One of my wife's co-workers had problems with her furnace so was enlisted to take a quick look. The problem turned out to be really simple(I lit the pilot light), I noticed several balls of yarn and an unidentifiable project in a box near the sofa and asked, jokingly, if she'd mind knitting some kilt hose. She let me know that she knits to pass time since she quit smoking a few years ago, and if I buy the yarn she'll make hose for free.

She describes her skills as "more or less intermediate." Seeing some of her work, she is very capable but is hesitant to take on really challenging work. She says she can do two-color patterns now and can combine different parts--meaning she could use one pattern for the body of the hose and another for the cuff.

I started scouring the WWW for patterns, and found several I like (but didn't really go nuts over) including a two-tone herringbone pattern. My problem is sorting through tons of patterns for baby booties and kids socks to find kilt hose and long sock patterns. After many hours I have a small handful of options, but none that I'm excited about(except maybe the herringbone one).

I have sent her a couple of patterns that I like but haven't settled on one. So now I have opted to open this up to the rabble. Simple or crazy, solid or multi-color, diced tops or plain. ANYTHING!! I need ideas!! In the interest of this woman's health, please help. She's been smoke free for over two years and I need hose(badly)--so you're actually doing a good deed for two souls by posting some patterns! Hose toppers would also be great.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.