Description
These socks are knitted in the round from the cuff to the toe, and begin with a Herringbone Braid at the top. The directions offer an option to learn Intarsia-in-the-Round, but you can also strand the socks. The pattern includes photos, charts, theory boxes, technique boxes, a schematic, a list of abbreviations, a reading list for further study.
Note: Intarsia-in-the-round is a type of knitting has been used in some historic Estonian mittens, in Swedish twined knitted sleeves, as well as in Bulgarian Socks. These socks will have more elasticity if knitted using the Intarsia in the round technique. If you strand the socks, be very careful to stretch your knitting often. Try working the background in Christmasy red,a winter-night navy, or pine bough green!
This sock pattern is inspired by the book Snow Crystals by W. A. “Snowflake” Bentley and is dedicated to him for his life-long interest in photographing snowflakes. There is a sweet little museum highlighting his work and life in Jericho, Vermont.
Here is a very short video from the museum website of Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley.
Featured Techniques
Herringbone Braid, Intarsia-in-the-Round, The Dutch Heel and Wedge Toe, and Kitchener Stitch
Sizes
Small Child (4-8 years)-6″ (15 cm) [Medium Adult-8” (20.25 cm), Large Adult-10” (25.25 cm)] (Circumference of sock leg)
Gauge
In St st: 28 sts and 44 rows per 4″ (10 cms)
Materials
Needles:
US size 0 (2.0mm) dpns, or size needed to obtain gauge.
Yarn:
Sock yarn: 218 yards/ 200 meters, 1.75 oz / 50 g skein or other sock weight yarn:
• 1 (2, 2) skeins of Main Color yarn: (MC- darker yarn for background)
• 1 skein of Contrasting Color yarn: #10 Natural (CC- lighter yarn for the snowflake motifs)
