Socktober keeps your feet and your heart warm

Kerstin Balke from northern Germany, known as Stine & Stitch, has been knitting since she was six years old. She has turned her hobby into a profession and has published several knitting books. Balke prefers to work with multi-coloured yarns and designs particularly colourful jacquard patterns. She is inspired by Scandinavian design and traditional patterns. Clever colour combinations give Balke's knitting a modern look, as in these Harlequin, By the Sea and Late Summer socks designed for Novita.

Niina Laitinen, dubbed Finland's sock queen, needs little introduction. The multiple bestselling author is particularly known for her spectacular woollen socks, which include a variety of lace, braids and embroidery. And the pattern for the Trail-themed socks designed for Socktober is guaranteed to be from Niina Laitinen!