Sock Innovation: Knitting Techniques & Patterns for One-of-a-Kind Socks (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: rep rnds, rep rows, work ribbing, Rep Short-rows, Foot Work, Finish Cut (more...)

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

Product Description

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.

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Product Details Paperback: 144 pages Publisher: Interweave Press; illustrated edition edition (April 1, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 1596681098 ISBN-13: 978-1596681095 Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #20,141 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books) Popular in these categories: (What's this?) #40 in  Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Fashion #72 in  Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Knitting #91 in  Books > Arts & Photography > Fashion

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More About the Author

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› Visit Amazon's Cookie A. Page

Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

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Inside This Book (learn more)

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
rep rnds, rep rows, work ribbing, cable decrease, dec rnd, repeat rounds, patt until foot measures, first wrapped stitch, sts decd, pwise wyb, heel sts rem, main stitch pattern, pwise wyf, heel flap, sole sts, afterthought heel, arrange sts, wrapped sts, held sts, tail threaded, sock design, indicating right side, flap measures, fingering weight, new beg

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Rep Short-rows, Foot Work, Finish Cut, Yarn Fingering, Super Fine, Toe Remove, Finished Measurements Notions Leg, Left Sock, Finished Measurements Leg, Decrease Version, Right Sock, Yarn Gauge Fingering, Notions Markers, Work Rnds, Wedge Toe, Decrease Round

Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	73% buy the item featured on this page: Sock Innovation: Knitting Techniques & Patterns for One-of-a-Kind Socks 4.5 out of 5 stars (37) $15.61
	13% buy Socks from the Toe Up: Essential Techniques and Patterns from Wendy Knits 4.7 out of 5 stars (38) $15.61
	6% buy Getting Started Knitting Socks (Getting Started series) 4.8 out of 5 stars (60) $12.89
	4% buy Toe-Up! Patterns and Worksheets to Whip Your Sock Knitting Into Shape 4.8 out of 5 stars (6) $24.95

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Customer Reviews

37 Reviews 5 star:  (27) 4 star:  (4) 3 star:  (5) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:  (1)           Average Customer Review 4.5 out of 5 stars (37 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 85 of 87 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 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. 52 of 52 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 500 REVIEWER)    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. 18 of 18 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars All I can say is "Wow", March 31, 2009 By  Pebbles (USA) - See all my reviews You will not be sorry if you purchase this book. I can't think of another knitting book published in the last few years that I would give a glowing review, but I wholeheartedly will to this one. Not only are the patterns beautiful, unique, and well thought out, but you also get a clear, well explained description of the design process, including pointers on common problems that you might encounter in designing your own patterns and how to spot and fix those problems. To say it exceeded my expectations would be an understatement.		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars Review of Sock Innovation This book is incredible! Each pattern is more beautiful than the next. Not only does it include amazing sock patterns but Cookie also gives insight on her thought process when... Read more Published 2 days ago by J. Contino 5.0 out of 5 stars one of my favorites I have several sock books, but this one is one of my favorites. The socks are all beautiful and the directions don't seem too difficult. I can't wait to make some of them! Published 18 days ago by Valerie Flynn 4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful sock patterns This is a very interesting book, but not really for a beginner knitter, exactly. There are some basic things but is mostly fairly complex. Read more Published 1 month ago by D. Moore 5.0 out of 5 stars magjes I'm starting on my first sock from this book. The patterns look wonderful and after reading thru the pattern I'm interested in first, it'll be great. Read more Published 1 month ago by Pam Gray 3.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good sock book I've often read that Cookie's patterns are complex and that is really why I bought this book. I'm an experienced enough sock knitter that I can whip up my own simple designs... Read more Published 1 month ago by H. Rodney 3.0 out of 5 stars What Are They Thinking? I love Cookie A's socks. She has a wondrous talent for putting stitch patterns together in her designs that makes me drool. Read more Published 2 months ago by Linda Jo Park 5.0 out of 5 stars inspiring I love just looking through this book. It is beautifully presented, informative and inspiring. Published 2 months ago by Lisa Lick 5.0 out of 5 stars An extraordinary title perfect for any knitter's library SOCK INNOVATION: KNITTING TECHNIQUES & PATTERNS FOR ONE-OF-A-KIND SOCKS explores dramatic asymmetry, unusual cables, and stitch patterns that are unique to Cookie's design... Read more Published 2 months ago by Midwest Book Review 3.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful socks--if they fit This book has a lot of information about designing socks. And I can't wait to try the picot edge but, there is only 1 (maybe 2 patterns) in this book that can easily be adjusted... Read more Published 3 months ago by Sam 5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book, a bit dauting for some Cookie A. is one of my favorite sock designers, & ever since "Sock Monkey" turned up on Knitty, I've made it my business to find out what else she's designed. Read more Published 3 months ago by A Memphis Reader Writes... Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press; illustrated edition edition (April 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596681098
• ISBN-13: 978-1596681095
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #20,141 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #40 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Fashion
  #72 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Knitting
  #91 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Fashion

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

85 of 87 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

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.

52 of 52 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 500 REVIEWER)

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.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All I can say is "Wow", March 31, 2009

By	Pebbles (USA) - See all my reviews

You will not be sorry if you purchase this book. I can't think of another knitting book published in the last few years that I would give a glowing review, but I wholeheartedly will to this one. Not only are the patterns beautiful, unique, and well thought out, but you also get a clear, well explained description of the design process, including pointers on common problems that you might encounter in designing your own patterns and how to spot and fix those problems. To say it exceeded my expectations would be an understatement.