Sock knitting for me is a form of escapism. It’s a chance to break away from the convention of daily life and go a little crazy. Socks don’t have to match your clothes or flatter your figure, and you don’t have to choose colors that look best with your skin type. They’re a chance to experiment with color and technique while still creating wearable results. All my life I’ve been a rule follower, but wearing outrageous socks has become my small form of rebellion.

Though most days my handknit socks are shown-off with shoes I bought for that purpose, I can always hide them under boots with the knowledge that I have a rainbow of happiness tucked away inside. Because of this, I love creating designs that are inspired by colorful fictional worlds, such as Oz, Narnia, and Wonderland.

These socks create fantasy out of the ‘Made in the USA’ mittens designed by Donna Druchunas. Donna’s description of the veritable melting pot of knitting techniques we have in America really spoke to me. Taking a tradition such as stranded colorwork that is older than our country and making it your own is such an exciting adventure of blending the old with the new. By pairing the ‘Coca Leaf’ chart in Donna’s article with the wild colors of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ mini-skeins, I have created something entirely new and whimsical. Even better, the colors are reversed on the second sock, making it just as fun to knit as the first one. After all, who needs rules when it comes to socks?

FINISHED SIZE
Child (Adult M, Adult L)
Leg and Foot Circumference: 7 (8.75, 10.5) inches/ 18 (22, 26.5) cm
 cm; fits leg/foot circumference of same size with 0” ease
Leg Length: Adjustable to fit
Foot Length: Adjustable to fit

YARN
Holly & Ivy Dyeworks (75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon; 462yd/422m per 100g skein;
(MC) Little Black Raincloud; 1 skein
(CC1-5) Alice in Wonderland mini-skeins; 1 set

NEEDLES
US 2 (2.75mm) for colorwork and US 1 (2.25mm), or as needed to meet gauge; DPNs or needles for small circumference knitting

NOTIONS
Tapestry needle

GAUGE
In stockinette on smaller needles: 32 sts and 48 rounds = 4” (10cm)
In colorwork on larger needles: 32 sts and 32 rounds = 4” (10cm) on larger needles

Tech editing by Kate Atherley. Photos by Annie Prince Photography.

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