Some loyal readers may have noticed over the years that we do not feature a lot of sock projects on our blog. Sally and I do knit socks, but it is a rare occurrence and I personally have not knit a pair in years. I prefer almost anything over socks. I know there are knitters out there who love to knit socks, but they probably aren’t readers 😉 !! I do L-O-V-E sock yarn, which is why I am such a fan of the cute shawlette.
So, to get me to pick up the sock banner, I have to be inspired. The new Knitty just came out and there are three sock patterns that I liked: Chasing Snakes, Lingerie, and Double Heelix. Double Heelix not only caught my eye because they are fun and cute, BUT were rated “Extra Spicy.” Hmmm, a challenge!! (I would link to Knitty, but the links did not work — ??).
I loved the green and teal color combo so much I rushed to The Yarnery and cleaned them out of Malabrigo Sock Yarn in Solis (blue-green) and Lettuce (mono-tonal soft, acid green). The colors are very nice together.
The pattern calls for Judy’s Magic Cast On — a technique I recently learned in order to make Acanthus. It is easy once you figure it out, but it was hard for me to figure out! I did manage but…
The socks start with the Double Heelix heel. It is the challenging part. After the heel is done, it is pretty smooth sailing. I am not yet done with Sock #1, but so far, so good. They are a great fit! Jeny Staiman gives you three sizes, but I needed a larger size. I have a high arch, which means my diagonal foot measurement (as described in the pattern) was bigger than the largest size. It was easy to make size adjustments by following the guidelines given for the other sizes. Jeny does an unusual short row toe, but I just did my standard toe shaping.
The blue is actually the foot being started (I should have turned this the other way!)
Jeny also created a YouTube video that shows how to do the heelix, which is very helpful. Thank goodness I am making these because now I have a portable project!!
PS: I received a comment from Jeny (the designer) asking me to include more details about my modifications to enlarge the sock. I am happy to oblige!
To enlarge: I did 11 cycles and ended up with 36 sts. Cast on 44 across arch for 80 sts. Decreased to 72 to complete the foot and the cuff. When I get to the ribbing, I may increase back to 80 and go down to 2.25 mm dpns (they are the size I have!).
Ravelry Link to my Heelixified Socks
PS2: To our loyal readers who also knit socks — I was kidding that sock knitters would not read our blog! Notice that there is a 😉 with that statement? Sock knitters are everywhere. But my point was, if you go to a blog looking for socks, you are going to be disappointed at The Rainey Sisters. If you come looking for sweaters, lace, cables, beading, and general all around knitting-related gibberish, then you are in the right place. And all are very welcome!! 🙂
Gorgeous!
Comment by Pamela — June 26, 2011 @ 12:10 pm
You don’t do socks because you are too busy knitting works of art!
Comment by Kathy Filkins — June 26, 2011 @ 12:34 pm
The coolest heel I have ever seen
I love knitting lace and I love knittng socks, I love weaving 24-48 ends per inch and I love beading tiny beads, I love Nuno felting (one hair at a time) I think the commonality is I like very small things
Comment by Maureen — June 26, 2011 @ 12:50 pm
I’ve never knit socks (so far anyway), but I am curious – do they ‘stay up’ – I just hate it when socks slip down. Does it depend on the type of yarn you use? Thanks for any and all advice/opinions.
Your yarn color & knitting is beautiful, by the way – I’m going to go take a look at ‘Knitty’ now.
Comment by Barb — June 26, 2011 @ 1:05 pm
If you need a portable project, does that mean you’re up and around?
Comment by jess — June 26, 2011 @ 1:08 pm
Save those socks for a winter treat and you too, will become a fan of knitting them. There is absolutely nothing like pulling on a pair of ” knit for your feet only” wool socks out of a favorite sock yarn when it is cold outside Try it and you too, may enter down the rabbit hole of the ultimate portable project. You can wear socks every day, day in- day out. You can knit slipper socks and bed socks… And if that wasn’t enough, there are four new categories to conquer at the State Fair.
Comment by Bonnie — June 26, 2011 @ 2:20 pm
I am not a huge fan of sock knitting – but these are compelling. And the colors are terrific! Do you have plans that require portable knitting?
Comment by Pam — June 26, 2011 @ 5:10 pm
I’m one of your faithful readers who is a sock knitter! So I’m very curious to read this post as you’ve told me in person you don’t like to knit socks. But Heelix has also caught my attention. I couldn’t get into Jeny’s class on this subject at Sock Summit so I’ll have to learn it through this pattern and the YouTube Video.
Comment by Christine — June 26, 2011 @ 6:39 pm
I’m sure you are finding that you do have sock knitters as readers. I enjoy knitting and wearing handknit socks. This pattern also caught my eye and I plan to attempt it at a later time. Your color combo is great.
Comment by Beverly — June 26, 2011 @ 6:54 pm
Awesome!! I’m following your project in Ravelry too. 🙂 Please keep us posted about the size mods you do, I’ll point people to you.
Comment by Jeny Staiman — June 26, 2011 @ 8:27 pm
I saw those and I want to knit a pair! I’m determined to do them from stash, though, as I have enough sock yarn to outfit a small country…
So jealous, but motivated, too!
Comment by Lisle — June 26, 2011 @ 10:33 pm
BTW, Maureen should probably be put on a very tiny pedestal that she will love. I now adore her!
Comment by Lisle — June 26, 2011 @ 10:36 pm
Um hello? Another reader and dedicated sock knitter here. Just because I enjoy knitting socks does not mean I cannot appreciate what you ladies knit.
I live in Canada and of all the things I knit, socks are the most worn, and most appreciated. I always have a sock project on the go for mindless knitting.
Comment by LaurieM — June 27, 2011 @ 9:48 am
Those are the socks that caught my eye the most (of all the patterns)as well! Thanks too for the size adjustment suggestions… I usually need more room at the arch/ankle than most.
And you’ll have to add one more to the number of dedicated readers who are dedicated (speaking for myself at least)sock knitters too!
Comment by KathleenC — June 27, 2011 @ 3:02 pm
if you knit socks more often, and talked about it, you’d have known you have lots of readers who knit socks, from the comments. but there is a first time for everything, so it is said.
and see, we’re coming out of the woodwork!
i love knitting socks, and one of the reasons is because the return on investment (knitting time and cost of yarn) is so substantial. whenever i cast on for new socks, my husband always asks, very hopefully, if they are for him. right now i’m knitting little socks for my grandson. a baby who has been spoiled by having only worn hand knit socks. and hand knit duck feet.
Comment by dana — June 27, 2011 @ 3:03 pm
Flippin’ beautiful! You are such a good knitter and I love the colours you’ve used. When I first saw this pattern I was tempted to add them to my bottomless pit of a queue but hesitated because said queue is so massive. But now that I’ve seen your Heelix’s, I’m on board. Sock on!
Comment by TrishKnits — June 27, 2011 @ 6:56 pm
I’m intrigued by the Heelix – and loving the colours you’ve chosen!
Comment by Soo — June 29, 2011 @ 9:52 am
Hi, although I am a sock knitter, I also knit lots of other things and I love your blog for its inspiring knits and friendly tone.
Comment by Dianne — June 30, 2011 @ 5:14 pm