i really, really like this book

Posted on Posted in book reviews/events

my friend cookie has written another book AND she published it herself.
AND it’s absolutely stunning—a real work of art.
how much more of a role model do i need? i’m as proud of cookie’s book as if i wrote it myself (i WISH).

i received my advance copy the other day and since then, i’ve picked it up about twelve times to lose myself amongst the pages—that’s how lovely it is.

once again, cookie has centered the book around socks (what else?), chronicling her development as a sock knitter and designer by reworking previously-published patterns and juxtaposing them with new designs.

the styling (sarah beaver) and photography (laura kicey) are brilliant, combining edgy environments with vintage clothing and tying those two seemingly disparate flavors together with a strong use of primary color.

the mood swings from urban-shabby to über-sexy without hesitation, creating an exciting visual voyage reflective of the author’s own inner narrative, design process, and taste.

knitters will be enticed by the mood into one design after another

the photography does not just serve an artistic purpose however

also included with each pattern are clear and detailed (and beautiful!) sock photos, taken from every angle and at varying distances

so that the knitter is never left to wonder what their project should look like at any given point. everyone involved did a great job presenting useful, utilitarian visuals that also happen to be quite dreamy.

in knit. sock. love., favorites such as the ever-popular monkey are now presented in fresh yarns with multiple sizing.

cookie divides the collection into three sections by type of pattern—but not into the usual categories you would expect, such as knit/purl, cables, lace, etc. rather, she separates them into geographical classes of columns, tessellations, and diagonals, distinguished by the type of terrain created as the patterns map out across the fabric.

each pattern includes clearly-written directions, large, readable charts, and diagrams to guide the knitter through complex surface designs and constructions.

at the back of the book, a reference and resource section is included to guide the knitter in finding helpful information about techniques included in the patterns.

the book is available for preorder now, with several purchasing options, including the PDF download format (very handy for printing just what you need). for a limited time, you can order both versions at a considerable savings.

yes, i love this book, and not just because cookie is one of my dearest friends. i like it because it’s smart, beautiful, and hardworking all at once, just like her.

29 thoughts on “i really, really like this book

  1. Oh Wow! I am a huge fan of her Sock Innovation book, I learned so very much about designing. I am emailing Oscar with the link and that this goes on my Yule wish list :-}

  2. I have the pdf version and I’m excited for a copy of the actual book to arrive. I love being able to print off working copies, but you just can’t replace being able to turn the pages. Plus I got to test knit one of the patterns which was one of the highlights of my knitting life 🙂

  3. Awww, Anne, your description of the book is better than anything I could write. I’m so glad you like it! If you publish your own book, I’m sure you will LOVE IT.

  4. Anne thanks so much for heads up and review of Cookie’s newest book. I loved Sock Innovation and I’m anxious to dive into this. Of course I had to get the book and the pdf, LOL!

  5. I had a grand time test knitting German Stockings for the book, and to get a sneak peek at the rest of them is wonderful! It looks beautiful, and I can’t wait to see it in person!

  6. This looks and sounds absolutely stunning! I’m off to order a copy, one way or another. I love the images at which Anne has let us peek. Wow!

  7. That looks great! The best attempt I’ve ever seen at making socks look sexy!! 🙂 One of these days I’m gonna seriously get down to knitting some socks!

  8. The knee-high socks and the cabling looks wonderful!

    I have been working on a pair of Monkeys this week so I think that it’s funny how you review a Cookie A. book. 😉

  9. Oh, WOW!! I SO need a copy of that book – I absolutely love her other book; it’s one of my very favorite to just look through (along with Janel’s) – there’s just something about the way that Cookie thinks that I find both inspiring and interesting to contemplate, and her completed designs are wonderful. How long before it comes out? (Before I saw that it wasn’t out yet, I was preparing to leave the kids to run to the bookstore real quick before bedtime, heh.)

  10. I’ve had the book pre-ordered for a while now! I just love her sock patterns because they are so fresh and different. The diagonals are a real trip to work. Thanks so much for the great review, Anne. Can’t wait for my copy to arrive.

  11. I have never brought her patterns or even knit the free ones. But, I did order both the book and the pdf today. So since she is so highly recommended I will give it a try.

    I did get the pattern for the gansey socks and will cast on next month for them as they are a gift for a man friend of mine who has asked for a pair of socks!

    Thanks Anne!!!! Husband is shaking his head and asking if I do not already have enough patterns……

  12. Lovely book – I’m sure I’ll be ordering soon. Must admit I was a little bored with the “sexy gals in socks” photos, but was more impressed with the closeups. I’m sure this will be a great book that I’ll enjoy.

  13. Just preordered it. I can never have enough pattern books, especially sock patterns. I’m also happy about the closeups and angle views – it really helps me extrapolate out what I’m knitting 🙂

  14. Could you hear me cackling with glee as I perused the PDF? You weren’t kidding – Cookie A has outdone herself. I also look forward to receiving the book, so I can curl up with a nice cup of tea and flip through the pages. Choosing which sock to knit first – that’ll be tough.

  15. Purchased the PDF version (LOVE that there is a PDF version!) and have already cast on. I can see why you recommend this book. It’s fabulous!!

  16. WOW – Finctional & beautiful. I am convince that it is a book who belongs with me. I do need another pair of socks.

  17. The book is just awesome! I love your review. So the next big question is So Anne when are you going to give us a book of your beautiful patterns?

  18. You had me at socks (and beautiful photos). Cookie is an awesome designer so her book combined with your thoughtful review equaled .pdf purchase this morning. There are so many patterns that truly it is less than $1 a pattern in .pdf. Thanks so much.

    When will YOU have a book? Would be nice to add yours to my shelf (virtual or otherwise).

  19. Anne, I am so glad you got an advance copy of this book! I was so fortunate in that I got to test knit one of the patterns in it. Oh my word, but what an incredible experience!!! I am about to order my advance copy, which Cookie is going to sign (yay for me!).

    Now, thanks to your lovely photos of the book, I will literally be standing at my curb, ready to tackle the delivery man. He has no idea what he’s in for.

    🙂

  20. I took a sock design class from Cookie A this spring. She was brilliant and funny.

    I’ve been dying to get my hands on the book. I’m so excited to have a PDF version, too, so I can print one pattern at a time and not worry about breaking the spine as I make a personal copy.

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