Just a few comments to add about the Toirneach hose pattern itself. My mother and I have both knitted it with good results. I have made two changes based on posts here from Fluter and on Ravelry from other knitters (I think those are the sources, anyway!). The following may be all Greek to a non-knitter but your friend should understand. If she has any questions, let us know.

1. Instead of a purl stitch centered down the back, I prefer a line of knit stitch. It just looks cleaner to my eye, and reduces the "seam" appearance that Pleater mentioned.

2. I also don't like the finished look of the SSK decrease stitch used in the original pattern. I've used SNP (slip knit pass aka slip one, knit one, pass the slipped stitch over) with better results to my eye.

It does make up into a nice-looking hose. I've also used the pattern of the leg mixed with cuff patterns from the Gainford book but that's a story for another thread!