Gryffindor Arithmancy Assignment

It would seem that some of our Gryffindor students this term have been struggling with their Arithmancy assignment. It takes me back to the days when I grappled with calculus and algebra, and was so utterly dismayed when I discovered my answer was wrong. I actually love mathematical challenges, so it always a surprise to me when I come across people who don't, and especially witches who knit! One of the things that I find so satisfying about knitting is how much it relies on numbers - how many to cast on, how many stitches in the pattern way, how many rows, how many yards of yarn you need, the gauge, the needle size... This week I have had a great time knitting a pair of socks for my little wizard, to finish off the yarn I used in my own Belle Epoque socks. Not knowing how far the yarn would go, I went for knitting 2 at a time toe-up socks. This time I experimented with gusset increases to create extra room around the ankle/heel given the last pair I knitted were a little tight with just a short row heel. I had to work out how to decrease again from the bottom of the heel up to the leg whilst creating an appropriate heel shape. I loved the stitch pattern though, a simple K3P2 rib, with every sixth row being YO/SL1/K2TOG/PSSO/YO/P2, which creates a wonderful crocodile skin like effect. Here are the finished socks modelled by my very appreciative little wizard... And now I am itching to do some more knitting, must dash...!!!