Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Let Them Wear Socks

Many things can and have been said about Marie Antoinette. Having read and enjoyed two of Antonia Frasier's earlier books, The Warrior Queens: Boadicea's Chariot (1988) and The Six Wives of Henry VIII. (1999,) I was open to her gentler interpretation of the Empress Maria-Theresa's youngest daughter and France's last queen. Whether you believe she was a political pawn of her mother and brother or reckless, fun-time girl, Marie Antoinette became a fashion trend setter.

These days, however, when I think of Marie Antoinette I think of socks. Darn sexy socks, but socks nonetheless. Anne Hanson has designed this royal confection which is delight to knit (and wear once it cools off!) In fact, if I wasn't suffering from WIP overload and the need for new, I would have finished these already. Still, with one sock off the needles and blocked, I thought it was time to show her off a bit. I'll give the full details when the pair is finished, but for now I'll tell you that she is knit up with Fleece Artist Sea Wool in the appropriate colorway of Paris!

The cuff is knit flat, then grafted together. I probably should have blocked it before grafting, something I'll do with sock two. Once joined the stitches are picked up from the bottom edge and it is knit in the round.

The Beehive stitch makes up the front and sides

and the Honey Bee panel up the back.

Intricate without being complicated, the instructions are clear and easy to follow. Put your best foot forward with Marie Antoinette.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Marie-Antoinette was an excellent knitter herself. And these socks are beautiful!

Anonymous said...

That's a beautiful pattern! I love the colours you chose, too, appropriate name and all. :O) The pattern doesn't become overwhelmed with the softness of those colours. Lovely work! samm