Sock Knitting Master Class: Innovative Techniques + Patterns from Top Designers [Paperback]

Ann Budd (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 19, 2011

Work from the ground up with knitwear design: create your own socks!

Sock Knitting Master Class showcases methods for designing and knitting creative socks, featuring signature elements and techniques from 16 top designers. You’ll learn what makes good sock design, and then dive into knitting 18 spectacular, brand-new patterns featuring the widest variety of techniques.

With patterns divided into two sections by top-down and toe-up construction, Sock Knitting Master Class explores such techniques as cables, twisted stitches, lace, stranded colorwork, entrelac, shadow knitting, and intarsia worked in the round. Plus, you’ll discover inventive ways to start and end socks, shape heels and toes, and knit the soles. On a bonus enclosed DVD, Ann showcases all you need to know to knit fun, inventive socks, including a few special tips from this master sock knitter.

Sock Knitting Master Class is an all-star assembly of the most inventive, exciting designers working in socks including Cookie A, Kathryn Alexander, Nancy Bush, Cat Bordhi, Priscilla Gibson-Roberts, Anne Hanson, Melissa Morgan-Oakes, Meg Swanson, Anna Zilboorg, and many more. And you’ll also learn how each yarn contributes to the overall design from Clara Parkes.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Finalist in the About.com Reader's Choice Awards for Best Knitting Book of 2011.

"Budd’s latest book is a trove of expertise, with patterns from 15 of the craftiest sockistas around, no surnames necessary...Every project adheres to the holy trinity of custom sock knitting—fit, comfort, aesthetics. And if you can’t get enough of this collected wisdom in words alone, a 95-minute sock tutorial by Budd is included on an accompanying DVD." - Cheryl Krementz, Yarn Market News

"Ann Budd is at it again. She’s pulled together another great collection of patterns, this time from master sock designers. There are 17 sock designs, and there isn’t one I wouldn’t love to wear." - Cindy Koepke, Knitcircus

"It seems like just about all the big names in knitting -- particularly sock knitting -- are featured in Ann Budd's excellent new book Sock Knitting Master Class...In addition to the fantastic patterns, which offer a wide variety of options for both toe-up and top-down knitters (and even one sock that goes both directions!), an introductory section covers just about all you'd ever need to know about some of the design choices that go into making a sock." – About.com Guide to Knitting

"If the designers aren't enough to draw you in, there's much more in here for sock novices and sock aficionados alike. With topics like sock design, toe up and top down construction, and the best bind offs for toe-up socks, this book will take you from zero to sock in no time." – KnitPurl yarn shop (Portland, OR)

"This book is a really valuable collection of patterns and techniques that any sock knitter will use again and again." – Jenny, KnitPicks.com

"I’m really glad to have this book because it has so many patterns, from lace to cable to colorwork, and the socks are all beautiful. Also, the techniques have plenty of charts, diagrams and photographs to make learning easy." – Pamela MacKenzie, MyCentralJersey.com

"The facts alone will make you want this book: 15 of the knitting world’s best sock designers, 18 sock designs, Ann Budd talking basic how-tos and design tips and Clara Parkes talking sock yarn, and a 95 minute DVD. All of the technique and yarn information is so well organized and thought out that a knitter could read the book and not knit a single sock and still come away having learned a lot about sock knitting." – Knitty.com

"...the patterns! Beautiful, yet functional stitch designs and fun colors." – CraftGossip.com Knitting Editor

"It's not often that I scoop a book from the top of the review pile and take it home with me, and it's even less common for me to sit down and read it right away. But with sock knitting on my mind, I was intrigued, so last night I sat down to peruse this over a cup of tea. I was absolutely delighted to see that the first chapter of the book is devoted to explaining the whys and wherefores of sock construction. Top-down or toe-up? She's got it covered. Heel flap, short row or afterthought heel? Ditto. Want to choose from a pointed toe, a spiral or star toe, or a toe band? She's got your back with that, too. This book seems like just the right foundation for someone who's ready to strike out on their own – even if the starting place is just switching out the heel or toe treatment for one that suits them better." – Austen Gilliland, craft editor, CanadianLiving.com

