青 (Japanese, ‘ao’) - blue, green

Many languages have what is termed a “linguistic gap” between what in English is described as “green” and “blue”, which means that they basically use one word to describe both colors. Until the Heian period (794 - 1185), this was the case with Japanese too - “ao” referred to not only blue skies, but also trees, vegetables and the like until the word “midori” came along to stand for green. So perhaps not surprisingly, “ao” today is still used to describe certain vegetables, apples, frogs, traffic lights, youth and greenhorns (bluehorns, anyone?).

The name of the pattern is, of course, inspired by the lush colorway that instantly triggers in me happy feelings of wandering through deep fir woods. I truly hope you will feel as wonderful knitting and wearing these socks, whichever color you choose and what you call it.

Materials
Socks Yeah! by CoopKnits (75% Fine Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon; 231 yds/212 m per 50g skein), 2 (2, 3) skeins.
Sample shown in the 110 - Malachite colorway.

Gauge
30 x 52 sts = 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 in) in stockinette stitch

Needles & Notions
US 000 (1.5 mm) double-pointed needles
2 stitch markers
1 darning needle (for weaving in ends)

Sizes & Measurements
S (M, L)
Foot circumference: 7 (8, 9) inches / 17.5 (20.5, 23) cm.
Sock height (cuff to heel): 6.5 inches/ 16.5cm (adjustable)
Foot length (from toe to heel): 8.5 (9.6, 10.6) inches / 21.5 (24.4, 27) cm.