This pattern is exclusive to the Vintage Purls Winter Sock Yarn Club 2014 until August 31, 2014. You can preorder the pattern now at a special discounted rate of NZ$5.00 (discount is automatically applied at checkout). Preorders receive an information sheet and will be sent the full pattern upon its public release in August.

Oyster Thief is named for the species of seaweed known as such (but botanically called Codium fragile). The spreading lacy structure of this seaweed reminds me of the lace patterning employed in this sock. Combined with the undulating waves of garter stitch, the whole sock has a distinct sea theme.

The lace patterning is very stretchy and subsequently this sock expands well despite being knit on a fairly small number of stitches around. It employs a three point toe and the gusset is centered under the foot. The heel is kept plain and all the shaping is subtle so that the lace design may really shine.

These are knit toe-up (as is my usual custom), but there is nothing challenging about the construction; a normal cast on and away you go.

The lace patterning is presented in written form as well as charts (so you can work with whichever you prefer). Every second round is knit plain, to give you extra speed and the patterning is pretty intuitive, so you’ll likely find you memorise it after a while.