The inspiration for this sock pattern comes from the poem “Bessy and Her Spinnin’ Wheel” by Robert Burns.
On a late evening in summertime Bessy is sitting spinning outside her cottage. She is watching the trees and listening to the sounds of summer, totally content with her humble state. Burns compares Bessy with the rich and famous, saying,

“Amid their flaring, idle toys,
Amid their cumbrous, dinsome joys,
Can they the peace and pleasure feel
Of Bessy at her spinnin’ wheel?”

I imagine any socks Bessy might have knitted with her wool would be simple and “no nonsense”, but she loved the beauty of nature and so the open rib pattern adds just a little decoration.

Note -updated version published 14th June, 2012 (small changes to original pattern)