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Traveling Socks

I usually have a pretty simple sock going that I work on while out and about.  It is basically my standard Basic Top Down Socks on DPNs with some variation to add patterns to the legs for interest and/or various sizes. I use the pattern somewhat like a recipe, I change the ingredients on a whim.

Using Knitpicks Hawthorne Multi in Happy Valley

This sock has 64 stitches with a K2, P2 ribbing for 20 rows. I then did a 2 stitch cable repeat around which switches the ribbing to K1, *P2, K2,* P1. I’m sure it would of been equally effective to just change the ribbing directly to the P2, K2. Anyway, I worked the new repeat for 12 rows and then repeated the cable section in reverse to leave me with the original K2, P2 rib. the leg for this sock ended being about 7 inches.

a close up of the cable section

Usually I prefer to just carryon with the Slip Stitch Heelflap. I varied here as well, maintaining the K2, P2 ribbing. I did adjust the stitch orientation so that the flap began and ended with a K1. just so everything was centered. 

Ribbed Heelflap

I guess I was extra ambitious as I went with a Reverse Stockinette section in the gusset. After picking up all my stitches I counted off the 16 stitches for either side of the sole I intended to end with and placed markers. Working the entire decrease section in the reverse stockinette [using P2tog and P2togTBL decreases in place of the K2tog and SSK] the top of the foot in the K1, *P2, K2,* P1-ribbing and the sole in stockinette. It left a very pretty detail which I will repeat again.

Gusset section worked in Reverse Stockinette

I’m pleased with the sock overall and have already started the second sock. I never have had “Second Sock Syndrome.”

Happy Knitting!
Note- The “*” indicates repeated stitches around, P2tog= purl two stitches together, P2togTBL= purl 2 stitches together through the back loop, K2tog= knit 2 stitches together, SSK= slip as if to knit- twice and knit the 2 stitches together through the back loop

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My Basic Sock Pattern

I’ve finally decided to post the sock pattern I use for teaching. I use this pattern all the time to teach anyone I come across that would like to knit socks. I’ve tried to be very clear about each instruction, adding to it little by little to clarify as my students have asked questions.  I myself generally use this pattern for all my socks. I sometimes change it up by adding a pattern of some kind to the leg portion.


I’m going to include it here in my blog so others can easily access it. I’ve also added it to my Ravelry Designs if you would like to print from a PDF. I’ve included the Kitchener Grafting instructions for easy reference.

This pair I knit using Opal yarns

Basic Top Down Socks on Dpns
by Kym Hretz
Materials:
100 grams, 425 yards, fingering weight sock yarn of your choice
, Size 1 US (2.25mm) double pointed needles or size required for gauge
Gauge:
32 sts= 4 inches
Abbreviations:
CO= Cast On
K= Knit
P= Purl
S1= Slip 1 Stitch as if to purl
K2tog= Knit two stitches together
K2togTBL= Knit two stitches together through the back loop
SSK= Slip Slip Knit 2 together
Cast On
CO 64 (72) sts.using the Old Norwegian Cast On. (I always cast on over two needles for a bit more stretch.) Join and mark beginning of round.
Leg
Work in K2, P2 rib for 7 inches or desired leg length.
Heel Flap
Divide For Heel
, place one half of the stitches 32 (36), on a single needle. Leave the next two needles of 16 stitches each to work on later.  You will be working only on the 32 (36) heel flap stitches flat, back and forth. 

Round 1: *Sl1, K1 repeat from * to end.
Turn.
Round 2: Sl1, purl to end. Turn.
Repeat these 2 rounds till you have worked 32 (36) rounds (count the slipped stitches which should be 16 (18).
Work Round 1, one more time.
Turning the Heel
You are working in short rows to shape a little cup for the heel.
Starting on the wrong side.
Round 1: S1 then purl halfway across the heel flap plus 2=18 (20).P2tog, P1. Turn.
Round 2: Sl1, K5, K2tog TBL, K1. Turn.
Round 3: Sl1, P across towards the gap, stop at the first stitch before gap,  P2tog, P1. Turn.
Round 4: Sl1, K across to 1 stitch before the gap. K2togTBL  across the gap. K1. Turn.
Rounds 5-12: repeat rounds 3 & 4
Round 13: Sl1, P across towards the gap, stop at the first stitch before gap, P2tog. Turn.
Round 14: Sl1, K across to 1 stitch before the gap. K2togTBL across the gap.
You should have 18 (20) Stitches.
Picking up gusset Stitches
You will pick up the stitches on each side of the heel flap. By slipping the first stitch of each row on the heel flap, you have made a lovely chain edge which will be easy to pick up.
You should be able to get 18 (20) stitches on each side, but don’t worry if you get more or less than this, it’s more important to have no holes.
Knit across those instep stitches that have been on hold, or continue them in ribbing, then pick up and knit the same number of stitches on the other side of the heel flap. Knit one half of the heel flap stitches 9 (11) onto this needle. Mark the center as the beginning of the round. You should have approximately 84 stitches.
You are back to working in the round.
Gusset
Round 1: knit around
Round 2: Needle 1; Knit to 3 sts from the end , K2tog, K1. Needles 2 & 3; Knit across the instep sts. 
Needle 4, Knit 1st stitch, SSK, knit to end of needle.

