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. What an amazing book…..all that information in one place would certainly make it an ideal reference. Good Luck, everyone….and thanks to Anne and the authors.

  2. It looks like a fabulous book and I could use a new reference book!
    Thanks for showing off your new find.

  5. ooo i really want that book, especially so i can learn more about sock knitting.

  9. Wow, a great and useful book-with binder,with color pictures, from knitting gals you can trust for helpful information-watch out feet-I see some new knitted socks coming your way!!!!

  10. Charlene Schurch’s Sensational Knitted Socks was the first sock book that I ever purchased, and I still pull it out when I’m trying to remember details (like how many stitches should be left on the toe before grafting). Thanks for offering the chance to win the book.

  11. I would LOVE to have this book so that I can learn to knit socks from the toe up, using the Magic Loop method. Thank you for entering me in the giveaway…!!!

  14. I would really love this book. It looks like a great resource for mastering sock design.

  16. I especially like the idea of being able to make surprise socks! What a great book.

  17. Looks like a greeeeaaaat reference book….and oh how I love knitting socks…..

  22. I have completed only four pairs of plain old vanilla socks thus far…..I think I need this book! Thanks for offering it to us.

  23. I am starting to love knitting socks and would love more information on sock construction etc. Thanks for the chance to win.

  24. This book looks fantastic! My new policy for buying books is that the focus needs to be on technique rather than just a collection of patterns. I will absolutely own a copy no matter what!

  27. The book seems terrific – lots of good information there. Thanks for this offer.

  29. I SO need this book! I have 4 socks started and knitted to the heel and cannot seem to get any further without help. I live a long way from any knitting help so a book like this just might be the answer to my dilemma.

  31. What a neat book! And what a neat give-away. Thank you! I would love to kick-start my sock knitting with such a wonderful resource. I have only made two pairs of socks and I have at least two skeins of sock yarn waiting …

  32. What a treat to have Charlene’s understanding and good sense wrapped up in a spiral, lay-flat form. Wow!

    And speaking of Wow! your Isadora is all that and more. I’m loving it.

  34. Cool looking book—fits my geometry minded brain way of looking at socks….Would be just the kicker to cast on a pair….

  41. I love knitting socks and this looks like it would be a great reference. Thanks for the chance to win!

  49. This book looks brilliant! I finished socks #4 yesterday (Kristen Kapur’s last Mystery sock-a-long…just a few months late!!), and I’m halfway up the foot of sock 2 on my first toe up attempt. If the amount of sock yarn in my stash is anything to go by, I see many more socks in my future, so this book would be very handy!!

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