Socks A La Carte: Pick and Choose Patterns to Knit Socks Your Way

by Jonelle Raffino

A creative flip-book approach that divides pages into three categories--cuff, leg, and sock body--helps readers design their own original mix-and-match patterns for hundreds of unique sock variations, accompanied by information on the basics of sock construction, tips on measuring feet and calculating materials, and ideas for color combinations. Original.

Genres: Knitting, Reference, Crafts, Nonfiction

128 pages, Spiral-bound

First published January 8, 2009

Reviews

[Altivo Overo · Rating 4 out of 5]

While clearly written by staff at yarn manufacturer/marketer SWTC, and with a distinct effort to promote their sock yarn products, this book is none the less a good introduction to sock knitting for both beginning and intermediate knitters. A full introduction to yarn types, needles, and concepts for knitting in the round are included, with clear, colorful illustrations. Humorous marginal notes are found on many pages as well.

Instructions for most of the basic heel and toe shaping methods are included, as well as several variations in stitch patterns and cuff design. The gimmick in the book is the final section with pages sliced horizontally in three sections. Each features a photo of a sock, allowing the reader to combine various cuff, heel, and toe designs in many variations and see what the resulting sock would look like. Appropriate pattern instructions are included for all combinations.

While not as comprehensive (or incomprehensible in some cases) as Sock Architecture by Lara Neel, I think this book is excellent for a knitter of any experience level who might be looking for an introduction to sock design and knitting. I give it four stars only because the above-mentioned bo0k by Neel and the book Folk Socks: The History & Techniques of Handknitted Footwear by Nancy Bush are more diverse and readable from my point of view. [I've been a knitter for more than half a century, however, so that may well skew my expectations.] Certainly I can recommend the book to anyone interested in the subject.

[Pegg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been knitting socks for *years,* but I bought this book because the idea of it was intriguing. I bought a used copy for a good price ... and was glad I did. I'd have been disappointed to pay full price for it. While I love the idea, and some of the heel and toe treatments were new to me, I found a couple of errors in the book, and the knitted samples are all done in a variated red yarn that makes seeing the patterns very difficult. Worth it if you're already comfortable knitting socks, and if you can find it for a discount price.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book after reading its sequel, so I can clearly see the flaws in this book. If you are new to sock knitting this might be a source for inspiration. If, like me, you're more experienced, a lot of the mix-and-match novelty is something that naturally happens to get the sock (or any other product) that you want. Photography is not the best, nor the yarn choice (for the entire book!) as both make seeing what's going on unnecessarily difficult.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

* add to collection

Triangulate body

[Ahemx · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hate this book, I needed a book urgently and it was suggested by my local knitting store. I wont repeat all that has been said by prior review but they are all true. With all the amazing sock knitting books out there and I get stuck with this in my bookshelf. I hate this book so much I want to burn it.
(╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great concept, poor execution. The choice of yarn used in the examples is so bad you can't even see the definition of the patterns. I might like the book if I didn't go cross eyed trying to see what's on the page.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love all the options, but was really disappointed that the origami heel pattern is written incorrectly so I had to rip the heel out, tediously search for an explanation on the Internet, hand write the changes in the book, and redo the heel. :-/

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Knitter's choice of cuff, leg, heel, and toe displayed in flip style to mix and match. Worth looking at.

All patterns are cuff down.

[Eqotu Nobobeme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visually appealing. Excellent patterns to create personal sock collection.

[Pam Novack · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book for its visual appeal, but for little else. There are better sock-knitting books out there.

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has an interesting layout and a neat approach to knitting socks.