Last month, news reached me of an unfortunate Amtrak accident near Philadelphia.
"Gosh, I hope I didn't know anyone on the train", everyone thinks.
Knowing lots of people who work in Sales and travel the East Coast corridor almost constantly didn't help my chances and I did end up knowing someone who was gravely injured on that train.
Third hand news of a long-term ICU stay, surgeries, concussions and broken bones reached me but ultimately a long and painful recovery was in store. It gave me nightmares for a week.
Once I was assured that he wouldn't be an amputee (a very real possibility) I set to work on a pair of socks. Dapper, simple, comforting warm socks.
This might sound new-agey, but when you are knitting something specifically for someone in mind, you are thinking of them subconsciously or consciously with every stitch, and whatever you thoughts are towards that person gets woven into the fabric of your garment, much like a protective amulet or magical armor to keep that person safe and well.
Big man feet, loads of stitches, loads of healing thoughts.
Once modeled by a for-hire foot model, I packed them up sent them off with well wishes and healing universal vibes to my friend, who I am certain is in need of a bright day here and there. I told him "wear them with Birks, you'll be a star!" knowing that it will make his blue blood curdle.
New technique: the Fish Lips Kiss Heel, a nice way to avoid gusset shaping and keep your stripes consistent on your self-striping yarn, and not having a heel flap to pick up stitches- Thanks, Sox Therapist! I think it worked- they seem to fit and the unique short rows made for a flawless gap-free heel. I'm making another pair right now to fit them to the next recipient better as this pair required a little guesswork as far as foot size goes.
Yarn is Online Supersock 4-ply "walking color". I think it looks quite dapper, Birks or no.
