“The Island of Apples Avalon gets its name ‘The Fortunate Island’ from the fact that it produces all manner of plants spontaneously. It needs no farmers to plough the fields. There is no cultivation of the land at all beyond that which is Nature’s work. It produces crops in abundance and grapes without help; and apple trees spring up from the short grass in its woods. All plants, not merely grass alone, grows spontaneously; and men live a hundred years or more…” From Wikipedia reference: Vita Merlini, Basil Clarke’s English translation from Life of Merlin: Vita Merlini (Cardiff: University of Wales Press, 1973)

This top-down sock pattern uses a simple lace pattern and beads, against a reverse stockinette background, to symbolize apples trees springing forth from the ground and clustered twisted stitches to represent grape vines. For this pattern, I recommend using solid or low contrast yarn to showcase the intricate stitch work, but any color way of your choice will work. Directions are provided for 4 adult women’s sock sizes, extra small, small, medium, and large, equivalent to women’s shoe sizes US 6-6.5 (EU 36-37), US 7-7.5 (EU 37.5-38), US 8-8.5 (EU 38.5-39), and US 9-9.5 (EU 40-41). Directions include a fitted heel and simple arch shaping. Stitch pattern included only as chart.

Note: The difference between sock sizes is determined in part by the size of needles used to knit the socks. Sock sizes extra small and medium are knit with US 1 (2.25 mm) needles; sizes small and large with US size 1.5 (2.50 mm). Thus, the size of the finished sock will in part depend on obtaining gauge/