In search hose tops or cuffs.

[fluter]

Something like this? That is on Scotweb, just click their link at the top of the page for hours of wishbook fun.

I actually have not seen these before. The normal "hose tops" are footless diced hose, worn with spats by pipe bands and military folk. You can also find them in tartan. Look where bandsmen shop, or the references that have been mentioned for diced/tartan hose.

Fancy tops might be a fun project for a knitting friend... Get them Lady Gainsford's book, some nice wool, and a bribe suitable to the occasion.

[James MacMillan]

Something like this? That is on Scotweb, just click their link at the top of the page for hours of wishbook fun.

I actually have not seen these before. The normal "hose tops" are footless diced hose, worn with spats by pipe bands and military folk. You can also find them in tartan. Look where bandsmen shop, or the references that have been mentioned for diced/tartan hose.

Fancy tops might be a fun project for a knitting friend... Get them Lady Gainsford's book, some nice wool, and a bribe suitable to the occasion.

That's what I was thinking about, but I had hoped that they came in multiple colors. Maybe the next thing I need to learn is to really knitt?

[Yaish]

A problem you might there is with fading. If you're only using (and this washing and exposing to the sun) the tops once in a while, they may not match the hose that get worn more often. And if you are keeping a pair of hose to the side for those dressy occasions, might as well just get the fancy ones.

At least white is pretty much white no matter what.

[fluter]

Maybe the next thing I need to learn is to really knitt?

You may be on to something, there. The tops are actually the most interesting and fun part of most kilt hose. Why not give it a try? You have done the basics, you could just get someone to remind you how to cast on & give a few tips, get hold of some appropriate needles. Of course, if you reach an understanding with Miss Joannie, go for it.

Here is the top of my first sock (ever). You can see the leg is going to look somewhat errrrr, rustic. However the top looks fairly decent. this is the Toirneach pattern from Knitty.com. You've seen a much better effort by BluesDoxieGa

Here is my practice piece for the cuff: just 2 sets of the pattern. Just work out how many will fit the calf, add on a short section of ribbing, and you're set.


My second pair is in progress. This is Gainsford's "pine cone" top---MacGregors take note! In worsted wool, it's almost too tall for my leg. I believe the pattern is 24 rows. For someone whose calves have a more heroic stature, I think this would be dynamite.

I was thinking of getting a contrasting color..... like red or maybe even a tartan top to match a particular kilt.

Oh, yes! I envision that pine cone top in a green with red underneath it. Or vice versa. Similar things could be done with the Toirneach, and any pattern with holes.

Anyway, hose tops can be fun. The book we've been discussing so avidly, Lady Gainsford's Designs for Knitting Kilt Hose and Knickerbocker Stockings, is full of them.