Before we get all immersed in Socktoberfest, let me clear the air a bit with some finished socks. Yes, that's right. F.O.s!

The real FO sock story is my Mom's First Socks. (Previously discussed here and here.) Without bragging or being too boastful, these socks really turned out wonderful. The pattern, Child's First Socks, from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush is wonderfully written. The repeats are easy to memorize (heck, after not working on them for months I could pick them up and know where I was and what came next – amazing).

I did veer away from the pattern a bit, as I'm want to do. I knit the leg portion the size I liked, not the number of pattern repeats listed, and I used the slip stitch heel flap that I know and love. Really, aside from the shell pattern, I followed my own sock-knitting heart.

The yarn was also fabulous: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Denim. I did have some issues with the color/dye lots matching. Let's just say that I now have two skeins of this yarn in different Denim colors, one that is halfway to being a sock! (I realized the color issue just before the heel flap.)

I was in a bit of need when I started the socks and didn't have the correct size circular needle (2.25 mm, at least 32"). So I bought one on a whim in a brand that I hadn’t used before (Inox). I can't say that I recommend them, at least not for sock knitting.

The join (where the needle connects to the cord) is not smooth. In fact, there's a bend (like an elbow), and the yarn didn't like going over this bit. Every stitch for every row would catch on this… every time. Lot's a lot to put up with.

The end product? Totally worth it. I hope my mother feels the same way when I gift her with these. Am I worried that she'll sneak a peak and ruin the surprise? Naw, my family rarely visits this side of the internets. Besides, I already told her that I was making socks for her and Da. (Don't even ask; not even started!)

My other sock FO? Well… [shuffles feet] It's not a complete FO, but half. Meaning I finished one sock of the pair on my Oh, Canada! socks.

This is Regia Canadian Color in #4727 – Vancouver (hence the name), which is a great, stripy sock yarn in cool pool colors. (I've never been to Vancouver, so I can't tell you how well it relates.) I'm following Nancy Bush again with her Madder Ribbed socks (in Knitting Vintage Socks). And yes, I have a ton of mods.

The second of these socks is temporarily on hold due to the onset of Socktoberfest. Of which, I've swatched, and now I have concerns about that yarn. But I'll save that story for another day!

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