower. Tiny and purple with a distinctive five-petal shape; their larger, hybrid form is called a “pansy.”

• Polonova Flower Trouser Socks •
• Bunch of Pansies Over the Knee •
• Tibetan Flower Crews •

February’s dominant constellation is Aquarius, the water bearer. Symbolised by layered waves, it’s also part of a song title I bet you’re trying not to get stuck in your head. I think Nouvella’s Space Ocean colourway is kind of a perfect match—and the wee baby sock version way more fun (and cozy!) for little folks born this month than rocks and flowers.

• Dreamer Jacquard Ripple OTK •
• Space Dyed Terry Baby Booties •
• Dreamer Diamond Wave OTK •

So far February hasn’t tricked me with a sneaky nice day that pretends spring is around the corner, but we’re only about at the halfway mark of this short little month. There is plenty of time for one surprisingly warm day to make me think I don’t have to work so hard to stay cozy.

January’s gemstone is garnet, which is normally a gorgeous deep burgundy (though also happens in yellow and a startling green!). Philippe Matignon’s red is called “garnet” (or actually, “rosso granata”) and I couldn’t think of a better name for this shade.

• Multi-Lines Knee Highs •
• Lily Lace-Topped Knee High •

It’s thought that the word “garnet” came from “pomegranate” and even if that’s not true, it totally could be. Our Dreamer Socks’ deep red shade is called Pomegranate, and we like it so much we’ve even got the 100 Inch Super Ruched done in the same delicious colour.

• Extraordinary Striped Thigh Highs •
• 100 Inch Super Ruched Socks •
• Dreamer Jacquard Ripple OTK •

Each month has a couple of flowers to choose from, it all depends on where you are, really. But mostly it seems like January’s flower is the carnation. The original colour of the carnation is pink, but thanks to flower science and careful cultivation, they now come in a whole tonne of shades. But one thing makes a carnation what it is and that’s the layers of ruffle-y petals. Hmm, what do we have that has layers of ruffles?

• Micromesh Lace Ruffle Tanga Short •
• Layered Tulle Petticoat •

Of course, you don’t need straight up lotsa ruffles to get a ruffle-y look. Sometimes a textured sock and a good scrunch is all that’s necessary.

• Dreamer Ruffled Stripe OTK •
• Textured Stripe Knee High •
• Keri Dimensional Stripe Crew •

The constellation associated with most of January is Capricornus (more commonly known as Capricorn). It’s a fish-goat. Or a sea-goat, if you want to be proper. Since we don’t have anything that has mohair in it right now (mohair comes from Angora goats), I think Capricorn will have to be represented by things that don’t go together, yet totally do make one awesome whole.

Stance always offers some cool mixed packs of mixable, matchable socks. Maybe those Trilogy Midcalves are more like a chimera, since that’s made up of three different things instead of two.

• Trilogy Midcalves •
• Mariner Midcalves •

These Sock It To Me Toddler & Kids Two Packs are fun because they pair up some unexpected and adorable designs. You know that monkeys and dinos would hang out or that ninjas like robots. But did you know that ninjas also love cupcakes?

There’s still over half of January to go and a long way until spring up here in the Northern hemisphere, so keep warm! Unless you’re in the Southern hemisphere, in which case may I offer you some lightweight sock styles, if you don’t mind my totally shivering while I do.

Arm warmers and fingerless gloves do wonders in keeping you warm!

Clockwise, from top: Harajuku Arm Warmers in Navy, Fingerless Arm Cozy in Denim Blue, Alpaca Cable Hand Warmers in Steel Blue, Wool Fingerless Gloves in Robin’s Egg, Acrylic Fingerless Shorties in Peacock, Orkney Angora Wrist Warmers in Azure.

Taller socks are a wonderful layer, over tights or under pants, for that extra level of cozy!

Clockwise, from top: Long Cuffable Scrunchable Socks in Royal, Orkney Angora Over the Knees in Azure, Kimi Wool Blend OTKs in Dark Royal, OTK Tube Socks in Royal, Long Cuffable Scrunchable Socks in Navy, Faux Fur Cuff Knee Highs in Sapphire.

Shorter socks can keep your toes snug, with warm wool and fabulous fuzzies!

