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73 of 74 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Favorite socks from Interweave Press--something for everyone, February 15, 2007
This review is from: Favorite Socks (Spiral-bound)
These 25 sock patterns are taken from various issues of Interweave Press magazines such as "Interweave Knits" and "Piecework" and "Spin-Off." These magazines are foremost in the world of fibers and once in a while, one of the magazines issues features a sock project. I predict that, just like the earlier book of Spin-Off contest socks which became a best-seller in the knitting world, this book of favorite socks will take the knitting world by storm. It is definitely time for a new, pretty sock book!
There are literally socks here for everyone; classic patterns in Austrian style running stitches (rather like aran patterns), a shadow knit sock with X's and O's (which is what I plan to knit first.) There are lace socks, patterned Latvian socks, padded footlets, longer cabled stockings and an anatomically comfortable fitted sock by knitting guru Priscilla Gibson-Roberts. The socks I loved especially? A wave-stitch sock in sport weight wool, the Latvian sock with the Baltic motifs for Laima and Mara, and the undulating Rib sock, a new take on a simple pattern of broken rib in shadowy varigated yarn.
The book is spiral bound with a cover done in perfect binding (meaning, the book lies flat when you are working a pattern, but the spiral is covered by glazed paper covered boards.) Normally, a reviewer ignores the cover, right? But here, the binding is just perfect for a take-along book.
I would say most of the socks in this book require more than a beginner's skill. There is a nice glossary in the back and a set of drawings of basic stitches and techniques, but I believe if you have never knitted a sock before on double pointed needles, you will need to get a lesson or video in that technique before you essay to start on any of these pretty patterns. But they are well within the grasp of anyone who has knit at least one or two socks before.
I like this book a lot--I plan to make most of the socks in the book and it looks like for me, it will definitely be living up to its title of "Favorite Socks." Recommended, with the above reservation for beginners.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good patterns, a few errors, December 25, 2007
This review is from: Favorite Socks (Spiral-bound)
This book has some good patterns, with a good variation of men and women's socks. There aren't explicitly any kids socks, but there is one pattern that shows you how to convert it into any size you need. Make sure to check the publishers errata page, as there are a few errors in the book. I had to start a sock over, and I was almost finished!
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17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Socks, socks and more socks, July 24, 2007
This review is from: Favorite Socks (Spiral-bound)
Socks have long been a popular item for knitters to make. Portable and requiring relatively small amounts of yarn, they can be as complicated or as simple as a knitter desires. For many knitters, they are the perfect way to try out a new technique while make something inherently useful, and ensure that loved ones' feet are kept warm.
From the second issue of Interweave Knits, sock patterns have been an integral part of the popular magazine. Ann Budd and Anne Merrow have combed the archives and selected seventeen of their favorite designs for inclusion in Favorite Socks: 25 Timeless Designs from Interweave. From Meida's Socks, Estonian-inspired lace socks by Nancy Bush (1997), to the Waving Lace Socks, a popular design by Evelyn A. Clark featured on the book's cover (2004), there is sure to be an old favorite for everyone.
Patterns have also been pulled from sister publications PieceWork and Spin*Off, offering patterns that many knitters have never seen before. To round out the collection, six new patterns have been included.
Many of the original issues of Interweave Knits have gone out of print and Favorite Socks ensures these patterns are accessible for a new generation of knitters. Besides providing many classic patterns, this collection also includes a helpful tutorial on knitting socks on two circular needles, instructions for making resoleable socks and both toe-up and top-down instructions.
Published with a hardcover and a spiral binding so the book opens flat, Favorite Socks is sure to win pride-of-place in many knitters' libraries. Patterns range from the basic Retro Rib Socks suitable for beginning knitters (Winter 2004 issue) to the elegant Anniversary Socks in a cashmere/silk blend (PieceWork, Sept/Oct 2003) or the Eesti Trail Hiking Socks in colorwork (Winter 1997) for knitters who seek more of a challenge.
A Knitalong (KAL) has already poppedup at www.favoritesockskal.blogspot.com for Favorite Socks and is open to anyone who wishes to join. As the organizers state: "This is the place to share your photos, suggestions for yarn substitutions or variations, or any other creative ideas related to the patterns from the book."
Armchair Interviews says: Warm feet will sound good in winter.
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