This pattern includes a second PDF version that is formatted for knitters with low vision. It has black text, size 22 or larger text in a sans serif font, no italics, no columns, and fully-written directions. The chart is still included but is not needed to work the pattern. Many thanks to Gemma Thompson (gemmabelle here on Rav) and the Accessible Patterns group for their guidance in formatting patterns in a more accessible way.

The great big ballgown has played a few different important roles on romance novel covers over the decades. Up through the 1970s, classic Gothic romance covers often showed women running away from creepy hold houses, usually at night, sometimes in a billowing nightgown but sometimes in a great big ballgown. When the clinch cover took over, women often wore great big ballgowns while clutched in their beloved’s arms.

And then there’s my favorite variation on this theme: the cover with just a solo woman in a beautiful, billowing, often jewel-toned gown whose skirts spill in gorgeous folds across the front cover, sometimes spreading along the spine and onto the back cover. You know the ones I’m talking about. They’re lush and vibrant and so dreamy.

These socks are knit from the top down with a twisted 1x1 rib cuff, heel flap and gusset, and wedge toe. They are graded to five sizes for a wider range of fit. The abundance of cables and eyelets are meant to echo the folds and creases of a ballgown’s skirt.

Sizes

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Finished sock dimensions: 6.25” (16 cm), 7.5” (19 cm), 8.75” (22 cm), 10” (25.5 cm), 11.25” (28.5 cm) circumference (Note: most people like their socks snug, so choose a finished sock size that is slightly smaller than your actual foot)

Materials

Fingering weight yarn, main color 260-420 yds (238-384 m), contrast color 1 mini skein for a maximum of 115 yds (105 m) (sizes 1-3) or two mini skeins for a maximum of 230 yds (210 m) (sizes 4-5)

Sample shown knit in Purl Soho Fine Print, 75% Superwash Wool, 25% Nylon, 218 yds (199 m) per 1.75 oz (50 g)

Gauge

4” (10 cm) square = 32 stitches x 40 rows in stockinette

Needles

One set of needles for your preferred style of small-circumference knitting in a size to match gauge listed above

Suggested needle size: US 1.5 (2.5 mm)

Tools

One stitch marker for beginning of round; optional additional markers between pattern repeats

Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Skill Level

Intermediate

Techniques: cabling, decreases, knitting in the round, stockinette grafting