I designed these socks as I wanted to try J&S new 5 ply gansey yarn. The pattern is inspired by part of a fair-isle jumper from the Skerries (an island of mainland Shetland) which was included in “A Shetland Knitters Notebook”. I thought it was unusual and might lend itself to 3 colours in a row. The socks are made from the cuff down using the magic loop method. The rib, heel and toe are knitted on a slightly finer needle than the patterned section. I used Roxanne Richardson’s Instathought heel which is a peasant heel that is knit as you go rather than once the sock is finished. I found this easier to adjust the sock length as it’s possible to try the sock on as it’s in progress and it meant I didn’t have to pick up stitches in pattern later which I always find awkward. I have written full instructions for this type of heel and suggestions for YouTube tutorials. The sock comes in 3 sizes which are achieved by changing needle size. Gauge over 10cm/4” on pattern for each size is - Small 3mm/US3 needle = 30 stitches & 32 rounds, Medium 3.5mm/US4 needle = 29 stitches & 30 rounds and Large 3.75MM/US5 = 27 stitches & 28 rounds. The largest size is also a Gents small. Each size has 3 colours and only needs one ball of each so there are potentially many different colour combinations from the available 5 ply range at J&S if you would like to experiment. Equally you can easily use 2 colours in a row for traditional fair-isle and use to an afterthought peasant heel