Saturday, April 21, 2012

Book Review & Giveaway: The Sock Knitter's Handbook

When Charlene Schurch & Beth Parrott asked me to review their new book, The Sock Knitter's Handbook I knew that I was in for a treat. These two women have been knitting socks and writing about it for years. What sock knitter doesn't have a copy of Sensational Knitted Socks in their library?

When my review copy arrived in the mail I wasn't disappointed. I didn't even have to open the cover to be impressed. The book is relatively small- about 6"x 9"- which is a great size to toss in your knitting bag or rest on your lap (with space left for your knitting, of course). It's also spiral bound with the cover over the spiral binding so that a) you can open it completely flat so you can reference it while your hands are busy knitting and b) your yarn doesn't get tangled up in the spiral binding. They clearly thought about the details with this book and got it right. It's also available as an e-book if that's more your style.

As for the content of this book, there is really just one thing to say. It has everything you want or need to know about socks. Everything. In one neat, clean and concise packet. Toe up, Top Down or Middle-Out, its got you covered. There are other sock knitting books that promise this but this book stands out for two reasons. 1) its very well organized and clear. Its easy to jump right to the information you need 2) the photos are excellent. Check out these photos from the section on heel types. I love that they used real socks knit with different colors of yarn rather than sketches or digitally re-colored photos. When I can really *see* the different types of heels I have a better understanding of how they might fit and look and can make a good choice as to which one to use. They have photos and instructions like this for every part of the sock, both top down and toe up.

There is also a section of Tips & Tricks with great information like how to re-knit toes and heels on holey socks (I've always been to scared to try this without a guide!) and numerous options for re-sizing patterns from changing yarn/needles to altering the pattern and stitch count. This section includes tips on "Special Fit Issues" to make your socks fit you better. Because really, what is the point of knitting socks if they aren't customized to fit perfectly?

At the back is a glossary full of information like how standard foot measurements & shoe sizes and a stitch dictionary of common sock stitches.

If you knit socks- or are thinking about starting- this is a book that you need to own. Its as simple as that. Charlene and Beth were kind enough to send me a copy of the book to give away. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post telling us what you like most about knitting socks. Next Wednesday, the 25th, we'll randomly select one person and announce the winner on this blog. Good luck!

27 comments:

Julia said...

That socks are quick (ie small and portable) but there are still so many options on what kind of sock to knit. ^_^

Julia said...

That socks are sooo quick to knit and that there are so many options: plain, lace, cabled, a mix?
Then what kind of toe and heel to knit?
And will they be knit toe-up or top down?
But mainly because they're really quick to knit.

Karen said...

What I like most about knitting socks, by KarenGMT: They're PORTABLE!

Jeniffer said...

I love socks mostly because of the portability, and they are my mindless knitting because i mostly do vanilla socks, but i love how they can be simple or really really complex!

Jeniffer said...

they can be my mindless knitting with vanilla socks, or they can be super complex, and who doesn't wear socks!

Unknown said...

I always have socks going and have yet to knit the same pattern twice! They really are rewarding and are something I truly enjoy wearing more than any of my shawls, sweaters, or other projects!

kn1t1t said...

I love the versatility of sock knitting. You can knit socks sturdy and durable for utility or lovely, lacy socks to be shown off! Tall, short, ankle length, knee highs, so many options! And so quick... Especially if you knit two at a time. That's what I call a knitter's instant gratification!

Tammie Sisco said...

I like the portability of socks

Aesox said...

Very nice review!
My favorite thing about knitting socks is making a heel. Even after knitting I don't know how many socks, I still feel like I'm all cool when I finish it.

Bets said...

There is nothing like soft, wool socks on your feet! Sometimes, I still can't believe I can really knit socks :)

Janice said...

oh my word--I am first! I like a lot about sock knitting, but one of the bonuses is having a portable project!

Meghann said...

Oooh, I've always wanted to learn to knit socks, but never got a book as I don't know which to start with...this would be great to teach me so that I can learn and make socks for myself and for others with presents :)

Lobug said...

My favorite thing about knitting socks is the variety!!!!
:D
Thank you for the giveaway. :D

Jadielady said...

I love knitting socks because I have small feet! So for one thing, it doesn't take as long as some people, I always have lots of yarn leftover, and I finally have socks that fit perfectly.
I've got the Little box of Socks which these ladies put together too, and it is great!

Alli said...

I love how awesome I feel after I've turned a heel. :)

Unknown said...

I love knitting socks for family members, since there are such a unique gift.

Unknown said...

I love knitting socks for family members, since there are such a unique gift.

bellasocks said...

Looks like a fsb book! Would love to add it to my librsry!

SockStar/CaroleNJ said...

My favorite thing about knitting socks is the lack of "finishing" required. I can just put them right on. If I do a gradience, sometimes I don't even bother to weave in the ends. After all, who is going to look inside my sock? I just put them on, tuck in any stray ends, and I am good to go!

Jill L said...

Socks are small and travel well, but I love that they are a comfort. To give someone a pair of socks is to tell them that you want them be be warm, comfortable and loved.

Anonymous said...

What I like most about knitting socks...Well there is so many things but I like the fact that each is unique and the making them for my little girl is so much fun.

lulubelle said...

Weird...I tried to post and there was an error so sorry if this is doubled.

I guess my favourite thing about socks is that they are so very wearable. Wearable art on your feet.

Mandy said...

What can I say? I love sock yarn!

I love knitting with crazy colors. I never worry about socks not matching what I'm wearing or if they're too loud. Socks are just fun that way!

Robin H said...

I just love to have a pair of socks on the needles as a portable project to grabl on the go!
My family and friends are all waiting for a little package from me with a pair of hand knit socks made especially for them... I only wish I could knit faster!

Anna Marie said...

I love knitting socks. I love that you can put them in your bag and go! You can make so many variations also. The plus is that they are so comfy. Once you wear a hand knitted sock, you never want to go back to a store bought sock.

Nancy T said...

I've been knitting socks for years. I have very sensitive feet, plus I have a very wide foot, but "normal" ankles and leg -- so the only way to get socks that truly fit is to make them myself! I always have at least one pair in process. Nancy

Anonymous said...

I love the portability of socks, the yarn choices and my most favorite part is I love toe-up with magic loop!