Knitty: Summer 2006

fetching carpathia perdita muff knucks reptilian rpm widdershins
baudelaire lickety split dancing lady tulip toes lacanau halfdome maze
crosspatch sock monkey klein bottle swell juliemanresaallete lilies
universal toe-up sock formula

by Delia Rau

When most people think of summer vacation they think of swimsuits, cold drinks, exotic locations and the warm sun. However, living in an area of California where the mercury rises to 100+ degrees for weeks at a time, the sweetest vacation for my family is a quick jaunt to the central coast where the temperature dips and the mornings bring thick, coastal fog.

This mild-weathered retreat is Manresa Beach, located about 10 miles south of Santa Cruz. Sure, we get our bright, sunny afternoons but come 7pm when you want to catch the killer sunset, you need something warm to cover yourself up. Here on the beach, with a glass of wine in hand, the idea for the Manresa Legwarmers was born.

Knit in the softest alpaca on slightly larger-than-called-for dpns, you get a light, drapey fabric made extra warm because of the Fair Isle work. A retro pair of cross-country ski socks I found in my mom's closet inspired the pattern but the legwarmer shape is modern, and perfect to wear with your flip flops!

model: KY photos: Delia Rau & KY

SIZE

One

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Length: 14 inches
Diameter: 10 inches (unstretched) approx. 13 inches stretched

MATERIALS

Knit Picks Andean Treasure [100% Baby Alpaca; 110yd/100m per 50g skein]

[MC] Fog; 2 skeins

[CC] Embers; 1 skein

1 set US #7/4.5 mm double-point needles
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle

GAUGE

20 sts/24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

PATTERN NOTES

[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here]

When working the stranded colorwork pattern, be sure the yarn floats at the back of the work are LOOSE. The fabric must remain stretchy.

1x1 Rib (Worked in the round over an even number of sts):
Round 1: [K1, p1] to end.
Repeat this round for 1x1 Rib.

DIRECTIONS

Legwarmer (Make 2):
Using MC, CO 48 sts. Distribute sts between needles and join to begin working in the round, being careful not to twist.

Work 8 rounds in 1x1 Rib.

Next Round: K6, [kfb, k11] 3 times, kfb, k5. 52 sts.

K 3 rounds.

Join CC and work Rounds 1-64 of Chart [above]. (Each row of Chart will be worked twice in each round.)

Break CC.

K 3 rounds.

Work 4 rounds in 1x1 Rib.

BO all sts loosely in patt.

FINISHING

Weave in all ends. Block lightly. When worn, CO edge of legwarmer is upper edge.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Delia wishes she could retire at age 28 and move to the beach permanently. When she isn't convincing the youth of the nation to go to college, she sips red wine, knits toys for her cat, and fights the daily urge to buy yet another pair of shoes.