I have a history of knitting a pair of socks for my dad for Christmas every year. This year I dropped the ball. My poor dad had no handknit socks to unwrap on Christmas morning. To make up for it, I designed a pair of socks just for him (though this isn't the first pair he's inspired, my Alpha Socks and Business Casual Socks were also designed for and gifted to him!) This time I used a special skein of Purple Label Cashmere Sock yarn in the Rock colourway that I went on and on about here. Dad deserves nothing but the best!
The Smokestack Socks were obviously inspired my my Brixter Hat pattern. I just love all that texture and those crisp cables. Actually, to be even more specific, these socks were inspired by the ever so slightly modified Brixter I knit a few months ago. With a slightly different cabling rhythm these socks are the perfect, simple, unisex pattern. I have plans to knit myself a pair in a brighter colourway.
The pattern is offered in two sizes, small and large, which roughly translate into "average woman and average man" sizes. However labeling sizes is can be so arbitrary so lets just say that I'd make the small size for myself (I have tiny feet, I wear a size 5 or 6 shoe) and I'd knit the large size for Chris (he has regular man sized feet, wears a size 10 shoe) and each pair will fit the intended recipient perfectly! The all over ribbing makes for a very stretchy and therefor forgiving and comfortable pattern. Perfect for sock knitting.
$5
Details:
Yarn:
1 skein Tanis Fiber Arts Purple Label Cashmere Sock yarn
(70% superwash merino, 20% cashmere, 10% nylon, 115g = 400yds).
Size:
Pattern is given in two sizing options, small (large) –
roughly translated into woman’s medium / (men’s medium). The cast on number is
the same for both sizes, needle size, heel, gusset and toe instructions vary.
Needles:
Set of 4, 2.25mm (US 1) / (2.75mm (US 2)) dpns or size
needed to obtain gauge.
Gauge:
17 stitches and 20 rounds = 1.5” (1.75”) wide and 1.25”
(1.5”) tall unblocked in pattern.
Finished Measurements:
Cuff Circumference: approx 12” (13)” stretched.
Leg and Foot lengths vary depending on knitter’s preference.
Additional Tools and Materials:
Tapestry needle
Ravelry pattern page here.