Malabrigo quickies: Impossible Geometry Socks
It is that odd time of the year, when the weather can’t quite decide if it is full on summer or if the crisp fall days are ready to stay, and then there is the whole, is it time to go back to school or is there one more week of vacation left, type of energy to sort through as well. Socks though, they never try to confuse you, and so I am beyond thrilled to share this surprise July Quickies pattern with you all! Sarah Dawn designed a truly decadent cuff-down pair of socks in the most intriguing stitch pattern. Grab your favorite colorway of Ultimate Sock and you will be on your way to a well-deserved knitting break that does not care what the weather says and that will be the perfect companion for any meetings that might have just slipped your mind that would much rather be poolside…
Sarah Dawn has been fascinated by knitting since first learning how to knit at the age of 5, and loving (almost all) of it. When she’s not knitting, she’s (re)teaching herself to crochet and spin. Beyond yarn, her other vices include tea and curling up with a good book. Currently, she lives in the Toronto, Canada area, along with her roommate and two cats. She finds this whole ‘write about yourself in the third person’ thing rather awkward, but it seems to work out alright (let’s all give her a big round of applause for that!).
I had the opportunity to ask Sarah about her sock pattern and I’m excited to share with you all today!
1: What is your favorite part of your Quickies design and why?
That’s a tough question - but if I have to choose, I’d say it’s the 1-over-4 cables. It’s a less common cable stitch, but I love the effect it created!
2: What should knitters pay attention to when working this pattern? Do you have any tips or tricks that will make knitting this pattern easier?
When you’re working the instep of the sock, you have to ‘borrow’ some stitches for the cable from the edge of the gusset. This is where reading the columns of your knitting will come in really handy, as that will help you stay in pattern. Also, the stitch pattern zig-zags back and forth by one stitch, so, just pay attention to your round counter and you will be perfectly fine!
3: What do you think knitters will enjoy the most about this project?
I hope that knitters will enjoy using a less common (but not difficult!) cable stitch that creates a really interesting texture we don’t see with some of the more common cables.
4: Was there any particular inspiration you had when creating this piece?
M.C. Escher is one of my favorite artists, because I love the idea that the spaces and objects he depicts can’t actually exist in real life - and his work was basically the entire inspiration for the stitch motif.
5: What is your favorite color in Malabrigo’s catalog?
You’re making me choose? Because really, the answer is ‘almost all of them?’ Oh, fine, if you’re making me pick only one. . . . I think I’d have to say “Whales Road”. The “Teal Feather” comes in at a very close second, though!
6: What is the one thing you wish people knew about you as a designer?
I write my patterns so that anyone can knit them, with a focus on accessibility and inclusion. The Impossible Geometry Socks, for example, come with both charted and written instructions, as well as a large-print version that’s compatible with screen-reading technology for visually impaired knitters. I honestly believe that absolutely anyone can knit anything - so, if you’re ever stuck, please reach out and ask questions.
7: What beverage are you most likely to have by your side while designing?
It’s summer, so I tend towards iced or cold-brew coffee (as I’m typing this, I’m sipping coffee I poured over frozen blueberries, and, 100% recommend!) If I want a warm drink, I usually can be found with either a hazelnut coffee or a cup of Earl Grey tea.
Be sure to check Sarah out in the following places:
Social Media Profiles
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SarahDawnsDesigns
Ravelry ID: Sarah Dawn
Website: https://www.sarahdawnsdesigns.com
You can find the pattern:
Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/impossible-geometry-socks
