My daughter is currently working on a project about the benefits of native plantings, and in her research she found a comparison between the number of different species of insects that would live in a native oak tree versus a non-native ginko tree.
“But I like ginko trees,” I said. “We can keep them even if they aren’t native.”
Not that they’re going away at this point, or that I have any personal control over it, but I do love ginko trees, in particular the distinctive leaf shape that ginkos have.
Maybe I just need to knit up a pair of Ginko Socks from haruno sheep, which are covered in colorful ginko leaves.
These socks are worked from the top down on light fingering weight yarn. The pattern includes a German short row heel, but the cuff, toe and heel can be customized to whatever style you prefer. The pattern is also written to beworked in magic loop, but you can adjust as needed to the style of sock knitting you prefer.
The leaves are a charted pattern and there are two different sizes included, for 66 or 72 stitches. That comes out to a leg circumference of 8.7 or 9.4 inches, which is22 or 24 cm.
In the pattern notes on Ravelry you’ll see two colorwork versions. One uses two solid colors and the other, shown here, uses a multicolored yarn for the leaves themselves.
I really love this look because it looks a little bit like the leaves are changing color as they fall down your foot. But whatever yarn you have available will make a lovely pair of socks that you don’t want to ever put inside shoes.
The pattern is available in English and Japanese and you can buy it on Ravelry or direct from the harumo sheep website.
[Photo: harumo sheep]
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Waves Socks– Free Knitting Pattern
These cozy Waves Socks are a lovely choice if you want a handknit sock pattern with a little texture but nothing too fussy. The gentle scallop stitch creates a soft wave effect, making them pretty enough for gifting but still practical for everyday wearing. They’re worked in light worsted weight yarn, so they knit up a little faster than fine sock yarn socks too.
Ladies Lace Top Socks – Free Knitting Pattern
These Ladies Lace Top Socks are a sweet step up from a basic handknit sock, with a delicate lace cuff that adds just the right amount of pretty. The rest of the sock is worked mainly in stocking stitch, so it’s a nice project for knitters who are ready to try sock shaping without making the whole thing overly complicated. A lovely handmade gift idea, especially if you use a soft 4-ply sock yarn.
