This stocking echoes a popular sentiment, “Keep Calm and……” in this case, “Be Merry”. A recent trip to England showed me the way this World War II poster sentiment has been brought into the present. In the frenzied lives we often lead, Christmas is the time to slow down - and wait for Santa to fill our stockings! A houndstooth cuff surrounded by braids starts off this piece, knit in the round from cuff to toe. The wording is on both sides of the stocking so it can be hung either way. Make it in Medium for lots of little stocking stuffers, or in Large for the recipient who likes to be prepared for the Christmas of their dreams!
The word “Merry” is slightly different in the charts depending on size being made.

Materials:
Size 6 16 inch circular needles or size needed to obtain gauge
(24 inch length can be used on the Large size if desired)
Same size double pointed needles if desired for toe decreases.

Worsted weight yarn: Cascade 220 worsted
180 (230) yds MC Forest Green
40 (40) yds CC1 Ruby
35 (40) yds CC2 Gold
50 (50) yds CC3 Coral

Sharp darning or tapestry needle
Stitch markers
Size J Crochet hook for hanging loop OR 5” piece of 1 inch wide ribbon for loop

Gauge = 5.5 sts per inch (not critical in a stocking but there it is)
Smaller than normal needles and gauge for worsted weight yarn are to keep the fabric tight and less likely to stretch when filled.

Finished Size:
Medium: Approximately 6 inches wide x 17.5 inches long after blocking.
Large: Approximately 8 inches wide x 20 inches long after blocking.

Video link to “Two Color Long Tail Cast On”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdECziCsQOE

CAST ON 72 (88) sts in 2 color long tail cast on using CC1 and CC2.
Place marker and join.

Video link to “Knitting a Braided Edge”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiH6HCjr3zo