TRAFALGAR BOOTLETS
by Heather Desserud
"I cannot command winds and weather" - Horatio Nelson I concocted these ankle-warmers while watching a documentary on Lord Nelson. Something about the smoky colour reminded me of London fogs, and the alpaca should keep me warm even in my favourite heels. I may not be able to command weather but at least I can look good while enduring it!
Materials:
1 ball Bernat Alpaca Natural Blends (120 yds/100 g) or other bulky weight yarn Set of DPNs Size 9 (5.5 mm) Set of DPNs Size 8 (5 mm) Tapestry needle (to weave in ends) SIZE: Small. To increase size, try casting on more sts in multiples of 4. These are knit in tight ribbing so there is a lot of stretch and leeway--one size will probably fit most. GAUGE: I found gauge to be far less reliable than trying on the bootlets as I was making them. Mine was roughly 5 sts per inch in K3, P1 ribbing in the larger needles.
Instructions:
Using larger needles, cast on 48 sts (or number of sts to suit size). Join to knit in round. Knit in ribbing as follows: (K3, P1) repeated to end of round. Continue in ribbing until length measures $4\,^{1}\!/\!_{2}\,^{\circ}$ Switch to smaller needles. Continue in ribbing, decreasing by 1 st at beginning of next 4 rows. Continue, decreasing by 1 st at end of next 4 rows. 40 sts. Continue in ribbing until bootlets reach $8^{\circ}$ (or desired length). Purl 2 rows. Bind off knit-wise loosely. Weave in ends and enjoy!
Notes:
These bootlets look very tiny on the needles, but they stretch quite a bit. Just make sure to bind off loosely! If you would like longer or slouchier leg warmers (rather than ankle warmers), try omitting the decreases.
