Sock Innovation: Knitting Techniques & Patterns for One-of-a-Kind Socks

May 09

An exciting book that will take the average sock knitter beyond their normal realm. The projects are quite challenging so I think it would be more useful for readers who can already knit socks and would like to move to the next stage. The projects and tutorials are extremely well presented and clearly laid out, with plenty of photos and a lot of helpful advice. It is definitely great value for money with lots of useful information and an array of challenging projects.

Oct 09

One of the most hotly-anticipated knitting books of 2009, Cookie A's first book is an excellent introduction to both knitting and designing socks, as well as being packed with her typically intricate designs. [This] is a book of two halves, and unlike most pattern books not only encourages you to branch out - to make changes, to create your own designs, to innovate - but teaches you how to go about it. The first 50 pages delve into the elements of sock design. Cookie keeps the pages clutter-free and informative, packing them with details which will interest sock knitters of all stripes: for budding designers, the glimpse into her process and technical information is invaluable, while for knitters keen to develop their skills the technical information about different sock toes and heels or reading charts is clear and well-presented. While the book is worth a look for the technical information alone, the 15 patterns are both varied and interesting, using a wide range of skills and stitches. As Cookie comments in the introduction, Any technique that can be used in a sweater can be done on a smaller scale in a sock. They provide the perfect learning ground for knitting design. Knitting socks is the ideal way to learn new techniques, and we hope that her beautiful, elegant designs will encourage knitters to dive in, try a cable, and prodjce a pair of lovely and unique socks.

Mar 09

Physically this is one book, but its contents can easily be divided into two sub-books. First, you get a mind-bendingly thorough design and technique master class. And second, you get a collection of 15 gorgeous, innovative, and extremely tempting sock patterns.

In the first half of the book, Cookie reveals an array of invaluable design secrets. We're not just talking about toes and gussets here, although she outlines those with great clarity. Likewise, she explains afterthought heels in a way that makes me want to cast on and experiment right now. We're talking things like inverting stitch patterns so that you can knit them both in the round and in right-side/wrong-side rows. Also, converting and re-charting flat stitch pattern charts into charts you can follow in the round.

Cookie writes with intelligence and passion, and assumes the same degree of intelligence and avidity in her reader, which makes this book an extremely refreshing read. She has a gift for explaining things we may already know instinctively, but in a way that finally gives us an a-ha! moment of true revelation. These are small things, like how we should decrease cable stitches when transitioning from cables to stockinette in order to prevent puckering in the fabric.

Cookie then proceeds to deliver 15 original new designs. Her socks are not simple stockinette affairs,they tend to have the stunningly ornate and sculptural detail of a Gothic cathedral. While these may look complicated, they are entirely achievable by any knitter who knows how socks work, can read a chart, and has a little patience.

Cookie A's sock patterns have been so popular that I know expectations were very high for this book. Having spent some time with it, I can say that the book meets and exceeds every expectation I had. This is a brilliant and valuable book that every avid sock knitter will want to own.

June 09

Thought you knew everything about sock knitting? Think again! This book takes the craft of socks to a whole new level, exploring the principles of sock pattern symmetry, cables that travel off the grid, and how to make your own designs work hard for their yarn. It's advanced, almost mathematical stuff, yet clearly and carefully explained - this is incredibly rewarding knitting.