I want both socks to match as exactly as possible so wound off a few yards of one skein so they would both have the same “starting” point.

This yarn is very addictive - it’s very hard to put the sock down because I can’t wait to see how the next colour pattern will form. ;)

The knitted fabric feels wonderful - woolly and squishy but also soft at the same time.

Approx. total yardage used:
MC - 73 grams (336 yds)
CC - 23 grams (106 yds)

Mods:

• As per Susan’s directions for the men’s modifications to her basic sock pattern, I cast on 72 sts but am doing contrast cuffs, heels and toes in the Ecru yarn. But otherwise intend to follow the pattern exactly.
• Heel turn: first row (RS) - slip 1 purlwise, p19, p2tog, p1, turn
• I’m knitting on two 24” circular needles and have tried the in-progress sock on DH and it fits over his instep and fits his calves nicely so I don’t think I’ll need to make any mods to the fit (fingers crossed!)

Techniques:

• My favourite stretchy cast-on that I use for top-down socks is June Hiatt’s double-needle (rolled) cast on from her book The Principles of Knitting (pages 49-50 in the 2nd Edition). It really is the stretchiest cast on ever and bounces back perfectly and has a lovely edge. You use your working needle and another needle that’s one or two sizes smaller. When the cast on is done, you simply remove the smaller needle.

• It’s hard to find video tutorials, but this one is pretty good. It may seem tricky at first, but if you watch it over and over a few times, you’ll get the hang of it and then you’ll see it’s actually super easy. You can mute the sound since there’s no actual narration.

• There is also a PDF with illustrations that June created for The Knitting Universe that explains the cast on: http://www.knittinguniverse.com/downloads/hiatt/Two_Needle_Cast_On.pdf

Notes:

1. Next time, will definitely follow Kate Atherley’s excellent instructions from her book Custom Socks re high arch (heel diagonal area) as this area turned out a bit snug - quite wearable, but a bit snug for my liking.

2. Made to fit 10” long foot - sock measures 9½“ from heel to toe. Cast on 72 sts.

3. 8” cuff, including 1½“ ribbing - (16 rnds)

4. On all rows of heel flap, slip first stitch purlwise: on RS rows, slip with yarn in back, on WS rows slip with yarn in front.

5. Heel turn - sl 1, p19 sts, p2tog, p1, turn… Continued as per men’s pattern instructions.

6. Decreased toe to 12 sts each needled (total 24 sts) before working Kitchener stitch.