This mystery knitalong (MKAL) will be released in four weekly clues beginning on Tuesday 1st December, with the final clue just in time for the winter solstice. You can sign up to get links to the clues by email, or follow them online on Ravelry in the Wild and Woolly Ravelry Group. Sign up on the website or email solsticemkal@wildandwoollyshop. If you have any questions during the MKAL, please get in touch: the best place will be the Ravelry forum.

To buy an Alban Arthan kit, with a skein of either WYS Signature 4ply (solid shades) or Cascade 220, plus the necessary needles, either visit the shop at 116 Lower Clapton Road, London, E5 0QR, call 020 8985 5231 or visit the online store at www.wildandwoollyshop.co.uk

These seasonal socks are inspired by the winter solstice festival of Alban Arthan, the Light of Winter. If preferred, a single sock can be knitted in a thicker wool as an alternative to the traditional seasonal stocking.

Finished measurements and a note on fit:
For the socks: 78, 9”/1820.5, 23cm foot circumference. Because the mystery stitch patterns stretch less than a plain stocking stitch, the sizes given are more equivalent to XS, S, M – choose your size carefully. For the stocking: Fit is not so important here. If using a single skein of Cascade 220 for the stocking, we recommend you make the smallest size, and use any leftover yarn for a hanging loop.

Recommended yarn:
For the socks: 4ply/Sock weight yarn. Pictured in WYS Signature 4ply yarn in Cardamom (351), 77% wool, 25% nylon, 400m/437 yds per 100g. Sample (medium) used 62g (248m/ 270yds).
For the stocking: Worsted/Aran weight yarn. Pictured in Cascade 220 Heathers in Bronzed Green (2446) 100% wool, 201m/220 yds per 100g. Sample (small) used 95g (190m/208yds)

Recommended gauge, blocked and slightly stretched:
For the socks: 29 stitches x 48 rows = 10cm/4” square over stocking stitch worked in the round. For the stocking: 20 stitches x 27 rows = 10cm/4” square over stocking stitch worked in the round.

Needles:
For the socks: 2.25mm/US size 1 (or correct size for you to achieve above gauge). Double pointed needles or circular.
For the stocking: 4.5mm/US size 7 (or correct size for you to achieve above gauge) Double pointed needles or circular.