The usual end-of-shift bustle and banter swirled around Rita as she tenderly wrapped a special parcel in neat brown paper. It was a bit of a splurge, but she could already see the grin spreading across Cyril’s face as he played the record for the first time. He’d never heard this one before: it had just come in that very day, and Rita couldn’t wait to surprise him. You’d never tell by looking at him, but under that staid serge suit beat the wild heart of a jazz sheik.

“You spoil that young man of yours!” scolded Betty, peering over her shoulder. “Buy yourself a new hat instead and keep him keen.” Rita laughed and shooed her away. “Well, I’m sure you know what you’re doing.” said Betty, “But whatever it is, hurry up. I’m dying to get out of here. Some of us have plans!” Rita, good natured as always, allowed herself to be bundled along with the other shopgirls as they took their leave of Woolworths for the day. She smiled softly to herself. She had plans of her own. It was exactly a year to the day since Cyril had first invited her out on the dance floor. How could she say no? He was bashful, a bit awkward, and turned endearingly pink as she took his hand. She thought he was the handsomest man in the hall. Tonight they’d go out and celebrate, just the two of them, splash out a bit. And any time he asked her to dance, she knew her answer would be yes.

About the Socks

The dainty lace of the Rita Socks is inspired by the three delicate little diamonds on the shoulders of the ring. These socks aren’t flashy or complicated to knit, but they have the same gentle sweetness I’ve imagined for our Rita. With three sizes in the pattern, it’s easy to find your own perfect match. This is a top-down design, finished with an eye of partridge heel flap and a simple gusset. The easy lace is quick to memorise and master, making it a satisfying project for sock knitters of all levels.

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 in stocking stitch

Yarn

You will need approximately 70g (80g,100g) of fingering weight yarn - I used The Wool Barn Smooth Sock (75% super wash merino 25% nylon 425m/100g) in the Smitten 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

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.

This is the second pattern in the collection. The first sock pattern in the collection - the Cyril Socks can be found here and the third pattern in the collection to complete the set will be released on the 14th April.

Photography by Deb Hickman