The Arctic Aurora Socks are the first stop on a fabulous 6-stop (6 pattern) journey of sock knitting in 2024.

The Arctic Aurora socks were designed with the Northern Lights in mind, the swirls in the sky are brought to life with small lace swirls that flank either side of the front of the pattern. The lace is a delicate reminder of the stars that can be seen in the background.

Gauge:
8 stitches/inch on 2.25 mm (US 1) circular needles.

Sizing:
1 (2,3) - which fits a foot circumference of (unstretched) 7 inches (7.5 inches, 8 inches) around.

The sample was knit with Mountain Colors Crazyfoot in Harmony Mist. This yarn is a 3-ply 90% wool 10% nylon and 425 yards for 100g.
A perfect substitution is Zen Garden Superfine Fingering which has a very similar base. You can see other suggestions at https://yarnsub.com/yarns/mountain_colors/crazyfoot

Sample: Mountain Colors Crazyfoot in Harmony Mist - 3ply 90% Wool 100g

Materials:
• US 1 (2.25) circular knitting needles (or size needed to get gauge), I recommend at least 32 inches (my preferred length). You can substitute DPNs and 9-inch circulars for circulars as well and I’ll show you how.
• 100 grams of fingering-weight sock yarn.
• Stitch marker or locking stitch marker (optional)
• Ruler or measuring tape.
• Darning needle.
• Sock blockers to photograph your socks once you’re done! (optional).

Notes:
This pattern is written for magic loop, but can easily be changed to DPNs. Use 2 needles for N1, and another 2 for N2. If you’re using 9-inch circulars, there will be notes throughout to guide you. The pattern is written for cuff-down and toe-up, for most lace patterns, it’s not a perfect reversal and this pattern is an example of that. The lace is very close, but it’s not perfect and there is a slight difference between toe-up and cuff-down on the lace panel. tI gives the very same effect, the difference is the placement of the lace from one side of the swirl to the other. It’s very slight.