From Suzi Anvin: Japanese Feather Lace Socks were designed to use to best effect one of my favorite Barbara Walker lace patterns. Japanese feather is a perfect sock lace - it has enough plain knit to give it substance, and enough open spaces to give it a very elegant look. This pattern gives great attention to the detail of the lace. The ribbing flows naturally into the lace design, and the sides of the foot are shaped with increases and decreases to allow the pattern to continue to wave down your feet without distorting the stitches below your feet. The toes are also ribbed, to allow for a more stretchy and comfortable fit. I consider this a beginner to intermediate pattern, although it is probably closer to intermediate. These socks are also a good first lace knitting project, as the pattern is extremely simple to memorize and knit - it uses only 4 different lace rows. They would look good in any solid or subtly variegated yarn.

Gauge:

• 9 st/inch in stockinette on US 1 (2.25 mm) double pointed needles
• 10 st/inch in lace pattern on US 1.5 (2.5 mm) double pointed needles

Please note - The lace pattern is knit on larger needles but gives a TIGHTER gage. Expect pattern to call for more stitches than you normally use with these needles.