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Valmiera, a charming town in northern Latvia, holds countless memories of my teenage and university years. It was the perfect setting for our delightful knitters’ meetup, where we celebrated the 50th Zaneteknits pattern release. We gathered together, indulging in each other’s company and relishing the delectable taste of a homemade meringue cake. This special occasion demanded an equally remarkable sock design.

Let me introduce you to the Valmiera Memories Socks, crafted from the toe-up, featuring a sole gusset and reinforced heel flap and intricate stranded colourwork in the leg.

Now, here’s the fascinating part: each sock showcases inverted colours, making them truly one-of-a-kind. Plus, you can choose between trapezoid and anatomically shaped toes. The greater the colour contrast, the more stunning the final result!

As you knit this pattern, you’ll discover various interpretations. Some see the ornate V representing Valmiera, and others envision intricate details of majestic churches, the beauty of mountains and forests or moss-covered stones. But for us, these stitches bring to life the friendly faces of our meetup knitters and the heartfelt hugs we exchanged, promising future reunions.

So immerse yourself in the joy of creating these funky socks, and relish every stitch!

Difficulty: Intermediate.

Sizes: 1 (2, 3)

Finished foot circumference:

• 17.5 (20, 22.5) cm
• 7 (8, 9)″

Yarn: fingering weight, allow approximately:
For each of the two colours (estimate based on a project whereby the socks are worked as instructed, with each one using a different MC):

• 145 (170, 200) m
• 155 (190, 220) yds

Yarn used in sample (size 2) is 2 skeins of Lamana Merida (50% wool, 25% silk, 25% polyamide; 200 m 219 yds /50 g) in colourways Pearl Grey (#37) and Moss Green (#51).

Gauge: 32 sts & 38 rows = 10 cm / 4″ in stockinette stitch in the round, blocked.

Suggested needles: 2-2.25 mm (US 0-1) circulars or DPNs for small circumference knitting.

Notions: Stitch markers, row counter, tape measure, removable stitch markers or bobby pins.

Techniques used: Judy’s magic cast-on, Japanese short rows, lifted increases, stranded colourwork, tubular bind-off.

Construction notes: Start with the toes – the socks are worked from the toe up, giving you the option to choose between a trapezoid or anatomical shape. Instead of on the sides, we’ve cleverly placed the gusset increases on the bottom of the foot. Once you turn the heel and work the heel flap, it’s time to dive into the fun part! The leg is worked in the round and features a vibrant stranded colourwork section. And for that perfect finishing touch, we end with a 1x1 rib and a beautifully polished tubular bind-off.