Igwe

As the new year dawns I always find myself filled with yearning to learn something new, challenge myself and fill that wonderful blank page before me with adventures and journeys far and near. This design symbolises the start of a journey as the strong arrow shapes guide us forward into the year that awaits us. While the arrow pattern requires a little concentration it is not particularly difficult to work and the bold shape makes the knitting easy to read.

Worked from the top down with bold columns of twisted rib framing a pretty arrow pattern that flows into the ribbed heel and foot, this design holds your attention as you work through the sock. The heel is worked using the traditional heel flap and gusset method and the toes are interestingly shaped to form anatomically correct right and left feet.

This rich colourway featuring a deep base flecked with bright blue specks reminded me of the depth of colour that can often be spotted in the night sky. The name is derived from the Yoruba expression “N’abali Igwe” meaning “The Night Sky”.

Yoruba is a West African language spoken by about
30 million people worldwide, mainly in Nigeria.

Blue Skies

This pattern also forms part of the Blue Skies ebook, a collection of six sock patterns designed form The Blue Skies Sock Club 2016, a yarn and pattern collaboration between The Knitting Goddess and Clare Devine.

The ebook is available to purchase now. You will receive each pattern as it becomes available - details can be found on the ebook page.

Materials

The Knitting Goddess 4ply wool and nylon (4 ply; 75% wool, 25% nylon; 400m/437 yds per 100g skein)
Shade: “Added Chestnut”; 1 x 100g skein

2.5mm / US #1.5 needles suitable for working a small circumference in the round
Three stitch markers
Tapestry needle

Gauge

32 sts and 44 rnds over 10cm / 4in of stocking stitch worked in the rnd and blocked, using 2.5mm / US#1.5 needles.

Sizes

S, (M, L)
Finished circumference (unstretched):
17.5 (20, 22.5) cm / 7 (8, 9)in
To fit foot circumference approx:
19.5 (22, 24.5) cm / 7.5 (8.5, 9.5)in
Leg from cuff to base of heel flap approx:
23cm / 9in.
The length can be adjusted by knitting shorter or longer cuff.