Socks With Squares

 I have finished a Christmas present! I'm calling these

Socks With Squares

Pattern: Socks With Squares by Linda Jo Park (No pattern)
Size: Mens 8

Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Fabel
Content: 75% Superwash Wool/25% Nylon, Fingering weight
Color: Off White

Yarn: KnitPicks Stroll Fingering

Content: 75% Merino/25% Nylon, Fingering weight
Color: 25025 Aurora heather and 23699 Pumpkin

Needles: ChiaoGoo circular size 2 and 3

Started: March 18, 2025
Finished: October 3, 2025

Comments: I have designed these socks and intend to write up the pattern during the winter. It took awhile to get them done because I put them on hiatus while I worked on the blue afghan.

I started these socks from the top with an inch and a half 1 by 1 rib cuff.

I love the little stitch pattern. It's easy to knit and easy to memorize. I used it on a pair of mittens I made last year. 

For the heel, I tried something new for me called The Mock Short Row Heel. It's much easier than your typical short row heel. You'll find a video tutorial here: Mock Short Row Heel.I highly recommend trying it.

I did my usual toe, though I did try something new on it at the end. I usually do a 3-needle bind off because I don't like doing the Kitchener Stitch. I've never been happy with the finished product of Kitchener stitch. I actually finished the first sock as usual.

Then I found the Finchley Graft. No complicated setting up of rows and stitches. Just a quick easy to learn weaving with a tapestry needle, from the wrong side. I like it a LOT! It has a very nice seamless look. I undid the toe finish on the first sock and redid it with the Finchley Graft. I will be using it from now on.

Serious knitters want to see the inside of stranded knits, and I'm particularly proud of this one, so here ya go. My tension is getting better and better.

I tried these socks on because the last couple pair did not fit Opal. I looked at what I did when I made them and I don't know what I was thinking but in both cases I didn't cast on nearly enough stitches. I will have to remake them properly. In the meantime, these ones are plenty big enough.

I took quite a few pictures of these socks. I just love that stitch pattern so much.

It looks like a 3-color stranded pattern but there's only 2 colors in every row.

My Marigolds are still going strong so I picked it and used it for some arty photos.

There's no frost coming for at least the next two weeks. The weather has cooled off from the 90's so it's much more comfortable. We've had a bit of rain too, which is helping with the smoke from wild fires. The leaves have started turning and the air has the strong smell of autumn. Winter is on the way.

Sweet Hubby's heart is still beating steady and regular, like it's supposed too. He has so much more energy, and he's sleeping better. It's nice having him back in good health.

The new afghan kit from Mary Maxim's arrived. I've cast on and started it.

That's the news for today.

Live long and prosper. \\//