Mesotherm Socks
The Mesotherm Socks are inspired by the thermoregulation of dinosaurs. Vertebrates alive today are either endotherms (warm-blooded) or ectotherms (cold-blooded). Scientists studying fossil oxygen isotopes now believe non-avian dinosaurs were somewhere in between — so they coined the term “mesotherm”. These socks represent an abstract interpretation of a thermal camera image of both cold and warm blood vessels in a single organism.



These socks use slipped stitches and simple cables to create the effect of one colour flowing over the other as the two colours are alternated every row in jogless helix-style stripes. Elongating the stitches to be slipped helps keep the socks stretchy and comfortable. Both socks are worked identically; fraternal socks are made simply by swapping Colour A and Colour B.
Worked toe-up or cuff-down (instructions are provided for both directions of knitting), these socks are adjustable in length and height. They feature a rounded short-row heel and a twisted-rib cuff. Corresponding written instructions are provided for the chart.
This pattern requires the knitter to be able to knit a small circumference in the round (the pattern is method-neutral) and clearly explains all techniques for increases, decreases, yarn over short rows, cables, and elongated stitches. Within the pattern you will find links to useful video tutorials as well, so the pattern is accessible to an intermediate sock knitter.