Am knitting socks based on an idea that my Gran devised. I began with Cat Bordhi’s basic Simple Sock pattern, but ended up just using it for the initial numbers, rather than the actual pattern or method. i think i’ve mentioned my problem with following patterns before…

What i have wrought:

1. CO 76, divided evenly between two circular needles.

2. Knit in K1,P1 ribbing for an inch and a half.

3. Decreased to 72 stitches (36 per needle).

4. Knit in K1,P1 ribbing for approx 6 inches.

5. Knit heel flap on half the stitches (36 on one needle. Knitted in Sl 1, K1 and then purl back (followed Cat Bordhi’s nice instructions for this part--makes for a tidy and sturdy heel flap).

6. Picked up 19 stitches (including the one that joins the instep to prevent a hole) on each side of the heep flap. This part is always tricky for me since i’m knitting two socks at a time on two circulars. And unfortunately, i couldn’t understand Bordhi’s directions here to save my life. It could be because i was knitting these in the car--driving across Iowa for the second time in three days. I shall blame corn fever. In any case, I came up with my own way of doing it. It was undoubtedly far less eloquent, but it worked rather well for me.

7. I decided to knit the gusset in K1, P1 ribbing. I also decided to knit the sole in stockinette. I was going to knit it in the slip stitch like the heel flap, but i was worried that it would be a little too sturdy for what i wanted here. Perhaps for winter socks…

8. Continued instep in K1P1 ribbing and sole in stockinette. And then moved on to toes:

Decided to decrease the outside of the toes first, to better follow the shape of my foot. This means that there is now a right and left foot. I don’t mind--it’s not a problem with things for one’s hands, is it?

I probably did the decreases a little too sharply. They fit fine, but perhaps not quite as nicely as they could have had i done a slightly more gradual decrease on the outside. However, this shape seems perfect for witches socks, is it not? That’s what they remind me of. These socks are ever so slightly pointy and squared off, and have just enough hug to let you know they’re there. And that’s close enough to perfect.

These socks are hot! My feet instantly heat up when i put them on. They are thick and sturdy while being shiny and pretty at the same time. It’s an interesting dichotomy. I look forward to wearing them in the cold weather.

I’m just a haggencrone-in-training. But i’m learning from the best.

Knit while listening to:

The sound of Gran’s needles clicking next to mine.
The sound of the highway flying under our tires.
The sound of the wind.
The sound of my children laughing.
The sound of my husband singing to Flight of the Conchords.

The Mysterious Benedict Society, T. L. Stewart