
I used some new techniques which I think merit review, namely the 'magic-cast on' toe and the Japanese short row heel. You can see in the photo below the nice angle of the heel stitches, they are visible but more subtle than the wrap & turn heels I have used in the past. They feel somewhat less bumpy as well, but as a first attempt at this technique, there is a tad of bumpiness :)

There's a detail of the cable, I got a chance to use 2 different methods (only slightly tweaked) of making cables without a cable needle, which is a technique that I fully embrace.

Here you get a good view of the toe. It is called the 'Magic' cast on because the top of the toe is completely seamless, and the increases form attractive ridges down the edges of the toe. In previous socks I would do a provisional cast-on and then execute a short row toe identical to a heel. It was functional and fairly attractive (if you put the provisional row on the sole of the sock, as it tended to stretch and look droopy), but this one is much more so. It also fits better, still being roomy but not gaping, and fitting in my shoes. It also looks sharp and is easy to customize as you go, since you can just pop it on your foot and see how the fit looks. It took me a few tries and views of tutorials and videos to get it right, but I will definitely be using this for future socks.

And here are some pictures of the finished beauties, complete with pretty outdoor scenery. If any sock knitters out there know a good heel suitable to toe-up socks that wears well, give a holler and I will give it a try!
















