The Firestarter Socks

Considering I am well into a new pair of socks and I just got my computer back from the "geniuses," why don't I share with you the story of The Firestarter?

Pattern: The Firestarter by Yarnissima.

Yarn: Schaefer Yarns Heather in Julia Child Colorway.

Needles: Knitpicks Harmony Double pointeds, US size 1.5 (2.5mm)

Pattern Review: The socks are knit toe-up with cables, a crazy gusset, and ribbing on the leg.

Knitting from the pattern was tricky at first, but after reading through it a few times, I was fine. It's a little complicated, but not impossible. It's not written quite like I'm used to, and the sock is totally original as well, which is pretty cool.

I especially love how the action happens on the side of the foot instead of the top. I also learned how to cable without a cable needle while making these socks, which saved a ton of time.

Modifications: One minor thing. After a few mishaps I was able to get a good gauge and I followed the pattern as written. I started to feel like the sock was getting too long, so I stopped doing the gusset increases a row or two early without incident. I have a narrow instep, and wasn't worried about the turn.

Yarn Review: I have blabbed on and on about Schaefer Heather many times already - I love it! It's a luxury yarn and a huge treat to knit. I'm happy to say I have yarn left over too.

Overall: Great socks! The only part I'm on the fence about it the extreme ribbing on the leg. These socks will certainly stay up, but the place where the ribbing starts forms a ridge. Not a big deal really.

And... I had some mistakes early on. I started on US size 2 (2.75mm) which turned out to be too big and the sock was too loose. I figured this out by the time I was turning the heel. (gasp!) I would have figured it out sooner but it was only slightly too big and I was in denial.

But, I am a pro. I frogged the sock like it was no big deal and cast on with smaller needles. I also carried over some panic about the fit and, preferring a snug sock over a loose one, skipped a cable repeat on the side of the foot.

When I turned the heel, the sock was now too short. After "laughing about it" a while, I frogged back to where I made the mistake and carried on.

By this point, I had basically knit a pair of these socks but only had half a foot to show for it. Thankfully I got over that quickly and cranked out a nice pair within the week.

The fit? Perfect!