Like many a knitter, I’m a sucker for beautifully variegated indie dyed yarn. I see that resplendently colored skein in a shop or trunk show or online and I just can’t help myself—I must have it! What bliss to buy such a piece of fiber art!

Later, of course, comes the buyer’s remorse. Or, if not remorse, just a little bit of confusion of just what the heck to do with that crazy yarn besides a simple stockinette. Thus, I am always contemplating stitch patterns that take advantage of multiple colors without the pattern getting swallowed up and disappearing as is so often the case.

These socks are an addition to that ongoing project. The texture on the leg is pronounced and easily visible and has the added benefit of being easy-peasey to learn as well. I thought the little undulations and YOs looked like the bubbles in a meandering little brook so I named this pattern my Bubbling Brook Sock.

The textural pattern is given in both charted and written formats. Two sizes are offered, the pictured socks were knitted in the L/XL size which fit a women’s size US 10.

These socks are knit cuff down with a traditional heel flap and side gussets. This pattern is appropriate for a beginner who has made at least one pair of socks. Expert knitters will find the pattern interesting as well (good TV knitting!), and it should be a quick knit for them.

Yarn recommendations: Variegated yarn shines as the main color. Choose a solid color that matches or contrasts nicely for the cuffs, heels and toes.

I knit with 5 DPNs (stitches evenly distributed on 4 needles and then work around with a 5th), but I have attempted to generalize my instructions for those who use alternate needle set-ups.