Because I’m working with thinner yarn and smaller needles than the pattern calls for, I’ve cast on 74 stitches and started with 2x2 rib except for the 18 stitches on each sock that will lead to the river pattern … for those I’ve done the 1x1 with the knit stitches worked through the back as instructed in the pattern, just so the ribbing and patterning will align properly. Sock “body” is 9 stitches per inch (which I find makes far better sock fabric than the usual 8 per inch)

Note: Used Wendy Johnson’s no-picking-up-stitches heel rather than the flap-type in the pattern. And ended up doing a symmetrical toe because was too lazy to do the math to recalculate the anatomical toe.