The lovely Duchess Anna socks are named for Anna Maria Russell, the Duchess of Bedford who is credited with transforming the English custom of taking tea in the early 1800’s. It is said that she is the one who elevated the experience from a simple beverage. In her hands it became a light afternoon meal that included small cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, and other dainties to be shared among friends. Soon it became a popular pastime among the upper class of British society and many women began to issue invites to their friends for tea and perhaps a walk in the meadow. As it is well known that every proper woman needs to dress for the occasion, especially in Queen Victoria’s England, it should not be surprising that Duchess Anna is credited with the introduction of the tea dress as well.

Finished Sizes

Circumference for Socks: 7 (8, 9)”/17.75 (20.25, 23) cm Leg Length for Socks: 6”/15.25 cm

Yarn

The Sanguine Gryphon ‘Little Traveller’, 4 oz/ 560 yds, 100% superwash merino wool, 1 skein for Main Color (MC), approximately 100 yds for Contrast Color (CC)

Notions

Size 6/0 Seed beads (240)

US 10/1.15 mm Crochet hook

Construction Notes

The socks are knit from the top down, beginning with a ruffle along the cuff edge.

Beading is on the leg is optional, and the beads do not need to be pre-strung.