Estonian Sock Knitting workshop, part 1

This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to participate in our annual knitting guild retreat. We had a really great time. Our workshop leader this time was Nancy Bush, Queen of Estonian Knitting.
On Saturday, we learned how to make an Estonian inspired sock. Usually, the gauge for these socks is a lot smaller than what we were working on (at least 8 sts/in vs. our 6 sts/in). But for the sake of a 6 hour workshop, we worked on Dk weight yarn and size 3 needles.
We started at 10 am, had lunch, dinner, and other munch breaks, and I actually managed to finish my sock at around 8 pm.
Here's a blow by blow of how my sock grew.

Here, you can see the Double Start Cast on, and the braid called Kihnu Vits (a braid from the island of Kihnu):


Next, Roositud patterning or inlay begins on the sides of the sock, and mock cables down the top/instep:


Completion of the Roositud Patterning; what looks like embroidery, is worked in as you go; on the right side of this part of the sock, you can see the 1x1 rib that is worked down the back of the sock.

You can find descriptions of all these techniques in Folk Knitting in Estonia. All charts are (c) Nancy Bush.

My finished sock on my phat leg; the heel is what we now call a Dutch heel. The toe is a Round Toe (please refer to Folk Socks).

Top of the leg/instep shows mock cables. They stop before toe shaping.

Ain't it a beauty? Now I must go off to make the second one....

More about Nancy Bush and her work in a later post.