Summer of Socks #4

It's amazing what you can accomplish knitting wise when you are feeling better! While I was out sick a couple of weeks ago I started my fourth pair of SOS08 socks. It took me about three days to complete the first sock. However, the second sock took about a week and a half. I was just feeling yucky and with the heatwave that hit us, I didn't want to even think about picking up my knitting needles. However, last night I prevailed and finished that second sock right up!

Here's the stats...

Pattern: Express Lane by Diane Mulholland
Yarn: Dream In Color Smooshy; Colorway Happy Forest
Needles: Knit Picks Circs Size 1.5
Started: July 14th
Completed: July 28th

I made a couple of modifications to this pattern. Nothing major. These are a toe-up construction and I chose to do my own method using the Magic 8 cast-on (have yet to try the provisional). I like this cast-on because I already have both sides of the toe on my needles. No having to unravel a provisional, etc. I also cast-on the number of stitches for the larger sock. By doing this I didn't need to incorporate the calf shaping on the back of the leg. Finally I made the leg of the sock longer that written. I did a total of 10 repeats instead of the 7 or 8 written in the pattern.

I love this sock. The pattern itself was easy. One thing I love about the heel construction is that it is a short row heel, but it is completed without wraps. Super simple! The yarn was delicious to knit with and I didn't encounter any splittiness at all (I've read that some knitters have). The color choice is definitely different for me, but I can see myself wearing these alot this fall/winter!