The Ah-ha Moment

So that's what the toe is supposed to look like!

No trouble with the heal decrease, increasing is a different story.

I added a few slip stitches on either side to make the instep roomier.

Wow - what a difference!

Who cares if they don't match! I'm wearing them anyway!

I’ll admit it.  I’ve become obsessed with socks.  That I have made two (but not a pair) is really exciting.  After I finished my first sock I knew that it was far from perfect.  But it was done and I could actually put it on my foot.  That it looks like an elf sock is beside the point.  That was Friday.  Last night I was ready to jump right in.  This time I’m using a DK cotton acrylic blend that came from the knitting/crochet group at the library.  I re-measure my foot, check my gauge and consult the patterns (Socks that Fit and Toe Up Socks).  Obviously I need to do something different so I end up with a nicely rounded toe, and not the pointy kind reserved for leprechauns and elves. Using my F hook I chain 8.  All good so far.  Beginning with the second ch from the hook I slip stitched in the bottom loop of each chain – what?? I can’t find the bottom, I kept trying but it just feels awkward.  Next I’m supposed to sc in the top of the original chain. Huh? On my first sock I fudged my way through this part and joined the ends into a ring so I could work in the round. Obviously  that’s not what you’re supposed to do.  I stitched and turned and ripped and tried again, and again and again.  I was about to give up when I remembered making a gecko bookmark.  To make the body you make a chain, sc up one side, put 3 sc in the end ch then single chain down the other side. Ah-ha! That’s what I’m supposed to do! By the time that I realized this it was well past midnight and I was too tired to go on.  This morning I was up at 6  and by 7 o'clock I had succeeded in making the perfect toe.  There was no stopping me after that.  Like I said, I’m obsessed! I made it easily through the foot and the heal decreases.  Increasing was another story.  I knew what I was supposed to do, I just couldn’t make it work. I was persistent and eventually I was able to execute a nice even heal.  My first sock is tight across the instep so I added a few slip stitches on each side.  I worked the cuff this way for a few rounds and then I decreased back to my original 29 stitches over a few more rounds.  For a beginner like me working toe up is great because I can try it on as I go – although that doesn’t guarantee a perfect fit if we consider my adventures with my Chevron Lace Cardigan! I worked it to a little shorter than anklet height then it was time for a little ribbing. Two rows of alternating front post, back post dc and voila – I have completed my second sock!  It took me the better part of eight hours today, and I can barely move my hand to type this post - but look at it!  Isn’t it awesome?!?  I’m so happy with the progress that I’m making and the improvements that I’ve made already.  As I sit hear gleefully typing away wearing my new socks (who cares if they don’t match!) I’m imaging all of the beautiful socks just waiting to come to life! I can hardly wait to start the next one. Do you think we have to eat dinner tonight or can I get started right away?!

Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch and read with love!