Greenhorn (plus giveaway)
So if you’ve been here any length of time at all, you know I’m a firm believer in top down socks with a heel flap. But…every once and a while, the urge to do something a little (but let’s be real…only a little) bit different strikes me. Greenhorn was one of those times!
These are actually a very mellow way to depart from traditional top down heel flap socks. The leg is the same, the foot is the same, just the heel and gusset are handled a bit differently. Instead of working flat over half the stitches to make a heel flap, then picking up stitches to make a gusset, you keep working in the round, increasing on each side of the foot to make the heel flap, gusset, and top of your foot all at once. It’s kind of nifty!
The fit is similar, there’s just a bit more working in the round (which I generally prefer) and a bit less picking up stitches (which may not be my very favorite knitting task ever). And if you’re using a striping yarn, you get a bit less of a break in the pattern than you do with a heel flap (let’s be fair…it’s not no break in the pattern, just less). Plus, you know, it’s fun to try something new!
Though just in case you’re Really Quite Set on doing a traditional heel flap, there are instructions in the pattern for that too. I promise I don’t mind if you’re feeling traditional!
These are made in Space Cadet’s Oriana in the color Fizz. As far as I can tell, it’s the world’s most perfect yarn for tiny cables. The stitch definition is so sharp you’ll stab yourself. And when a yarn has teeny tiny plies like this, it’s super round, and you don’t get distracted by the shadows you sometimes see on a 2 or 3 ply yarn (one of these days we’ll have a very dorky discussion about this…but for now just trust me, this type of yarn makes tiny cables pop).
When they sent the yarn for these (they’re nice…they send me yarn…it makes me swoony), they very kindly sent along an extra skein, so I’m going to make one of you very very happy and send it your way. Just leave a comment telling me how you feel about sock construction. Why mess with tradition? The weirder the better? A little variation is fine but nothing too crazy? There’s no right or wrong answer, I just like to know what you guys like!
And for everyone I can’t send yarn to (I’m just not cool enough to get yarn to everyone, sorry!), I’ve got a coupon for this pattern. You can use the code SHARP to get 10% off the hat between now and Friday. Just put Greenhorn in your ravelry cart, click on the ‘use a coupon code’ button, and type in the code SHARP. You’ll see the change in price reflected right away.
Comments left between now and the end of the day (eastern time) Friday, May 19, 2017 will be entered to win. I’ll pick a winner, contact them to get their addresses, and arrange to send yarn their way. Be sure to use a real email address so I can contact you if you’ve won (I won’t do anything with those email addresses besides notify the winners). If I do email you, I need to hear back from you within 72 hours or I will pick a new winner and contact them. Sorry, but I can only ship physical prizes to US addresses.
I guess I fall into the “I’ll try anything once to see how it works’ camp. Then if I like it, I’ll keep using it. Like you, picking up stitches along the heel flap isn’t my favorite thing – but I usually end up doing too down socks on dpns with a heel flap. Looking forward to seeing how this setup works. And that yarn- love it!
I have made most of my socks to up and have tried several heel construction patterns. I tried cuff down once and felt very clunky – I think that means I need more practice! Your beautiful Greenhorn socks may just be the ticket! I’m curios about the short rows you use for turning the heel – I’ve tried wrap and turn with a heel flap & Japanese and german short rows. It will be interesting to try you unique construction in which the heel, gusset and insole are all worked together. Thank you for another beautiful design and for the giveaway opportunity.
That green is gorgeous! The pattern is lovely, too. I usually make socks toe-up, but want to try a more traditional top-down.
I’m not fond of socks with an unusual construction. I like top down with heel flap and gusset. I do love cables and lace! I also love that green colorway!!!
New ways of shaping socks – yes! I especially love the Sweet Tomato that fits my foot very well.
I’m a Fish Lips Kiss Heel girl myself, but am not above trying a different heel, or a different construction altogether. I’m going to make a pair for my son that are constructed sideways, they should be fun!
I feel like I have not knit enough socks to have a preference. All I know is the second sock is always easier. 😊
I just like making the heel flap when I knit a sock. I guess that makes me a traditionalist too. I also think it fits better.
Do I like the color more than the pattern or the pattern more than the color? A pleasant question 🙃
I think I’m probably good with “a little variation, but nothing too crazy”!
I usually prefer top down sock construction but hate heels and bulgey toes. Your construction in this pair is intriguing.
Very much a traditionalist in construction–top down with dpn, heel flap, and kitchener toes. But I like new stitch designs and a visual zing!
I was a die-hard top down sock knitter until I tried an easy pattern for toe-up. I like the ease of just knitting and not worrying about gussets. My all time favorite in fit and looks is still top-down though. Would love to try this sock!
I love both the Greenhorn sock pattern and the beautiful green yarn. The new heel technique is very intriguing and I can’t wait to give it a try.!
I only know how to do top down socks on double point needles. I would really like to learn other methods of sock knitting. Love the yarn, thanks for the chance to win!
I generally prefer top down, heel flap, etc. However, I do enjoy a challenge, and that’s when it’s time for some new techniques.
Socks are my go-to knitting at the moment, and while I love having a vanilla sock pattern that resides in my head, I do thoroughly enjoy mixing things up and keeping it interesting. I am particularly intrigued by the heel construction in this pattern and can’t wait to give it a try!
That green….swoon!
I love to try new sock techniques. I don’t always knit them a second time, but every once in a while, I find a new favourite to love. I’m looking forward to trying this one.
I’m mostly a “top down” sock knitter. I’ve done a couple pairs toe up, though. My biggest problem is that I have extremely narrow feet, and I haven’t seen very many toe up patterns that will fit me. 56 stitches are my sweet spot for fitting. 64 stitches generally make socks that fall off my feet…and most patterns are 64 or 72 stitches.
The color & the yarn looks lovely. I need to try something new.
As far as knitting socks, I’ve become a fan of toe-up construction. It may be because I’m lazy but I find that I’m totally gung-ho at the beginning so knitting the pretty part on the top of the foot and the boring part on the sole doesn’t bother me so much. By the time I reach the leg, I just want the things to be done so knitting the pattern (which I now know by heart!) is fast, fast!
Your socks are lovely, the green bewitching! I’d change my ways and knit these gorgeous socks top-down with this yarn!
I haven’t knit enough socks to have a preference yet. Currently I’m working on top down with afterthought heels and I like the fit (and the fun coloured heels) quite well. Beautiful pattern!
Beautiful, this green! And this pattern is also a beauty.
I’ve only done top down socks with the Strong heel (gusset and flap)’and rounded toe. Just “made up” a geometric pattern for the pair I’m working on and a different one for the previous pair. The yarn sounds interesting but I’d never wear that color! Good luck to the winner!!!
I’m afraid of cuff down. Love to try these. The color is so pretty as the socks are
I’m a top down traditional sock knitter. I enjoy creative patterns that are so beautiful that putting shoes on is a sacrilege. Most of your socks fall into this category.