Inspiration strikes often, a stroke of genius is more rare. Some times you get lucky and get both at the same time.
What: Krumeluuri / Own pattern
How: Circular needle 2.25 mm
From: Vuonue Wilhelmi + Louhittaren Luola Väinämöinen, 77+45 g
So this is what happened: I was hosting my Tea Time on Instagram and I always ask my followers what knits they are wearing. Sanni said she was wearing knee-high brioche socks made from Finnsheep wool and they sounded delicious! I wanted a pair for myself.
Except that it wasn't that simple. You see, the socks she had made had brioche only on the legs, and just basic brioche with no tricks. If you've been following me for a while you'll know that I always have add a trick or two.
So I had the idea that I would work two-color brioche lace on the legs. I could use the same brioche pattern as on my Vieno dress. It's so easy to make brioche look extra stunning with simple increases and decreases.
But then, I thought what if I were to continue the brioche lace on the instep as regular, non-brioche one-color lace. But why stop there? Couldn't I just continue the brioche lace with just one color? And then, I had a master stroke idea of how I could actually continue the two-color brioche lace on the instep while working one-color stockinette stitch on the sole. I couldn't cast on fast enough. I had to find out if my idea could work in practice.
And so Krumeluuri socks came to be. They're worked cuff-down. The socks start off with a tall twisted rib. Then you get to enjoy two-color brioche lace all the way to the ankle. There are also a couple calf decreases to shape the socks.
Once you reach the heel, that's when the trickery starts. I wouldn't say these are difficult to make but I do recommend you know your brioche before casting on so you can easily follow where you're at. The feet are worked with knitting magic that allows for two-color brioche lace on the sole and one-color stockinette stitch on the sole with no floats to carry at the WS. You will need to slip stitches back and forth - although, if you switch to dpns at this point instead of magic loop you can get rid of slipping altogether.
I was super happy to find out my grand idea worked. Once I got to the toe, I realized the brioche on the instep stretched much further than the stockinette stitch sole but even that was easily fixed: the toe decreases are worked with short rows so that only the sole grows longer.
My brain loved designing and knitting these socks so much that I've already cast on for a second pair. And what would be better than a little exercise for both the brain and the hands while ending up with a most beautiful pair of knee-highs?
