simply shetland Lice Stitch Christmas Stocking designed by Dianna Stevens Materials: Yarn: Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift (25-gram skein, approx 115 yds [105 m]), 1 skein each: # 101 Shetland Black # 104 Natural White # 125 Slate # 595 Maroon Needles: Use your preferred needles for working in the round: a set of four or five double-pointed needles, two circular needles, or one long circular needle for the magic loop method, size US 3 (3.25mm). For I-cord loop: One pair of 8" double- pointed needles, size US 3 (3.25mm). Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle. Finished Size: Approximately 11" in diameter by 12½" tall. Gauge: 32 sts and 34 rows to 4" in Fair Isle pattern of Chart A. Gauge is not critical for this project. Instructions: With Shetland Black, loosely cast on 84 sts. Join to work in the round, making sure cast-on edge is not twisted. Place marker to indicate beginning of round. Purl the first two rounds. Joining in and breaking off colors as indicated on Chart A, work in stockinette stitch rows 1 through 26. Proceed to Chart B, working rows 27 through 58. HEEL FLAP: Change to Shetland Black. Knit the first 21 sts of the next round; turn work. (WS) Slip 1, purl over the next 41 sts. Heel will be worked on these 42 sts; remaining 42 instep sts can be held on waste yarn or an extra knitting needle. Row 1: *Slip 1, k1, repeat from * to end of row. Row 2: Slip 1, purl to end of row. Repeat these two rows 12 times. Repeat Row 1 once more. TURN HEEL: Slip 1, p26, p2tog, p1. Turn work. (12 sts remaining.) Slip 1, k13, k2tog, k1. Turn work. (12 sts remaining.) Row 1: Slip 1, purl to 1 stitch before gap, p2tog, p1. Turn work. (10 sts remaining.) Row 2: Slip 1, knit to 1 stitch before gap, k2tog, k1. Turn work. (10 sts remaining.) Each time you have turned the work, you have decreased two stitches from each side of the needle. Continue these two rows until no stitches remain and you have ended with a RSR of the heel. Divide the remaining stitches in half. GUSSET: Pick up and knit 14 sts on the side of the heel flap. Work across the instep stitches according to Copyright © 2013 Simply Shetland LLC. All rights reserved. This pattern may be reproduced for personal, non-commercial use only. This stocking not to be knitted for resale. Simply Shetland LLC • 18375 Olympic Avenue South • Seattle, WA 98188 USA • Website: simplyshetland.com ™ Photo: Abbott Smith