I received two sock books to review at the same time, normally I
wouldn't review them together, but they are in such stark contrast to
one another that it actually makes sense to me to do them together.
The
two books, The Sock Knitter's Workshop by Ewa Jostes and Setphanie van
der Linden and Toe-up Socks for Every Body by Wendy Johnson couldn't be
more different if they tried.
Sort of like the difference you would expect between two cookbooks
entitled "How to Boil Water" and "Mastering Souffles". Depending on
what you're looking for, you would reach assuredly for one or the
other. However, just because you are learning how to make a souffle
doesn't mean you can't still learn something about the basics!
The Sock Knitter's Workshop is THOROUGH. I mean thorough. There
are 9 pages teaching not only how to cast on, but different
types of cast ons and 33 pages about heels! 33 pages! Different types
of heels, why you might use one over another, and how to reinforce each
type of heel. The authors discuss needle choice (both DPN and magic
loop), yarn, toe up vs cuff down (including different toe types for
each). There are 14 different patterns including men's, women's and
children's, as well as a guide to help you combine the cuff, heel &
toe elements you have chosen into a sock using a stitch pattern of your
choice.
Look at all those heels - I had no idea there were that many different heels!!!
I would absolutely recommend this book for an experienced knitter who wanted to dive into making socks. I wouldn't recommend it for a beginning knitter because I think the options would be overwhelming. I would definitely recommend that an experienced sock knitter read through this book and possibly have it on hand as a reference book. I picked up a few pointers and I am planning on going back through it with a little more time on my hands to see what other jewels I can find and put to good use.
Also, the instructions for specific how-tos are fantastic, the step-by-step pictures are really wonderful.
On the other side of the coin, or the stove - if I'm not going to
mix my metaphors here, is Wendy's book, Toe-up Socks for Every Body.
This book certainly expects you to come with your own sock knitting
knowledge, though it does have a small portion in the back as a
refresher if you need it. Wendy encourages you to "knit to fit", to
adjust the patterns as you need to in order to make them perfect for the
feet they are intended for. She also has a small section about
designing your own socks. Don't fear that this will turn into a learn
how to knit socks book though, that section is only 15 pages followed by
a 100+ pages of drool-worthy gorgeous patterns.
This one is by far my favorite, the name of this pattern is "Basket Case Socks", I hope it's not because they drive you nuts when you knit them!!
Each section of patterns, cables, lace, and colorwork, begins with a few pages of how-to and Important Things to Know about this technique, then it dives in starting with the easier patterns and getting more difficult as you move along in the section.
None of the socks in this book would ever be deemed 'just a sock',
none of them (at least for me) would provide mindless knitting, some of
them may be portable - that would depend on your ability to memorize
patterns and work anything beyond stockinette in public (I can't do
that), but regardless of difficulty level - they are just GORGEOUS.
There are more than a few patterns in here that I find a bit intimidating, but in the near(ish) future we will be winging off to Belgium with 8 hour flights each way and I imagine that a good amount of concentration and that much time sitting still will get me a good start on any of the patterns, now the only questions is which one to pick!
To sum up, one of these books is a tool and one demonstrates fine art (oy with the metaphors), I can't compare them, they aren't in the same category, but they both have a spot on my knitting book shelf for sure.
These are really useful reviews! I may have to add that first one to my library, especially for use in converting those who don't knit socks yet :) (How does one become a book reviewer, btw?)
Posted by: Jocelyn | April 26, 2010 at 04:00 PM