I seem to always face difficulties finding sock patterns for variegated, or multi-colored/striped, yarn. The basic issue is that variegated yarns can make it hard to discern intricate patterns knit with fine or thin sock yarn because the striped colors can obfuscate fine patterns.
The two obvious answers to this issue are to either buy monochromatic yarn or to knit simpler patterns. But of course I don't want to compromise, so instead I'll spend an inordinate amount of time looking for patterned socks that can really feature variegated yarns each and every time I start any new sock project.
My most recent project was no exception, though thankfully, the answer found itself in the Kellswater pattern I already owned, in the Spring 2012 Interweave Knits magazine.
The pattern knit up pretty well, even though I put the project down for almost a year and a half before completing it (granted, I was probably only a few rows in when I put it down). The yarn, from Lorna's Laces, was really wonderful and the socks have a nice plush feeling to them when I put them on.
My favorite part of the pattern is definitely the relatively long cuff at the top of the leg, which adds greater complexity to the sock. I also like the front ribbing and cables, but the back part of the sock, the anchor and tree pattern, I have to admit, I am not sure what to make of.
These socks also gave me the opportunity to finally try Jeny's stretchy bind-off, a technique I heard about on Brenda Dayne's awesome podcast, Cast On. After trying this technique, I definitely not going back. It's a perfect way to complete toe-up socks, with a cuff that isn't too tight on your calf. I may even go back to some old socks and try to re-do them with this new bind off.
Kellswater Socks for Me
Pattern: Kellswater Socks by Sara Morris, published in Interweave Knits, Spring 2012
Yarn: Shepherd Sock by Lorna's Laces, 0.9 skein in color 709 Hermosa
Needles: 2 US 1 circulars
Measurements: For the foot, 10 inches from toe to heel and 7 inch circumference. For the leg, 9 3/4 inches from bottom of the heel to top of leg and 6 3/4 inch circumference.
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