FLEECED TWO-NEEDLE SOCKS (aka "THRUMMED SOCKS")

Use 4mm needles, or slightly larger or smaller depending on desired 
tension.  Uses two 100gm balls of wool, one or two colors.  Where 
different, child's size instructions follow in brackets ( ).  Do not 
add fleece in ribbing.   (NOTE:  I use Lopi wool for these socks) 

Left sock instructions given first. 

Cast on 44 (32) stitches and work in K2P2 ribbing for four inches 
(Color 1).  Switch to color 2 and work 10 rows stst adding fleece 
from here on.  Lay in fleece at back of work, pulling a small rope of 
roving the desired thickness and twisting it under the working wool 
every 4th stitch every other row.  That is, when working the knit 
rows, lay the fleece along on the wrong side.  Stagger where you add 
the fleece, starting at the first stitch on the first row, second 
stitch on the second row, etc., re-starting after the fourth row.  
Leave fleece fairly loose on wrong side, so sock won't pucker. 

HEEL:  Continue laying in fleece behind every knit row.  Switch to 
color 1 (same as ribbing) and work along 22 (16) stitches.  Turn.  
Work back to beginning 22 (16) stitches.  Turn.  Continue working on 
these stitches, now decreasing 1 at beginning and end of each right 
side row to 10 (8) stitches.  Decrease at beginning of rows by the 
following method:  K1, slip 1 knitwise, K1, PSSO.  Knit to last three 
stitches:  K2 tog, K1.  Work purl rows with no decreases.

FOR RIGHT SOCK:  K across 22 (16) stitches, then switch to color 1 
and work the second half of the stitches on the needle, rather than 
the first half. 

BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT:  When down to 10 (8) stitches, you will increase 
again back up to 22 (16) stitches to complete the heel section.  
Right side:  pick up stitch at beginning of PREVIOUS knit row.   Knit 
to end, then pick up stitch from end of PREVIOUS knit row (to 12 [10] 
stitches).  Turn, purl to end.  Next row:  Pick up stitch from 
beginning of row TWO rows before the row you last picked up a 
stitch from.  That is, you will be increasing 1 stitch at each end of 
the knit rows, back to 22 (16) stitches, by picking up one stitch at 
each end from previous rows, going down two more rows each time. In 
final row, you will be picking up end stitches from the FIRST heel 
row.  This makes a heel section that "pouches out" from the ribbing 
and 10 (8) rows of knitting on the needle.  Continue with body of 
sock thus:

BODY OF SOCK:  When you have 22 (16) stitches on the needle again, 
K to centre.  Switch back to color 2 and K to end. Continue in 
color 2, stst, adding in fleece on wrong side of K rows, 28-30 (22?) 
rows.  You can size socks by placing the recipient's foot in the heel 
and knitting to within 2" of end of foot.  Sock is easier to knit 
without foot in it!  :-)  Remainder will be made up by toe cap. 

TOE CAP:  Switch back to color 1 (ribbing and heel color) and work 
toe cap EXACTLY as for heel cap.  When finished, graft toe cap to 
body of sock by placing the two knitting needles parallel to each 
other, 22 (16) stitches on each needle, one behind the other, right 
sides tog, and use a third needle to K into one stitch from front, 
one stitch from back, then casting off.  Or, cast off normally and 
use a wool sewing needle to graft together.  Sew up side seam in body 
of sock and ribbing on the inside.  Seams face outward when socks are 
on.  Wash in cold water and air dry (sock stretchers help).  

Of course, you can make the ribbing or leg sections longer if you 
want a really warm boot sock.  As well, you may choose to use the 
"thrumming" method for incorporating the fleece, inserting bits of 
twisted fleece over the inserted needle on a K row, wrapping the wool 
around and knitting the stitch, every three or four stitches on every 
fourth row.  This is more time-consuming, though, and makes for 
fatter socks.  Thrummed mitts and hats can also be made using fleece 
for added insulation. 

I've really been enjoying the patterns and recipes, and wish I had a 
few more months until Christmas to make up all the great gift ideas 
to give.  

Any questions about this pattern -- please ask.  I'd love to hear 
about any fleece-lined sock FO's.  Happy Holidays to all!!!


     @@@@     (  )          Debbie Tydd   Hamilton, Canada
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  @@@@@@ ~          {''}          tydd@netaccess.on.ca
   ||         ||                ^oooo 
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