Have you ever seen a sock pattern that you fall in love with instantly? I'm talking about the type of pattern that can convert a non-sock knitter to cast on their first pair of socks? When the new A Pale Fire Socks pattern by Ailbíona MacLochlainn (aka LB Handknits) popped up a few weeks back, Jacqui just had to cast them on straight away.

Jacqui is an experienced sock knitter, so she was very curious to try the new heel construction mentioned in the pattern notes. A little spoiler alert? She *loved* it, and these socks just flew off the needles!

About The Pattern

The "A Pale Fire" Sock pattern is unique and right at home for those adventurous knitters among us. The construction features integrated heels, asymmetrical lace panels, and mirrored toe decreases to name just a few design elements. This pattern is written for the Magic Loop method, but it also includes instructions for adapting it to DPNs and short circulars. What really draws you in and has you looking for your needles,is the integrated method of heel construction used.

The Integrated Method Of Heel Construction

The Integrated Heel looks and fits similarly to a traditional heel flap and gusset. The difference is in the process. Like the traditional sock heel, the Integrated Heel features a heel flap, a gusset, and a turned heel. Unlike the traditional sock heel, the Integrated Heel is worked almost entirely in the round - eliminating the need to work the heel flap back-and-forth flat, and to later pick up stitches along its edges.

You will especially enjoy the Integrated Heel method if:

• You have a strong preference for knitting in the round
• You have a tendency to "stall out" on sock projects
• You enjoy seamless sweater shaping and wish socks could be more "sweater-like" to knit (only taking much less time, of course!)

For more information on the Integrated Heel, see: Basic Sock with Integrated Heel. In case you are worried about getting lost while knitting these wonderful socks, pattern support for the Integrated Heel is available on the newly formed LB Handknits Group. The group also contains information about the Integrated Heel Knit-Along, which started on the 17th of February.  

About The Yarn

The pattern is ideal for solid, tonal, and lightly variegated yarns. Albíona and Jacqui both use Townhouse Yarns Clarendon Sock for this special project. This sock base is a super soft fingering weight yarn with fantastic stitch definition and comes in a variety of Jenny's signature shades. Clarendon Sock shows off the lace definition perfectly and it stands up well to ripping out and re-knitting in case you happen upon a mistake or two.  

Some Added Extras

To top it off a bonus pattern for mini "A Pale Fire" socks (0-12 months) is now included with your purchase as a separate download. These are perfect as little gifts for the new little ones among us or if you want to give the techniques a go without committing to adult sized socks. In case you are completely hooked already, you can purchase these as sock kits right here and we will have them out to you ASAP.  

Posting pictures of your socks on Instagram?