ValKnits

This is a collection of five patterns all based on themes and/or characters from the Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer-Bradley.

While the exact physical location of Avalon remains a mystery, the quest for Avalon, the Lady of the Lake, Excalibur and the Holy Grail has been going on for centuries. Over time, these legendary things have been sought after by seers, magicians, kings, noble knights and all those who hold magic in their hearts. Representing the classic story of the eternal journey for peace, restoration and integrity, these myths and legends represent the journey to the heart of who we truly are.

This top down sock pattern uses Bavarian twisted stitches and beads to depict the complex pathway that the journey to Avalon represents. For this pattern, I recommend using solid or low contrast yarn to showcase the intricate stitch work, but any color way of your choice will work. Twisted stitch work can also limit the stretchiness of the finished sock, so either use a yarn that is springy with good crimp, use larger needles, or size up. Directions are provided for 4 adult women’s sock sizes, extra small, small, medium, and large, equivalent to women’s shoe sizes US 6-6.5 (EU 36-37), US 7-7.5 (EU 37.5-38), US 8-8.5 (EU 38.5-39), and US 9-9.5 (EU 40-41). Directions include a fitted heel and simple arch shaping. Stitch pattern included only as chart.

 Note: The difference between sock sizes is determined in part by the size of needles used to knit the socks. Sock sizes extra small and medium are knit with US 0 (2.00 mm) needles; sizes small and large with US size 1.0 (2.25 mm). Thus, the size of the finished sock will in part depend on obtaining gauge. Directions for extra small and small are written first, those for medium and large in parentheses [extra small/small (medium/large)].

 Smaller and larger sizes may be obtained by using smaller or larger needles. Pattern requires intermediate to advanced knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns.

Avalon is a legendary island featured in the Arthurian legend. Avalon was associated from an early date with healing and mystical practices. According to the legend, the island is hidden by heavy mists which can only be parted by true believers. Secret gates to other worlds, where fairies and other magical folk live, are also rumored to be hidden in the mist.

This top down sock pattern uses Bavarian twisted stitches and beads to depict what those gates might look like if one could only see them. For this pattern, I recommend using solid or low contrast yarn to showcase the intricate stitch work, but any color way of your choice will work. Twisted stitch work can also limit the stretchiness of the finished sock, so either use a yarn that is springy with good crimp, use larger needles, or size up. Directions are provided for 4 adult women’s sock sizes, extra small, small, medium, and large, equivalent to women’s shoe sizes US 6-6.5 (EU 36-37), US 7-7.5 (EU 37.5-38), US 8-8.5 (EU 38.5-39), and US 9-9.5 (EU 40-41). Directions include a fitted heel and simple arch shaping. Stitch pattern included only as chart.

Smaller and larger sizes may be obtained by using smaller or larger needles. Pattern requires intermediate to advanced knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns.

The Lady of the Lake, an enchantress also known as Viviane or Nimue, appears in many of the tales of King Arthur. According to legend, she lived in a castle beneath a lake surrounding the mystical island of Avalon. She raised Lancelot and gave Arthur the magical sword Excalibur, which he treasured.

This top down sock pattern uses Bavarian twisted stitches, wave cables, lace and beads to depict the Lady guarding Avalon from under the water of the lake. For this pattern, I recommend using solid or low contrast yarn to showcase the intricate stitch work, but any color way of your choice will work. Twisted stitch work can also limit the stretchiness of the finished sock, so either use a yarn that is springy, use larger needles, or size up. Directions are provided for 4 adult women’s sock sizes, extra small, small, medium, and large, equivalent to women’s shoe sizes US 6-6.5 (EU 36-37), US 7-7.5 (EU 37.5-38), US 8-8.5 (EU 38.5-39), and US 9-9.5 (EU 40-41). Directions include a fitted heel and simple arch shaping. Stitch pattern included only as chart.

Note: The difference between sock sizes is determined in part by the size of needles used to knit the socks. Sock sizes extra small and medium are knit with US 0 (2.00 mm) needles; sizes small and large with US 1.0 (2.25 mm). Thus, the size of the finished sock will in part depend on obtaining gauge. Directions for extra small and small are written first, those for medium and large in parentheses [extra small/small (medium/large)].

Smaller and larger sizes may be obtained by using smaller or larger needles. Pattern requires intermediate to advanced knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns.

"The Island of Apples [Avalon] gets its name 'The Fortunate Island' from the fact that it produces all manner of plants spontaneously. It needs no farmers to plough the fields. There is no cultivation of the land at all beyond that which is Nature's work. It produces crops in abundance and grapes without help; and apple trees spring up from the short grass in its woods. All plants, not merely grass alone, grows spontaneously; and men live a hundred years or more..." From Wikipedia reference: Vita Merlini, Basil Clarke's English translation from Life of Merlin: Vita Merlini (Cardiff: University of Wales Press, 1973)

This top-down sock pattern uses a simple lace pattern and beads, against a reverse stockinette background, to symbolize apples trees springing forth from the ground and clustered twisted stitches to represent grape vines.  For this pattern, I recommend using solid or low contrast yarn to showcase the intricate stitch work, but any color way of your choice will work. Directions are provided for 4 adult women’s sock sizes, extra small, small, medium, and large, equivalent to women’s shoe sizes US 6-6.5 (EU 36-37), US 7-7.5 (EU 37.5-38), US 8-8.5 (EU 38.5-39), and US 9-9.5 (EU 40-41). Directions include a fitted heel and simple arch shaping. Stitch pattern included only as chart.

Note: The difference between sock sizes is determined in part by the size of needles used to knit the socks. Sock sizes extra small and medium are knit with US 1 (2.25 mm) needles; sizes small and large with US size 1.5 (2.50 mm). Thus, the size of the finished sock will in part depend on obtaining gauge. 

Possibly stemming from the presence of cauldrons and other mystical objects in Celtic mythologies, the grail became a common theme in literature related to King Arthur. The grail is most commonly identified as the cup that Jesus drank from at the Last Supper and that Joseph of Arimathea used to collect Jesus’s blood when he was crucified. From the knights of medieval legends to Indiana Jones, the holy grail has been one of the most sought-after Christian relics in popular culture for centuries.  However, in the Mists of Avalon, Ms. Bradley portrays the grail as one of four objects symbolizing the four Elements: the Grail itself (water), the sword Excalibur (fire), a dish (earth), and a spear or wand (air).

This top down sock pattern uses Bavarian twisted stitches, simple cables, and beads to portray the grail. For this pattern, I recommend using solid or low contrast yarn to showcase the intricate stitch work, but any color way of your choice will work. Twisted stitch work can also limit the stretchiness of the finished sock, so either use a yarn that is springy with good crimp, use larger needles, or size up. Directions are provided for 4 adult women’s sock sizes, extra small, small, medium, and large, equivalent to women’s shoe sizes US 6-6.5 (EU 36-37), US 7-7.5 (EU 37.5-38), US 8-8.5 (EU 38.5-39), and US 9-9.5 (EU 40-41). Pattern includes directions for both a long and short leg. Directions include a fitted heel and simple arch shaping. Stitch pattern included only as chart.

Note: The difference between sock sizes is determined by the size of needles and gauge obtained. Sock sizes extra small and medium are knit with US 0 (2.00 mm) needles; sizes small and large with US size 1.0 (2.25 mm). Check gauge with needle to ensure fit. Directions for extra small and small are written first, those for medium and large in parentheses [extra small/small (medium/large)]. The longer cuff version uses heel chart C1 and the shorter leg version uses heel Chart C2.

Smaller and larger sizes may be obtained by using smaller or larger needles. Pattern requires intermediate to advanced knitting skills and chart reading experience.

In Greek mythology, Athena the goddess of wisdom among a multitude of other traits, was described as bright-eyed or with gleaming eyes and frequently depicted in the company of an owl, the "owl of Athena". By association, the owl came to represent Athena as a bird goddess, Athena’s priestesses, and wisdom itself.

A specific species of owl, the Little Owl (Athene noctua), was prevalent when Athena’s temple was built and was known to nest in her temple. Folklore says that seeing an owl in Athena's temple would bring the worshipper good luck.

This top down sock pattern uses Bavarian twisted stitches, simple cables, and lace to portray Athena’s owls in her temple. For this pattern, I recommend using solid or low contrast yarn to showcase the intricate stitch work, but any color way of your choice will work. Twisted stitch work can also limit the stretchiness of the finished sock, so either use a yarn that is springy, use larger needles, or size up. Directions are provided for 4 adult women’s sock sizes, extra small, small, medium, and large, equivalent to women’s shoe sizes US 6-6.5 (EU 36-37), US 7-7.5 (EU 37.5-38), US 8-8.5 (EU 38.5-39), and US 9-9.5 (EU 40-41). Pattern includes directions for both a long and short leg. Directions include a fitted heel and simple arch shaping. Stitch pattern included only as chart.

Note: The difference between sock sizes is determined by the size of needles and gauge obtained. Sock sizes extra small and medium are knit with US 0 (2.00 mm) needles and sizes small and large with US size 1.0 (2.25 mm). Check gauge to ensure fit. Directions for extra small and small are written first, those for medium and large in parentheses [extra small/small (medium/large)]. The long leg cuff version uses heel Chart C1 and the short leg version uses heel Chart C2.

 Smaller and larger sizes may be obtained by using smaller or larger needles. Pattern requires intermediate to advanced knitting skills and chart reading experience.

Aphrodite the Greek goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, procreation and affairs of the heart, was said to be born out of the sea foam and delivered to the shore on a scallop shell.  Although she is one of the only goddesses known to have been married, she was not true to her husband and was known for her many illicit love affairs.

Note: The difference between sock sizes depends on needle size and your gauge. Sock sizes extra small and medium are knit with US 1 (2.25 mm) needles; sizes small and large with US size 1.5 (2.50 mm). Directions for extra small and small are written first, those for medium and large in parentheses [extra small/small (medium/large)].

Smaller and larger sizes may be obtained by using smaller or larger needles. Pattern requires intermediate to advanced knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns.

Hera the Greek goddess of marriage, life, and love is one of the Twelve Olympians. Hera is also the goddess of the sky and starry heavens. Hera is also called 'The Queen of Heaven' because she rules over Mount Olympus where all the gods and goddesses live. Long before her marriage to Zeus she ruled over the heavens and the Earth. She is responsible for every living thing, including the seasons and the weather. One story, involving Heracles, also credits her with creating the Milky Way.

This top-down sock pattern uses slipped stitches and cables to depict Hera’s role as Queen of the heavens. For this pattern, I recommend using solid or low contrast yarn to showcase the intricate stitch work, but any color way of your choice will work. Cable work can also limit the stretchiness of the finished sock, so either use a 4 ply sock yarn that is springy, use larger needles, or size up. Directions are provided for 4 adult women’s sock sizes, extra small, small, medium, and large, equivalent to women’s shoe sizes US 6-6.5 (EU 36-37), US 7-7.5 (EU 37.5-38), US 8-8.5 (EU 38.5-39), and US 9-9.5 (EU 40-41). Directions include a fitted heel and simple arch shaping. Stitch pattern is in chart format only.

Note: The difference between sock sizes depends on needle size and your gauge. Sock sizes extra small and medium are knit with US 1 (2.25 mm) needles; sizes small and large with US size 1.5 (2.50 mm). Directions for extra small and small are written first, those for medium and large in parentheses [extra small/small (medium/large)].

Smaller and larger sizes may be obtained by using smaller or larger needles. Pattern requires intermediate to advanced knitting skills and the ability to read charted patterns.

In Greek mythology, Demeter the goddess of the harvest presided over grains and the fertility of the earth. She was also known as Sito "she of the Grain" and as Thesmophoros or "Law-Bringer" due to her influence on the existence of civilized agricultural society. Known as the most generous of the great Olympian goddesses she presided over the cycle of life and death and was beloved for her service to mankind.

This top down sock pattern uses Bavarian twisted stitches, simple cables, and lace to portray Demeter’s gift to mankind. For this pattern, I recommend using solid or low contrast yarn to showcase the intricate stitch work, but any color way of your choice will work. Twisted stitch work can also limit the stretchiness of the finished sock, so either use a yarn that is springy, use larger needles, or size up. Directions are provided for 4 adult women’s sock sizes, extra small, small, medium, and large, equivalent to women’s shoe sizes US 6-6.5 (EU 36-37), US 7-7.5 (EU 37.5-38), US 8-8.5 (EU 38.5-39), and US 9-9.5 (EU 40-41). Pattern includes directions for both a long and short leg. Directions include a fitted heel and simple arch shaping. Stitch pattern included only as chart.

Note: The difference between sock sizes is determined by the size of needles and gauge obtained. Sock sizes extra small and medium are knit with US 0 (2.00 mm) needles and sizes small and large with US size 1.0 (2.25 mm). Check gauge to ensure fit.

Silver-footed Thetis, or disposer or "placer" (the one who places), was a sea-nymph and the Goddess of Water. She was also the leader of the fifty Nereids. The Nereids, Haliad Nymphs or goddesses of the sea, were the patrons of sailors and fishermen. They came to the aid of sailors in distress and took care of the sea's rich bounty. Individually, they also represented various facets of the sea including fish, salty brine, foam, sand, rocky shores, waves and currents, and sailing and safe voyages.

This pattern uses beads along with twisted stitches, lace, and cables to depict Thetis and her sea nymphs watching over their realm from deep within a kelp forest. For this pattern, I recommend using solid or low contrast yarn to showcase the intricate stitch work, but any color way of your choice will work. Twisted stitch and cable work can also limit the stretchiness of the finished sock, so either use a yarn that is springy, use larger needles, or size up. Directions are provided for 4 adult women’s sock sizes, extra small, small, medium, and large, equivalent to women’s shoe sizes US 6-6.5 (EU 36-37), US 7-7.5 (EU 37.5-38), US 8-8.5 (EU 38.5-39), and US 9-9.5 (EU 40-41). Directions include a fitted heel and simple arch shaping. Stitch pattern included only as chart.

Note: The difference between sock sizes is determined by the size of needles and gauge obtained. Sock sizes extra small and medium are knit with US 0 (2.00 mm) needles and sizes small and large with US size 1.0 (2.25 mm). Check gauge to ensure fit.

Artemis, sister of Apollo and Greek goddess of the Hunt and Light, was one of the most widely venerated of the Ancient Greek deities. Fiercely independent, she chose the wild and verdant beauty of the forest over marriage, parenthood, and city life. She was the goddess of wild animals, wilderness, childbirth, and virginity, as well as the protector of women and children. She was often depicted in a knee length tunic carrying a bow and arrows aboard a stag drawn chariot. However, as the “Goddess of Light” she was associated with the “new” moon. In this role, she is shown wearing a floor length robe and veil carrying a candle or torch, lighting the way for others, leading them through territories yet uncharted. 

This pattern uses simple cables and beads to depict Artemis’s Torch illuminating the darkness. For this pattern, I recommend using solid or low contrast yarn to showcase the intricate stitch work, but any color way of your choice will work. Twisted stitch and cable work can also limit the stretchiness of the finished sock, so either use a yarn that is springy, use larger needles, or size up. Directions are provided for 4 adult women’s sock sizes, extra small, small, medium, and large, equivalent to women’s shoe sizes US 6-6.5 (EU 36-37), US 7-7.5 (EU 37.5-38), US 8-8.5 (EU 38.5-39), and US 9-9.5 (EU 40-41). Directions include a fitted heel and simple arch shaping. Stitch pattern included only as chart.

Note: The difference between sock sizes is determined by the size of needles, the gauge obtained. Sock sizes extra small and medium are knit with US 1 (2.25 mm) needles and sizes small and large with US size 1.5 (2.50 mm). Check gauge to ensure fit. Directions for extra small and small are written first, those for medium and large in parentheses [extra small/small (medium/large)].

Some sources say that Atalanta, Princess of Arcadia, was a fictional character in Greek mythology that was abandoned on a mountainside by her father and raised by a she-bear sent by Artemis. Others say that she was simply another persona of Artemis. And still others say she was a Greek warrior goddess of hunting and competitive running who was known for her speed as a runner, power as a wrestler, commitment to independence, and loyalty to Artemis. But they all agree that her fame was derived from her adventures with Jason and the Argonauts on their quest to capture the Golden Fleece and bring it safely back to Greece. This adventure entailed considerable dangers and her reputed bravery while facing numerous tests and perils along their journey made her the first heroine in Greek mythology.