It took me forever to knit this swatch because it was only one pattern row and a purl row. So if you are looking for a simple pattern for the top of socks, this is it. Also, it was very hard to photograph for some reason and looks better than the photo.
You can find the swatch pattern on my website. 

I'm finally getting back around to working on the charts and patterns from The Art of Knitting 1897. This swatch is stretchy and would work well for socks and mittens. And it would also drape well for a shawl. You can find the chart and pattern on my website.

Here's another swatch from The Art of Knitting 1897.
This is called the Herring-Bone Design and is the simplest pattern I've come across in this book.
If you changed the odd rows to knits, you would have an interesting ribbing for a lacy sock.
You can find the pattern for this swatch on my website.