The MAN sock (an experiment on 12" circs)

Months ago, we were talking in the SM craft forum about knitting socks on 12" circular needles. Having destroyed several partial sets of Brittany birch DPNs, I was excited to try socks on my beloved Addis. I immediately ordered several 12" circs. Of course, I screwed that up, forgot to go down a size on needles for sport and worsted weight. Addi Turbos are expensive and worth every cent. Well, except when you order the wrong size and are too lazy to return them.

Anyway, when the order came in, I immediately pulled out the #2s and cast on some Regia. I knew I wanted to use a 2x2 ribbing, the heel from one pattern and the stitch count from another. I KNOW how many stitches I need for basic socks to fit me. So why did I cast on the--too many--number of stitches from the pattern with the heel I like?

I didn't realize my mistake until I'd turned the heel and worked the gussets (my favorite part of sock making). Trying it on to admire my handiwork, I noticed some bagging around the ankle. What the heck? I checked it against my one bright sock (Remember the one where I ordered one 50 gm ball when I needed 100 gms? I have the second ball, just haven't gotten around to the second sock.) The experimental sock was nearly two inches bigger around. Ugh.

Now what? Frog a perfectly nice, if too big, sock? Decrease the foot circumference, knit another just like it and pretend I wanted the tops slouchy? Not such a bad idea, since I always wear my socks bunched up around my ankles (A habit from the days of knee socks with dresses, when I grew tired of always yanking them back up.).

Better idea--it's a MAN sock! To be presented, with it's mate, to my husband for Christmas. Thank gawd for my very fortunate choice of yarn.

Oh yeah, I have discovered that it is possible to knit MAN socks on 12" circs.