Masnytsia Socks

This first pattern of the Luddite Yarn Sock Club 2021 celebrates the spring equinox with short cuffs, eyelets, and delicate details that hint at the approach of warmer weather. Knit from the top down with heel flap and gusset construction, and a modified round toe, this is a simple pattern well suited to beginner sock knitters.

Named for Masnytsia, the Ukrainian version of a Slavic spring festival that was celebrated at the equinox in pre-Christian times. Traditionally in Ukraine, Masnytsia was a time to celebrate the return of the sun. Nowadays, Masnytsia is celebrated the week before Great Lent (40 days before Orthodox Easter) by eating lots of perogies and pancakes.

When I designed this sock last year, I obviously had no idea that the Russian invasion of Ukraine would escalate to what it is now. As many of you know, my partner Yaroslav (chief sock model and lamb cuddler) is from Ukraine, and we have friends and family directly affected by this war. In light of recent events, all proceeds from this pattern will be going into a personal emergency fund for our friends and family who could need to evacuate or lose their livelihoods at any moment. Thank you so much to everyone who has reached out to us to offer support and to everyone who has been donating and sharing links to other Ukrainian Army and Humanitarian organizations.