Book Review: Sock Innovation by Cookie A

I’m back from my first day checking out Sock Summit, and just a couple hours to get a few books signed and walk around the marketplace wiped me out! Overwhelming! But in a good way! One of the books I got signed was this one right here, and Cookie A was super nice and encouraged me to keep on with the socks after I told her I was just giving it a try for the first time (I was even a super dork out of awkwardness and showed her my half-knit first sock). In my book, she wrote: “May you knit lots of socks!” I’m still a hat knitter at heart, but I’m open to new things…

So here’s review #2 for sock week!  While the first one was an intro-level book – the level I’m currently at – this one is way beyond me!  So beautiful to look at, though, and inspirational for a knit designer of any kind.  When I was given this review copy, I’d originally planned to do a giveaway, not being a sock knitter, but after flipping through it a few times, I just don’t want to part with it!  So it’ll be staying here in my library, quietly whispering to me to “knit socks, knit socks, knit socks” until I feel confident enough to tackle one of the gorgeous designs…

As the cover says, Sock Innovation is “knitting techniques & patterns for one-of-a-kind socks” – over a third of the book is all about sock design, for designing from scratch or modifying designs.  From the parts of a sock and how they relate, to stitch pattern elements and how to use them, to charting your stitch patterns, to the steps in designing your own socks; there’s tons of useful info for knit designers in general, as well as great stuff for sock knitters to know about, even if you’ve no interest in designing your own.

And then there are the 15 gorgeous patterns – I love the encouraging intro:

…If you feel a little bit adventurous, modify these patterns to fit your needs.  Once you are comfortable with customizing existing sock patterns, branch out on your own.  There are many stitch pattern books to peruse for ideas and inspiration.  Or, if you are a truly adventurous knitter, try devising your own!  There are so many possibilities, and the sock can be your empty canvas.

It’s so in the do stuff! spirit! Yeah!  My favorite patterns are the swirly ones (are you surprised?)…

Honestly, I don’t expect that I’ll become a true sock knitter anytime soon, but I will definitely be using this book for hat, etc design inspiration and information!  As for all of you sock knitters out there – I don’t have other sock books to compare this one to, but it seems like a great addition to any knitter’s bookshelf!