This pattern includes a second PDF version that is formatted for knitters with low vision. It has black text, size 22 or larger text in a sans serif font, no italics, no columns, and fully-written directions. Many thanks to Gemma Thompson (gemmabelle here on Rav) for her guidance in formatting patterns in a more accessible way.

In historical romances, there’s a special place for older women who see and know all. Sometimes this archetype appears in the form of a grandmother, aunt, or society grand dame, but most often, she’s a main character’s wise mother. She sees what’s truly motivating her child’s behavior (even when the child themself doesn’t), manufactures social events and scenarios to push her child in the right direction, and only occasionally gloats when her schemes play out exactly how she planned.

Now, that’s not to say the Meddlesome Mama’s efforts are always appreciated. In fact, as the name indicates, her children often experience her activities as an annoyance. Then again, visionaries are rarely appreciated in their own times, and the Meddlesome Mama knows the true reward is seeing her children happy (and maybe, just maybe, the satisfaction of being right yet again).

These socks are knit from the top down with a twisted 1x1 rib cuff, heel flap and gusset, and wedge toe. They are graded to five sizes for a wider range of fit. The slight ribbing that runs the length of the sock helps keep them snug and supportive while the eyelets allow for greater breathability.

Sizes

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Finished sock dimensions: 6.25” (16 cm), 7.5” (19 cm), 8.75” (22 cm), 10” (25.5 cm), 11.25” (28.5 cm) circumference (Note: most people like their socks snug, so choose a finished sock size that is slightly smaller than your actual foot)

Materials

Fingering weight yarn, 280-440 yds (256-403 m)

Sample shown knit in West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4-ply, 35% Bluefaced Leicester, 40% other wool, 25% nylon, 437 yds (400 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g)

Gauge

4” (10 cm) square = 32 stitches x 40 rows in stockinette

Needles

One set of needles for your preferred style of small-circumference knitting in a size to match gauge listed above

Suggested needle size: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Tools

One stitch marker for beginning of round; optional additional markers between pattern repeats
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Skill Level

Intermediate

Techniques: decreases, knitting in the round, stockinette grafting