Apple Picking

September is my absolute favorite month of the year. The summer heat is dropping away and we race forward into fall, the start of the knitting season and “sweater weather” while still enjoying sunny days. It’s also the best time to pick apples in the northern hemisphere. It’s a fun activity for all the family, spending a few hours outside, strolling through rows of adorable apple trees, picking fresh crispy apples and taking them home to enjoy fresh or baked in pies or my favorite—delicious apple crumble! This sock pattern was designed as a celebration of early autumn and the arrival of apple-picking time. These socks are knit from the top down with a ribbed cuff, ribbed heel flap and gusset. On the leg, there is an apple tree colorwork motif with tiny apple bobbles. An easy-to-knit colorwork pattern borders the trees and is repeated just before the toe decreases. If you are not a fan of apples, you can even knit the bobbles with peach-colored yarn and make adorable peach trees! Or how about purple for plums too? **Sizing** 1 (2, 3) To fit (foot circumference): 8 (9, 10) inches / 19–21 (21.5–23.5, 24–26) cm Finished circumference: 7 (8, 9) inches / 17.5 (20, 22.5) cm **Yarn** MC, CC3 and CC4: Fingering weight, Filcolana Arwetta Classic (80% superwash merino wool, 20% nylon), 230 yds (210 m) per 50-g skein CC1: Fingering weight, TréLiz Ares (85% superwash merino wool, 15% nylon), 437 yds (400 m) per 100-g skein CC2: Fingering weight, Madelinetosh Twist Light (75% superwash merino wool, 25% nylon), 419 yds (384 m) per 115-g skein Shown in MC: Sand (melange) 971 (1 skein) 60g CC1: Birthday Girl (1 skein) 25g CC2: Jade (1 skein) 10g CC3: Chinese Red 218 5g CC4: Deep Mahogany 201 (1 skein) 5g (Only scrap yarn amounts are required for CC3 & CC4) Any fingering-weight sock yarn can be used for this sock pattern as long as you can obtain the same gauge. **Needles** **For ribbing and stockinette:** 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). **Size 1 colorwork:** US 2 (2.75 mm), 32-inch (80-cm) circular for magic loop, or DPNs, or two circulars or a 9-inch (23-cm) circular needle (as preferred). **Size 2 and 3 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 **Gauge** 32 sts x 44 rnds = 4 inches (10 cm) for ribbing and stockinette. 32 sts x 36 rnds = 4 inches (10 cm) for size 1 colorwork. 34 sts x 38 rnds = 4 inches (10 cm) for size 2 and 3 colorwork This pattern is included in Joyful Colorwork Socks: 25 New Knitting Patterns for Fun & Whimsical Footwear Featuring Pets, Games, Food, Hobbies & More which was published in November 2024.