This is the third and final pattern in my Summer of Socks 2017 ebook

In my part of the world, when hydrangea becomes the star of the garden, it is a sure sign that the countdown to autumn has begun. I love these beautiful, blousy, overblown but never vulgar flowers, and they are the inspiration for these lacy yet cosy, stretchy yet robust socks.
The hydrangea sock is a toe up, lacy patterned sock with a garter stitch short row heel. It begins with a Turkish cast on for the toe and works up through the foot, the lace motif is worked on the top of the foot, the short row heel is then worked after which the leg and cuff are worked with the pattern worked front and back.
The hydrangea sock is worked in two sizes as the pattern is so stretchy and accommodating. The placement of the motif is slightly different between the two sizes. The small/medium size has a repeat of the motif less worked on the top of the foot and there is a small stocking stitch panel worked down each side of the sock top, which is not the case on the large/extra-large size.

Yarn
250-300m 273-328 yards of fingering/sock weight yarn.
Sample used
TheresaShinglerKnits, Those who wander base in the ‘Hydrangea’ colourway’. 100% high twist 100% British Blue Faced Leicester, 385m per 110g

Tension
34 sts and 44 rows to 10cm 4 inches in stocking stitch

Sizing
A note about sizing. This is a very stretchy sock, the two sizes should fit the whole range of teen and adult sizes. If in doubt go down from your usual sock stitch count.
S-M, (L-XL) to fit foot circumference 18.5-20, (21.5-23)cm 7.25-7.75, (8.5-9)in – designed to fit with approximately 10% negative ease around foot.

Needles
2.25mm US 1 needles or size needed to obtain gauge. (Use double points, magic loop, a small circular, or two circulars to work a small circumference according to preference.

Notions
Yarn Needle, Stitch Markers (two)

Techniques needed
Turkish cast on
Wrap and Turn short rows (no need to pick up wraps)
Knit, Purl, Yarn Overs, Increases and decreases
Stretchy cast(bind) off