I don't know if you are doing the stitch right or not,but I think the sock looks perfect, and as long as it isn't falling apart, why not stick with what you are doing? Do you think you might be a bit biased because it's varigated yarn?

Alison, I've made literally a hundred of these short row heel socks, and each side does look different. One side better than the other. But, I only notice this in the knitting, not in the wearing.

So, the PGR short-row heel isn't perfect-looking, but I use it because I like making it the best and it fits my foot. I'd finish this pair of socks, wear it and then decide if short-row heels are for you.

Good point, Dava. It is hard for me to judge the sock fairly, given its variegated-ness.

Claudia, I knew you'd have the right answer for me. I too like the shape of the heel a lot and it sure does feel good on. Heel flaps may look nice and clean, without any "strange" wraps, but they are just NOT as comfortable. Thanks for helping me come to my senses!

Alison. I've ripped way more short row heels than I've ever finished. I think the idea is much better than the reality. I hate that zigzag lace looking line. I think I'll try Claudia's suggestion and just let it be the way it is, and keep trying to find another way. And I'll keep doing heel flaps to retain my pride until then.

Ooooh. Love the colorway. I agree with Claudia. Besides, the yarn is so lovely, that nobody should be looking at that heel.

Colleen

Instead of purling the yarnover together with the stitch (or ssp) you have to purl them together through the backloop. Then both sides look identical.

Melanie

Larry, now I feel like I'm in good company with my feelings of short-row heel inadequacy! :)

Melanie, thanks for the tip! I'm going to try that next time for sure.

I think the sock looks great. After knitting my first pair of slipper socks recently and doing short rows, I learned that there are two different techniques used to pick up a wrap stitch depending on if the row is a purl or knit stitch.

Alison-
I had the same issues with the the "dream socks" way of doing short rows. I use her formulas but wrap the stiches instead of doing yarn-overs and it looks much better. I'll try to remember to bring a pair to Knitsmiths.

Alison, I have long, tortuous instructions of how to get the wraps to come out right using this heel in the basic sock pattern on my site. In short, on one side you have to slip and turn all three stitches, and on the other side you only have to turn two of the stitches. Check it out before you knit your next pair and tell me if it makes sense.

Michelle, you da man! In a knitting goddess sort of way, of course. Everyone, you must take a look at Michelle's great pattern, which has short rows based on Priscilla Gibson Roberts' pattern. Now we're getting closer to "perfect"!

I have no idea about whether the sock is working or not, but I must say, it looks lovely. The colors are wonderful and it looks comfy. What more could matter? Love your blog too. :)

THANK YOU. I've been stalled on my socks (not Dream Socks) as my YO created gaping holes. Thank you for knitting socks and solving my problem, Alison ;-) And Michelle.

Allison--a new perspective: I was reading your comments (great suggestions!) and Jon was looking over my shoulder (it's been a battle for computer time lately). I showed him your socks, and said, "Alison doesn't think her socks are perfect." His reply? "Who's gonna notice? They'll be covered by shoes." Guys.

Feet. They will be on your feet. And facing towards the side/back.
:)
I'm just sayin'
;)