Dec 10
There are twenty-six different pairs of socks in here, all inspired by different cultures from around the world. The socks features motifs and patterns inspired by folk traditions and make great gifts for anybody who wears socks - if you can bear to part with them.
Intermediate and experienced knitters will enjoy having so many interesting to work projects that make up quickly and use up all their odd yarns. You will need to be able to read charts to work most of these patterns, some of which feature quite a number of codes for different techniques. At the back of the book are instructions on how to do some of these, including the mysteries of kitchener stitch, two-color stranded knitting, twisted travelling stitches and more. There is also a handy list of abbreviations, and a short index of techniques. I was impressed by the beauty of these socks, which go way beyond the often overly whimsical to produce classic one-color designs as well as brightly patterned ones; something for most occasions in fact. There are the usual countries and their classic patterns such as argyle socks from Scotland, Aran Isle from Ireland and red and white stranded knitting patterns from Sweden, but other less often featured countries appear too. Check out Baltic mitten design socks from Latvia, braided cuff and tile motifs from Estonia and fancy crosses from Armenia, to name a few. Other crafts get drafted in and converted into knitting patterns too, such as quilt block socks from America or temari socks from Japan. I've seen lots of sock pattern books and too often think that the finished items look merely "hearty"; these go way beyond that and yes, this reviewer would gladly wear them too!
* Myshelf.com *
Issue 26
This globe-trotting book takes in patterns from all over the world, bringing together classic designs from countries as diverse as Morocco, Italy and Latvia. The socks in Stephanie van der Linden's colourful collection all have a story to tell. Elements of national costume appear alongside beautiful folk patterns, but it's exotic touches such as the Sashiko embroidery on the Japanese sock that set these designs apart. Offering clear advice on the advanced techniques used, this si a delight for confident heel-turner.
* The Knitter *
Oct 10
At last a sock knitting book I love. These are socks to wear, not hide under your trouser legs. Fabulous designs where often the underside of the sock is as important as the upper. This book is a delight from heel to toe. There's only a couple of patterns I wasn't fond of, the rest I adore. Here's to knitting a pair of socks a fortnight, this book will keep me going all year! I love the theme, the socks, the instructions and techniques.
* Myshelf.com *
Dec 10
If you like to learn about new cultures and have a passion for sock knitting, hotfoot it to your phone and order a copy of this book now! It's a collection of new and interesting sock patterns, inspired by global knitting traditions. Each design is tied very closely to the country it represents, and some of the designs throw up techniques that you've probably never tried before, such as Norwegian stranded knitting, and Estonian and Latvian braids. The diversity in styles is out of this world - think Scottish argyle tartan, stylish and lively Italian motifs and Austrian lace - you really are spoilt for choice.
* Knit Today *
Dec10/Jan11
In this book of sock designs, Stephanie van de Linden takes knitters on a journey through world cultures by foot. Using stitch motifs and colours, knitting techniques and construction details, the socks presented in this book blend regional knitting traditions with Stephanie's design flair. The patterns draw inspiration from signature local textiles, such as Turkish kilim carpets, Japanese sashiko embroidery, Belgian lace, American quilts and Scottish argyle tartan. Though each pattern draws on a different global inspiration, the thoughtful construction and attention to detail are signature elements of Stephanie's work. To help knitters achieve the elegant finishes showcased in the book, a detailed glossary and accompanying photographs demonstrate the special techniques needed.
* Needle & Handicrafts *
Dec 10
I ended up with a copy of this book by chance as it was left on the counter in Loop when I was buying some yarn and I was too weak to resist when asked if it was part of my purchases. Whilst the designs are inspired by various styles of knitting, most use a cuff-down construction and are almost all worked in Regia 4-ply. The Turkish ones have `afterthought' heels but still start at the cuff. There is lots of stranded colour-work, some lovely lace, and others with travelling stitches and even some Japanese Sashiko embroidery. It's probably not the best way to learn the techniques involved but if you love socks, you might want to have a look at this book
* SlipKnot *
