This pattern is excerpted from Kristin Knits (Storey Publishing, 2007)

Pattern Description from Interweave Knits, Holiday 2007: “These colorful boot toppers - really gauge swatches in a vivid disguise - are quick, simple knits ideal for gifting. I designed this project so that you’ll have a fun, useful project at the same time you’re knitting up a gauge swatch in the round. After knitting one boot topper, block it and measure the Fair Isle section to determine the gauge you got. The gauge should be a close as possible to the gauge of the next project you’re going to make. It’s especially useful when you’re about to knit socks or mittens” -Kristin Nicholas

Finished Size: 10½“ to 11½” (26.5 to 29 cm) circumference at colorwork end, and about 8” to 9” (20.5 to 23 cm) tall.

Yarn: Nashua Handknits Julia, 50% wool/25% mohair/25% alpaca, 93 yd (85 m)/50 g. Yarn manufacturer’s recommended gauge: 5 stitches and 6 rows = 1” (2.5 cm) in Stockinette Stitch on US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.

Gauge: No gauge is given, because this project is intended to serve as a gauge swatch for working in the round. (The gauge listed above is the yarn manufacturer’s gauge.)

Needles: Set of four US 5, 6, 7, or 8 (3.75, 4, 4.5, or 5 mm) double-pointed needles or size specified in the pattern for which you are trying to match gauge.

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker.

There are two patterns given:

Diamond Boot Topper: (one skein each)

• 8118 Espresso
• 0178 Harvest Spice
• 3961 Ladies Mantle
• 4936 Blue Thyme

Checked Boot Topper: (one skein each)

• 4345 Coleus

• 4936 Blue Thyme

• 2230 Rock Henna