Manderley Socks

“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.”

The opening line of Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier never fails to send a shiver down my spine. Rebecca is one of my favorite books and for good reason--it’s the sort of book that engulfs you completely, transporting you to a stately manor house haunted by the memory of its late mistress.

It’s not much of a love story, despite what the 2020 adaptation might make you believe--in fact, Taylor Swift credited the book with inspiring one of her most devastating songs (imo) Tolerate It--but there is an element of romance in the story of our mousy heroine, her brooding husband, and the house that haunts their dreams.

When I was knitting these socks, that opening line kept repeating in my head, which may mean it’s time for another reread. But I think the name fits these socks well because the texture reminds me of the iron gate that bars the heroine from returning to Manderley in her dream.

The Manderley Socks are knitted top-down with a cuff pattern that features tuck increases (and a photo tutorial if you’re new to the technique!) while the body of the sock has an all-over lace pattern that is intuitive and easy to memorize. The construction includes a slipped stitch heel flap and gusset.

Size:
The sock measures 19cm/7.5in in circumfrence. This size refers to the measurement of the sock un-stretched. Most people like their socks to fit a little snug so keep that in mind. The size only refers to the width of the sock, the length can be customized as you knit.

Gauge:
36 stitches x 44 rows per 10cm/4in

Yarn:
Fingering weight – 50 grams based on average foot length of 23cm/9in so you may need more or less depending on your measurement.

I used Isager Sock Yarn in 0, which is 40% Easy Wash Alpaca, 40% Easy Wash Merino Wool, and 20% Recycled Nylon. Note: alpaca tends to grow a lot with blocking so if you use a yarn without alpaca, it may end up a little smaller.

Needles:
The pattern is written for small (23cm/9in) circular needles, switching to double pointed needles or Magic Loop for the toe decreases, but can be worked using double pointed needles or Magic Loop throughout, according to your preference. I use 2.5mm needles, but use whichever size gets you the above listed gauge. You will also need needles half a size smaller (I use 2.25mm) for the cuff and toe.

Notions:
Cable needle
Tapestry needle
Stitch markers
Scissors
Sock blockers (optional)