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Sock Innovation: Knitting Techniques & Patterns for One-of-a-Kind Socks
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| List Price: | $22.95 |
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Product Description
Unconventional, rule-breaking socks are part and parcel in this unique guide to sock knitting that includes 15 new sock patterns. The skills of the average sock knitter are increased through design exploration and advanced stitch manipulation, treating the sock as a knitted canvas where elements are strategically and intentionally placed. New designs of floral lace patterns, angular geometric shapes, and unusual cables are presented along with detailed instructions on modifications to suit needs and aesthetics. The incredible range of style and complexity in this guide runs from sweet and simple to delightfully imaginative.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #7172 in Books
- Published on: 2009-04-01
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Binding: Paperback
- 144 pages
Features
- ISBN13: 9781596681095
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
- Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Cookie A's sock patterns have been so popular that I know expectations were very high for this book. Having spent some time with it, I can say that the book meets and exceeds every expectation I had. This is a brilliant and valuable book that every avid sock knitter will want to own." —Knitter's Review
"[This] popular sock designer talks about . . . potentially sticky issues in easy-to-understand language. The 15 socks themselves are feasts of the traveling cables, lace and unusual patterning sock knitters devour." —Yarn Market News
"5 out of 5 stars. Wow, those socks! It is the most thorough sock book that I have seen . . . and there have been many. These sock designs are absolutely fabulous." —Knitting News
"If you're an advanced knitter looking for unique sock patterns, then you'll appreciate knitwear designer Cookie A's recently published book, Sock Innovation." —Detroit News
"Thought you knew everything about sock knitting? Think again! This book takes the craft of socks to a whole new level." —AllAboutYou.com
"A real treat for adventurous sock knitters. Cookie's designs are magnificent." —Knitty.com
About the Author
Cookie A. has designed patterns for Knitty, Vogue Knitting, Knit.1, Twist Collective, and the Blue Moon Fiber Arts Rockin' Sock Club. Her pattern line, Cookie A Knitwear Designs, debuted in 2007 and was an immediate hit. She teaches throughout North America and lives in Mountain View, California. Find her online at cookiea.com.
Customer Reviews
Unacceptable number of errata
I love Cookie A socks. I have knitted half a dozen pair and am part of a group who is knitting every pattern in this book in order. The socks as pictured are gorgeous - as are all Cookie A socks. She is my favorite modern sock designer, hands down.
The problem lies with Interweave Press (NOT Cookie A.) who have put a book into print that has errors in NINE out of the 15 patterns. That is 60% of the patterns containing errors. I can understand one or two errors, but nine is unacceptable.
Yes, Interweave has corrections available for download at their site. But I don't want to download separate pieces of paper that I'm supposed to somehow stick in my book. I want a book that I don't have to mutilate or supplement in order to use. That is what I paid my money for. I pre-ordered the book, but never would have given Interweave my money for the product in the form it is in.
If you haven't purchased the book yet, I'd wait for the printing (I've been told it will be out in July) in which Interweave will fix the errors. I will change my rating to 5 stars when the errors are corrected.
You will drool. 
My recommendation is to have that dread Second Sock of some boring sock about halfway done when you get your mitts on this book. First, because you will be motivated to finish it to clear those needles, and second because it will force you to read the stuff before the patterns. This is one of those rare books where the information is just as valuable and informative, if not moreso, than the patterns themselves.
Most sock books could almost swap the pre-pattern material--they talk about the parts of the sock, casting on, different heels and toes, etc, and maybe a special technique like shortrowing or Magic Loop. Sure, Cookie covers most of this, too, but the real meat is her discussion of how to create a sock design--not just how to pick a pattern you like, but how to arrange it on the sock, how to do the math to make it fit, and how to artfully switch from ribbing to pattern and pattern to heel and instep. It's like a master class in sock design!
Then, when you go to the pattern section, you'll be able to look at the patterns not just as scrumptious patterns, but as illustrations of the lessons she's teaching also.
The patterns are great; none of them a simple vanilla ribby sock. There are some reasonably easy ones and a few real showstoppers to tempt your needles. There is no duplication between the patterns she has available other places (like on Knitty)--these are all new designs, so if you like her online stuff, you will adore this book and get brand new patterns.
She does show parts (graphs) of some of her other socks: I saw the Monkey chart and the Pomotamus (or however it's spelt) charts in her section on converting charts, but no acknowledgement of their source. It might have been nice to have some caption like 'full pattern available on Knitty' or something for someone who saw that chart and picture and just fell in love. A small gripe and probably completely moot to those who will already know the name Cookie A.
It's not for beginners, though she does cover some of the basics: but it's certainly inspirational. If you're a sock addict, this is worth its weight in cashmere/alpaca/silk blend.
All I can say is "Wow"
You will not be sorry if you purchase this book. I can't think of another knitting book published in the last few years that I would give a glowing review, but I wholeheartedly will to this one. Not only are the patterns beautiful, unique, and well thought out, but you also get a clear, well explained description of the design process, including pointers on common problems that you might encounter in designing your own patterns and how to spot and fix those problems. To say it exceeded my expectations would be an understatement.