Clockwise, from top: Gregorio Wool Bootsocks in Denim, Rainbow Striped Wooly Socks in Jean, M Bootsocks in Navy, New Zealand Bed Socks in Navy, ToeToe Walking Socks in Navy & Grey, Dahlgren Hiking Midcalf in Atmosphere.

Even tiny toes can be spared from the cold!

Clockwise, from top: B.Ella Stimolo Baby Bootie in Light Blue & White, B.Ella Baby Teddy Booties in Blue Marl, B.Ella Katy Striped Wool Baby Socks in Denim, Baby Wool Socks in Navy, Argyle Baby Booties in Denim, Dottie Polka Dot Baby Socks in Light Blue with White Dots.

There’s no need for fingers and toes to go blue from the cold, not when lots of toasty options exist already in those shades.

This is a huge bummer, especially now that we’re officially into winter, because MP made some of our most favourite cozy styles. Since the stock we have now is the last we’ll be seeing of them, if you’ve been wanting an MP style and have been hesitating, now’s the time to treat yourself. And if you haven’t been coveting an MP style? Then let me explain just how wonderful they are.

The cornerstone of our love of MP is their cotton-lined wool. Comfy cotton on the inside and superwash wool on the outside, they are some of our warmest styles. Plus, the superwash wool is pre-shrunk, and the label suggests washing warm or hot. With wool! Of course, for best results, wash inside out in cool water & hang to dry. Taken care of well, these sturdy and well-made cotton-lined wool styles could be solid staples of your wardrobe for a long time.

• Cotton-Lined Wool Tights •
• Cotton-Lined Wool Knee Highs •
• Wide Stripe Cotton-Lined Wool Tights •

MP offers some great wool knee highs but the one true love of most Dreamers are the Coarse Knit Knee Highs. They’re thick and scrumptious, but probably not too thick for your favourite winter shoes. And they’re long enough to reach the knees of most legs who try them! Available in two sizes and three colours, the Coarse Knit Knee Highs are one style that I think all of us are trying to get a pair of before they go away.

Even the littlest ones can get cozy with MP. The terry loops of the Baby Wool Socks keep tiny toes cozy and the Cotton-Lined Wool Knee Highs go down in size to a kid’s US 3.5-5.5.

• Cotton-Lined Wool Knee Highs •
• Baby Wool Socks •

Not all colours are available in tiny sizes, so use the drop-down menu to choose the size you’re interested in first, then pick the colours that show up as available (not greyed out).

Of course, MP isn’t all about the cozy, they also have some light, weight warm weather styles that are equally as fabulous. Sure, it may be pretty dang cold right now, but these styles probably won’t be here when warm weather comes back. Future you will be forever thankful.

• Check Pattern Footies •
• Flower Rib Leggings •
• Lace Crew •

These are just a few of all the MP styles we have left! Before you say your goodbyes to MP by getting something to remember them by, check out the MP sock sizing guide after the jump—with basic sizing ranges and what styles we carry in each size.

We know that MP sizing can be confusing, so here’s a guide to help you find the right size when looking at their socks (not applicable to tights, their sizing is a little more involved). There is always a little variance, depending on the style, so make sure to check the Sizing Tips for the style you’re interested in before you buy.

Extra-Large: Label says 10H
Fits Euro shoe sizes 40-41, US women’s shoe size 7-10.5 and up to a US men’s 9-ish.

• At Cross Over the Knee •
• Check Pattern Footies •
• Coarse Knit Knee Highs •
• Cotton-Lined Wool Knee High •
• Lace Crew •
• Lace Knee High •
• Lace Trimmed Ankle Socks •
• Lightly Ribbed Wool OTK •
• Moss Stitch Rib Knee High •
• Multi Stripe Knee Highs •
• Oslo Popcorn Stitch Knee High •
• Sailor Stitch Knee High •

Large: Label says 10
Fits Euro shoe sizes 37-39, women’s US size 5-7 and up to a US men’s 5-ish.

• Lace Trimmed Ankle Socks •
• Coarse Knit Knee Highs •

Medium/Large: Label says 8
Fits Euro shoe sizes 33-36, women’s US size 2.5 – 5.5 and up to a US men’s 4-ish.