"You think you already know everything there is to know about socks? After all, there are a multitude of sock books on the market these days, perfectly good books. You know everything. Except...do you really? Most (though not all) sock books I own are either filled with patterns with not a whole lot of time spent on technique, or they’re full of guidance but with blah patterns. Of course, some do hit the balance between pattern and technique. Some are fairly exhaustive, in fact, and you may already have them on your shelves. But...they’re not THIS book. First, this book is by Ann Budd, a genius in our time...Master Class is the right name!" – KnittingScholar.com

"Some features I particularly like in the book: each pattern has a box listing the different techniques used in the pattern; an overview of different styles of creating parts of the sock, such as a few different heel types, toes, and cuff treatments; both top-down and toe-up construction techniques; a handy DVD in the back. If you are looking for some great new sock patterns or just looking to get started knitting socks, this book is sure to have what you need." – A Woolie Tale yarn shop

"If you're a fan of socks and of learning more about how to put together socks successfully, this one is a must-read." - About.com Guide to Knitting

About the Author

Ann Budd is the best-selling author of The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns and The Knitter’s Handy Book of Sweater Patterns. She is also the author of Getting Started Knitting Socks, Interweave Presents Knitted Gifts, Knitting Green, and Simple Style, and coauthor of Bag Style, Color Style, Lace Style, and Wrap Style. She is a book editor and the former senior editor of Interweave Knits magazine. She lives in Boulder, Colorado.

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press; Pap/DVD edition (July 19, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596683120
• ISBN-13: 978-1596683129
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.5 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #188,334 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Ann Budd is a book editor and the former senior editor of Interweave Knits magazine. She is the author of Best of Interweave Knits, Getting Started Knitting Socks, The Knitter's Handy Book series, Simple Style, Interweave Presents Knitted Gifts, Knitting Green, and a coauthor of Bag Style, Color Style, Lace Style, and Wrap Style, all published by Interweave Press. Ann lives in Boulder, Colorado. Visit her website and blog at www.annbuddknits.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

110 of 111 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Ann Budd Never Disappoints July 5, 2011

By D. Boyken

Format:Paperback

Basically, any book by Ann Budd warrants a look, and this doesn't disappoint.

She starts by talking briefly about things like fit, yarn, needles, and general techniques, but also discusses heels and toes in more depth. Then the rest of the book is split into two sections: top-down and toe-up, and each starts with more detail about cast-on/cast-off options for that method.

And, of course, there are patterns. They're stunning, of course. Each is photographed beautifully, with detail shots of toes and heels so you know what you're getting into. There is a sidebar of "Design Techniques" for each one, which lists the techniques you'll need to knit that particular pattern. There are notes about how you might make modifications. Sidebars about picking the right kind of yarn. Stories about how and why the designer came up with that particular sock. The sizes of the socks are given in detail, too: circumference, length from toe to heel, length from cuff to heel. I honestly can't think of any details that are missed.

She knows how to collect talent, too. The designs in this book are from true sock-masters. Cookie A, Kathryn Alexander, Veronik Avery, Cat Bordhi, Nancy Bush, Evelyn A Clark, Chrissy Gardiner, Priscilla Gibson-Roberts, Anne Hanson, Eunny Jang, Melissa Morgan-Oakes, Deborah Newton, Clara Parkes, Meg Swansen, and Anna Zilboorg.

But wait! There's more!

The book comes with a 95-minute DVD of Ann Budd showing off the socks, and going into detail to show you various cast-ons, cast-offs, and so on. You've got over an hour and a half of video complimenting the book's already clear instructions. Her presentation style during the little show-and-tell of each sock design seemed a little nervous, but as soon as she gets into the instructional portion of the video, the content is gold. Sometimes it really helps to SEE someone show you Kitchener stitch, you know?

61 of 61 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Patterns by Leading Designers, Plus DVD July 7, 2011

By Lynne E. TOP 50 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is beautifully designed, has a pleasing variety of interesting-to-knit sock patterns by leading designers, and loads of valuable instructional material. However, because the how-to information is organized around specific sock projects, this is more of a pattern book than a reach-for-it reference on sock-knitting techniques. For example, although many heel styles are explained (round, short-row, band, Dutch, etc.), the actual instructions are not all grouped together in a single chapter on "heels"--instead, you may have to go to one of the patterns that uses a particular heel type to find the actual step-by-step instructions.

