Great Eight Socks
By Tobi Beck
In Numerology, Eight is the number of steadfast and reliable, patience, perseverance and deep seeded goals and earthy wisdom. These were the qualities of the Doctors Without Borders doctors that I provided security for in Somalia. People who are 'eight' people are normally subtle, quiet and reserved. They speak through their actions. They will seldom reveal their fierce craving for accomplishment and success. Eight people are hard workers and more than willing to put up with difficult situations which may otherwise break the back of common strugglers. They excel in anything requiring steadfastness and practical intelligence. This, to me, is exactly what the doctors I met embodied, and so a pattern centered on eight seemed perfect for a contest dedicated to them. Finished Size: The size for this pattern will fit most adult feet. This pattern is very stretchy and forms well to the foot and is made in a pattern suitable for both men and women. The pattern as given is for a calf that is 10-15"around 8" up from the bottom of the foot. Measure this when the foot is on the floor. This will fit most calves. The foot length is variable and will fit most feet measured around the arch from 6" to 10" around. This is by no means a loose fitting sock, it hugs the foot nicely and does not slip around as many hand knit socks do. Pattern may be made larger or smaller by increasing or decreasing 8 stitches in the cast on. Materials: Sample shown is Knit Picks Essential - Shiraz Tweed, Superwash Merino Wool. Fingering Weight 231 yards in 50 grams. Two Balls. \*Any Fingering (Sock) Weight yarn will work, as long as it is between 425-475 yards per 100 grams. Size 2 sock needles. These were knit on 9" round Addi turbo circular needles, however many people do not like to work on such small needles. This can be done on double points or magic loop.
Small piece of contrasting color finger weight yarn, tapestry Needle to weave in ends, and stitch markers.
Gauge:
In pattern, 4 repeats by 4 sets measures 2 % " by 3 % ". To save time, take time to check gauge.
Abbreviations:
K =Knit P=Purl K2tog = Knit two together SSK = Slip two stitches knit-wise and place them back on the needle and knit together.
Stitch Pattern:
Row 1: K1, P7, repeat around. Row 2: K2, P6, repeat around. Row 3: K3, P5, repeat around. Row 4: K4, P4, repeat around. Row 5: K5, P3, repeat around. Row 6: K6, P2, repeat around. Row 7: K7, P1, repeat around.
Directions:
Cast on 64 stitches Cuff: Work 16 rows in K2, P2 ribbing. Body: Follow stitch pattern for a total of 8 times. At the beginning of next pattern, knit 32 stitches in the contrasting color, then slip these stitches back on left needle (the needle they came from originally). Foot: Starting with Row 1 continue the stitch pattern until measurement from contrasting color is 4" shorter than overall length of the foot.
Toe:
Place markers between_stitches 1 and 64, and between 32 and 33 (these are the transition between th top of the foot and thebottom. Row 1: Knit around. Row 2: K1, SSK, knit until three stitches before marker, K2tog, K1, repeat from beginning of round. Repeat these two rows seven more times (32 stitches remain) Repeat row 2 until 8 stitches remain, graft together.
Heel:
Carefully pick up 32 stitches on each side of the contrasting yarn. Separate onto 4 needles. Place markers between stitch 1 & 64, and between32&33. Row 1: Start at side of sock (stitch 1) and knit around Row 2: K1, SSK, repeat K1, Slip 1 until 3 stitches before the second marker, K2tog, K1. Repeat from beginning of row. Row 3: Knit around. Row 4: K1, SSK, repeat Slip 1, K1until 3 stitches before second marker, K2tog, K1. Repeat from beginning of row. Repeat rows 1-4 two more times Row 13: K1, SSK, knit to 3 stitches before marker, K2tog, K1, repeat from beginning of row. Row 14: K1, SSK, continue in S1, K1 pattern to 3 stitches before marker, k2 beginning of row. Repeat rows 13 and 14 until 12 stitches remain.
Put it on, admire it and cast on that second sock!
