FO Fridays: Welsh Country Stockings

Welsh Country Stockings

This was first time completing fair isle on socks after failing to do so three years ago with the same white yarn. Nancy Bush is my favourite sock designer even though I always modify her parents a lot. Maybe part of the reason I love her that her patterns are easily adaptable. I converted this pair to be toe-up.

Welsh Country Stockings

The Hazel Knits yarn is wonderful. They were an easy knit though just very pretty. These socks are not exactly at success because the pattern on the legs does not show and the socks do not really stay up well. I must come to the conclusion that as much as I like to make and look at long socks, I almost never wear them and they are not that practical. Furthermore, I’m still war of fair isle socks. All in all, this project seemed to have taught me to stick to my standard shorter socks without stranding them.

Welsh Country Stockings

Welsh Country Stockings, started April 1 2013, finished May 12 2013.Ravelry Project Page
Pattern: Welsh Country Stockings by Nancy Bush from Folk Socks: The History and Techniques of Handknitted Footwear (1994) Ravelry Pattern Page
Size: US 6.5/UK 4/EUR 37
Blocked:
Foot Circumference: 7.5”/20cm
Foot Length: 9”/22cm
Heel to Top of Sock: 11”/28cm
Yarn: Hazel Knits Artisan Sock – Sandalwood (100g – 400.0 yards/365.8m) and Regia Uni Solid 4-ply
Needles: US1/2.25mm 40″/100cm circular
Modifications & Notes:

  • Converted these to toe-up socks, 2AAT on Magic Loop
  • Judy’s Magic CO 8 to inc to 56 sts
  • Used La-Link and La-Rink increases
  • Added the pattern to the toes
  • Fleegle heel all in MC
  • Inc up to 72, but I wish I had gone up to 80 since it’s quite tight at the cuff/calf that you can’t see the pattern very well and these socks do not stay up very well.

Cost of Project: About $34 for the yarn
Would I knit it again?: Doubtful. If I did, it would be to keep it top-down, change heel and toe, shorten, and add the pattern to the toes.

Have a good weekend! For more FOs, go to Tami’s Amis.

10 thoughts on “FO Fridays: Welsh Country Stockings

  • Word Lily

    I think if I knit 11″ legs on my socks, I’d need to be adding shaping. Does this pair lack that? Is that maybe why they’re falling down? They’re really cute, though! I love the little details at the color changes.

    Reply
    • athena (Post author)

      Hi Word Lily! It doesn’t lack it. I increased as I moved up the leg, but I didn’t increase enough I guess? These are my third pair of knee socks, and in general, I find knee socks problematic because they don’t stay up on me well. My calves are not remotely straight so custom fitting is not easy. I made over the knee socks and they are better so I should just move to making another pair of those. Thanks for the comment and have a good weekend!

      Reply
  • athena (Post author)

    Thank you, Kathleen! I appreciate when others make detailed notes so I always try to make mine helpful for others and my future self. Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  • Wendy

    What beautiful yarn! I’ve been reading about Welsh stockings, the Welsh used this combination of brown and white but would often use a rib throughout with would help the fit, especially if knitting for family

    Reply
    • athena (Post author)

      Hi Wendy! That is a great idea for the ribbing and I wish I had incorporated it into this sock. I doubt it will get much use. Thanks for the comment!

      Reply

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