Made from Scratch

The pride I feel from my most recent finished object is something akin to what I imagine a baker might feel upon finishing a fancy wedding cake made from scratch.

Pattern: toe up stockinette worked over 60 sts, with a Fleegle heel, 3x2 ribbed cuff, and sewn bind off
Yarn: my own handspun, from 70% superwash merino/30% alpaca fiber dyed by Kristin of All Spun Up
Needles: two 12" US (2.5 mm) Addi Turbo circs
Started/Completed: February 2/February 11

I am not normally of a fan of toe up socks. I can never seem to get them to fit quite as well as those knit from the cuff down, not to mention the issues with a too-tight bind off. But because my yardage with this yarn was limited and I wanted to maximize my use of it, toe up was the way to go.

Inspired by Dave's socks, also knit with ASU handspun, I decided to try out this new heel. It is fabulous! It starts with gusset increases, and then the heel is completed with what amounts to a really big heel turn that has the appearance of a short-row heel when worn. Working the last couple of decreases while knitting in the round again helps to eliminate any holes.

I solved the tightness at the top with Elizabeth Zimmermann's ingenious sewn bind off. I probably did it a little looser than necessary (so the top is a little ruffle-y when not worn), but it makes for quite a comfortable cuff.

Amazingly, even with my big feet and a generous leg, I still have some yarn left, maybe enough for a pair of baby socks. And now I have some really cozy socks to wear to keep my feet warm as the temperatures are due to drop again (I guess yesterday's high 60s were only a tease).