This particular pattern is the rivalry between our Sock Queens, Queen Elizabeth I, and Mary, Queen of Scots. Cousins, rivals, enemies, strong women, and of course, Queens. Their rivalry is still talked about today in movies, books, and TV shows. It’s hard to mention one without the other.
There’s no evidence the two ever actually met in person. One was a Queen almost immediately after she was born and the other fought in the line of succession as she was seen as illegitimate. One married multiple times and had a child, the other stood her ground not wanting her reign to be overshadowed by a man or scandal after what her parents had gone through, declaring at age 8 that she would never marry.
There’s no lack of things to say about their rivalry, but this shared pattern is meant to honor both of them and their reigns. Both Queens ruled over their countries which shared the same piece of land while their armies crossed swords again and again in battle. With Elizabeth and Mary anticipate each other’s next move.
A large cable is the center piece of the pattern. One wrapped in seed stitch, the other a strong solid stockinette. Which part of the cable is for which Queen? That’s for you to decide.

Sizing

Women’s Small: 7.25 inches - 13 inches around
Women’s Medium/Men’s Small: 7.50 - 14.5 inches around
Women’s Large/Men’s Medium: 7.75 inches - 15 inches around

Gauge: 9 stitches/inch using US 1 (2.25 mm) circular needle.

Materials Needed

Yarn: 100 grams of fingering-weight sock yarn

Yarn Shown:

Meadowcroft Dyeworks Cross Creek Sock in Celadon (468 yards/428 m) 75% Superwash
Merino/ 25% Nylon.

Needles: Size US 1 (2.25mm) circular needle or size needed to obtain gauge. 32 inch is recommended, but use the size that is the most comfortable for you.

Notions: Tapestry needle, cable needle, stitch marker (optional).

Note
This pattern is written for magic loop, but can easily be changed to DPNs. Use 2 needles for N1, and another 2 for N2.