My usual recipe for 4ply socks for my daughter:

• c/o 14/needle on 2.25mm circs, inc 1/3/1/3/all/1/3/all/1/3/all/1/3/all/all/1 to 72st, pm.
• k even for 8rnds then (begin pattern/switch colour)
• k even for 34rnds, then inc 2st/rnd EOR for 16st/32rnd
• (Contrast) Fleegle heel
• Dec to original 72st then k even for 50rnds
• (Contrast) 2x2 rib for 21rnds, then JSSBO

Pattern this time is a really simple 2rnds cc/2rnds mc, so stripes will stay even through the gusset increases and heel section, and carrying the other colour through to create a tiny 1st contrast vertical stripe. Toes/heels/cuffs are /will be Fabel off white.

Loving the way the stripes are looking - the colours with the neutral. Makes the purples/greens/yellow look really fresh and vibrant.

Ready to start the heel on one, increased 10 each side so far on the other.

Finished both heels, sock one finished up to ribbing, second is 35rnds into the 50rnd leg. Need to get a move on, these seem to be taking ages but things keep getting in the way!

About 50rnds on the leg, then 18rnds of 2x2 ribbing before JSSBO.

Both sat finished (apart from weaving in ends) for over a week while I was dealing with a crisis with my eldest, but he’s stable again now and home, just in time to get these completely finished for my daughter’s birthday.

The last photo is her at about nine months standing while holding on to my hands (and hair!), the next to last is her pulling faces at me a month or so later - and these socks were for her 14th birthday…!