The Stormlight Archives series is a tale of shadow and light, so much so that the Knights Radiant take it on as their First Ideal in their Immortal Words:

“Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination. I will protect those who cannot protect themselves. I will protect even those I hate so long as it is right.”

In the internal and external battle between good and evil, each character in The Stormlight Archives struggles to some degree or facet to determine their nature on this spectrum and what their limits of responsibility are. Deep themes that are reflected not only in the plot and character development, but even the stark contrasts of the landscapes.

When collaborating with Annette at Handful of Yarn on this pattern and sock set, we particularly wanted to focus in on that landscape of interiority as reflected by the Shattered Plains. The golden main color represents the sunlight gleaming off the top layers, the external parts the characters show of themselves, and the nobility and glory they seek, which is reflected in the shield-like lace pattern that proudly rides along the top of the foot. Yet there is also an underbelly, a shadow-realm lurking in the crevices beneath the surface of the Shattered Plains and our characters - Unspoken Words, if you will, represented by the dark blue contrast and the lace panel on the back of the leg. Utilizing design elements of the top of the foot motif, the back of the leg motif is an echo of the glory and light of the foot, a reflection caught in a rearview mirror of a retreating army that you nevertheless can’t dismiss for its lasting image of power and elegance of design.

Yarn

Yarn used in photos:
Handful of Yarn - Stormlight Sock Set - fingering weight 75% merino / 25% nylon 3-ply (463 yds/100g for MC; 92 yds/20 g for mini
MC: Glory (gold)
CC: Unspoken Words (blue)

Needles
US 1 (2.25mm) 40” circular needles (for Magic Loop)

Other options: DPNs are also welcome if you are comfortable translating a pattern written for Magic Loop to DPN

Notions
1 tapestry needle
3 stitch markers: 1 to mark BOR, 2 to mark Gusset Increases

Gauge & Notes
36 sts & 48 rows = 4” stockinette

Socks are cast on using Judy’s Magic Cast-on, then worked in the round from the toe up. They include a central lace panel over the top of the foot and the leg, a heel flap and gusset heel construction worked with short rows, lace detail running up the back of the leg, and a 2 x 2 ribbing on the cuff. Pattern features knits, purls, increases and decreases, and yarn overs for the lace motif. Socks are worked using both in-the-round (toe, foot, leg, and cuff) and flat construction (heel flap) techniques. Both written and charted instructions are included for the lace.

Pattern is written for 3 sizes: Small (56 sts), Medium (64 sts), and Large (72 sts).