From the book: I named the socks after the katsura, a variety of Japanese Ornamental tree known for its delicate leaves, its brilliant red and orange autumnal color, and its scent, which is reminiscent of caramel or cotton candy. In a departure from my usual sock-construction technique, I decided to work these simple socks from the toe up so that I could watch the leaves and stems develop as they do in nature-from the ground up-while I twisted the stitches right and left. Like many Japanese stitch patterns, this one seems to have an intrinsic rhythm built into it: as you work the pattern, a portion of a leaf or stem “branches out” to become another leaf or stem-and another, and another-as if the pattern were growing right in front of you. The twisted stitches give the leaves a delicate look-like those on the katsura-but not too lacy or feminine, making these socks suitable for either men or women.