As gardens burst into frenzied bloom under the strong sunlight of in midsummer, Astrantia is content to sparkle in the shade. She’s not the showiest plant to flower at this time of year, but once you make her acquaintance, her twinkling charm is irresistible. The name Astrantia is drawn from the Latin word for “star” and when you see the masses of spangled blossoms it produces each year, ranging from palest white through pale mauves, warm pinks, and dusky burgundies, that celestial title makes perfect sense. This flower also has a more humble folk name— “Hattie’s Pincushion”—a rather sweet connection to the stitching and making we hold so dear.

The Astrantia Socks mark the midway point of this season of The Handmade Sock Society. Our third pattern is a celebration of the uncomplicated beauty to be found tucked away in quiet corners, even when the world is at its loudest and brightest. Written in three sizes, these socks are knit from the top down with a sweet bobble and twisted rib cuff, and are finished with a german short row heel and a wedge toe. Three pretty Astrantia flowers adorn the side of a simple sock: the pattern is mirrored between the pair.