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This pattern is the fifth window in Knitvent 2018

“Just as the spiniest chestnut-burr
Is lined within with the finest fur,
So the stoney-walled, snow-roofed house
Of every squirrel and mole and mouse
Is lined with thistledown, sea-gull’s feather,
Velvet mullein-leaf, heaped together
With balsam and juniper, dry and curled,
Sweeter than anything else in the world.

O what a warm and darksome nest
Where the wildest things are hidden to rest!
It’s there that I’d love to lie and sleep,
Soft, soft, soft, and deep, deep, deep!”

From “Winter Sleep” by Elinor Wylie

Snuggling down into hibernation mode for at least a few days is one of my favourite things to do. In this part of the world, the winter nights are long and dark, and the weather is cold and often unrelentingly rainy. But to my mind, that just makes being tucked away indoors seem even cosier. This enchanting poem by the rather fabulous 1920s poet Elinor Wylie celebrates the pleasures of hiding away from the winter chill for a long rest. Early in the poem she speaks of “Little birds like bubbles of glass…Birds as bright as sparkles of wine” who flee from the cold to warmer climes, but decides she’d rather build her nest “under the roots of the balsam tree” like the small furry creatures of the forest. I have to say I agree. The nesting instinct is strong around the holidays. Squishy hand knits, steaming mugs of hot chocolate, a woolly blanket and nothing to do: what could be sweeter or more peaceful?

The Winter Sleep Socks are a tribute to everything cosy. Knit from a cuddly DK weight yarn, they are a fast project, and with 4 sizes to choose from, you can gift them to several people on your list. This pattern has an easy textured eyelet and rib pattern on the leg inspired by those “little birds like bubbles of glass”. The construction features a heel flap and gusset and a round toe. True to their name, they would make a wonderful pair of bed socks, but they’re also great for kicking around the house or worn for extra warmth under boots.

SIZE
Extra Small, (Small, Medium, Large)

Finished Measurements:
Leg length: 10.5cm/4.125” ( 13cm/5.125”, 15.5cm/6.125”, 15.5cm/6.125”) from cuff to the start of the heel

Circumference: 15cm/6” (18cm/7”, 20cm/8”, 23cm/9”)

YARN
Yarn Ink Classic DK
(75% superwash merino, 25% nylon; 225m/246yds per 100g skein)
Colour: Antique

OR
Yarn requirements will vary slightly for each size depending on the length knit but to give an indication:
A small sample (knit in size EUR40 length) used approximately: 82g or 185m/202yds of DK weight yarn
The medium sample pictured (knit in size EUR42 length) used approximately: 96g or 216m/236yds of DK weight yarn

NEEDLES
3.25mm (US 3), 100cm (40”) long circular needles (or size to obtain gauge) for magic loop method or DPNs if preferred

NOTIONS
Tapestry needle
1 stitch marker

GAUGE
24 sts/32 rounds = 10cm (4”)
in stockinette stitch