I am currently working on the Hawaiian Leis Socks (this is a Ravelry link) from the 2008 Pattern a Day Calendar.
Here’s a picture of my progress so far…
Hawaiian Leis Socks
As I near the point where I begin decreasing for the toes, I’m pondering a question that has been in the back of my mind ever since I knit my second pair of socks…how to customize the toes.
First, a close-up of mine:
AuburnChick's Ugly Toes
I feel the need to apologize for the graphic nature of the above photo. I’m not blind to the fact that I am not exactly a foot model. However, I felt it was necessary to include it given my question.
Now, as many of you know, sock decreases typically happen on both sides; however, if you take a close look (gag) at the above photo, you’ll notice that my big toe goes straight up and does not curve inward.
To get my socks to fit optimally, shouldn’t I be decreasing only on one side?
Yes, I realize that this might require some planning on my part…something I’m not very good at; however, what’s the point in knitting socks for myself if I can’t get the best fit? I mean, I can walk into any clothing store and buy a pair of pointy toe socks.
Because my feet are a bit wider than many, I’m also thinking that I should do the kitchener stitch much sooner than most patterns recommend. I mean, do my feet look eight stitches across? I think not.
I know that yarn stretches, but c’mon! My feet are BIG!
Ok…so these are my ponderings on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Do I have too much time on my hands?
Probably.
We all need days like this, though. Time to ponder such heavy issues.
I’m looking forward to your comments. Please be kind about the toes. I’m sensitive.
😀
Filed under: Knitting | Tagged: feet, hawaiian leis socks, kitchener stitch, Knitting |
AuburnChick's Adventures 
I’m not sure about the decreasing only on 1 side, but I always stop with 12 stitches on each side and then do the kitcheners. I have rather narrow feet but the 8 stitches just make a ridiculously pointy looking toe.
I feel your pain, your feet are pretty compared to mine. That said, I too stop at 12 and then do the kitchener. And a one sided decrease would be scary to try, but let me know if you do and how it works out.
I recently found a site (can’t find it now though) that talked about this–and it really was basically what you said–just decreasing on one side. Can’t remember how fast the dec’s happened, though. But here’s the drawback–if you make custom right- and left-footed socks, you have to check them every time you put them on to get them on the correct foot. Personally, I’m just not that clear-headed in the early mornings ;-P
I would like the pattern for the Hawaiian Leis Socks. Thank you for any help that you can provide.