Product Description
These socks are inspired by the Greek myth for the origin of the peacock. Argus Panoptes, a giant covered with one hundred eyes, is charged by Hera to guard the nymph Io from the philandering Zeus. Zeus gets rid of Argus by sending Hermes to bore him to sleep, then stealing Io away. To commemorate Argus's sacrifice, Hera put his eyes into the tail of her favorite bird, the peacock.
Worked from the toe up, these socks are worked in stockinette until the start of the gusset increases. The lacy peacock stitch pattern starts in the center of the instep, and spreads out towards the ankle, eventually circling all the way around the leg. The pattern includes charted directions, and a photo tutorial for working the peacock stitch pattern.
Skills needed: Knitting in the round, purling, decreasing and increasing. Lace knitting experience and the ability to read your knitting is strongly recommended. Gague: 34 sts/48 rows over 4 in/10 cm in stockinette.
Argus Panoptes Socks by Rachel Brown
What is Being Made
Argus Panoptes is a pair of knitted socks designed by Rachel Brown, inspired by the Greek mythological figure Argus, the hundred-eyed giant from Hera's legend. These socks feature an eye motif design that references the classical story of Argus guarding the nymph Io, with the pattern incorporating multiple eye elements scattered throughout the sock design, much like the eyes that covered Argus's body in the ancient myth.
Design Inspiration and Story
The pattern draws from Rachel Brown's childhood fascination with illustrated Greek mythology. The designer was captivated by the tale of how Argus met his end through Hermes' deception and how Hera honored the fallen giant by placing his hundred eyes into the tail feathers of the peacock. This mythological narrative directly informs the visual aesthetic of the sock design, creating a wearable tribute to classical storytelling with practical everyday functionality.
Knitting Techniques
This intermediate-level knitting project employs techniques suitable for sock construction. The pattern utilizes stitch work methods that allow for the creation of the eye motif details throughout the sock. Knitters working on this project should have foundational sock-knitting experience, as the intermediate difficulty level indicates more complex shaping and stitch patterning than beginner projects.
Stitches and Stitch Work
While specific stitch names are not detailed in the pattern description provided, the eye motifs characteristic of this design are created through knitting techniques that allow for detailed colorwork or textured stitch patterns. The sock construction incorporates the structural elements necessary for proper fit and durability in a wearable garment.
Materials
Knitters will require yarn appropriate for sock construction and knitting needles suitable for sock-weight yarn. The specific yardage requirements, needle sizes, and yarn weight specifications are detailed within the complete downloadable PDF pattern from designer Rachel Brown.
Pattern Format
Argus Panoptes is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, making it accessible for knitters to work from digital instructions. This format allows crafters to reference the pattern on multiple devices while working on their project.
Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Designer: | Rachel Brown |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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