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Country Weekend Socks: 25 Classic Patterns to Knit
From the author of Country Weekend Knits, Madeline Weston's latest book Country Weekend Socks presents 25 unique designs knitted in sumptuous wool and cotton yarns. The rich textures and soft natural colorways take their cue from the coastline and countryside—big skies, choppy seas and fishing boats, sand dunes, driftwood, and beach pebbles, rolling hills, woodland, and old stone walls, heather, moss and autumn leaves.
Virtually any stitch pattern can be adapted to socks, and the ones featured here come from all corners of the British Isles and beyond. They include multicolored designs from Fair Isle, Turkey, and Egypt; intricate lace and openwork knitting from the Shetland Isles; textured gansey stitches from the east coast of England and theWestern Isles of Scotland; and chunky cable and Aran patterns from the Isles of Aran. Some of these traditional patterns—designs dating from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries —have been re-created by Margaret Stuart and Margaret MacInnes. Others have been reinterpreted by leading designer-knitters, including Sasha Kagan, Debbie Abrahams, and Rita Taylor. Most of the socks are knitted on four double-pointed needles from the top down; the Turkish and Egyptian patterns are knitted from the toe up; while some lace and intarsia designs are knitted on two needles.
With both long and short styles, there are socks for every occasion—to wear with sturdy walking boots, classic tweeds, pretty dresses, and cozy pajamas.
Virtually any stitch pattern can be adapted to socks, and the ones featured here come from all corners of the British Isles and beyond. They include multicolored designs from Fair Isle, Turkey, and Egypt; intricate lace and openwork knitting from the Shetland Isles; textured gansey stitches from the east coast of England and theWestern Isles of Scotland; and chunky cable and Aran patterns from the Isles of Aran. Some of these traditional patterns—designs dating from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries —have been re-created by Margaret Stuart and Margaret MacInnes. Others have been reinterpreted by leading designer-knitters, including Sasha Kagan, Debbie Abrahams, and Rita Taylor. Most of the socks are knitted on four double-pointed needles from the top down; the Turkish and Egyptian patterns are knitted from the toe up; while some lace and intarsia designs are knitted on two needles.
With both long and short styles, there are socks for every occasion—to wear with sturdy walking boots, classic tweeds, pretty dresses, and cozy pajamas.
- GenresKnittingCraftsNonfiction
144 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2010
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30 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Weston
13 books4 followersMadeline Weston and her partner opened their shop The Scottish Merchant in Covent Garden in 1970, and for 20 years it was known as the place in London for buying beautifully made, authentic garments sourced from all parts of the British Isles. Madeline also owned a yarn shop and has done extensive research into traditional knitting patterns; an authority on the subject. She now lives in Norfolk.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 20, 2011
Most of the socks are not knit with sock weight yarn. They use DK and worsted weight yarns, mostly Rowan. Although I love these yarns I don't consider them appropriate for socks, except maybe boot socks. Several patterns use Rowan Denim which is 100% cotton, not appropriate for socks in my opinion, they would have no shape retention at all.
October 8, 2022
The cover socks really drew me into this book. (Who can resist pink argyle over-the-knee socks?) The 25 interesting sock patterns are divided into 6 different techniques (Cables, Stripes & Multicolor, Gansey, Fair Isle & Sanquhar, Argyle, and Lace) which are introduced by a brief history of how that technique came into being. The photos are attractive and plentiful, but I would have much preferred more shots on details of the socks themselves instead of on the pretty location. For instance, I really wanted to see how the back seams looked like on all those flat knit argyle socks! Anyway, I have a love/hate relationship with hand knit socks as the majority of mine are more “sleep socks” or slouchy socks as opposed to those I can really wear with ankle strap shoes, as is shown on the cover, without constantly tugging them up. Most of these socks look to be those that I’d wished I’d modified the pattern to included several more inches of ribbing. But, they’re gorgeous and inspirational.
March 30, 2018
Someday when I knit socks...
January 14, 2023
Full disclaimer: I'm not really a sock knitter. I love the patterns though, and just prefer other projects when I knit.
Lots of very detailed patterns here, but surprisingly, few in actual sock weight yarn. Lots of worsted and DK. I like boot socks as much as the next girl, but there are way too many good sock yarns out there. The bits of history about the different patterns were interesting, but not enough to actually pull me into buying the book for myself. Still, it's an interesting one to flip through if you've got access to a copy.
Lots of very detailed patterns here, but surprisingly, few in actual sock weight yarn. Lots of worsted and DK. I like boot socks as much as the next girl, but there are way too many good sock yarns out there. The bits of history about the different patterns were interesting, but not enough to actually pull me into buying the book for myself. Still, it's an interesting one to flip through if you've got access to a copy.
February 1, 2014
Above my skill level. Might be good for advanced knitter
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews