Andy recently (ok, more like two years ago) wanted a pair of long, handknit socks. He thought that his last pair were a little too short, and for biking around in the winter, having a long pair of socks can make a big difference in one's comfort level. He picked out a preferred color of yarn from Knit Picks, and even chose out a stitch pattern -- the Supple Rib in the 365 Knitting Stitches a Year, stitch-a-day calendar (June 23 entry). To achieve his long sock preference, I chose a simple toe-up sock pattern from Knitty.com, Amy Singer's Universal Toe-Up Sock Pattern. It was an incredibly easy-to-use pattern, the finished product fit Andy's measurements PERFECTLY, and I look forward to using it again to make a wide variety of socks. The details on what I did follow the picture below.
These socks measure 11.5 inches from the bottom of the foot to the top of the leg, 10 inches from the back of the heel to the end of the toe, and about 8 inches around the foot/leg. About two inches from the end of the socks, instead of ribbing the top of the socks for a more snug top, I decreased 8 stitches in one row to generally maintain the pattern (2 sets of 4-stitch decreases) and have a somewhat tighter top. Whether or not that "technique" achieves the same benefit as ribbing remains to be seen with wear. I found that the short rib toes and heel worked out well, and I don't think Andy will notice the missing traditional heel and gusset construction.
I used two skeins of KnitPicks.com Felici self-striping yarn in Putty on 2 size 1 Addi Turbos circulars (I knit the socks at the same time). The gauge was 8 inches stitches per inch on that needle size.
I have to admit completing these socks a few months ago -- next time, I promise to be more on top of blogging about my knit goods!
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