Monica Knits

Design Features: Knitted with dusk blue merino superwash wool, and a slip stitch heel flap (on the bottom of the foot), so comfortable that the first time I tried the on socks I had the sensation of stepping into the clouds. Designed by Charlene Schurch and featuring the "Oriel" stitch pattern, reminiscent of peacock feathers, this toe up, lace sock features a slip stitch heel for comfort and and durability, a standard toe (with Kitchener bind off) and 1x1 ribbing. This sock was selected for both the stitch pattern and as an example of a sock design, enhanced by a toe up construction method.
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If you prefer a seamless toe with subtle decreases along the sides, this short rows toe construction method meets the requirements. This beauty, however, takes longer to construct than either the rectangular or Kitchener stitch toe, and works best with 2 circular needles. Like the other two toe up methods, it starts with a provisional cast on. Like the Kitchener stitch toe it begins 2" from the toe tips, at the start of the foot. Like the rectangular toe, the provisional stitches are on one side only--so you could place them on the sole of the foot, leaving no apparent transition on the instep side. Read more .... for complete instructions.

Heel DetailAt this stage of the toe up sock, the increases for the ankle have been completed (gusset) and it is time to turn the corner from the horizontal base of the foot, to the vertical orientation of the leg. Short row shaping is used to create a small cup, the turning heel, for this function. Read more ... for detailed step-by-step instructions on forming the turning heel with short row shaping.

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Gusset & Heel DetailYou have completed the tubular portion of the sock foot and are now ready to increase the diameter to accommodate the ankle width. The gusset, the widest part of the sock, is shaped with increases on alternate rounds. This is done with paired lifted increases on the sole side of the sock and results in a more subtle gusset than was demonstrated with the basic cuff down sock. As a quality and visual aid, yarn in a contrasting color was laced through stitches on the instep (white) and the sole (blue). In addition, a stitch marker was placed at row center of the sole stitches. Read more ... for further details.

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