You would think that after fifteen pairs of socks, I would be able to handle almost anything, but I found this pattern test surprisingly tricky! I found it difficult to keep my tension consistent with the colourwork floats, but by the second sock, I was already feeling more confident. It just goes to show that practice makes everything easier.

• 1/5 skein of Mineville Wool Project Merino Nylon 2Ply Sock – a fingering weight (1) yarn (colour A: 1034)
• 1/20 skein of Sweet Georgia Bulletproof Sock – a fingering weight (1) yarn (colour B: Tumbled Stone)
• 1/10 skein of Yarn Ink Classic Sock – a fingering weight (1) yarn (colour C: Fringe)
• 1/10 skein of Scheepjes Metropolis – a fingering weight (1) yarn (colour D: Dubai)
• Size 3 (3.25mm) knitting needles (I used Knitter’s Pride 80cm circulars)

Pattern (Size 15.25cm) by Weichien at The Petite Knitter

My first note is about sizing! Weichien did not use shoe sizes to base her pattern on, but used the physical measurements of your foot circumference and length to get the perfect match for each person. Unfortunately, the size I signed up to test was not actually the right size for my feet, so please learn from my mistake and measure carefully before casting on! If you are in doubt, I would suggest sizing up to get a more comfortable fit, especially since I find that colourwork shrinks down your tension (or at least it does for me).

Weichien intended for these socks to be mismatched, so I had a bit of fun when I was testing! For one sock, I decided to go with low contrast colours (my A, B, and C, respectively ), and for the other, I decided to go with high contrast colours (my A, C, and D!). I’m typically a low contrast kind of girl, but the pink and blue really made the design pop, while the blue and purple looked too faded against the soft yellow base.

Like I mentioned in the beginning, I had a really hard time with tension. I tend to pull my yarn a little bit too tight when I carry it, and as a result I had to restart a few times and size up my needles to get the tension right. I also learned that it’s not just about tension within a row; you have to be careful carrying yarn up rows too. These are things that I didn’t really think about before, but I’m happy that I know now. I will be keeping my eyes peeled for more colourwork patterns so that I can continue to refine my skills as a knitter in this area.

I love Weichien as a knitwear designer, because I feel like all of her patterns have a dreamy whimsical feel to them, especially her Foxtale Socks. I had a great time testing for her, and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

Until next time, happy crafting!