Om Shanti Bed Socks

These socks are the first socks from the Socktopus Sock Club this year. The yarn is Evolution and the colour is Peppermint Cheer.

The socks include such techniques as a provisional crochet cast on, short row garter stitch toes and heels, ( where the wraps are left in situ ) and with the heel worked over 60% of the stitches resulting in less strain on the heel joining points.

The stitch pattern is an Estonian 3-cross stitch pattern, and the cuff starts with another Estonian technique known as a Kihnu Vits braid. The rib is corrugated ( knit stitches in yarn A, purl stitches in yarn B so you are knitting with two strands of yarn in the same hand, and the finishing touch is a sewn bind off. Phew! Did I really do all of that? Well yes I did, and I am chuffed to little bits.

The sock incorporated several techniques covered in last year's Sock Knitting Retreat with Lucy Neatby, and are a testament to Lucy's kind, patient approach. I wish she could see these. Thank you Lucy.

Now then, the yarn does relax when blocked, but does recover a little. This photo is how my sock sized up after blocking and drying - yet it fits, and is so warm and snuggly.

A garter stitch short row heel.

And a short row toe in the making. Who would have thunk it ;-)