In the course of my sock obsession, I’ve gathered a lot of yarns that have gorgeous, bright, impossible to resist colors, only to have them sit on my shelf collecting dust lest they be turned into yet another pair of plain stockinette socks. I’m always on the lookout for stitch patterns than can handle color, and Barbara Walker’s Madeira Cascade is one of the best. The pattern uses broad strokes of 3 distinct textures - a biased wedge of stockinette stitch, a cluster of lace mesh, and horizontal stripes of purl stitches. Each texture picks out different features of the yarn, leading to a dramatic display of colors. The pattern gently biases, and would work well with any multi-colored yarn, including self-striping yarns. Combine your most wild and outrageous yarns with a dash of lace! Why should we have to sacrifice designs to colors?

Sizes: S,M, L - 7.2 8, 8.8 inches around ankle of finished sock

Gauge: 10 SPI in stockinette and pattern stitch

Materials needed:

* 100g/400yds fingering weight yarn. Shown in Anne by Schaefer, Eleanor Roosevelt
* 1 set(s) of five US #0/2mm double-point needles
* Tapestry needle for finishing