20 days and counting

Thank you all for your very kind comments on Lady Eleanor. I'm so happy with how she turned out, especially with the blocking -- she's now long enough to really wrap oneself up. J took a look from Chicago and has assured me that his mother will just love it.

So, as to the title. Even though it's not a holiday I technically celebrate, I'm still quite aware of the fact that Christmas is coming up quite soon. With that in mind, I've just finished up the last of my original holiday knits, and I'd like to share that pattern with you! Without any further ado, I present to you ...

Elf Feets!

These were inspired by Wendy's Pixie-feet slippers. These are a quick knit and make a great gift if you need to do some last-minute Christmas knitting. I whipped up the second one of these on Sunday afternoon during the Steelers game.

Materials

Yarn: Paton's Classic Wool (100% wool) in Bright Red (MC) and Winter White (CC), one skein each

Needles: US 6 dpns, set of four

Crochet hook

Tapestry or darning needle

Gauge*: 23 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches

[*Note: gauge is not that important in this pattern, as you are not making a garment to fit someone. The most important thing is that your yarn is all or nearly all wool and will felt. If using a finer yarn, use smaller needles.]

Using CC, CO 45 sts and distribute evenly over three needles (15 sts on each needle). Join for knitting in the round, being careful not to twist sts.

Knit 10 rounds with CC.

Switch to MC and K 2 rounds.

Set up for heel:

K 11 sts from Needle 1, turn (transfer 4 remaining sts on Needle 1 to Needle 2).

Sl 1, P 10 sts from Needle 1 and 11 sts from Needle 3, turn. These 22 sts will be worked back and forth for the heel flap. Distribute remaining sts over other two needles.

Heel Flap:

Row 1: Sl 1, K 21, turn

Row 2: Sl 1, P 21, turn

Repeat rows 1 and 2 a total of 10 times (20 rows)

Turn Heel:

Row 1: Sl 1, K11, SSK, K1, turn

Row 2: Sl 1, P3, P2tog, P1, turn

Row 3: Sl 1, K to one stitch before gap, SSK, K1, turn

Row 4: Sl 1, P to one stitch before gap, P2tog, P1, turn

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until all stitches have been worked (note: on last two rows, you will Sl 1, K or P to one stitch before gap, SSK or P2tog -- this will be the last stitch).

Gussets:

K across 12 heel sts.

Pick up and knit 11 sts along side of heel flap and one st between flap and instep sts. (Needle 1)

With Needle 2, K 23 instep sts.

With Needle 3, pick up and K one st between instep sts and flap and 12 sts from side of heel flap, then K 6 sts from Needle 1.

(You will now have 18 sts on Needle 1, 23 instep sts on Needle 2, and 19 sts on Needle 3.)

Row 1: On Needle 1, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. K 23 instep sts on Needle 2. On Needle 3, K 1, SSK, K to end.

Row 2: K all sts.

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until 44 sts remain (10 sts on Needle 1, 23 instep sts on Needle 2, 11 sts on Needle 3).

Knit even until foot measures 4 inches.

Toe:

Row 1: On Needle 1, K all sts. On Needle 2, K 1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K 1. On Needle 3, K all sts.

Row 2: K all sts.

Row 3: On Needle 1, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K 1. On Needle 2, K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K 1. On Needle 3, K 1, SSK, K to end.

Row 4: K all sts.

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until 10 sts remain (2 sts on Needle 1, 5 sts on Needle 2, 3 sts on Needle 3).

Combine the sts on Needles 1 and 3 onto one needle. You will now have two needles with 5 sts on each. Turn work so that yarn is at the right. K first st on front needle together with first st on back needle and continue across (as for a three-needle bind off). You will now have 5 sts on one needle.

Work Icord for 2.5 inches.

Cut yarn, leaving a 10"-12" tail. Pull through the loops on needle. Thread yarn through the center of Icord tube, pulling it out inside the toe. Weave in this and other ends.

Finishing

When you've made two of these slippers/socks, place them in a cotton pillowcase and close securely. Felt in a washing machine until fabric has reached its desired state. Shape toes by curling then back and allow slippers to dry. If desired, sew a bell or pom-pom to the end of each toe.

Using CC and leaving an 8" tail, crochet a 20" cord, pulling each st tight. Cut thread, leaving an 8" tail. Using tapestry or darning needle, thread one end of the cord through the back of each slipper at the point where you joined the MC. Secure end and cut. Tie a knot in the cord and hang it on the tree!

Here are the obligatory before and after felting shots (pen provided for scale):

Enjoy!