”A laotong relationship is made by choice for the purpose of emotional companionship and eternal fidelity. A marriage is not made by choice and has only one purpose — to have sons.” from Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.

In China, laotong or “heart sisters” wrote messages, using a special language, to each other on a fan. Where will you place your “Secret Fan”

Knit cuff down, the ribbing flows into a fan shaped lace which ends in a graceful “V” on the instep. The heel flap features a combination of eye of partridge and traditional slipped stitch to mimic the last stitches of the fan lace. The gusset decreases are placed on the bottom of the sock (thank you to turtlegirl76). The columns of twisted stitches frame the heel flap and the toe.

The Secret Fan is beaded and is “hidden” by the knitter.

Please note that the first repeat of Chart B per round is the back of the sock.

Additional Supplies: 41 Size 8/0 Beads

Pattern includes both charts and written instructions.

Designed for Round 1 of Tour-de-Sock, 2013.