The Doppler Effect Socks

The Doppler effect is the change in frequency of a wave for an observer moving relative to the source of the wave. It is commonly heard when a car with a siren approaches, passes and goes away from the observer. The received frequency is higher during the approach, it is identical at the instant of passing by, and it is lower during the recession.

Another use of the Doppler effect, which is found mostly in plasma physics and astronomy, is the estimation of the temperature of a gas (or ion temperature in a plasma) which is emitting a spectral line. You will see what comes towards you with a blue-shift colour, and what goes away from you a red-shift colour.


If you are not on the same wavelength as your family, you can give them a pair of doppler effect socks, but concentrate on the red-shift part of the pattern. ;-)


The Pattern is very easy:
Use your favorite sock pattern. I made them toe up, but they can be knitted either way. 
Toe up, the toe was made blue (walking in somebody's direction they will see the blue stripe first according to the doppler effect blue-shift of cause) 


With needle size 2mm, and Wollmeise Sock Yarn (or similar), the pattern is like this for size S/M:
Blue toe, CO 12 +12 sts and increase until 68 sts. (Top down CO 68 sts)
Whatever heel you choose to make,make it where marked *. This way the shortest wave lengths will be on the middle of your sock and foot.
Red stripe: 10 rows
Blue stripe: 10 rows
Red stripe: 8 rows
Blue stripe: 8 rows
Red stripe: 6 rows
Blue stripe 6 rows
Red stripe 4 rows
Blue stripe 4 rows
Red stripe 3 rows
Blue stripe 3 rows
Red stripe 2 rows
Blue stripe 2 rows
Red stripe 1 row
Blue stripe 1 row
Red stripe 1 row
*make the heel 
Blue stripe 1 row 
Red stripe 1 row
Blue stripe 2 rows 
Red stripe 2 rows
Blue stripe 3 rows
Red stripe 3 rows
Blue stripe 4 rows
Red stripe 4 rows
Blue stripe 6 rows
Red stripe 6 rows
Blue stripe 8 rows
Red stripe 8 rows
Blue stripe 10 rows
Red stripe 3 rows stockinette and then make rib (K1tbl P1  until the rib is as long as the toe.


If you need a larger size, just make the toe and the rib longer.
Embrace your inner nerd, and wear with pride!