Everything old is new again, and this collection of vintage sock patterns mines Weldon's Practical Needlework, a compilation of newsletters published more than 100 years ago, for some of the best. Twenty-four classic patterns are updated here for modern knitters with the inclusion of gauges, contemporary yarns, modern methods, and modern sizes. Filled with fascinating household and historic tidbits from the era, along with little-known tips such as an unconventional way to shape a heel, this historical and gracefully written book evokes a more genteel time while presenting a bevy of colorful socks not seen for nearly a hundred years. After an introduction to a few techniques from the original Weldon's, the patterns begin with an 1887 pair of Gentleman's Shooting Stockings with Fluted Pattern and end with a pair of Ladies' Silk Stockings with Clocks from 1914. Intended for knitters of all levels, this walk down memory lane revives some very classic patterns that may have been gone but are not forgotten.
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Editorial Reviews
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"Translates each of the patterns into modern knitting language and specifies materials readily available to today's knitters." —Library Journal
"Rank beginners may need a few socks under their belts before tackling these patterns, but they're worth it." —Knitter's Review
“I gave this book top scores...great for the history...the sock patterns are excellent.” —Knitting News
"A fascinating look into the history of sock knitting...beautiful sock patterns for the modern knitter." —INKnitters
"The must-own sock tome for any knit nerd in your life.” —Spun Magazine
"[A] great book to get you started knitting traditional socks." —Knitting News Cast
"Once again Interweave Press has produced a knitting book that is sure to become an enduring classic. Knitting Vintage Socks brings this piece of our knitting history to life, and is a classic compendium of hand knitted socks." —Knit Together, the quarterly publication of the Canadian Guild of Knitters
"While we're all keen to try new things, inspiration is often found in the history of our craft—and Nancy's superb book helps us to explore that." —Simply Knitting (UK)
About the Author
Nancy Bush teaches workshops for guilds, shops, and at conferences throughout the United States, Canada, and Northern Europe. She is the author of Folk Socks, Folk Knitting in Estonia, Knitting on the Road, Knitting Vintage Socks, and Knitted Lace of Estonia. Nancy lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
97 of 98 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Terrific for the sockerati,
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This review is from: Knitting Vintage Socks (Spiral-bound)
Socknitters should put this on their Must Have Christmas list--if they can wait that long! Nancy Bush has done several books on sock knitting--folk socks, and Knitting on the Road--in which readers get to explore different sock knitting traditions. Here, she takes us on a journey through time, into the Weldon's Needlework series. It's an amazing experience to contemplate knitting a sock pattern that your grandmother or great grandmother very well might have knitted herself out of the original Weldon's.
She has adjusted the sock needle sizes to something slightly more in tune with the materials and patience level of the modern-day socknitter. All of the patterns can be done in easily available yarn weights, and most are doable on your trusty old size ones. Men's socks, women's socks, and even a few baby socks are featured. She gives clear discussions of a wide variety of sock heels and toes (not *all* as someone else mentioned--for example, there is no discussion of the Balbriggan heel in this book but I'm a total sock pedant so forgive me for that minor correction) which should encourage knitters to break out of their same old same old heel and toe (though I love my dutch heel!) It's another great sock knitting release from Ms. Bush, and certainly offers great challenging patterns (and some quite beginner friendly ones as well) for the hungry sock knitting public. It hits the spot!
53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fabulous!!,
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This review is from: Knitting Vintage Socks (Spiral-bound)
Put "vintage" in the title of anything and I am there, though usually I am not pleased with the result. This book does NOT dissapoint. It is everything it promises to be and then some!
If you have ever tried to read very old knitting patterns, then you have discovered that they are written in a very different manner than the patterns of today. Nancy Bush has taken the time to work through these wonderful, essential patterns that our grandmothers (and their mothers and grandmothers) used and make them workable for today's knitter. Patterns range from basic socks (with three styles of heel and toe) to lacy, dressy women's socks to a men's dress sock, and they run the gamut in between. Included with each pattern is information on the original yarns called for and for whom the sock was designed. (There is at least one pair that was originally a child's sock that has been reworked to fit a woman's foot.) Furthermore, the yarns Ms. Bush has chosen for the projects are fairly easily accessible. If you don't want to find the yarns recommended (or you want to raid your stash), there is plenty of gauge information to make a good substitution. There is something in this book for everyone! Well worth the wait, and well worth the price.
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Classic does not mean boring,
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This review is from: Knitting Vintage Socks (Spiral-bound)
I generally have a policy of not buying knitting books unseen - it's always a good idea to look before you leap to avoid cluttering your bookshelf with patterns you don't care for or instructions you find unhelpful. I broke that rule for Knitting Vintage Socks, and I'm happy I did. The historical sections are enlightening, the discussions of technique are clear and helpful, and the patterns themselves are interesting and attractive. The simple, elegant lace and color stich motifs featured will hold a knitter's attention without being needlessly complex. I can see myself turning to Knitting Vintage Socks again and again, as will beginning and experienced socknitters alike.
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