Back in the Bloggle again

At this point in the socks. I decided that the shafts were too wide. So I dropped columns of stitches down to just above the heel (a bit further than the picture shows) and brought them back up with my new favorite crochet hook (Bates 2.0 mm) and I created ribbing at the back center of both socks in order to cinch them in a bit. The truth is that I did it once, didn't like it, dropped down and brought the stitches back up in stockinette, knit another inch, changed my mind and dropped down again for the ribbing. Here's an interesting nugget: Making ribbing this way produces a tight, even ribbing. The cuff is mostly 1x1 ribbing, but the knits are twisted and the back of the cuff is consistent with the ribbing that runs up the back of the shaft. I did a 2 stitch knit ridge surrounded by 2 purls right above the diamond motif. I wish I would have surrounded it by only one purl stitch. Then it would be smoother, yet more prominent. By the way, I like the pooling. There was no pooling on the feet and I was disappointed, but now I am satisfied because it is there, but it's not all crazy and dramatic.Here's a picture of the latest unwrapped short row heel I've tried. It's called the Sherman Heel. (one tutorial)(the original tutorial) I am proud of myself for figuring this out, because I had to combine the 2 tutorials to understand it. Our minds all work so differently. Despite my trouble with the directions, it's actually the easiest short row heel in my opinion so far. Here's my tutorial: Make short rows without wraps. When you get to the increase point and are returning, slip the stitch before the gap (knitwise on the knit side). Pull up the stitch below the first stitch on the left needle. Knit or purl that stitch with the slipped stitch. Turn. Do not slip. Repeat. Ignore the part about wrapping the 1st 1 or two stitches and ignore the term, "encroachment," unless it works for you. I added 6 stitches gradually to the bottom of the foot started at about 2 inches before the heel; then I knit the heel on 42 stitches. I hope this compensates for the possiblilitlity that Mr. Williams has high arches. Here's how the design on the sides of the foot turned out. Handsome picture of the side of the leg design. Ta Da! And ironic that the paper that horned in on the photo shoot is my teaching license, because have I mentioned that Mr. Williams is my former principal? He is one of the best people I've ever known and I sure as hell hope he likes his socks. Secondarily, I hope they fit him. Thirdarily, I hope he wears them once in a while or gives them to his wife. Details

Pattern: Well, you know, a little of this, a little of that. 72 stitches, toe-up, Sherman Heel.

Yarn: Knitting Notions Superwash Sock Yarn. (I did have enough yarn. The yarn I ordered before I knew that, matches perfectly. I hate to say that I always have enough, because saying so could jinx it, but I always have enough yarn.) Color: Wildflowers, but for Mr. Williams, let's

just let him think the colors are his college frat colors and are not flowery at all.

Needles: Mostly magic loop, some 2 needle circular and some dpn work. Size: Foot & cuff, 2.25 mm, Shaft, 2.5 mm.