October Surprise was tested as a mystery sock in the Designers’ Sock Drawer Group. The pattern is divided into 3 clues. Estonian lacework, traveling stitches, knit-purl designs, and ribbing are used during development of this sock. It is a sock best suited for a skilled sock knitter or one looking for a challenge.

ERRATA;
1) Instructions for reading heel turn and heel flap charts should be: read RS rows from right to left, and WS rows from left to right.

SIZE | Small (Medium, Large)

Choose size of sock based the circumference of the ball of your foot: Small (Medium, Large) ~ 8 (9, 10) inches; ~ 20 (23, 25) cm. Finished sock has ~15% negative ease and moderate stretch similar to stockinette sock. Total foot stitches: 60 (68, 76). Stitch count for leg will vary based on stitch patterns used.

Measurements of Finished Size Medium Sock: Toe to heel, 9.25 (23.5 cm); Bottom of heel flap to top of cuff, 5.5” (white) - 6.5” (orange) (14 - 16.5 cm); 1/2 circumference foot, 3.25” (8.3 cm); height of the cuff, ~1.0” (2.5 cm); 1/2 diagonal circumference from instep to heel 5.25” (13 cm)

MATERIALS AND TOOLS
Yarn | ~1 skein Fingering Weight sock yarn | For white sock, Plucky Knitter Primo Fingering sw merino/cashmere/nylon (~385 yds, 352 m/100g). Total yardage will vary based on sock size and length of leg. A solid color yarn will show the stitch patterns best.

Needles | 2.0 mm (US 0): Pattern is written for one circular needle using the Magic Loop method, https://youtu.be/IdSpc0EZpnk. Needle tips are designated Ndl1 and Ndl 2 in text. The pattern can be worked with 2 circular or double-point needles modifying directions for the method used.

Other |at least 3 closed stitch markers, safety pins work

GAUGE |Stockinette on 2.0 mm (US 0) needles in the round, ~9 sts, 13 rows per inch (~3.5 sts, 5.1 rows per cm); 35.4 stitches x 51.1 rows per 4x4 inches (10x10) cm in round.

Adjust needle size to obtain stated gauge or choose a different sock size based on your gauge.

It has been brought to my attention that there may be some confusion about the ending of Clue 1 and beginning of Clue 2. A note of clarification: Clue 1 ends after working Row 4 (4, 10) of right side border, and Clue 2 begins when working Row 5 (5, 1) of right side border.