If you're a sock knitter, this is an indispensable book. If you're an aspiring sock knitter, this book may be a good place to start. While many of the patterns include cables, lace, or colorwork, the first is an introductory-level sock with a simple texture pattern, using worsted weight yarn. Once you've worked up a pair of those, you'll likely be ready and eager to dip your toes into some of the more complicated patterns. Also: those of you who are worried that your knitted socks will be too baggy or too tight, not stretchy enough, or that they'll fall apart after one wear will be encouraged and emboldened by The Knitter's Book of Socks. Parkes spends entire chapters on the effects of various fibers, twists, plies, and stitch patterns on the structure of a sock, giving knitters the information they need to avoid the potential pitfalls that may concern them.
The patterns come from an astounding group of designers, using all kinds of techniques to make socks in a wide range of styles. Cat Bordhi, Lucy Neatby, Ann Budd, Norah Gaughan, Nancy Bush, Cookie A, and Jared Flood all make appearances, as does a favorite new yarn of ours: the Swans Island Organic Merino, in fingering-weight.
I'm almost halfway through a sweater using this yarn, and had never considered it for socks, as it's hand-wash only. Then I came upon Parkes' ode to hand-washing hand-knit socks, which made the task sound more pleasant than inconvenient. Having just accidentally felted a pair of colorwork socks, I'm ready to make the switch to hand-washing, and it sounds like my socks will look better and last longer that way. Suffice it to say, I'm reconsidering putting that beautiful Swans Island yarn on my feet, and I have no doubt that The Knitter's Book of Socks will change the way I pair yarns and sock patterns, making me a better, more educated sock knitter. Come by the shop to peruse this new book, and plan your next pair of socks!
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