New Pattern: Dapper Dude Socks

It's that time of year again (or was... last weekend) when the Hubbs and I celebrate our anniversary. We're at year 8, which almost seems impossible to believe. We met in High School (for those of you who didn't know) and with the exception of a few years where we lost our minds and dated other people, we've been together ever since. Just in case you're doing the math, that's 20 years now. Whew!

And this guy has seen it all - the ups, the downs, the skinnies, the not-so-skinnies, the happies, the sads, all of it. And he's the biggest reason I'm able to do what I do as a designer. And while a pair of socks each year hardly seems like a fair gift for all the love and support he gives me, each year when I give him a new pair he behaves as if I've just given him the winning lottery ticket. That guy! Definitely a keeper!

My Dapper Dude: Big Al. The Hubbs. Hubband. Sugar. Whatever you want to call him (thats my abbreviated list of my favorites) gets an awesome pair of new socks this year, named, yet again, for him. 

Dapper Dude Socks

These socks are worked from the toe up, using the Magic Loop technique, and feature a Fleegle heel. What's a Fleegle heel you ask? A gusset heel without pickups! Oh yeah! The gusset is increased while you work in pattern across the Instep and then reduced over just the heel sts very briefly. It's a great alternative for folks who have a high arch since it's a slightly taller heel than the average short row or gusset heel. I promise you'll love it. 

Using just one skein of fingering weight yarn, the Dapper Dude pattern is worked over the Instep only, though COULD be worked across the back of the sock if one so desired. Additionally, the pattern can be worked either direction - beginning with the cuff if you feel so inclined. Oh yeah - the Fleegle heel can be worked upside down as well, following the instructions as they're written. 

If you are making socks for an individual with particularly large feet, I recommend splitting the skein in half so that you know you'll have enough yarn for each sock. While my main squeeze doesn't have overly large feet, I know that's not the case for most male recipients. 

For this weekend only, these socks will be available for half price! That's right folks: $2.50. Get 'em while the gettin's good! No coupon needed, just toss 'em in your shopping cart on Ravelry and start'cher knitting! Click HERE to be transferred to the pattern page! 

Materials

• The Fiber Seed Sprout (fingering weight, 90% superwash USA merino wool, 10% nylon; 480 yds / 125g per skein): 1 skein ‘Elephant”
• US 2 (2.75mm) 32-inch circular needle (or preferred length)
• Removable stitch marker (optional)
• Cable needle
• Additional circular needle or DPN in size appropriate for your gauge (optional - see notes)

Finished Sizes

7.5 (8.5, 9.5, 10.5) inch circumference (recommended fit: 0.5 - 1 inch neg. ease circumference, 10% neg. ease in length of foot)

Gauge

30 sts and 48 rows = 4 inches stockinette in the round

Notes

• These socks are worked from the toe up and feature a Fleegle Heel - a gusset style heel without pick ups! These socks are mirrors to one another; make two to complete a pair.
• This pattern includes written and charted instructions for the Magic Loop technique. Any sock technique can be substituted as preferred - the pattern can be worked in either direction without issue. In the case of using DPNs, the Front Needle is synonymous with Needles 1 & 2 and the Back Needle is synonymous with Needles 3 & 4.
• As the gusset shaping increases, you may consider adding a 3rd needle to accommodate the number of sts. While this isn’t necessary, the number of sts on the Back needle will be almost double that of the Front needle - work in whatever manner feels most comfortable for you!