My Everest

I remember knitting by the time I was about eight; garter baby bonnets, out of that wonderful 1960s varigated baby yarn...no bind off, mind you, just a gathered back-of-bonnet.  In all these proceeding years I have viewed sock-knitting as my "Everest."

What a wonderful new lease on life to have discovered Cat Bordhi's YouTube videos on the "Magic Cast On (designed by Judy Becker)" as well as Cat's own "Cat's Sweet Tomato Heel."  Top it off with learning how to work "Toe Up Socks on Two Circular Needles" (her video) and the end result is these fun crew socks made with Paton's Kroy Sock Yarn.  They felt a bit itchy and burny the first time I wore them (in 95 degree weather) but they washed and softened beautifully.  They were worked on size US 2 needles ( two 24" circular Natura needles by Addi Turbo/Skacel).  I can use dp needles, but find two circulars much easier on my arthritis.

I did 2 and 1/2 wedges (of the Sweet Tomato Heel instructions).  No wraps in these short rows and they are indeed almost as smooth as a tomato skin!  I followed the general instructions from Cat's Ebook (Sweet Tomato Heel) as well as video and find that you end up making a personalized pattern to fit your own feet.  I needed to add a few sts. to the instep, and take away 1/2 of a wedge.....perfect fit!!  I am now working with a different sock yarn and have altered the pattern ever-so-slightly, so this sock will fit as perfectly.  I will dye this pair in KoolAid, reminiscent of my wool spinning days.....sigh.

Close up of the wedges...

A darning egg is inside the toe of the sock so you can get a closer view of the Magic Cast On.  I will never use any other cast on when I need to knit in the round again.  Lightning quick to do, and the results speak for themselves...

Sherry's Pod Babies have been mysteriously popping up everywhere around my place...

note the nickel for size reference.

Who can resist such tiny babes??