It’s been a while since we had a new book about sock knitting, so we were delighted when this one showed up on our doorstep! Take a virtual peek at Ann Budd’s New Directions in Sock Knitting.
We’re all familiar with the two most common directions of sock knitting, cuff-down and toe-up. New Directions in Sock Knitting includes interesting patterns from both of those categories, featuring the work of innovative sock-designers like Cat Bordhi, Rachel Coopey, Hunter Hammersen, and others.
What really sets this book apart, however, is the variety of less-common sock-construction techniques, like General Hogbuffer’s “U-Turn” socks, which are worked partly flat and partly in the round. The self-striping Schoppel-Wolle Crazy Zauberball yarn highlights the unusual construction.
Kate Atherly’s “Mirror Socks” are knit two at a time on one set of double pointed needles, with one sock inside the other. The technique is something like double knitting, where odd-numbered stitches belong to one piece of fabric and even-numbered stitches belong to a second, simultaneously-created piece of fabric. A nifty trick, no?
There are a variety of other surprising sock techniques represented here, though Budd also covers some helpful basics, like fit, gauge and needle-choice for sock-knitting.
Look for New Directions in Sock Knitting on the teacart here at the shop, where you’ll find the newest books and magazines for knitters, crocheters, and weavers. See you there!