Laughing Waves Sock Pattern: A Tribute to Gertrude Ederle's Historic Channel Swim

LaughingWaves A tributetoGertrudeEderle

Twasfiapplestbetw "l was hapniest between the waves " "I was happiest between the waves." Happiness! The next clue is here!!! Let me tell you a little bit about it. I looked at this stitch for a long time before deciding to design a sock based on the ebb and flow of the stitches. When I happened upon the quote from Gertrude Ederle and learned about her it clicked. The stitch and the inspiration came together and Laughing Waves is the result. I hope you enjoy knitting it as we spend time together here on Ravelry. If you don't have Clue #1 you'll need to download that and knit a little before you proceed with this clue.

A couple of things to note about the pattern before you begin (Please Read):

Laughing Waves is written for Dainty, Pretty and Luscious. I added Dainty and Luscious after the fact to accommodate different sizes. The original size Pretty was tested extensively. If you knit Dainty or Luscious please let me know if you run into a glitch and kindness is most appreciated . Look below for the information in the size you want to knit. I detest the typical sizing labels as I feel they can be derogatory. Enough about this..'m rambling. The pattern is written and charted with a caveat so refer to your size before you start. Written instructions are on pages 3 and 4. The chart and key can be found on pages 4 and 5. Size Dainty (56 sts.)-The written stitch instructions have 30 sts. You are knitting a 56 stitch sock so you remove stitches as you did in the ribbing to follow the written instructions. With the chart you will OMIT stitches 15-20. Print your pattern and blackout those stitches since you don't need them for your daintyfeet. Size Pretty (60 sts.): The written stitch instructions are written for your size so you can follow those along with no modifications. If you want to use the chart you will OMlT stitches 16-19. Print your pattern and black them out as you won't need them for your pretty feet. Size Luscious (68 sts.)-if you choose to follow the written instructions you will need to add the stitches as you did with the ribbing. The written instructions are for 30 stitches and you are knitting a 68 stitch sock. The chart is done for your size and if you use the chart you won't have to make any changes! If you are more luscious think about a different needle size to give you the room your shapelylegsneed.

INSTRUCTIONS

You've already knit your ribbing right? Time to move on.... Knit 2 1/2 repeats of the Laughing Waves Pattern or as desired. The leg of the sock will be approx. 7-7 1/2". Change to US 1 % (2.5 mm). The remainder of the sock is knit on these needles. Now you have to wait for Clue #3!

A little information about Ms. Ederle:

Her first attempt to swim the English Channel, in 1925, was disqualified halfway through on a technicality. She made her second, successful try on August 6, 1926. That is 89 years ago this August and what a perfect way to celebrate her accomplishment! She started at Cape Gris-Nez on the French coast, wearing a two-piece bathing suit with goggles and a swim cap and a heck of a lot of courage. That was a racy bathing suit back then! She coated her body with lanolin as protection from jellyfish stings and the water's cold temperature.Yuck!

Laughing Waves Chart for Leg of Sock (34 stitch multiple, 24 round repeat, size Luscious) Remember to OMIT stitches if you are knitting size Dainty or Pretty (see page 1). Knit the chart repeat twice for the sock circumference. Chart key on page 4.

A picture is worth a thousand words isn't it? The stitch becomes very rhythmic once you become familiar with the ebb and flow of the pattern.

NOTE: My charting software doesn't have the left twist and right twist (If it does I can't find it!) as I knit them so the symbols and key are a bit different. Refer to abbreviations in Clue #1.