Popknits – online knitting magazine, issue 5 is out now. There are some lovely designs – I particularly like the Kikko Hanabishi Socks by Izumi Ouchi (Fair isle socks with a traditional Japanese motif), and Vesterday by Elinor Brown is totally sweet (A child’s stranded vest constructed using steeks).
STC craft is offering this free pattern [courtesy of etsy] from the book Knitted Socks East and West
Socks from the Toe Up: Essential Techniques and Patterns from Wendy Knits
Reviewed by: Dace lives in Tasmania, Australia, and loves to knit and sew for her grandchildren and many grand nieces and nephews.
A book for sock knitting enthusiasts.
This beautifully photographed and illustrated sock-knitting book by Wendy D Johnson caught my eye. I am a fairly experienced knitter of uncomplicated sweaters and jackets and baby wear but have not tried socks before, so was interested to see if this book would be a suitable guide for a sock starter.
My husband had been given 2 lovely pairs of hand knit socks as gifts but found he could not wear them as the ribbing was too tight around his fairly solid calves – so I got to keep both pairs, so I was especially interested to see if Toe Up socks would fit the bill and
not constrict the circulation.
My first impression in flicking through the book was of beautiful models sitting and standing in beautiful socks made of gorgeous yarns and it made me jealous of a life style where there are no chores! Are all hand knit socks designed to be worn for sitting around in or sleeping?
On closer examination I discovered a very good illustrated section on techniques perfectly suitable for beginners as well as experienced sock knitters who may not have tried the Toe Up technique before. Most socks had a smooth sole without a pattern, which was very welcome, as they would suit those of us with very sensitive feet. The Diamond Gansey style and all the vanilla styles could be worn with shoes or boots with reasonable comfort, however the Tribolite made me wince at the thought of wearing them inside a shoe. Casting off in loose ribbing and larger needles is much less likely to produce a tourniquet effect so this is a great style from that point of view.
The book would make a beautiful gift for a sock knitter with some experience, though it would be a lot easier to use if it were ring bound and sit flat while I was trying to test the pattern and had my hands full.
Voting is easy! Just go to www.ravelry.com/socksummit (sign in to ravelry first) and click on a category to see all the colorways that have been submitted in that category. Look at the pretty pictures, read about what inspired the dyer, and select your favorite by clicking the “vote for this yarn” checkbox. Voting is open until August 1st, 11:59 pm Eastern time.
Sock Summit 6-9 August in Portland, Oregon.
Sock Summit 2009 is a one of a kind conference for handknitters. Exploring the humble art form known as the human sock.
Why socks? Socks are practical, beautiful, interesting, historical, engaging and symbolic. Socks are circular, portable, structural and a perfect tiny canvas for almost any handknitting technique you’d like to put on them.
List of fantastic classes (magic cast on, basic socks, argyle socks, fancy heel flaps and so so much more) : The Marketplace has more than 150 Vendors: Sunday 9 August – a panel of Knitting Luminaries – moderated by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee and Tina Newton – will discuss knitting from the last 99 years, who we owe it to, and where it’s going. Debate, fierce passion and questions : schedule for the sock summit.
Who is behind sock summit? – Tina Newton is the driving force : Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is Laurel to Tina’s Hardy and special liaison : Cat Bordhi – knitting visionary and special liaison to the world of dreams.
Cirque is available at knitty - by designer Sarah Wilson.
Nutkin by Beth LaPensee is available online from knitzi
Mermaidia ankle socks by designer Christine Jeffery have a pretty lace pattern. Pattern here.
An elegant sock from designer Hunter Hammersen available at violently domestic - check the sidebar for the pattern.
Go with the flow socks free pdf downloadable pattern from Sock pixie designer Caroline Dlugy-Hegwer.
