Begun as a reflection on navigating the peaks and valleys of life (yet again) and married to a quest to develop something different with self-striping yarn…..these socks are a combination of the things I like best about knitting – a project where the yarn does the work for you and the pattern (although interesting) is super simple and easy to remember! For me, they rekindled an appreciation for the small project and a reminder to always try things again and again. Not generally a lover of sock making, I really enjoyed making these as I developed the pattern and will make more!

This unisex pattern was designed around the idea of navigating disruption – no matter what challenges come your way, things always straighten back out again. Choose a self-striping yarn for maximum fun, but also fun to make in a solid color. You can add a contrast color for the cuffs, heels and toes if desired. The pattern uses an afterthought heel, so that you can control the striping if desired (but of course will work just fine with your favorite heel design). These are knit cuff-down, and the pattern provides 3 size options. Cast on and you’ll soon be wearing a cozy pair of socks on your next trip up to the top of the mountain….

Materials:
• MAIN COLOR: 1 skein (100g, 243 yards) DK weight plain or self-striping yarn
• Optional CONTRAST COLOR: 1 mini-skein (25g, 65 yards) DK weight solid color yarn for contrast, if desired
• US 3 (3.25mm) 9” circular needles (or longer length cable if using magic-loop)
• US 3 (3.25mm) DPN needles (if needed for heels and toes)
• +/- 1 yd waste yarn for afterthought heel
• Removable stitch markers, different colors or styles (I used 2 - to mark BOR and half-round)
• Stitch Holder (optional)
• Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)

Sizing:
Pattern is written for Small (Medium, Large) – Circumference 8-9” (9-10”, 10-11”). The sizes listed are based on foot circumference (not length or shoe size) – you will knit them to your own length to get the best fit for your needs. These socks are designed to have +/- 6” leg length – you can increase this where noted in pattern, but if you add a significant number of rows, you might need more yarn than noted above in materials.