Three Pines is a state of mind.
When we choose tolerance over hate,
kindness over cruelty,
goodness over bullying,
when we choose to be hopeful not cynical,
then we live in Three Pines.
[Louise Penny]
Louise Penny, a mystery writer from Québec, Canada, is one of my favorite authors. Three Pines is the imaginary village that is home to many of the characters in her enthralling stories.
As the unofficial Christmas stocking knitter in my extended family, an honor I inherited from my mama, I usually knit colorful designs. I’ve long dreamed of doing one in a cream color with the pattern in texture stitches instead of color. Here it is. This is my tribute to Louise Penny, her books, and her imaginary village.
The pattern [DOWNLOAD PDF HERE] includes written directions for shaping and charts for the texture design.
Gauge: 8 Rows/inch (2.5 cm) and 6 Stitches/inch (2.5 cm). The sock can be enlarged or reduces in size by selecting heavier or lighter weight yarn and needles.
Yarn: Aran or cream colored worsted weight such as Brown Sheep Nature Spun or Cascade 220, 100 grams.
Needles: Double-pointed sock set or short circular in a size to render the gauge—about US #4 (3.5 mm) or #5 (3.75 mm).
Select these links for further information about Louise Penny and her books.
Louise Penny Website
Gamache Book Series
Brome Lake Books
Knitting, writing and other joys 
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Louise Penny is in my top 5 best loved mystery writers. Katherine, what a lovely post this is and the stocking you have designed is absolutely stunning. Your mama must be smiling so happily upon you. I’ve downloaded it and will give it a try. Thank you for this gift and please know how happy I am to find your blog post in my mail.
All best wishes for good health, joy, and love,
Mary Jo
I bought a copy of your lovely book and admire your writing talent as well as the quilt. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Katherine, I just found this comment. Thank you for supporting my book and your kind thoughts… I made a quilt based on my cover and treasure it as a memory of the people in my life who walked with me on my journey.
I’m remembering conference times and smiling as we all live in our Covid world. Take such good care and be well!
As ever,
Mary Jo
Such a gorgeous design! Thanks for sharing it and the lovely quote. –Jennifer K.
Thank you so much.
I can’t knit but i’m a huge Louise Penny fan!
I listen to her books so I can hear how the French words are pronounced. I live close to Canada but have never been to Quebec. It is good to hear from you.
Hi Katherine, Thank you for sharing this beautiful pattern. I’m looking forward to knitting a pair.
Blessings,
Sonja
If you plan to knit people-size socks, the stitch count in the pattern would work using sock yarn and smaller needles (US #1 or #2). Thanks for your kind words.
Thank you so much, Katherine. I was so excited to see this pattern. It’s elegant and tells a story. I am just beginning my journey with Louise Penny. I’m reading her first book of that series. Looking forward to knitting with you later this year. Hugs, Mary
I feel like we are always knitting together even though we don’t see each other often. I hope you enjoy Ms Penny’s books as much as I do.
Your dear mama tried so hard to teach me to knit, so did cousin, Marilyn. I love your quote. I am going to have to look up Louise Penny, I love good mysteries.
Love you, too
Charlotte
So good to hear from you.