Book Review Socktopus

Photo from Amazon

Sock knitters now have something to really get their needles into with this inspirational book packed with invaluable tips and 17 fabulous projects. Bespoke socks are a joy that once experienced will make it hard for the wearer to ever return to the one-size-fits-most items of old. Full of clear, helpful instructions on a range of advanced techniques, knitters will be intrigued and enlightened by this handy book. Ideal for the aspiring, experienced knitter who wants to move on to the Holy Grail of perfecting the sock, Alice Yu explains the differences between types of yarn, plies and fibre and breaks down the anatomy of the sock, to help readers understand how to master each element. From toe shaping, heel shaping and on to sizing the sock to fit a foot precisely, all the information you will need is here. Any specific techniques in the projects are illustrated with clear step-by-step images and Alice s clear, concise instructions will ensure that confidence builds quickly. The inner sock-designer diva will be unleashed!

Publisher: GMC (7 Oct 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1861088523

ISBN-13: 978-1861088529

London-based Yu’s yarn shop, sock yarn line, and role as co-founder of the Knit Nation knitting exhibition are marvelous gifts to the international knitting community. In her first published collection of patterns, she explores the wit and whimsy of knitted socks, demonstrating a flair for matching color with design. A few of the patterns will be familiar to avid sock knitters, but many are brand new, and the designs range from simple to intricate. One of the nicest features is the step-by-step photographic guides to unusual or unexpected techniques, such as the Channel Island cast on and Kihnu Vits braid. Sock knitters of all levels will appreciate Yu’s exciting and attractive patterns.--Library Journal

About the Author

Alice Yu is a Canadian expat, living in London with her husband and black pug Deuce. Socktopus started out as a sock club and hand-painted yarn shop, but has now grown into the Socktopus Club and the Knit Love Club as well as one half of Knit Nation, London's summer knitting and spinning exhibition. Alice originally practiced as a lawyer in the City of London and has lived in London for 12 years.

                                                                                                                                               

Contents

Pattern Gallery

Introduction

Chapter One

What makes a Good Sock?

Fibre

Common Sock Fibres

Yarn Construction

Sock Yarns from Around the World

Sock Fit and Anatomy

Chapter Two

The Patterns

Totally Vanilla

Kandahar

V Junkie

Kwalla

Farmer McGregor

Shr'Tugal

2Luvcrew

Vorticity

Rumpled

Crowley

Om Shanti

Mince Pie Mayhem

Hundred Acre Wood

De Stijl

Fiori Di Zucca

Caretta Caretta

Spring Shoots

General Information

Standard Abbreviations

Resources

Yarns

                                                                                                                                                             

Socktopus is available from Amazon

Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.