Castle in the Sky

“Using the leaves and twisty vines like the rungs of a ladder, Jack climbed and climbed until at last, he reached the sky. And when he got there he found a… tall, square castle off in the distance. ” 
– Jack and the Beanstalk

We’ve all dreamed of what could happen if we, like Jack, received magic beans. These socks embrace that fantasty and are worked from the toe up. Thick ‘beanstalk’ ribbing is created with slipped stitches, and a photo tutorial guides you through German Short Rows along the heel. After the heel flap, a bit of knitting magic transforms the beanstalk ribbing into complex cables that create a ‘castle’ of archways along the leg of the sock. Worked in Rainbow Heirloom’s gorgeous semi-solid sock yarn, these socks are sure to stand out, even if you don’t have your own beanstalk to climb. (NOTE: Experience with cabling is recommended. Cables are both charted and written.)

FINISHED SIZE 
Adult S (M, L, XL) 
Leg/Foot Circumference: 6.75 (8, 9, 10.25)” / 17 (20, 22.5, 25.5) cm; fits leg/foot circumference of 7.75 (9, 10, 11.25)” / 19.5 (23, 25, 28) cm 
Leg/Foot Length: Adjustable to fit

YARN 
Rainbow Heirloom SOCK (75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon; 232 yds / 50g): 2 skeins, OR 460yds fingering weight sock yarn

Sample shown in ‘Kermit Smiled’

NEEDLES 
US 1 (2.25mm), or as needed to meet gauge; DPNs or needles for small circumference knitting

NOTIONS 
Tapestry needle 
3 stitch markers 
1 removable stitch marker 
Cable needle

GAUGE 
In stockinette: 32 sts and 48 rounds = 4” (10cm)