Inspired by a pair of distinctly textured and embellished handknitted socks shown in fashion designer Vivienne Westwood’s 1994/1995 collection, Kristin Spurkland has created a duo for urban street wear: lace knee-highs with ribbon accents and a flowered hat.
Finished Size: Hat: About 21" (53.5 cm) circumference. To fit an adult. Socks: About 8" (20.5 cm) circumference and 91⁄2" (24 cm) long from heel to toe. To fit a woman’s US 8 shoe size. Yarn: Hat: Rowan Yorkshire Tweed Chunky (100% wool; 109 yd [100 m]/100 g): #550 damp (teal), 2 balls. Socks: Rowan Yorkshire Tweed 4 Ply (100% wool; 120 yd [110 m]/25 g): #267 sheer (light blue), 4 balls. Yarn distributed by Westminster Fibers.
Yarn Weight: Hat: #4 – Medium; Socks: #3 - Light
Needles: Hat: Size 101⁄2 (6.5 mm): 24" and 16" (60-cm and 40-cm) circular (cir), and set of 4 or 5 double-pointed (dpn). Socks: Size 2 (2.75 mm): set of 4 or 5 dpn. Adjust needle sizes if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions: Marker (m); stitch holder; tapestry needle. Hat: Silk flower (available at fabric stores), large-head straight pins or hat pins to attach flower to hat. Socks: 1 yd (1 m) 1⁄2" (1.3-cm) wide silk ribbon (available from fabric stores).
Gauge: Hat: 16 sts and 22 rows = 4" (10 cm) in moiré patt with Chunky yarn on larger needles. Socks: 28 sts and 40 rows = 4" (10 cm) in St st with 4-Ply yarn on smaller needles.
Originally Published: Interweave Knits Winter 2004