Here is the photo I submitted. It's not arty or even particularly beautiful, but it is joyful. I LOVE my hand knitted socks.
These socks were knit with a combination of instructions and tutorials to get a fairly well fitting sock. I have a real struggle finding sock patterns that work for my feet as they are wide and flat and I have large ankles. This means most socks are tight around the ankle and the sock rides down the foot causing irritating wrinkles.
To rectify the problems with my socks I used the following:
Jeny's Magic Cast On for Toe Up Socks.
Fleegle's Toe Up Socks Pattern - I just used the heel part of this pattern, found here.
Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Cast Off
I have to say that the Fleegle Heel, is the best fitting heel I've ever used. I can't get over how well this fits over my chunky ankles. It also hugs the foot nicely.
I did put some increases in at the ankle just before I started the ribbing, but I think I may have put too many in, as the ribbing is very loose and it folds over the top of the stocking stitch a little bit. I don't think it will be too much of a problem as the socks are comfortable. As always, the Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off, was surprisingly stretchy.
This bind off is perfect for socks. It looks neat, never cuts into the leg, and fits over wide ankles with ease!
The rest of the pattern for the socks came from Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Sock Book and other patterns and tutorials I've read over the last few years. The socks were knit from the toe up and two at a time on a single circular needle.
This pair of socks is the closest I've ever come, to finding the perfect pattern for myself. I'm hoping my new treat, that came in the post this week, will help achieve my aim. This book is Personal Footprints for Insouciant Sock Knitters by Cat Bordhi. I couldn't find this book in the UK, so I ordered it from knittersbookshelf.com. If you are in the states it can be ordered in from Amazon.com.
Even ordering this book from the US didn't cost that much, around £22. I bought it for the totally new way of making socks that the book explains, but the patterns in the book are really beautiful, and I can see myself working through quite a few of the designs. If you are on Ravelry you can see the patterns here.
I am currently working on this new way of making socks and when I've got my first sock finished I'll let you know how it went. Until I get my newest socks on my feet, the ones below will continue to be my new favorite socks.
Ah, Regia Design Line sock yarn, how I love thee!
