Randy's Warm Winter Socks

 These socks are so warm for winter!  The pattern is Classic Socks by Melinda Goodfellow.  The yarn is Opal 8 ply sock yarn.

 I enlarged the sock pattern a bit.  I cast on 52 stitches with the German Twisted Cast on, and I knit a k2, p2 ribbing for 2" with size 3.5 mm needles.  

Then I knit a pattern of k3, p1 for the leg using size 3.75 mm needles until 4.5" long, including cuff.  This allows a lot of stretch for the foot and leg.

I love this sock pattern.  It comes in lots of different sizes.  Randy really likes his new socks!

Notes:  Heel turn:  Sl1, p14, p2tog, p1, turn (8 left)   sl1, k5, ssk, k1, turn (8 left)

Repeat, dec over gap.  Finish with 16 stitches left on heel.

Pick up 13 stitches and 1 in gap on each side.  Dec. next round and following round because of extra stitches.  Knit plain round, Dec round, etc. until 13 stitches on each needle:  52 stitches.  Keep top of foot in k3, p1 until toe.

Knit foot in pattern until 9 1/4" long.  Foot 10.5-10 3/4" long.  Toe almost 2"  Making it longer in case of swelling.  

Toe:  Dec. round and knit round until 28 stitches.  Knit 1 round then dec. to 24 sts., then dec. to 20 sts.  Kitchener 10 and 10.  

Wash in lukewarm water with Ivory clear or other mild detergent and a little hair conditioner.  Let soak for awhile.  Place in lukewarm rinse water and let soak.  Rinse again if needed.  Press out excess water and lay flat to dry.  The conditioner softens the socks.