In true British style this week I feel as though I should kick off with 'apologies for absence'.

The EU Referendum and post-Brexit nightmare have been deeply disturbing for us a family, for various reasons and it has taken me a few days to collect myself. I can't ever remember having been quite so shaken by a political event as this, and it will take some some to work out what the long term repercussions will be for DH and myself.

Still, in yet another manifestation of Britishness, we simply make a large cup of tea and get on with it. And in that spirit I would like to present you with Malala - my most recent sock design which was published last week.

I was honored to be asked, a few months ago, to come up with a design for the UK Sock Knitters group. Each month the group is knitting patterns inspired by a different UK actor and July is the turn of Emma Watson. 

Following on from her Harry Potter days she has gone on to become a confident and assertive ambassador for women’s rights. She inspired Malala Yousafzai (the young human rights advocate) to call herself a feminist after Malala heard her speak in her role as UN Women Goodwill Ambassador.

I wanted to create a design which moved on from the fabulous Hermione’s Everyday Sock - the very well-known design inspired by Emma’s character in the Harry Potter films. Emma’s confidence and assertive stance is reflected by the strong central cabled panel which gives the design structure and form. She remains at heart a down to earth and practical young woman however and so the back of the leg is left fuss free and straightforward with a twisted stitch rib.

I hope this design inspires you to become more confident with your sock knitting skills. Maybe this is your first time trying toe-up socks, or maybe you are going to try cabling without a cable needle (highly recommended in the interests of speed). Either way, you will be able to wear your Malala socks with pride and confidence in your own abilities.

Just in case you were wondering - and I know you were - the yarn used in this design is from Fluph, in Dundee and is from Leona’s own hand-dyed yarn range - Rusty Ferret Doll in the colourway The Dark Below. It was my first time using this very special hand-dyed yarn and it certainly won't be my last.