• Check Pattern Footies •
• Cotton-Lined Wool Knee High •
• Lace Crew •
• Lace Knee High •
• Lace Trimmed Ankle Socks •
• Moss Stitch Rib Knee High •
• Multi Stripe Knee Highs •

Medium: Label says 6
Fits Euro shoe sizes 29 – 32, women’s/kid’s US size 12-1.5

• Cotton-Lined Wool Knee High •
• Lace Trimmed Ankle Socks •
Medium/Small: Label says 4
Fits Euro shoe sizes 25-28, kid’s US size 8.5-11

• Cotton-Lined Wool Knee High •

Small: Label says 2
Fits Euro shoe sizes 22-24, kid’s US size 6-8

• Cotton-Lined Wool Knee High •

Extra Small: Label says 0
FitsEuro shoe sizes 19-21, kid’s US size 3.5-5.5

• Cotton-Lined Wool Knee High •

And for babies (only applies to the Baby Wool Socks):

Small: EU 17-18, US 2-3
Approximate age 3-6 months. The foot is about 2.5 inches long, unstretched.

Medium: EU 19-21, US 4-6
Approximate age 6-12 months. The foot is about 3 inches long, unstretched.

Large: EU 22-24, US 6-8
Approximate age 1-2 years. The foot is about 3.5 inches long, unstretched.

So long and fare thee well, MP!

Traditionally, the nutcracker turns into a human prince after Marie helps defeat the mouse army. But Marie likes the nutcracker the way he is, so he stays the way he looks, but has a more royal bearing now. They romantically dance in the snow.

The nutcracker and Marie take a nutshell boat pulled by sharks across a sea to the Land of Sweet Socks.

When they reach shore they go to the  Sugarplum Fairy who was keeping an eye on things until Prince Nutcracker returned. They tell the Sugarplum Fairy all about how Marie helped defeat the mouse king.

The Sugarplum Fairy is impressed and puts on a show for Marie and Prince Nutcracker. First, cozy chocolate coloured socks and arm warmers dance with a capital “D.”

Then coffee stripes wrestle a little bit, because they’re kind of wound up on caffeine.

Candy cane-coloured red and white stripes twist about.

Floral socks, sheer and woolly put on a fashion show with some garters.

From under Mother Gigogne’s skirts dance her wee little children.

For the finale, the Sugarplum Fairy dances with her cavalier.

Full of joy, everyone dances together as Marie and the nutcracker watch.

But the dancers begin disappearing  . . .

And even the Nutcracker Prince leaves Marie.

And Marie is all alone.

She wakes up at the foot of the Christmas tree, next to the still broken nutcracker.

With determination, Marie goes back to sleep, back to the Land of Sweet Socks. If it was all a dream, what a sweet, sock dream it was!

Please keep in mind that December is by far the busiest time of year for both Sock Dreams and USPS. We always do our best to get all orders out the door within 24 hours, but because the post office is also being flooded with mail from around the world, shipping times WILL increase the further we get into December. The simple trick here is to place your order early and select the right shipping method for your needs.

If you’re shipping within the U.S. and hoping for an order to arrive by December 24th, our free first-class shipping should be speedy enough to cover you through December 18th.

Priority shipping gives you an extra day or so of wiggle room; you can safely order with Priority through December 19th for delivery by the 24th.

By December 20th, we highly recommend that you opt for 2-Day Express if you want to be absolutely sure that the package will be delivered by the 24th.

At this point in the season, our international customers will want to select Priority or Express International shipping for all orders with a holiday due date. Unfortunately, we cannot control how long Customs may hold on to an order during inspection, but placing your order with Priority/Express International shipping can often expedite the package’s transit through Customs.

Even slightly belated gifts will still be appreciated, so don’t let tricky shipping times ruin the fun and joy of your holidays. And remember– if you’re down to the wire and you’ve completely run out of time to ship anything, there’s always our e-gift cards, which are emailed to your recipient immediately!

More information about our shipping options can always be found on our shipping information page, and we encourage you to contact us at any time with questions about shipping, gift orders, or anything else!

