Nutmeg Socks

Completed on January 13, 2023
Pattern: Nutmeg Socks by Tania Barley
Yarn used: Cascade Yarns ® Heritage Sock (5721 Evergreen); 75% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon
Yarn weight: Fingering
Size: 2
Cost (yarn only): USD 8.80 (less than 1 skein; paid USD 17.60 for 2 skeins)

I knitted the socks one at a time - 1st one using magic loop, 2nd one in the round (using Chiaogoo shorties)
The socks are knitted from the cuff down
Beginning with the pattern and ribbing on the cuff > the leg > heel and gusset > the foot > toe
The pattern is done with a “3 into 3 gathered” (knitting 3 together + 3 YO; not a decrease)

If I were to make this pattern again:
- I have asymmetrical toes - I would not symmetrically decrease the toes, instead, I’ll make separate left and right sides to fit my feet better
- Casted on with twisted German cast on but will use the tubular cast on if I were to make this again
Here’s what I’ve observed from using two different methods on each sock:
- Magic loop
  - Tension was a lot tighter than in the round - especially obvious when working on pattern
  - “3 into 3 gathered” pattern was very painful to execute with a tight tension
  - If I were to use magic loop again especially for knitting TAAT (two at a time), I would have to ease up on tension, the less tension there is, the easier it is to work the pattern
- In the round
  - Beginning was difficult since there isn’t much to hold onto
  - Easier to maintain a looser tension
  - Pattern was a lot easier to work on
  - Is faster than working with magic loop

Without washing or blocking, Initial wear fits perfect - not too tight or loose
I use this pair of socks indoors only and during bedtime
The yarn keeps my feet warm enough and I’ve never felt too warm with the socks on
There’s been some pilling which is normal given that it’s a softer yarn
Differences in wear with method:
- Magic loop
  - Overall construction of the sock is still pretty solid
- In the round
  - I’ve noticed that the cuffs don’t stay in place as well as the side that was knitting via magic loop
  - Could be due to the looser tension, the cuff tends to droop slightly closer to the leg
Similarities with both methods:
- The fit doesn’t seem to make any difference - both socks fit the same and feel the same even though tension was tight with magic loop while knitting
- I had ladders with both methods (might just be my technique) - neither seems to have a smaller ladder around the gusset
- Stretching happened in both around the cuff but doesn’t affect the fit on either foot

I decided to wash it after 1.5 months (the same time I decided to wash my alpaca sweater for the first time)
It did stretch out slightly with wear from just wearing it every night
For the first time wash, I used KnitIQ wool wash and here were the steps I took to wash the socks:
- 1 gallon of cold water
- 3 pumps of KnitIQ wool wash
- Soak sweater thoroughly for 10 mins
- Removed and squeezed as much water out without twisting (like squeezing into a ball)
- Laid it out flat on a towel, rolled the towel gently without making it too tight
- Squeezed as much water as I could out of the water
- Hung on blocking hangers
- Drying time: approximately 18 - 20 hours
After the wash, here’s what I observed from the socks on the first wear after washing:
- Wool felt about the same - still very cozy and comfortable
- Socks did shrink a little / feels less stretched out - I can tell from around the foot where it felt more snug and the cuffs weren’t as stretched out
- Pilling isn’t as noticeable compared to before I washed it
- KnitIQ wool wash gave the socks a very natural wool scent (might be the lanolin it contains)

My right foot is slightly shorter than my left, so one side is shorter than the other and I’ll have to sew a little indicator on the cuff to easily identify left from right
I’ve not tried wearing the socks with shoes yet but given the fingering weight, I think it wouldn’t be a problem if I decided to - really liked the slip stitch enforced heel but usually it’s the toes that wear out fastest for me
I have asymmetrical toes and even though the socks were knitted with symmetrical toes, the sock seemed to have been shaping itself to my foot. The symmetrical corners are almost non-existent and the socks look very much like the shape of my feet now

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