Thursday, March 15, 2012

The Ides of March

Greetings knitpeople! It's mid-March again. In Portland, that means rain, rosemary shoestrings at Burgerville, and, naturally, a sock pattern. This one is even featured in Knitting Socks from Around the World: 25 Patterns in a Variety of Styles and Techniques!


Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar

ACT 1, Scene 2:

CAESAR: Who is it in the press that calls on me? I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music, Cry 'Caesar!' Speak; Caesar is turn'd to hear.

SOOTHSAYER: Beware the ides of March.

CAESAR: What man is that?

BRUTUS: A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.

CAESAR: Set him before me; let me see his face.

CASSIUS: Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Caesar.

CAESAR: What say'st thou to me now? speak once again.

SOOTHSAYER: Beware the ides of March.

CAESAR: He is a dreamer; let us leave him: pass.

Ides of March
Ides of March

The Ides of March was once a festive day dedicated to the Roman god Mars. In modern times, the term Ides of March is best known as the date that Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 B.C. This sock design was inspired by ancient Roman tile. Just go ahead and jump in - there is nothing to beware of here!

Sizes available: Women’s Small, Medium, Large

Foot circumference: 7 (8, 9) inches 17.5 (20, 23 cm) unstretched. Will stretch to fit 8 (9, 10) inches 20 (23, 25.5 cm).

Gauge: 32 sts/48 rows = 4" in st st

Needles: 1 set US #1/2.25mm 32” circular needles (magic loop) OR 2 sets of 24” circulars (two circulars) OR double pointed needles, or size to get gauge.

Ides of March
Cabled Cuff

Yarn: Two contrasting colors of fingering-weight yarn that gives you proper gauge. You’ll need approx 50 (70, 90) grams of the Main Color and 30 (35, 40) grams of a Contrasting Color. Sample shown is knit with Shalimar Yarns Zoe Sock (100% SUPERWASH Merino wool; 450 yd per 4 oz skein), color: cayenne; 1 skein and Dream in Color Smooshy (100% SUPERWASH Merino wool; 450yd per 4oz skein), color: purple rain; 1 skein.

Notions: Cable needle, Tapestry needle, and (optional) a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round.

Ides of March
Slipping stitches under the foot

NOTES: This advanced sock pattern is worked from the cuff down with two colors. It includes a sideways cabled cuff, mosaic knitting, a heel flap, and a grafted toe. The slipped stitches create a fabric that is slightly less stretchy than standard stockinette stitch. Keep this in mind when choosing yarn and sock size.

Ides of March
What are you waiting for?

Oh yeah, the pattern comes with a word seek puzzle at the end, just for fun!

Buy this pattern now here: $4.99

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