These socks close 10 years of Sock Madness. They are now available for the general public after the end of the competition.

The design inspiration came from Sashiko embroidery, but I wanted to reproduce the characteristic short strokes without any actual stitching. Ironically, the most appropriate chart representing my idea was found in “Latvian Dreams” by Joyce Williams.
Big shells for the cuff were adapted from a Japanese punchcard directory of machine-knitting stitch patterns.

Techniques used:

• Magic Loop
• Kihnu Troi (Estonian Braided) cast-on
• Latvian braids
• Invisible stranding
• Modified Strong heel

Gauge:

• 4x4 repeats of Leg/Instep Chart: 32 sts x 40 rows = 3½ x 3¾ in. (9 x 9.5 cm).
• 2x4 repeats of Heel/Sole Chart: 24 sts x 24 rows = 2⅜ x 2⅜ in. (6 x 6 cm).

Yarn usage:

• Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine (MC): 1 skein in #1245 Black, 52 g (226 yd. (206 m)) were used;
• Classic Elite Yarns Alpaca Sox (CC): 1 skein in #1863 Aztec Gold, 51 g (230 yd. (210 m)) were used.

You may need more depending on chosen charts and the length of the leg.
For the best effect it is recommended that the CC yarn to be the same thickness as the MC yarn or a bit thicker; CC thinner than MC is undesirable. Don’t judge by length per skein only: Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine is pretty dense and skinny; Classic Elite Yarns Alpaca Sox is loft and fluffy.

UPDATES
Note 25-Jun-2016: Pattern update 1.01 available:

• fixed error in Left Gusset charts for Light MC, dark CC color scheme (thanks to ianda)
• changed wording for Leg Gussets preface

Big thank you to my wonderful tester villiputti!