In memory of Queen Elizabeth II, 1926-2022

I have always been fascinated by the Royal Family and Queen Elizabeth the II, and was delighted to come across old photos of her knitting as a child. She was certainly a fascinating woman, whose legacy will live on for all of history.

I immediately wanted to cast on some new socks in her honour but couldn’t find anything that spoke to me so I started to look at some colourwork books for inspiration.

Some of these designs are modified from other designs while others are simply from my imagination. I would like to credit Mary Jane Mucklestone and her book 150 Scandinavian Motifs, from which I got inspiration for sections one, two , four and six. As well as the Chart Minder site, which helped bring my designs to life.

One- The Crown Jewels
Two- Regal motifs
Three- Tea pot, as the queen loved her tea, especially Earl Grey
Four- Regal motif
Five- CORGI, which were her favourite breed of dog. According to NPR, at the time of her passing she was companion to two corgis, a cocker spaniel, and a dorgi (dachshund-corgi mix)
Six- Heart motif inspired by Buckingham Palace’s ornate gates
Seven- References the Queen’s service during WWII as an ambulance driver, apparently she was the only person in the UK that didn’t need a driver’s license
Eight- Lily of the Valley, which is thought to have been her favourite flower

Please note this pattern has not yet been tested but I wanted to share so those who wanted to knit something in memorial could join. As I knit these socks myself I will try to weigh the quantities of colours.

These fingering weight socks are knit cuff down and use an afterthought heel method so the colourwork can continue uninterrupted. Should you prefer toe up you can easily flip the chart.

These socks will fit a ladies size 8-9ish foot but if you have longer feet you can continue for a few rows in off white before starting toe.