The scene opens on the Sockerhaus home, the tree of green DreaM Stockings has been decorated for the holiday in lights and ornaments with stars on top. Marie and her brother Fritz admire the trimmings.

The clock strikes and a mysterious figure appears. It’s Herr Drosselmidcalf!

He’s brought with him a wonderful toy, a fanciful nutcracker shaped like a soldier.

Marie is charmed by the nutcracker.

Fritz, to spite Marie, breaks the nutcracker. Fritz is a jerk.

After everyone else has gone to bed, Marie goes to check on the poor nutcracker still lying under the tree. She falls asleep.

The clock strikes midnight and Marie awakens, to find the tree grown crazy tall and the nutcracker bigger than she!

Suddenly, an army of mice appear, led by a ferocious king mouse.

The mice attack the nutcracker, overwhelming him.

Marie thinks fast and throws a slipper (well, she’s a slipper—so, herself) at the king mouse, knocking him out. The army of mice run away.

But what happens next?  Tune in next week for the socktastic conclusion of The Nutcracker Sock Ballet!

The weather here has been getting pretty cold and as silly as some styles may appear at first glance, more Dreamers seem to be cozying up to faux fur and other fuzzies and finding them fantastic at keeping warm.

Fuzzy fur is a great choice for keeping those toes warm at home. New Zealand Bed Sock styles are practically slippers (and some have treads and just are slippers!) and the plush, woolly fur that they’re lined with doesn’t mat, keeping fluffy and trapping that warm air for you!

• New Zealand Bed Socks with Hearts •
• New Zealand Bed Socks with Polka Dots •
• New Zealand Bed Socks with Stripes •

For more subtle daily fuzziness, the touches of silky-soft microfiber on these styles adds a bit of snuggliness.

• Feather Cuff OTK 2-Pack •
• Cotton Legging with Microfiber Cuff •

But, the ultra-ultimate in furry warmth has got to be furry leg warmers. Fabulous faux fur keeping you crazy cozy.

• Wild Furry Warmers •
• Furry Lurex Leg Warmers •

We’ve got lots more styles (and more due as the cold progresses) so try out the “Furry – Fuzzy” Advanced Search and check ‘em out!

Back in the old days, when this was a simple hand made site using a simple program I could use any image, any size or shape, I wanted. But when we converted to a dynamic design consistency was required and we set the image size at a puny 200 x 300 px images to keep it lean. Last year we started adding larger images with zoom function and now we can also add multiple images, per color/size, plus we can also play with formats so horizontals and squares will start appearing in addition to our traditional “portrait” orientation. I’m even going back to throwing in some more artistic shots here and there.

Not only are we adding more images to our products on the site these days, we have been showing off our images, and images we like, in places like Pinterest, Chictopia and now Instagram… which, at this time, is just my snaps though our social media Dreamers will all still be keeping an eye in there for new favorite shots and catching comments and tags that I might miss in the flurry of socks that fly by in the average day at SDHQ.

Layers are key to warmth, and the best first layer is something extra cozy, like fleece-lined tights or leggings.

• Lined Micro-Fleece Tights •
• Fleece Lined Leggings •

Warm and wooly socks in any height also go great lengths in keeping your toes toasty.

• Lexy Wool Boucle Stripes•
• Cronert Ribbed Wool OTK •
• M Bootsocks •

These and other warm and snuggly styles in our Warm! collection should take care of the physical downers of the season, but what about bright and cheery things to get you through sunless stretches?  Well, I’ve got some eye-dazzling options for you after the jump.

 Rainbows are an obvious option for a dash of colour, and these rainbows will help keep you warm too!

• Tie Dyed Fingerless Gloves •
• Furry Rainbow Leg Warmer •
• Tubular Ladybug Socks (in rainbow!) •

For solid colours that come in a rainbow of hues, the Harajuku Super Loose Socks and the Acrylic Slouch Socks both have bright or sunny options.

And there’s always our Novelty Sock collection, with silly styles to make you smile, no matter the weather.

• Smiley Faced Socks •
• Trifecta of All That Is Awesome Knee Highs •
• Loving Horses Crew •

So don’t let these last dark days of winter get you down.  Start looking towards spring and keep warm until you get there!