First, Jamie and honoured members, thank you for your kind words. I initially got this idea while considering ordering some custom knit hose. I thought that I may be able to make my own using one of the Knifty Knitter products. I did make a pair but that is for another day.

I then thought that it would be both fashionable and utilitarian to have different hose tops to switch out with my kilts and just use a single pair of quality hose. I first tried light weight yarns to get a feel for what I was doing. The end result was OK but not what I was after. I then found a nice, heavy yarn that was easy to work and gave the look I wanted.

It was a learning experience and I am still trying different ideas. As much as I hate to divulge a potential money-maker, the nature of our community demands that I share my good fortune. However, if after reading this, you would like a pair of Hose Toppers made, please PM me and I'll see what I can do for you.

First, the Knifty Knitter round looms. They come with the four looms, a knitting hook, a needle and some basic instructions. They are made by Provocraft abd should be available in any good hobby or fabric shop.



Next are some of the patterns I have made for myself. Top left- blue variegated, bottom left-night stalker, top right- MacGregor, bottom right- camo



It may be hard to see but I put in a "ghost dice" in the green portion.



Next, a couple of shots with me wearing two other patterns.

Navy, sky blue and white.



Green, red and gold to "sorta" match the Maple Leaf.



Even from quite a distance, the Hose Toppers are very noticeable.

The following link is to the website for the yarn I like to use. It will give you a fairly good look at the colours available if you would like to have a pair made.

http://cache.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/y...rnPage=1419769

Now, some details as to how I make Hose Toppers.

I use the red loom. It seems to be the best size for this project. If you have smaller legs, try the blue one.

I knit ten rows to begin with. I then design my pattern to fit in ten rows. Then finish with ten rows. For exmple, the MacGregor tops are ten rows red, four rows green, two rows white, four rows green, ten rows red. When the two ends are joined and finished, this will give about four inches of cuff.

The green loom is a great size for making hats, toques up here.

I hope this has been helpful and I look forward to seeing YOUR attempts or hearing from you so I may be able to share the results of my new hobbie. As Jamie wrote, trades happily accepted.