Tiptoe through the Tulips

I love tulip displays with their many amazing colors. They are one of the first signs that spring is in the air and that flowers, color and life will soon appear again in the garden. I find they are such a welcome treat as winter starts thawing and their green shoots start appearing through the snow. I wanted to celebrate this flower by creating a pair of socks using multi-colored variegated “tulip” color yarn to honor them and that feeling of hope that winter is finally ending, and the light of spring is returning. **Construction Notes** Using three colors, these socks are knit from the top down with a ribbed cuff and include a simple decorative colorwork pattern by the cuff and the toe. The tulip motif flows throughout the leg and foot. These socks are knit with a short row heel. **Sizing** 1 (2, 3) To fit (foot circumference) 7 (8½, 9½) inches / 17–19 (20.5–23, 23.5–25) cm Finished circumference: 6 (7½, 8½) inches / 14.5–16.5 (18–20, 20.5-23) cm Recommended ease: Approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) of negative ease. Leg/foot length can be easily adjusted. See instructions for details. Sample shown is knit in size 2 for shoe size US 8.5 (EU 39, UK 6), foot circumference 8¾ inches (22.5 cm). **Materials** Yarn MC and CC2: Fingering weight, Yarn Love Cinderella Fingering (80% superwash BFL wool, 20% nylon), 370 yds (338 m) per 100-g skein CC1: Fingering weight, Yarn Love Galadriel Sock (80% superwash Corriedale, 20% nylon), 370 yds (338 m) per 100-g skein **Shown in** MC: Conifer (1 skein) CC1: Cosmos (1 skein) CC2: Martini (1 20-g mini skein) **Needles** **For ribbing, heel and toe:** US 1 (2.25 mm), 32-inch (80 cm) circular for magic loop, or DPNs, or two circulars or a 9-inch (23-cm) circular needle (as preferred). **For colorwork:** US 1.5 (2.5 mm), 32-inch (80-cm) circular for magic loop, or DPNs, or two circulars or a 9-inch (23-cm) circular needle (as preferred). Important note: Do check your gauge for fit. Additional sizes can be achieved by going up or down needle sizes. **Notions** Stitch markers Scissors Tapestry needle **Gauge** 34 sts x 38 rnds = 4 inches (10 cm) for colorwork 36 sts x 44 rnds = 4 inches (10 cm) for stockinette and ribbing