Repeat Rounds 1 & 2 until you have 64 (72) sts again.
Knit all rounds until the foot measures 2½” less than your total foot length. Example; if your foot length measures (9.5” knit until sock measures 7” from heel.
Shape Toe:.
Round 1: K to 3 sts from end of first needle, K2tog, K1. K first st on instep needle SSK, knit to 3 sts from end of instep needle, K2tog, K1.
Last needle, K1, SSK, K to end.
Round 2: Knit around.
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until you have 24 (28) sts (6 (7) on each of 4 needles.
Kitchener Graft Stitches
Thread blunt needle with yarn 3x width of your work. Have two sets of stitches you want to join on two needles, with wrong sides of work facing.
To start: Thread yarn through the first stitch on the front needle as if to purl, pull yarn through. Leave stitch on needle. Thread yarn through the first stitch on the back needle as if to knit. Leave stitch on needle.
  • 1:  Thread yarn through first st on front needle as if to knit.
    Slip stitch off needle.
  • 2:  Thread yarn through next st on front needle as if to purl.
    Leave stitch on needle.
  • 3:  Thread yarn through first st on back needle as if to purl.
  •     Slip stitch off needle.
  • 4:  Thread yarn through next st on back needle as if to knit.
  •     Leave stitch on needle.
Repeat these 4 steps. Until 2 stitches left (one on each needle) then repeat only 1 & 3.
  • 1:  Thread yarn through first st on front needle as if to knit.
    Slip stitch off needle.
  • 3:  Thread yarn through first st on back needle as if to purl.
  •     Slip stitch off needle.
Chant (Optional): “Front-Knit-OFF, Front-Purl-ON, Back-Purl-OFF, Back-Knit-ON” OR “Knit, purl, purl, knit”. You will find your own groove.

Weave in all ends and make another sock to complete the pair!!

Feel Free to ask any questions you may have. Otherwise you’ll probably find me off knitting on a pair of socks somewhere.

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BRRRRR!

One of my favorite things about winter…….Wool socks of course!


These jewels were knit by Kellie from the last Loopy Ewe swap. Are they not lovely?!


This Wee sock was knit by me for the January Wee Sock Swap over on Ravelry for Kim. I Hope she loves it!


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Incoqnito

I enjoy reading blogs about knitting and life of fellow knit addicts. Usually I just read a long and enjoy a laugh or pics of other bloggers incognito. I’ve followed Knit-Whit for a while now. [I came across her on Ravelry] This month she decided to have a comment contest and I decided to take a whirl at the comment thing. And yes, I one for week one! Whoo-hooo! I will soon be adding a charming wee sock to my collection along with a matching pack of gum!

See the wee clothes pin just waiting for your sock?

Also, the girl and I attempted to make a felted bar of soap. I don’t think we have quite the knack for this. The soap bar got considerably smaller and the roving felted minimally. Hmmm.

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I have three projects going right now. 1. Swirls, Loopy sock club-75% 2. Noro stockinette sock-40% 3. Calender Afghan-10%.

This is Swirls

I want at least three more projects started. 1. Mom’s mother’s day socks 2. Socks with tomato chutney Numma Numma 3. Scarf with hand maiden sea silk.
I’m in danger of becoming a starter. I’m trying hard to be a FO-er!
I participated in the Wee tiny sock swap hosted by yarnmiracle. I haven’t received mine yet today but have high hopes for today.

This is the sock I sent to Margaret in N.C.

I think I’d like to make a million of these and hang them on a “clothesline” with little clothes pins.

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Catching up

Here are the flowers ML brought home for me. I love getting flowers especially in the dead of winter.

I made this hat over the holiday break just never got a photo of the cute girl child.

This is my sock. Perchance to Knit, Pond II. It’s actually the third attempt. I changed needle size and then changed to the 2×2 rib. I think this is the winner.

Here is the Thelonious, Cookie A, in Louet Gems, Caribbean. It’s size M on #1 needles.

ML’s socks, Yarn Nerd, Math Nerd. They are going well, too.

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Busy, Busy

We had a very busy weekend. Saturday we met friends at the DIA and enjoyed all the art. I think they did a great job in the remodel. We also went to dinner and enjoyed telling stories and sharing laughs.

Today was put out the holiday decorations day. That’s always a little hectic and crazy. But it’s mostly done and my husband is happy. Holiday spirit, here we are.

I also finished ML first sock… Now on to the second.

Even Nina knows socks are the way to go!

Knit one, Purl two. Back to the fun.

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My Love’s Socks

I have been working on my Love’s socks. I started his socks, ripped them out, started them, ripped them out, again! I now am on track and doing do well. I’m working on the gusset decreases.
I’ve set aside my snow babies so I can work on these socks. I’ll reconvene with the babies soon.
I’ve been on raverly a lot. I like checking to see what choices people have made about the patterns and yarns that I have interest in making.
I’ve also been trying to figure out how to make patches on my embroidery machine. Of course that’s work so not nearly as fun as knitting.
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My Socks

The first of the pair went off without a hitch. The second was going along very nicely….. until I realized I had FIVE extra stitches. It took me the better part of an hour to tink my way back to the mistake, where I had forgot a section of decreases. I’m now back on track and have finished the old shale section of the second sock.

I think I need to get some sock blockers. Although the girl child was more than happy to model my sock and point out how nicely it fit her foot.

The first sock

The second sock

I am going out with my girl friend tonight. I won’t get much knitting done.

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My Sock

I have been working on my sock. I’ve finished the heel flap, turning the heel, picked up the gusset stitches and started the decrease rounds. It’s coming along nicely.

My girl child keeps telling me how much she likes it, she’s been giving many hints that she wants them, but I am choosing to ignore them all. I hope to be nearing the end of the first sock quickly.