Vortical by Phoenix Bess
Like water spinning in a vortex, the lace patterns on these socks swirl dramatically around your legs. Moving in opposite directions as though you were straddling the Equator, Vortical’s biased lace patterns slant left and right, one for each leg. Worked from the top down in a yarn over stitch, the biased patterns are easy to remember and quick to knit. One of my test knitters said she didn’t get second sock syndrome because a different stitch is used on the left sock than the right.
I’ve been thinking about dyeing a finished pair of socks, and knew Panda Cotton would be perfect for the project. But, I realized some knitters would rather knit the socks and be done. So I designed this project with the ever-popular Socks That Rock Super Wash Merino in a colorway that I couldn’t resist. Firebird is full of vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples that complement each other perfectly. So, I picked the same colors to dye the Panda Cotton socks, resulting in a similar colorway that is just brighter and more concentrated.
These are some of the most comfortable socks I have ever worn. The dyeing process is interesting and quite a bit of fun. Whether you buy the colorway, make it, or both, you’ll thoroughly enjoy these socks.
Cheers,
Phoenix
Sizes
Customizable – S/M and M/L
Foot Length: To fit
Leg circumference: 7.5" and 9.5” (unstretched)
Leg Height: 5.5" and 7.5"
Shown in size S/M
Yarn
Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock 100% Superwash Merino Mediumweight (100% Superwash Merino; 380yd [347m] per 5.5 oz skein): Firebird, 1 ball
Crystal Palace Yarns Panda Cotton (59% Bamboo, 25% Cotton, 16% Elastic Nylon; 182yd [166m] per 50 g skein): Ivory, 2 balls
Needles
US#1 (2.25 mm): 32" circular needle (for S/M size).
OR
US#2 (2.75 mm): 32" circular needle (for M/L size).
Switch needle size if necessary to get gauge.
Gauge
Size M/L: 26 sts and 48 rnds = 4" in biased lace sts on US#2 when worked in the rnd.
Size S/M: 32 sts and 56 rnds = 4" in biased lace sts on US#1 when worked in the rnd.
Notions & Additional Materials
Tapestry needle.
Jacquard Procion MX Dye #180 Peach, Jacquard Procion MX Dye #040 Fuchsia, Jacquard Procion MX Dye #042 Raspberry, Jacquard Procion MX Dye #020 Brilliant Orange, Jacquard Soda Ash Dye Fixer, Measuring cup and spoons, 8 small jars, rubber gloves, Synthrapol, dust mask, 8 craft sponge brushes, 8 gallon-size zip-lock plastic freezer bags, and plastic table cloth or tarp