New Orleans Knits is part of my Armchair Travel Series and I am releasing 3 patterns that are part of the ebook just in time for Mardi Gras! 5 patterns for $15 is half off individual pricing!

The King Cake tradition is thought to have been brought to New Orleans from France in 1870. A King Cake is a bakery delicacy, crossed between a coffee cake and a French pastry that is as rich in history as it is in flavor. It’s decorated in the royal colors of PURPLE which signifies “Justice,” GREEN for “Faith,” and GOLD for “Power.” These colors were chosen to resemble a jeweled crown honoring the Wise Men who visited the Christ Child on Epiphany. In the past such things as coins, beans, pecans, or peas were also hidden in each King Cake.

Today, a tiny plastic baby is the common prize. At a party, the King Cake is sliced and served. Each person looks to see if their piece contains the “baby.” If so, then that person is named “King” for a day and bound by custom to host the next party and provide the King Cake.

The socks are knit from cuff to toe with an easy design and they are calorie free! Suitable for advanced beginners and interesting enough to keep knitters at all levels interested.