With my latest series of designs I want to explore the diversity of South Africa’s flora and fauna, which form 10%-15% of the world’s plant and marine life.

Most aloe plants can lower during the winter and they often attract sunbirds! As the stalks are starting to grow, I decided to design a pair of socks inspired by the aloe flowers clusters. The Aloe Flower Socks are knitted top down, with a heel flap and gusset and feature a lace pattern than resembles the beautiful Aloe Flowers!

Materials:
• One 2.25mm / US size 1 circular needle, 100cm / 40” in length for magic loop or set of DPNs, or size needed to meet the required gauge.
• Stitch markers (2), one of which is used to mark the beginning of round.
• Tapestry needle for sewing in threads.
• Blocking materials.
• Fingering weight (sock weight) yarn, exact yardage may vary and is dependent on size and foot length. A 100g skein of sock yarn of the should be suitable for most adult sizes. Sample is shown in Miss la Motte Feather, 75% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon, 366m / 400yds per 100g in the Perfectly Poppy colourway.

Gauge:
33 stitches and 48 rounds = 10cm / 4” in lace pattern, worked in the round and blocked.

Size:
1 (2, 3): The socks are 17cm (19.5cm, 22cm) / 6.75” (7.75”, 8.75”) in circumference. Socks are intended to fit with approximately 2.5cm – 4.5cm / 1” – 1.75” negative ease.