My knitting basket is filled with socks these days. 

This is the first of a pair of Francie socks (pattern by Bowerbird Knits) that I am knitting in Dream in Color Smooshy in the colorway "Some Summer Sky".  The entire sock is worked in a pattern that riffs and rolls off of K2 P2 ribbing, normally my least favorite way to knit socks (I am lazy and K2 P2 takes more attention than most pattern stitches for me).  The pattern is not hard, and the final result, at least for the leg of the sock, reminds me of tree bark.  I haven't really had the chance to dive in to Cat Bordhi's current sock innovation book, but I think the instep looks similar to some of the design structures that she talks about.

What made this sock remarkable for me is that it is probably he first top down, flap heel sock I've worked since before I had the baby.  I've gotten so comfortable with my toe-up, short row heel socks that it seemed a little bizarre to start a sock top down.  Completing this pair (I still need to cast on for the second sock -- it's not a second sock syndrome victim, I just have a few other things that take priority at the moment) isn't likely to get me to change my ways, but I did enjoy testing out a new sock construction.

So far, the Smooshy is absolutely delightful to knit with and I can see why it's hand, the lovely subtle coloration and the generous yardage in the skein help give it such a large fan base.  I suspect this will not be my last sock project with Smooshy.