New sock pattern available now – the Firefly Field Socks. Let’s take a closer look…
Perfect Lace
Not all lacework, and eyelets specifically, are equal. There are many methods that create lacy eyelets in fabric. The pattern used in the Firefly Field Socks create perfect bits of lace all around the leg and down the foot.
When I was playing with different stitches to find the perfect combination, I realized they look like little Fireflies all in a row ready to dance across the fields. Hence the name… with pattern names, sometimes I struggle, but with these it just seemed obvious to me!
Heels
A traditional gusseted heel is by far my favorite for a good fit. With the delicate pattern of the lace, the standard “chunkier” heel with it’s vertical ridges didn’t seem right. On to my smooth heel!
This heel is a variation on the Eye of Partridge heel. It creates the same fit (won’t slide off your foot) but looks so refined and almost woven.
It’s simple to work, there’s just one extra little detail to offset your slipped stitches. It’s no bother at all to knit but results in a bit of fancy appeal. As a bonus, if you’re using yarn with a bit of something-special like I did, you end up being able to see the color variations better than a ridged heel.
Fancy Toes
Toes, like heels, need to be functional first and these fit marvelously! I think it’s a bit fancier than a wedge toe so it seemed to fit best with the lacy detail on the foot.
My ’round’ toe is actually simpler to knit as far as the stitches go. I’ll admit you have to pay a tiny bit more attention to your rounds, but it’s super easy to do. It reminds me of the top of a basic hat! Extra bonus for the finishing… much less Kitchener grafting to do! You decrease down to just a few stitches that finish off neat and tidy.
Marvel at the Details
Sometimes details are planned and sometimes they are a surprise I just marvel at.
Look at how the “Firefly” wings flow from the ribbing at the cuff? Isn’t that marvelous? I love when the pattern can be tweaked to do that.
How about that ridge (Firefly body) flows straight down the leg with it’s wings out to the sides. The stitches naturally create that ridged/neat center stripe. It’s what sold me on the particular stitch used. (That and it’s one of my favorites to work).
The Yarn
Remember this yarn? It’s a home-dye concoction inspired by my red hibiscus bushes that seem to bloom year round. Yes, the flower in the pictures came from just outside my door. Lucky me… I know!
The yarn I recommend for a lacy pattern like this is: solid, tonal, lightly speckled, or striped. A wonderfully variegated yarn will make great socks but won’t show this pattern as well. You may also want to consider a nice, plump, round yarn. Avoid anything rustic or that splits easily when working lace stitches.
Fun and Fancy
I just love this pattern. My test knitters were also fans which is always wonderful to hear. I can’t wait to see more projects appear. Firefly Field Socks is one of those patterns that is super fun to knit and a bit fancy to wear. They’d also make a spectacular special gift to some knit-worthy feet. You can check out what others have made here!
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