Sock Innovation [Paperback]

Cookie A (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2009

Unconventional, rule-breaking socks are part and parcel in this unique guide to sock knitting that includes 15 new sock patterns. The skills of the average sock knitter are increased through design exploration and advanced stitch manipulation, treating the sock as a knitted canvas where elements are strategically and intentionally placed. New designs of floral lace patterns, angular geometric shapes, and unusual cables are presented along with detailed instructions on modifications to suit needs and aesthetics. The incredible range of style and complexity in this guide runs from sweet and simple to delightfully imaginative.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Cookie A's sock patterns have been so popular that I know expectations were very high for this book. Having spent some time with it, I can say that the book meets and exceeds every expectation I had. This is a brilliant and valuable book that every avid sock knitter will want to own."  —Knitter's Review

"[This] popular sock designer talks about . . . potentially sticky issues in easy-to-understand language. The 15 socks themselves are feasts of the traveling cables, lace and unusual patterning sock knitters devour."  —Yarn Market News

"Cookie is a designer who deserves watching." —Knit 'N Style

"5 out of 5 stars. Wow, those socks! It is the most thorough sock book that I have seen . . . and there have been many. These sock designs are absolutely fabulous."  —Knitting News

"Peek inside [the author's] creative brain . . . how she creates her fab patterns. I found just the top of her socks mesmerizing, the way she weaves her ribs or cuffs into the heart of her designs."  —The Oregonian

"If you're an advanced knitter looking for unique sock patterns, then you'll appreciate knitwear designer Cookie A's recently published book, Sock Innovation."  —Detroit News

"Thought you knew everything about sock knitting? Think again! This book takes the craft of socks to a whole new level."  —AllAboutYou.com

"A real treat for adventurous sock knitters. Cookie's designs are magnificent."  —Knitty.com

About the Author

Cookie A. has designed patterns for Knitty, Vogue Knitting, Knit.1, Twist Collective, and the Blue Moon Fiber Arts Rockin' Sock Club. Her pattern line, Cookie A Knitwear Designs, debuted in 2007 and was an immediate hit. She teaches throughout North America and lives in Mountain View, California. Find her online at cookiea.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (April 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596681098
• ISBN-13: 978-1596681095
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (53 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #214,117 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

205 of 210 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Unacceptable number of errata, May 13, 2009

By 

Elaine (Washington DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sock Innovation (Paperback)

I love Cookie A socks. I have knitted half a dozen pair and am part of a group who is knitting every pattern in this book in order. The socks as pictured are gorgeous - as are all Cookie A socks. She is my favorite modern sock designer, hands down.

The problem lies with Interweave Press (NOT Cookie A.) who have put a book into print that has errors in NINE out of the 15 patterns. That is 60% of the patterns containing errors. I can understand one or two errors, but nine is unacceptable.

Yes, Interweave has corrections available for download at their site. But I don't want to download separate pieces of paper that I'm supposed to somehow stick in my book. I want a book that I don't have to mutilate or supplement in order to use. That is what I paid my money for. I pre-ordered the book, but never would have given Interweave my money for the product in the form it is in.

If you haven't purchased the book yet, I'd wait for the printing (I've been told it will be out in July) in which Interweave will fix the errors. I will change my rating to 5 stars when the errors are corrected.

68 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You will drool., March 28, 2009

By 

Seven Kitties "7kitties" (Blue Point, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sock Innovation (Paperback)

My recommendation is to have that dread Second Sock of some boring sock about halfway done when you get your mitts on this book. First, because you will be motivated to finish it to clear those needles, and second because it will force you to read the stuff before the patterns. This is one of those rare books where the information is just as valuable and informative, if not moreso, than the patterns themselves.

Most sock books could almost swap the pre-pattern material--they talk about the parts of the sock, casting on, different heels and toes, etc, and maybe a special technique like shortrowing or Magic Loop. Sure, Cookie covers most of this, too, but the real meat is her discussion of how to create a sock design--not just how to pick a pattern you like, but how to arrange it on the sock, how to do the math to make it fit, and how to artfully switch from ribbing to pattern and pattern to heel and instep. It's like a master class in sock design!

Then, when you go to the pattern section, you'll be able to look at the patterns not just as scrumptious patterns, but as illustrations of the lessons she's teaching also.

The patterns are great; none of them a simple vanilla ribby sock. There are some reasonably easy ones and a few real showstoppers to tempt your needles. There is no duplication between the patterns she has available other places (like on Knitty)--these are all new designs, so if you like her online stuff, you will adore this book and get brand new patterns.

She does show parts (graphs) of some of her other socks: I saw the Monkey chart and the Pomotamus (or however it's spelt) charts in her section on converting charts, but no acknowledgement of their source. It might have been nice to have some caption like 'full pattern available on Knitty' or something for someone who saw that chart and picture and just fell in love. A small gripe and probably completely moot to those who will already know the name Cookie A.

It's not for beginners, though she does cover some of the basics: but it's certainly inspirational. If you're a sock addict, this is worth its weight in cashmere/alpaca/silk blend.

52 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars What Are They Thinking?, August 30, 2009

By 

Linda Jo Park "Professional Knitter" (North Idaho) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sock Innovation (Paperback)

I love Cookie A's socks. She has a wondrous talent for putting stitch patterns together in her designs that makes me drool. So when I bought her new book I was full of great expectations. Those were met and then some. The information is excellent and every sock knitter should read it. The patterns are breathtaking in their design. So why only 3 stars in my rating?

What was Interweave Press thinking? They have published a book where 10 of the 15 patterns have errata! That's 2/3rds of the patterns!!! This is unacceptable. When I filed a complaint I was told the errata can be found on the internet, so it's not a big deal. Excuse me? NOT a big deal???

What happened to quality workmanship? Shame on you Interweave Press! I am tired of paying hard earned money for knitting books only to find them chock full of errors. Until we knitters stand up and protest with our pocketbooks and our voices, this disgraceful policy of knitting book publishers will continue.