I was confused reading comments about an XL size & finally realized I had an old version of the pattern.

Carol’s leg measures 11” at 6” up (shoe size 10.5 wide), so CO 72 stitches on size 2 needles, then changed to size 1.5 for the 1 x 1 ribbing cuff (11 rounds = 1”).

I returned the row counter to 0 after the ribbing & decreased to 68 stitches on the next round, done in SS. On the next round I began the pattern stitch. I did 58 rounds to = 6” long leg.

I did a reinforced heel - slip 1, knit 1 on the RS. I did 36 heel flap rows on the front needle (35 stitches); 33 stitches on back needle (for instep).

I did the heel turn as directed in this pattern - it was the first time I did a pattern didn’t call for doing a K1 or P1 after the decrease stitch. It made the heel cup too narrow. Rip back & do it the traditional way. I followed the Cardamom Tea Socks recipe, size L - RS: S1, K20, SSK, K1, turn; WS: S1, P7, P2tog, P1 turn. Ended up with 20 stitches left, purl row next, so I purled, then knit across those 20 stitches. I picked up 18 stitches on each side, then knit around to the patterned top of the sock for my beginning of round (89 stitches total). Heel stitches (57) to be decreased on one needle, top stitches (32), in rib pattern, on the other.

5/13/25 - Yeah, not going to have enough of this yarn for both socks. Explored options, decided toes in Kroy yarn; did 60 rounds (8”) for foot after heel decreases. Then attach Kroy yarn & try new to me star toe - https://www.interweave.com/article/knitting/socktoberfest...

I asked Carol if she’d want the cuff to match the toe & she said yes. It was quite the feat to try to identify the transition from cuff to the leg, snip the yarn & release the stitches, one at a time. I picked up with the size 1 needle & had to increase to get to the original 72 stitches doing a knit round with the yarn left from detaching the cuff. Then I changed to size 1.5 needles, the green yarn & did one knit round, then 1 x 1 rib for 10 rounds. Bound off in pattern, using a size 0 needle.

Well, so much for thinking I wouldn’t have enough yarn to finish in the main color! Regardless, I like the contrasting cuff & toe better anyway. Hope they fit Carol…