Sidewinders - A Final Accounting

My Sidewinders are finished. 
Pattern: Sidewinders: A PerpenSOCKular Pattern by Nona
Yarn: Handspun On The Web  I used 102 grams of a 4 oz (= 114 gram) skein
Needle: 3mm (US 3) Addi Turbo Lace 32 inch circular needle

I don't usually knit from other people's patterns.  When I started Nona's pattern for Sidewinders, it was very hard for me to turn off my inner designer and just be a knitter.  I found myself wanting to tweak this and fiddle with that.  In the end, I discovered that there weren't improvements to be made on her pattern.  Sure, I made some modifications, but they were more like extending Nona's ideas to make the socks better for my feet.

The first sock I made was the largest size (9-10 wide).  I was too wide in the foot and perfect on the calf.  After a quick trip to the frog pond, it was reborn as a hybrid.

I made the 9-10 medium size and added additional short rows at the calf.  Instead of three short row garter ridges on each side, I have seven.  I maintained the rhythm Nona had set by making each one four stitches longer than the last.  I also tucked them behind one full length garter ridge.  The shaping is perfect for my leg.  It is snug at the ankle and follows the contour of my calf.

After all my talk about trying different forms of increasing at the toe and heel, I ended up using Nona's recommendation.  Instead of knitting just the middle two stitches loose, I knit the increased stitches loose as well.  This was enough to overcome my tight knitting. 

I am impressed with the quality of this pattern.  Nona obviously thought about the little details that make a good pattern into a great pattern.  That is high praise.

And, just in time.  After several days of hot sunny weather, we are having the kind of cool and overcast summer day that San Francisco is known for.  Until the fog burns off I am snuggling up with my new Sidewinders.

ETA: My modified version for Sidewinders on 2 circular needles is available here.

Comments

[Robin]

I like Grace for the name of the beautiful sweater. How about Cabled Gracefully or Full of Grace. How you feel better soon and you're right -- thank goodness you can knit! Take care!

[Robin]

oops! commented to the wrong post!

[Rebecca]

I like! Looks like this pattern is great for hand-dyed yarns that would pool horribly if knitted the traditional direction. I've added this pattern to my Summer of Socks list to be started in just a few days!!

[Ronni]

They're lovely! I hope your back is feeling better. Or if not yet, will very soon.

[Debi]

I forgot to tell you, FK Mom is in your neck of the woods the next two weeks!

Cute socks!

[AuntieAnn]

Very nice indeed! I must try this pattern.

[Faith]

What in tarnation? These socks are... I don't know. Bizarre and beautiful simultaneously! Great job.

[Lisa]

I am so intrigued by these socks. The whole concept just baffles me. Great job on them!

[Annie]

Beautiful sidewinders! Love how the yarn looks with the pattern.

[hakucho]

Those socks are so cool! Very different looking pattern...I really like them :)

happy knitting :)