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4.28 of 5 stars

Unconventional, rule-breaking socks are part and parcel in this unique guide to sock knitting that includes 15 new sock patterns. The skills of ... read full description


reviews

Jan 16, 2010
Nelly rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This is a fantastic book about sock knitting and designing sock patterns. I expected a book with beautiful patterns that might use some unusual techniques, but that was it. What I've got with this book was so much better than what I expected. This book not only contains 15 great sock patterns, it also covers how to work a sock in great detail (cuff options [ribbed cuff, hemmed or picot cuff, patterned cuff:], heel options [flap heel and turn variations, stockinette short row heel, garter-stitch More...
Jun 01, 2009
Allison rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This book is absolutely brilliant. Cookie A knows her stuff, and I'm sure I learned more about sock knitting in one cursory reading of this book than I did in years of actually knitting. This book is probably not great for a beginning sock knitter (unless you are a particularly ambitious one), as most of her explanations and tutorials are a bit more advanced. She does cover the basics, but goes way beyond that fairly quickly. For anyone who wants to step up their sock knitting, or learn abou More...
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Oct 25, 2010
Anne rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I am so excited about this book. I had a copy on order at my LYS and the minute they called I was on their doorstep to pick it up. I do not understand her math and design theories, but I have lots to learn from her patterns and variations. I can hardly wait to get my current pairs OTN, so I can start one of hers.
And I get to meet her in August at the sock summit and have her autograph my copy.
I truly enjoy her work and taking the time to put it all down. She's the best.
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Apr 07, 2009
Lindsey rated it: 4 of 5 stars
So I've looked through and read a good part of this book already and it's gorgeous and inspirational. I think it will serve as motivation to get out and think about sock design and maybe even design my own socks. Someday. I loved how all of the patterns were titled after the people she most loves in her life and I loved reading the little blurbs about how the socks reflect their personalities.

I was kind of irritated by how similar angee and wanida were and then the fact that they wer More...
Mar 31, 2010
Tina rated it: 5 of 5 stars
As a really new sock knitter (I mean really new, as in I haven't even finished my first sock yet), I found this book to be chucked full of great information about socks. Cookie A went over sock construction, stitch patterns, sock design, and altering sock patterns to fit your foot. Some of the information in the book was over my head; especially the part on adjusting cable patterns for flat knitting and for rectangular knitting. However, once my skill level has increased I'm sure I'll be comi More...
Aug 13, 2009
Preita rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Absolutely beautiful socks. Very well photographed and interesting pattern suggestions. Book includes a breakdown on how different stitches effect the stretch of knitted fabric and how to combat this. Also includes how to do many different heels including the afterthought heel. Brilliant book, some socks are seriously complicated and hand hurty but a knitter doesn't really care about that ;) I've already made three pairs of socks from this book and am not done yet. I only wish that this bo More...
Apr 08, 2009
Donna rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, what a great sock book. This was widely anticipated in the sock knitting world and it doesn't disappoint. The information about sock design at the beginning of the book is interesting and useful, although I got a bit confused about the deconstructing of stitches part and the travelling stitches in the charts. I'll have to read it again and concentrate.
The patterns are amazing, but some of the charts are quite daunting, and it would take quite a while to make some of the socks featu More...
Jan 17, 2010
penny rated it: 4 of 5 stars
First, please note the errata for this book at Interweave's site.

Why did I put that first? I don't want you to try knitting through CookieA's awesome patterns and become frustrated and angry. This is a marvelous book of interesting and engaging stitch patterns. Some little mistakes are bound to creep in during the publishing process. It happens. Go check them out. Many you probably could figure out but it doesn't hurt to check.

I don't know why I'm late to this party. I h More...
Jun 27, 2011
Erin rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Cookie has been a favorite designer of mine for a while, and this book gives a glimpse into how she comes up with her amazing designs. It breaks down the creation of socks, from cuff to toe, gives tips on making charts or designs work in the round, and provides a blueprint on how to create your own unique designs. Then, to top it off, she offers a number of patterns, all building on the steps detailed in the first half of the book.

