September's Virtues Sock The'Pod:iPod Sock with Pocket
Yarn: Leftover bits (16 grams) of any handy fingering or sport-weight. Need1es: US #2,2.75mm Gauge: 7sts/in over stockinette.
Tools: Tapestry needle and 2.25mm (or thereabouts) crochet hook.
Pattern Instructions:
SOCK: Holding 2 strands together, CO 40 sts. Work K1P1 rib for 5 rounds. Work in plain stockinette until sock measures 4-5" from CO edge. Transfer all stitches to 2 needles and BO using Kitchener Stitch. Weave in ends. POCKET: Beginning 1" from the BO end of sock. pick up the right edge of the center 14 sts with a crochet hook (or by the method of your choice). Beginning with a RS row. knit these 14 sts in stockinette; slipping the first st of each row as selvedge, until pocket flap measures 2.5" from picked up stitchea. Next row: (K1, P1) 3 times, K2tog. P1, (K1, P1) 2 times, K1. Next row (1): (P1, K1) 6 times, P1. Next Row (2}: (K1, P1) 6 times, K1. Repeat rows (1) and (2) once more. BO in pattern. With crochet hook, join new yarn at lower right corner of pocket by inserting the crochet hook through the first selvedge stitch (1 loop on hook), then through the left-side vertieal loop of the stiteh direetly above the first picked-up stitch (2 loops on hook). Pull new yarn through, essentially creating one SC stitch (1 loop on hook). Leaving this loop on the hook, insert the hook through the next selvedge stitch (2 loops), and then through the left-side vertical loop of 2nd stitch directly above the one just picked up (3 loops). Pull the yarn through all 3 loops (1 loop on needle). Continue affixing the pocket in this way. picking up one selvedge stitch for every 2 rows, until all stitches on the pocket have been worked. Pull the yarn through the last remaining loop. pull it tight, and cut it. Repeat for the left side of the pocket. If you wish. you can also simply sew the pocket down, but I happen to like the nearly seamless appearance of the crochet edge. Weave in ends. Insert iPod. Rejoice in the lack of screen scratches and lost headphones.
