One of my podcasts talked about how the heel for this pattern was deeper than a traditional and fit them much better. I decided I needed to try because this method doesn't break-up my stripes and there was a KAL, big surprise there. I started these on a beach day with my mom on new KnitPro Zings I bought abroad. Zings were nice to use but the size etching was a little bit catchy for me. They don't win out over my 9in Hiya Hiyas, these have a special place in my heart for just how freaking amazing they are.
I knit the original heel and toe that was provided in the pattern. I found that I still had a pucker from the kitchener stitch that poked out from each side of my heel. The deepness was perfect but the pucker was annoying. (Pucker Picture below)
This top photo is the original heel. You can definitely see the pucker of the kitchener stitch along the edge. It's just as prominent on my foot as it is in the photo. I think if I had less rounded heels then this heel would have fit better. But my heels are circular and kind of fat.
By the time I made it to the second sock Susan B. had already added extra heels and toes adjustments. I made the adjusted heel which had a variation of the kitchener stitch to help get rid of the pucker. As seen in the above photo this version has less of a pucker, but for me still not the perfect fit.
While I love my socks, this version of the afterthought heel still doesn't work for me. I need to try something a bit more rounded. I think the sweet tomato heel may work for me, or maybe a star heel. Let me know if you have any suggestions for a rounded afterthought heel!
I love the second heel it looks so perfect! I loved the afterthought for my short striping problem on my last socks but I prefer a heel flap like I usually do. Just looks better and feels better.
ReplyDeleteI much prefer the look of the second heel but I still get a pucker at the side of my heel. Heel flap and gusset are still my go-to preferred.
DeleteI haven't done an afterthought heel. I just do my regular heel. May have to look at that sweet tomato heel tho. Sounds cute!
ReplyDeleteI prefer the heel flap, the fit is best for my feet. I haven't tried the sweet tomato yet but I think that will be on my next striped socks!
DeleteWell the socks look lovely regardless. I tried Susan B. Anderson's Craftsy class which teaches toe up, after thought heels and I thought they were o.k. There are so many ways to knit socks that I have yet to explore. I haven't found the perfect ones yet either!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the yarn! The socks are beautiful, I'm just still working on perfecting the fit. Always new adventures in knitting!
DeleteI loved reading your thoughts on this heel, thanks so much for your honesty! I haven't tried an afterthought heel before, they sound so amazing, but you are right, it's not a one size fits all sort of heel. The socks do look great, though!
ReplyDeleteI try to be as honest as I would want to read from someone else. It makes for a better informed decision before you start a new project. I think my current striped pair of socks will use a star heel method. There will probably be another review soon :)
DeleteI am an absolutely inadequate sock knitter, so really can't help you here, just stare at these beautiful stripes! :)
ReplyDeleteI love working with Felici sock because of the amazing stripes! And its so soft!
DeleteI love the look of afterthought heels especially with stripey yarn but agree that the fit can be hit or miss. I found that using my usual round toe pattern for the heel created a better fit & less puckering. Curious about the star heel.
ReplyDeleteThe star heel isn't any different than decreasing for the top of a hat. I ended up with too few stitches so mine was a bit pointy but I know what I'll fix with the next heal.
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