The Holly and the Ivy Socks

I have always loved the excitement of Advent time, and this love grew when we moved to Switzerland. The counting down of the Christmas days leads to every village decorating their streets and lighting up the nights. Christmas markets appear, serving mulled wine (Glühwein), hot chocolate (heisse Schoggi) and many delicious sweet treats. I love seeing houses decorated with natural greenery from the forest, including wreaths and garlands made from pine trees, holly and ivy. And then I am reminded of the “Holly and the Ivy” carol from my British childhood and feel I need a pair of Advent socks to be worn during this magical time. **Construction Notes** Knit from the top down with a ribbed cuff, these socks include a simple decorative colorwork pattern throughout the leg and the foot to represent the Advent garland decorations topped with holly berry bobbles. The holly berry bobbles are replaced with a simple colorwork motif at the bottom of the foot for comfort (we should maybe avoid treading on holly!). 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 **Yarn** Fingering weight, Yarn Love Cinderella Fingering (80% superwash BFL wool, 20% nylon), 185 yds (170 m) per 50-g skein. Shown in **MC:** Champagne (2 skeins) **CC1:** Say Cabernet (1 skein) **CC2:** Conifer (1 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. **Gauge** 34 sts x 38 rnds = 4 inches (10 cm) for colorwork. 36 sts x 44 rnds = 4 inches (10 cm) for ribbing.