I think these could qualify for the most-knitted-socks prize. I have been knitting them for about a year, and I think I knitted the first one four times in all, mostly due to my stupidity. The first time they were looking ok but I thought the fabric a little floppy so I thought I would try smaller needles. I went down two needle sizes and the second incarnation was like an inflexible little board. I then started off again for the third version with the needle size between that used for the first and second version, it was all going well until I realised part way down the leg that I had totally mis-counted the number of stitches to cast on – no wonder they looked big! The fourth version was (luckily) the last, although there were a few moments of un-knitting while I worked on the toes.

The yarn is superwash Bluefaced leicester 4ply weight, from Bluefaced.com, dyed with Kool Aid, and the needles I ended up using were 2.25mm.

I experimented with a few different things on these socks (one of the reasons they took a while). I started off with a version of the tubular cast on, adapted for use with a different number of knit to purl stitches, since I like to work a k3, p2 rib on the cuff of my socks.

I am really pleased with how this has come out and will definitely be using it again.

I tried out the Sherman heel, this uses a slightly different way of working the short rows. The heel unfortunately doesn’t fit my foot model very well but this does fit my feet ok.

This came out ok, but wasn’t as neat as I was hoping. I really like the garter stitch short row heel but haven’t yet found a stocking stitch version which I like quite as much.

I also had a go at making left and right foot socks.

The jury is still out on whether this is worth the effort. My feet are quite asymmetrical and the left and right foot socks certainly feel comfy so far. I shall wear them a few more times and then pass judgement!