A definite must for anyone who enjoys knitting socks.
Jun 15, 2010
Jennifer rated it: 1 of 5 stars
I am the only one who hates this book. Let's not mistake: I love the patterns. My problem is that everything is CHARTED! I can't knit by a chart if you paid me a million by the second! I need a hard and fast line by line WRITTEN PATTERN. Forgive me, but I am not an advanced knitter, but am looking to get into sock knitting but need patterns, NOT charts. Maybe someday I can take a class and learn all this chart nonsense, but for now, please, just give me the patterns to these beautiful socks!
Dec 12, 2009
Scilla rated it: 4 of 5 stars
If you like to knit socks, this is a great book. It discusses how to design your own socks. There are directions for many knitting techniques, with pictures. It discusses how to make a pattern which is the mirror image on both sides and how to adjust the size of the socks to make them fit. The patterns included are mostly nonsymmetric, and strange, but the how to parts are very extensive and clearly written.
May 23, 2010
Theresa rated it: 3 of 5 stars
All cuff down but very, very pretty socks. A little intimidating because all involve charted patterns with no written instructions (for those like me who have issues reading charts correctly). Chapters on sock design and technique which were interesting. I think I may come back to this one after I am more comfortable on the basics of sock knitting.
Aug 09, 2009
Andrea rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Gorgeous layout and great pictures. Cookie's patterns are lovely in this collection and I can't wait to start knitting some of them. The into section which discusses the layout of a sock and different toes and heels is well written. All in all, love this book and think it's a great addition to a knitter's library.
Sep 20, 2010
Ashley rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I've never actually knit a Cookie A pattern (I've started a pair of Monkeys, but it's not working with the yarn, so they will be frogged), but her patterns are beautiful, clearly-written, and very nicely photographed.
Jul 12, 2010
Eva rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Wow. Giving us a great insight into the mind of a designer, Cookie A describes how she designs socks. Her patterns are amazing.

I'm putting this book on my Birthday/Christmas wish list.
May 02, 2009
Laura rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Haven't had a chance to sit down and read this book yet--I've just paged through it. But I know it's worth 5 stars. I've never met a Cookie A pattern that I don't love. Thrilled she has a book!
Jan 01, 2012
Chris rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Beautiful designs, but most aren't in a gauge I ever get in a sock yarn nor are most of them sized for my feet (or easily adjusted to my foot size based on my gauge).
Nov 11, 2010
Mindofwinter rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This is three books in one: Personal process, design, and beautiful patterns. If you are interested in even one of those categories it is worth buying.
May 10, 2010
Kajin rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Full of information about the construction of socks. The patterns are nice, but not easy to modify (besides the usual trick of changing needle size).
Mar 24, 2010
Christina rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Holy Mackerel. If you want to learn to design a sock to knit - this book explains the entire process in detail. It's one I need to own.
Apr 03, 2009
Sumiko is currently reading it
So far I'm loving this book. It's more than a collection of patterns - it's almost like a primer in sock design.
Apr 24, 2011
Kyle rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent patterns, but not for the faint of heart, or those scared of geometry.
Apr 13, 2010
Emmaj rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Very clear directions (always iffy in knitting books). Creative and orginal patterns.
Apr 19, 2009
Diane rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Great book. Would have liked a size chart, but lots of other books have size charts.
Aug 21, 2011
Judy rated it: 3 of 5 stars
good info on knitting sock techniques. prefer other books for patterns though
Nov 05, 2009
Fangirl rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of the most amazing collections of sock patterns.
Apr 04, 2009
Catherine rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Love Love Love Cookie A and her socks! Brilliant....
May 04, 2010
Jessica marked it as to-read
Cookie A is my hero
Jun 18, 2009
Theamidnight rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I really love Cookie's sock patterns and her Monkey socks are a joy to knit. The book arrived yesterday and after reading a few chapters, I can see why she wrote this book. It is like having a conversation with her and why/how she designs. Very interesting. While I probably won't choose to redesign her patterns, it is inspiring nonethesless to start knitting one of her newest patterns...NOW!
Jul 23, 2010
Jan rated it: 5 of 5 stars
If you are a sock knitter you are probably already familar with Cookie A, the designer of devine socks. Now she has a book and it is a must have. I have enjoyed her designs on Ravelry for a while now so this book is a dream come true. I have borrowed it from the library but it is definitely on my list to buy.