The book includes ten top-down patterns, and seven toe-up patterns. Cast-on and bind-off techniques are illustrated with clear line drawings. Patterns are written out in standard sock pattern style (general information, leg, heel, foot, toe, finishing--or the reverse). Charts are included when appropriate (twisted-stitch and colorwork designs). There is a general chapter on designing, and there are notes and design tips scattered throughout.

A "Design Techniques" box accompanies each pattern. The feature breaks down the sock construction by the techniques used, and provides a "road map" to the page locations for additional how-to instructions on the techniques. For example, Veronik Avery's "Happy Go Lucky Boot Socks" pattern uses these techniques: (1) top down construction, (2) designing with slip stitches, (3) working with five double-pointed needles, (4) any elastic cast-on, (5) round heel, (6) wedge toe, and (7) Kitchener stitch.

All of the patterns are beautiful, as you would expect from these famous sock designers: Cookie A., Nancy Bush, Anne Hanson, Veronik Avery, Deborah Newton, Evelyn A. Clark, Meg Swansen, Ann Budd, Chrissy Gardiner, Kathryn Alexander, Priscilla Gibson-Roberts, Eunny Jang, Melissa Morgan-Oakes, Anna Zilboorg, and Cat Bordhi.

The book also includes a 95-minute DVD. Ann Budd discusses the individual projects (displaying the actual knitted samples and describing the techniques each uses), and demonstrates the knitting techniques. If you learn best by watching someone else knit, you will really like this "bonus" DVD. Because of the DVD, the book can dispense with step-by-step still photographs of the more complicated techniques, and include many more close-ups of the knitted socks themselves.

As a pattern book, I rate this at 5 stars; as a technical reference book, at 3.5 to 4 stars. My favorite Ann Budd sock knitting book is still Getting Started Knitting Socks, for new knitters. Two really excellent sock-knitting reference books are The Sock Knitter's Workshop: Everything Knitters Need to Knit Socks Beautifully, for somewhat experienced knitters; and Sensational Knitted Socks, for all knitters, regardless of experience. Two personal favorite sock-knitting books are Folk Socks, which has a lot of interesting patterns and good general instructions; and Lucy Neatby's Cool Socks Warm Feet, a very popular book by my favorite designer, who is probably the most technically accomplished knitter on the planet.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Book of Sock Knitting for the Intermediate and Advanced Knitter July 16, 2011

By Bonnie Brody TOP 100 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Ann Budd is my favorite sock knitting writer. Her book, Getting Started Knitting Socks (Getting Started series) is my sock knitting bible. This book, Sock Knitting Master Class: Innovative Techniques + Patterns from Top Designers is for the more advanced sock knitter. It is filled with wonderful patterns of all sorts - lace, cable, intarsia, and entrelac.

The book has an opening section that contains information on fit, comfort, yarn and gauge, needle choice, heels, toes, and aesthetics. It provides excellent information on the construction of socks and the choice of yarns. The patterns in this book are either top-down or toe-up construction, about half of each. Ms. Budd includes great information on cast-ons for top-down and toe-up patterns as well as bind-offs. The book includes a DVD of innovative patterns and techniques from top designers. It is excellent.

My favorite patterns in the top-down section are:

French Market socks with highlights of blue and green triangles and squares.

Twisted Stitch Stockings in a lovely soft gray hue that are nearly knee-high.

Knot Socks in a light variegated orange, knit with cables and ribbing.

Mock Cables and Lace in a dark rust color, perfect for wearing with sandals or flats. Ms. Budd states "I chose a lace pattern that gives the illusion of a wide cable along the front and back of the leg".

Of the toe-up patterns, my favorites are:

Stealth Argyles in a brown and blue horizontal striped pattern. Ms. Budd states of this pattern, "Because patterns produced by shadow knitting only reveal themselves when viewed at certain angles, the patterns magically appear and disappear as the piece moves".

Terpander socks knit in a chartreuse green. Terpander "is an ancient Greek poet and musician who used a lyre in composition and performance". The composition of these socks brings to mind the shape of lyre.

All told, this is a wonderful book. It is a great resource and the patterns are wonderful and easy to understand. I don't recommend this for beginning sock knitters but it would be an excellent addition to the library of any intermediate or advanced knitter. Thank you Ms. Budd for this extraordinary book.