Christmas in August

Many years ago when I first started knitting I made my God-daughter a huge Christmas stocking which she loves and is still in use. I recently was requested by her mom to make another stocking for her son Alex. So for his second birthday I completed this lovely piece from my own pattern. I think my embroidery details leave something to be desired, but whatever.

Quick pattern for anyone who would like to make it. Previous sock knitting knowledge is helpful.
Needles: size 4 16" circular and double pointed needles
Yarn: I used a recycled yarn from a sweater, but any sport-dk weight yarn will do

Cast on 70 stitches, place marker, join in the round being careful not to twist.
Knit 10.5 inches

Heel:worked over 35 sts back and forth (standard short row heel)
Change to contrasting heel color, knit 34sts, slip 1, wrap, turn
Slip 1, purl 33sts, wrap, turn
Slip 1, knit 32sts, wrap, turn
Continue in this manner until you have 11 un-worked sts in the center and 12 wrapped sts on each side.
Knit 12sts, pick up wrap on first wrapped st and knit it together with the st, wrap, turn.
Purl 13sts, pick up wrap on first wrapped st and knit it together with the st, wrap, turn.
Knit 14sts, pick up both wraps ans knit it together with the st, wrap, turn.
Purl 15sts, pick up both wraps ans knit it together with the st, wrap, turn.
Continue in this manner until all wrapped sts have been worked. Place marker at end of heel, this is your new round marker.
Continue in the round with main body color for 5.5 inches
Toe:
Knit one round of contrast color placing second marker at 35 sts from begining marker.
Knit 1, ssk, knit to 3 sts before next marker, k2tog, knit2, ssk, knit to 3 sts before next marker, k2tog, knit 1.
Knit one round
Repeat these 2 rows 4 more times.
Then decrease every row until 9sts remain on each side of toe.
Graft the remaining toe stitches.

Hanging loop:
Cast on 3sts using double pointed needles, work 4 inches of i-cord and bind off. Leave long tail for attaching to stocking.

Cuff option 1: Measure stocking circumference.
Cast on 25sts with contrasting color, work in stockinette st until the length matches the circumference of your stocking. Knit a few extra rows, bind off and sew ends together. Sew to the top of the stocking. Attach i-cord loop. Embroider your own design or have it custom monogrammed.
Cuff option 2: Pick up 70 sts from cast on edge and knit garter or stockinette in the round to desired length, bind off. Attach i-cord loop. Embroider your own design or have it custom monogrammed.
Enjoy!