A gentle rain of white petals showered down, settling on his broad shoulders and catching in the soft folds of her veil as the pair ran down the church steps, hand in hand. It was a small wedding, but an outrageously joyful one. Boisterous cheers from friends and the approving smiles of relatives seemed to carry them along, and Rita could hardly feel her feet touch the ground. As she gazed up at her beaming new husband, so handsome and proud beside her, she knew suddenly that this was how she would see him, always, whatever life had in store.

Although the vicar had underlined several times in his sermon that a wedding was a holy and solemn occasion, Cyril could not seem to banish the gigantic smile that had taken up residence on his face from the moment he said “I do.” A blur of congratulations, hearty handshakes, slaps on the back, and friendly laughter surrounded him as he ushered his bride gallantly towards the getaway car, borrowed for the day. Later, there would be cake and tea and speeches and long hours of fun. Cyril’s band had shined up their instruments in readiness for the party. They’d play the latest tunes and the beloved old standards and everyone would dance the night away. Right now, though, in these first few minutes of marriage, all he could think of was the shining girl at his side, and how she was his now, forever. The little ring that said so sparkled as he pressed her hand and raised it to his lips for a kiss.

About the Pattern

A happy ending, a new beginning: our Vintage Love Story collection is now complete, with the Forever and Always Socks. A simple but impressive mixed plain and garter stitch cable runs down the side of each mirrored sock: a perfect match. You might see two wedding rings in this design, one plain, one glittering with tiny stones. Or you might see the story of two people, two different halves coming together, then having times of independence, but forever entwined. The socks are knit from the top down, with a pretty slipped stitch heel and gusset. Even if you’ve never knit socks (or cables!) before, this pattern is absolutely achievable for newer knitters, and will also be a pleasure for sock veterans.

Sizes

S (M, L) the sizes are measured on leg and foot circumference as the length of the foot is adjustable

Finished Measurements

Leg length 15cm / 6” from the cuff to the start of the heel

Leg and foot circumference 15cm / 6” (18cm / 7”, 20cm / 8”)

Gauge

36 sts and 48 rows per 4 inches/10 centimetres

Yarn

You will need approximately 70g (80g,100g) of fingering weight yarn - I used Barnyard Knits 75% Superwash Merino 25% Nylon 463 yards/100 grams in the Vintage colour way

Needles

A set of 2.25mm needles for knitting a small circumference in the round or size needed to obtain gauge.

Notions

Stitch markers - different coloured ones may help

A cable needle

Darning needle to sew in your ends

About the Collection

The idea for the Vintage Love Story collection began with two tiny words engraved on the inside of my antique 1920s engagement ring:

‘Cyril - Rita’

Two lovely, old fashioned names. A simple inscription, hinting at a whole lifetime of romance and devotion. Who were they, and what was their story? We have no way of knowing, but they gave me the inspiration to create this collection. This beautiful ring and its history are a part of my own love story now, and I love to think of the couple who came before and imagine what their lives might have been like. Each of the three sock patterns in the Vintage Love Story Collection contains a little glimpse in to the lives of a fictional Cyril and Rita.

What do socks have to do with diamond rings and romance? Maybe only a knitter would say this, but I think handmade socks are a little bit romantic. They might not be the flashiest item, but they have a beauty all of their own. Like a good relationship they are cosy, warm and comforting. They grow little by little, one stitch at a time. And if they are made of good stuff and minded well, they’ll last a very long time.

Find the other socks in the Vintage Love Story collection here -
Cyril
Rita

Photography by Deb Hickman