Is there a better cure-all than a steaming cup of tea? Chamomile can steady the nerves, peppermint can alleviate headaches, and orange or lemon zest can be just the uplift when you’re feeling a bit down.

Tea also serves as a stimulant for Fitz and Verity in The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb; however, like many elements of her fantasy world, it also carries with it a double-edged meaning. For while the Skill and the Wit are draining and Elfbark Tea is the best palliative medicine in the Six Duchies, it can also give an after-effect of despondency, especially if over-used.

A keen reminder of the importance of balance between rest and activity, the Elfbark Tea Socks seek to capture that rhythm. Worked from the toes up in soothing stockinette, just as you’re starting to feel sleepy, the Elfbark Tea leaves panel on the leg comes along to recharge you for a final push to the finish…all while sipping your own favorite cuppa, of course!

Materials

Yarn
100 grams (approximately 400 yds) fingering weight yarn, recommended with a nylon component

Yarn used in photos:
Sewrella Yarn - Nylon Sock (80% Superwash Merino / 20% Nylon)
2-ply 400 yds/100g
MC: Maison
CC: Provence

Needles
US 1 (2.25 mm) 40” circular needles (Magic Loop), or size needed to obtain gauge.

Other options: DPNs or 9” circulars; pattern is written for Magic Loop

Notions
3 stitch markers: 1 to mark BOR, 2 to mark Gusset Increases

1 tapestry needle

Gauge and Notes
36 stitches & 48 rows = 4” in Stockinette

Socks are cast on using Judy’s Magic Cast-on, then worked in the round from the toe up. They include a heel flap and gusset heel construction worked with short rows to eliminate gaps and no picking up of stitches, with a 1x1 ribbing on the cuff. Pattern features knits and purls, simple increases and decreases, yarn-overs, using both in-the-round (toe, foot, leg, and cuff) and flat construction (heel flap) techniques. Instructions are written, with a chart for each size of the Elfbark Tea lace leg motif.

Pattern is written for 3 sizes:
Small (56 sts), Medium (64 sts), and Large (72 sts).