This pattern was originally created for a collaboration through a professional knitwear designer group. The collaboration focuses on the topic of identity.

In knitwear design we frequently strive to create something “original” – we hope our work is unique and special, but in this group collaboration we all created variations on a theme. Our creativity all stemmed from a starting point, which in this case was a certain stitch pattern. In the same way, I believe we have the inspiration and skills to create because God Himself is creative. We love colors, intricate detail and symmetry because He does, and we can see that in the world around us.

My family is another large part of my identity, and I frequently theme my designs around the people I love. In my case, I’ve named these socks for my mother, Louise; she taught me to knit, encouraged my passion for fiber arts, and has even posed patiently for photo shoots when I needed a model.

The suffix “ette” is an ending English borrows from French. We’ve co-opted it to mean something small or a small version of the word it is attached to. For example, a kitchenette is a small kitchen; a novelette is a small novel. In this case, these socks are dedicated to my mother, whose name is Louise, from the daughter who is a little bit Louise too.

These socks are knit toe up with a short row heel. The pattern is written for magic loop knitting, but can easily be adapted to any other style with the addition of stitch markers (instructions are included in the pattern for this).

My thanks to MeanestMommy for her fantastic work tech editing, and to my testers: