A Sock Tale of Two Countries
Some projects feel especially meaningful before you even cast on. This pair of socks had a story baked in from the very beginning: two yarns, two countries, one pattern, and a whole lot of heart.
Last year, while in Portugal, I picked up a ball of Mondim sock yarn from the utterly charming Retrosaria Rosa Pomar. Rather than squeeze it into an already overstuffed suitcase, I tucked it into storage in Portugal, mentally bookmarking it for a future project.
Fast forward to this year. I arrived with a coordinating ball of sock yarn from RainCityKnits, based in Nelson, BC, and a plan: knit one pair of socks using yarn from two countries.
To maximize packing space (and because knitters are nothing if not resourceful), I jammed the hot pink yarn inside my milk frother, an appliance that will stay in Portugal. Priorities. 😉
I cast on almost immediately and began my first travel knitting project for the trip. We’ve had just a bit of rain and wind since arriving (that’s an understatement!), which translates directly to excellent knitting weather.
Travel Knitting in Portugal
When we had a break in the weather, I decided my sock deserved an outing. So, we took a little field trip to Ponta da Piedade near our place in the Algarve. Why don’t you come along?
A little walk through the neighbourhood to get to the coastal path.
There’s an easy boardwalk with truly stunning views.
And here’s the unofficial entrance to the nude sunbathing beach. Don’t worry—I won’t take you down there! I love that someone used a Sharpie to labeled it “nudism beach.”
The ruins scattered throughout Portugal endlessly intrigue me. Some are Roman, some Moorish, but the ones that really grab me seem fairly recent. No plaques, no explanations, just quiet mystery.
Each view is more stunning than the last.
I never tire of being here.
The Only Sock Pattern You’ll Ever Need
The socks themselves were a quick, satisfying knit and a perfect travel knitting project using The Only Sock Pattern You’ll Ever Need. This is my go-to pattern that lets the yarn shine while delivering a reliable, great-fitting sock every time.
Once finished, they came along on an excursion to Faro. Here we are standing on the old town walls.
Deep Heel Flap Modification for Better Fit
A closer look at my deep heel flap modification, one I use for most of my socks and include in the pattern instructions. Extra depth, extra comfort, happy heels.
There’s something deeply satisfying about knitting with intention. Choosing yarns that tell a story, carrying them across oceans, and turning them into something warm, wearable, and lasting.
Two countries. Two yarns. One cozy pair of socks.
Exactly my kind of souvenir. 🧦💗
Want to knit your own two-colour, two-skein, or travel-inspired sock story? The Only Sock Pattern You’ll Ever Need is a comprehensive sock pattern with guidance every step of the way, so you can choose your path based on custom fit needs, and styling. Work it in any weight yarn, at any gauge, to make any size sock. Every pair is unique; it’s a perfect launching pad for experimentation and personalization.
