Cornish Cream Tea Socks

Description

The Cornish Cream Tea Socks are the fourth pattern in Season 2 of The Handmade Sock Society.

The afternoon is drawing on, and the flighty sun has pulled a disappearing act again. You could use your rest after another active day, but somehow it seems too early to tuck yourself away in the cottage with a book or a knitting project. Hours of peaceful reflection and silence have worked their magic, and you’re ready for a little liveliness. Time for another trip to town.

Out comes the trusty blue bicycle. You don’t really have a plan, but eventually, you find your way to a tiny tea room tucked down a lane. There on the hand painted sign is an irresistible invitation: Cornish Cream Teas. Duck inside. It’s bustling with the friendly sounds of friends catching up and the cheerful clink of teaspoons and teacups. It’s a good sign. Just minutes after you place your order, the pink-cheeked proprietor appears at your table, bearing happiness on a tray.

There’s a fragrant, steaming pot of tea and the sweetest china cup emblazoned with a spray of roses and violets. Wrapped in a napkin to keep in the warmth is a pair of flaky, freshly baked scones, so tender that they’ll split in half without even a touch of a knife. Two little pots, one brimming with jam, the other with cream.

Now, this is very important…in Cornwall, the jam always goes on the scone first. And what jam it is: ruby red, strawberry, handmade, and tasting of summer sunshine in any season. Scoop it out with the little silver spoon, and don’t be shy. Then, and only then, once the jam is spread, you can top it off with the true star of the show. Great cloudy dollops of rich, delicious Cornish clotted cream.

Bracing seaside walks and introspection have their place, but a little indulgence is every bit as important. Your creative heart is nourished in a thousand ways, and life without a treat or two would lack a lot of colour. Remember to be sweet to yourself, and inspiration will follow.

The Cornish Cream Tea Socks are our fourth pattern this season, and they are a sweet little knit that starts off with a 2×2 cuff. There is a panel of lace and texture down the front of the leg and foot, with plain stockinette at the back. A simple heel flap and gusset and a round toe finish off each sock, but as always you can easily substitute your favourite finishes. This pattern contains three sizes.

Size
Small (Medium, Large)

Finished Measurements
To fit approx. foot circumference of 7 (8, 9) in/17.5 (20.5, 22.5) cm.

Yarn

Circus Tonic Handmade, Fete Sock Fingering 80% merino, 20% nylon; 100g = 365m/400yds 1 x 100g skein
Colour: Homemade Jam

OR

Medium Size sample used 80g / 292m/320yds of fingering weight sock yarn

Needles
2.25mm (US 1), 100cm (40″) long circular needles (or size to obtain gauge) for magic loop method or DPNs if preferred

Notions
Cable needle
Tapestry needle
3 stitch markers

Gauge
32 sts/46 rounds = 10 cm (4″) in stockinette stitch