Thigh High Socks

Now that you have fingerless wrist warmers (see March 1st blog), you can make yourself a pair of "toeless" leg warmers...
SIZE: Small, Medium, Large, 1X
Finished Circumference at thigh 15 (18, 21, 24) in. (38 (46, 53.5, 61) cm)
Note Pattern is written for smallest size with changes for larger sizes in parentheses. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. To follow pattern more easily, circle all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.

MATERIALS:
• 240-204 Lion Brand Sock-Ease Yarn: Lemon Drop 2 Balls
• Crochet Hooks- Size D
• Knitting Needles- Size 3 [3.25 mm]

GAUGE:
25 sts = 4 in. (10cm) in Stockinette st (k on RS, p on WS) BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you less stitches and rows to make a 4 in. [10 cm] square, try using a smaller size hook or needles; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook or needles.

STITCH EXPLANATION:
K1, p1 Rib (Even number of sts)
Row 1: *K1, p1; rep from * to end.
Row 2: K the knits and p the purls.
Rep Row 2 for K1, p1 Rib.

THIGH HIGH (make 2)
Beg at toe end, cast on 46 (54, 64, 72) sts. Work in k1, p1 rib for 14 rows.
Change to St st (k on RS, p on WS) and work until piece measures 3 in. (7.5 cm from beg, end with a WS row.

Heel Slit
Next Row: Bind off 23 (27, 32, 36) sts, knit to end.
Next Row: Purl, cast on 23 (27, 32, 36) sts over bound-off sts of previous row.
Continue in St st until piece measures 5 1/2 in. (14 cm) from beg, end with a WS row.
Inc 1 st each end of next row – 48 (56, 66, 74) sts. Rep inc row every 4 rows 11 (13, 15, 17) more times –70 (82, 96, 108) sts.
Work even until piece measures 14 in. (35.5 cm) above heel slit, end with a WS row.
Inc 1 st each end of next row, rep inc row every 4 rows 10 (12, 15, 17) more times – 92 (108, 128, 144) sts.
Continue in St st until piece measures 22 in. (56 cm) from beg, end with a WS row.
Work in k1, p1 rib for 13 rows.
Bind off.

FINISHING
Sew seam. With crochet hook, join yarn with slip stitch at heel slit. Work 1 round of single crochet around slit. Fasten off. Weave in ends.