FO: Charlie Brown socks
Yarn: 1.5 skeins Dalegarn Baby Ull superwash wool
Needles: 2.25mm/size 1 US
Pattern: Zhenya’s MUMTU sock pattern (link to tutorial)

Notes: This was a 64 stitch foot, going to 60 on the leg to make the 10 stitch wide stripe chart work around the ankle. My colorwork on the second sock was better than it was on the first, since I was a little rusty on the two-handed Fair Isle technique. The yarn was very soft, and became even softer after washing. The nice form in the picture at left, by the way, is thanks to the awesome sock blockers that turtlegirl76 sells in her etsy store. Since these were a gift, using the blockers gave them the polished, finished look that I wanted.

These were made for my father, whose birthday it is today. It was important to me that these be machine washable since I don’t want my father to have to wash his socks in the sink. It was also important to me that they fit well, since he has some issues with his blood sugar and in that situation, one thing you don’t want to do is cut off circulation to the feet! For that reason, I measured his feet and made them to fit, even if it meant that he knew in advance that he’d be getting socks.

He got them at his birthday dinner on Wednesday night and liked how they looked. He put them on later that night (those aren’t his feet at right, they’re mine), and the following day I got a phone call that I’m still giddy about. Apparently they feel “wonderful” (said about ten times) and “fantastic” (about five times) and feel “like butter.” Like most of us, my dad buys his socks by the pack, whatever’s cheapest. I’m not knocking that, I buy my husband’s socks in packs. “I never knew socks could feel like this!” my father said. He sounded flabbergasted. I hope he’s not spoiled for cheap socks now.

As for me, I’m feeling like my heart grew about five sizes. I’ve knitted socks for exactly three people outside myself: my daughter, my mother, and my father. I’m thrilled that he likes them so much. He’s definitely going on the “more socks” list. And now, if you’ll pardon me, I’ll be floating around the house for the rest of the day.

Oh, and…