Name
Smooth Operator Socks: Mastering the Afterthought Heel (NEW!)
Date
Friday, November 9, 2018
Time
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Photos
Session Type:
3-Hour Class
Skill Level:
Intermediate
Teacher
Susan B. Anderson
Category
Accessories
Class Details:
Do you love using self-striping and patterning sock yarn for knitting socks but get stuck when the stripes go awry at the heel? The super-popular Smooth Operator Afterthought Heel is the perfect solution for you! Join sock knitting expert, Susan B. Anderson, and work through her twist on the afterthought heel. In class you will be covering loads of sock knitting tips and tricks, and working through the Smooth Operator afterthought heel together in class. Techniques covered will include tips for making matching socks, putting in a waste yarn place holder in a different way, several ways to get rid of those pesky holes at the sides of the heel, a surefire way to remember the kitchener stitch every time and how to get rid of those donkey ears, a no-kitchener version of heels and toes, and so much more! Come to class ready to work hard on your sock techniques through large group discussion, small group technique demonstrations and individual help. Technique Requirements: Knit/purl; cast on/bind off; increase/decrease; working in the round; have knit a few accessories; basic finishing techniques; knowledge of sock construction
Homework:
Come to class with a sock cuff knit to your desired length and at the point where you want to start your heel. In class, we are using the Smooth Operator Socks pattern, which will be provided in class. You can work in either magic loop or on double-pointed needles. Yarn: 100 grams of sock or fingering weight yarn, self-striping/patterning yarn is fine but tonals, variegated or solid yarns are perfectly fine. Gauge: We are working on fingering/sock weight yarn at 8 sts per inch in stockinette stitch. Needles: US size 1/2.25 double-pointed needles or a long circular for magic loop Select your size and start your cuff using the following pattern: Sizes To fit: extra-small (small, medium, large) OR to fit the circumference measurement at the ball of the foot: 7 (8, 9, 10) inches including 1-inch of negative ease. Tip: Susan uses the medium size to fit her US women’s size 7.5 foot. Using the long-tail cast on method cast on 48 (56, 64, 72) stitches. For double-pointed needles divide the stitches as follows: Needle 1: 16 (20, 20, 24) sts Needle 2: 16 (20, 20, 24) sts Needle 3: 12 (16, 24, 24) sts For Magic Loop place half of the stitches on each of the two needles. Join to work in the round being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker on the first stitch. Rnd 1: (K2, p2) repeat to the end of the round. Repeat Round 1 for 7 (9, 11, 13) more rounds. Continue to knit every round until you have reached the desired length for the leg of the sock.
Supplies for Class:
Yarn: 100 grams of fingering or sock weight yarn Needles: US size 1/2.25mm set of 5 dpns or a long circular for magic loop or your preferred method for working in the round on a small number of stitches. Be sure to check your gauge and adjust the needle size as needed. Gauge 8 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch Materials An extra set of needles in the same size (optional) Detachable stitch marker Yarn needle Ruler or tape measure Waste yarn in the same weight, about 3 yards Heel yarn: Reserve 7 grams per sock for the heel. If you are winding the ball of yarn and will be pulling from the outside of the ball you will need to wind off the yarn for the heel before you cast on. If you are using a ball winder to make a cake of yarn you can use the other end of the yarn for the heel.
Day
Friday