The first sock of the Claire Ellen clubs in 2016-2017 is a MOCK! Clues will be released on Fridays in September, on the 1st (I know, not a Friday, but we’re starting out here!), 9th, 16th, and 23rd.

The sock pattern borrows its title from the players who arrive in Denmark in Hamlet Act II. They are not exclusive to the Hamlet club, because the players are expert (so says Polonius) in history, tragedy, comedy, and everything in between. The socks mirror each other, with the legs worked identically, then divided at the heel flap into a Sock A and Sock B. The sock includes some very simple cables (this would be an excellent introduction to cables), and some ribbing that moves around with decreases and M1 increases.

Skill Level: Beginning-to-Intermediate Sock Knitter; these are not vanilla, but they are not overly complicated either. They include cable work, increases and decreases, and sock construction.

Materials: Approx. 400 yds (365m) of sock yarn. I recommend not using anything too wildly colored, some mild variegation or tonal coloring would work, but a solid color will be best.

Needles: US1 (2.25mm) sock needles (the pattern is written to accommodate either DPNs or Magic Loop).

Tools: Cable needle, if necessary, scissors, measuring tape, and tapestry needle

Gauge: 8 stitches and 12 rounds per inch measured in stockinette stitch.

Sizing: Small (Medium, Large, Extra-large) socks measure approx. 7(8,9,10) inches or 17.75(20.25,22.75,25.5) cm in circumference. The pattern is very elastic. Leg height, ankle depth, and foot length are all adjustable to fit and preference.