Hobbits are renowned for their jovial nature and frequent mealtimes. No Hobbit custom is more emblematic of these two qualities than second breakfast, which falls after breakfast, but before elevensies, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, and supper. Hobbits eat and drink frequently, enjoying the fruits of their labor coming from their agrarian culture. Short and stout, they are known for having well-stocked pantries, throwing excellent parties, and being more than willing to share. Bilbo stated in his diary:

“It has been remarked by some that Hobbits’ only real passion is for food. A rather unfair observation as we have also developed a keen interest in the brewing of ales and the smoking of pipe weed. But where our hearts truly lie is in peace and quiet and good tilled earth. For all Hobbits share a love of all things that grow.”

These mittens and socks depict a table filled with Hobbit staples just waiting for their guests to sit down and dig in! Tankards of ale, apples, mushrooms, and seedcakes—all Hobbiton favorites—are created in stranded colorwork. The golden yellow background evokes the cozy glow of both candlelight and the contentment of a full stomach. The mittens are worked beginning at the cuff with an afterthought thumb placed while working on the body. The stitches are then picked up once the body of the mitt is finished, and the thumb is worked. The socks are worked from the cuff down with a peasant, or afterthought, heel completed once the body of the sock is finished. Tiny details are duplicate stitched post-knitting on both the mittens and socks to avoid using more than two colors per round. Let’s eat!