would these two steer you wrong??

Posted on annePosted in book reviews/events

erica and i are at TNNA this weekend, looking at all that’s new in the yarn world and doing some shopping for upcoming clubs as well. while i’m there, i’m sure i’ll run into charlene schurch and beth parrot, co-authors of a terrific new sock knitting resource

the sock knitters handbook: expert advice, tips, and tricks

whatever level of sock knitting you are at, even if you’re just at the contemplating stage, this book is one that you’ll want for your library shelf. it covers just about every aspect of sock construction and technique that any of us will want to know about

and from every angle too—top down and toe up constructions are thoroughly investigated from every site line

and then the authors go on to discuss aftercare and restructuring as well. wow.

i really love the clever way they illustrated the differences between techniques and constructions by color coding all the areas of the sock, making the differences between cuffs, heel types, gussets, or toe shaping stand out in sharp contrast.

discussion of each sock region are accompanied by closeups of variations in use.

along with architectural contrasts, the authors also present a variety of techniques, and a discussion of the hows, whys, and applications of each. the pros and cons of various cast ons, bind offs, and shaping sts are investigated.

i love that they included this aftercare section—how great is that?

and for a truly customized fit, turn toward the back and you will find a whole section on that

including a guide that will help if you enjoy knitting socks as a surprise.

if you feel like trying your hand at a bit of designing, some stitch patterns are included that are universally appealing and work in a number of sizes and constructions.

now you might think that a book jammed with this much information is a big, heavy tome that will sit on the library shelf most of the time, but no—as you can see it has a spiral binding so it will lay flat while you knit and it weighs surprisingly little, making it a great knitting bag accessory.

this is a terrific little book—just what you’d expect form two of the most experienced authors and teachers in our field. not only are they super smart and talented, they are generous—they have provided a giveaway copy of the sock knitter’s handbook to one lucky reader of today’s post.

if you’d like to win a copy, leave a comment at the end of this post by 9 pm EDST on tuesday, june 26. we will announce the winner in the blog post following.

have a good week and happy knitting!

405 thoughts on “would these two steer you wrong??”

  1. This could not be more timely. The Twinings Stole in single ply white silk will come off the needles tomorrow (it is a wedding shawl) and I, who am not a sock knitter, will have to start a pair of socks promised to a helpful colleague.

  2. Woo Hoo a book give away! Love the idea of this book. If it’s not my lucky turn to win I shall look for it at the lys.

  3. This looks amazing! Can’t wait to check it out – but winning it would be fab!

  7. Beautiful! I will have to check it out. I learned to knit years ago, but recently brought it back into my life. My next project that I want to learn is socks. Can’t wait!

  10. I love the first Charlene Schurch book that i own. She really is the best at all things sock!

  12. Maybe if I manage to win this, I will start knitting/understanding the karma that is sock knitting.

  14. Oh! I just learned how to knit two socks on one needle and am only just past the toe increases! I am so addicted already and would love to have this book, whether I win it or whether I buy it!

  15. How could you not trust those 2 smiling faces? 🙂 It looks like a great resource. Thanks for the giveaway Anne!

  22. Hope you had a great time at TNNA, Anne. One can never have too many knitting books. : )

  23. What a fantastic looking resource! I’d love to get some tips on different construction and this looks like it would fit the bill swimmingly.

  25. I always find that the stitch suggestions are the very best part of technique books. This would make a terrific addition to anyone’s sock library.

  26. This sounds like a wonderful book! Me me me me!!! Pick me!!

  27. I think I have all of their sock books – I learned to knit socks following their Sensational Knitted Socks and haven’t looked back. This looks like a great addition!

  29. I’ve requested that book from my local library, and am looking forward to seeing it. Thanks for the review, and the offer. Always fun to throw my hat into the random generator ring 🙂

  32. This is an excellent book. I signed out a copy from my library recently and decided it is a must have. Money’s a bit tight at the moment, so it’s on the wish list… maybe I’ll be the lucky one to win a copy?!

  33. There can never be too many sock books! Thanks for the extensive and detailed review, Anne.

  36. I am trying to conquer my first pair of socks, this book would be ideal. What a great book to give away!

  37. This looks like a very helpful book. This would be a great and wonderful to refer to for my next pair of socks.
    Thanks for the offer.
    Brenda DeHart

  39. Thanks for showing us a preview of the books. I would have to agree that this would be one for the personal library.

  43. I like to knit socks,but always have trouble with the gussets. I could use that book.

  46. I adore sock knitting and I would love to learn more about construction and ways to adapt sock patterns. Maybe even begin to design my own patterns.

    What a great giveaway! Thank you.

  48. There’s nothing quite as comforting as hand knit socks! I love to knit them and this book would be great to add to my collection!

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