Knitting

Patterns, projects and techniques

Want to Knit Some Cool Socks? This Book Could be Yours

by

Knitted Socks book

Martha is getting this one.

The book Knitted Socks by Anna Tillman has been on my shelf for a long time. Nearly 10 years, it turns out. So long, in fact, that I have gone through several bouts of being sure I reviewed it somewhere and not being able to find any trace of it (I’m still not sure if I ever did).

It’s a book that takes novelty sock knitting to the next level (I mean, come on, those penguin socks on the cover have flippers, a beak and a tail that stick out from the sock) and allow you to knit fun and funky foot fashions for the whole family. Projects range from kid to adult sizes and have all sorts of options for fun, from socks with pigs that line up when you put your feet together to socks with tons of cables, flip-flop socks, felted baby booties, classic Fair Isle designs and more. There are even socks with tiny pockets for a little bear! (Check them all out on Ravelry.)

There is also information on the parts of a sock, sock knitting tips and finishing techniques that will get your sock knitting off on the right foot (sorry). And in the back you’ll find mix and match patterns so you can design your own socks with different cast ons, ribs, cuffs and toes.

If you’d like a chance to win this book, which is now out of print, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, April 30. I’d love to know if you’ve knit any funky socks before. I have to say all mine have been pretty plain, but the stranded knit heart ones from my color knitting book are my favorites.

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing, and good luck!

 

Looking for more knitted socks designs and patterns to keep you warm this winter? Check out these knitted sock patterns Etsy. And these Knitting Pattern books on Amazon.

Looking to buy your Yarn online? Check out these online yarn specials.

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Comments

  1. I’ve wanted to finish learning about knitting socks! Thanks for the chance to win this book!

  2. Yes please! I learned to knit socks in school (mandatory in Estonia) and my granny who though me to knit was very strict on it. Many years have passed and would love to get back at it!

  4. Socks tend to be my meeting/tv knitting, so I usually knit fairly plain ones, with simple, easy to memorize, stitch patterns. Those penguins look fun tho! I think I need to expand my sock knitting.

  7. My favorite socks to knit are fraternals because I have trouble making two things the same. So I gave up and make two related but different! Always interested in finding new ideas about socks.

    From overcast VT,
    The Vermonster

  8. No I haven’t knitted Funky socks yet, but this book would be a great way to start.

  10. I have yet to jump into the sock arena. I’m afraid of putting in all the time and effort, and then wearing the bottoms out. Curious how all the sock knitters out there deal with this issue? (Aside of course from putting them in a drawer and never wearing them. )

  11. I have not ever knitted any socks but wouldn’t these be cool to start with? Those penguins are adorable!!

  12. I have knit many pairs of socks before but knitting some funky ones sounds like fun.

  14. Looks like real fun! Unique patterns not seen elsewhere. Too bad it’s out of print.

  15. This book looks so fun! Socks can take “forever” but this could make it worthwhile. 🙂

  17. Funky? Yes. Deliberately? Not really. First pair was two at a time on a single needle. Thought I was going to go insane, and it took me forever because I was soooo afraid of making a mistake. But I did it!
    thanks for making this generous offer!

  18. My go-to sock is usually a knit pattern. My son has been asking for more socks, these would be a fun change. Thanks for the chance.

  19. I have not knitted funky sock although I do have a kit fit “Shark week” My grandson would love some of those socks.

  21. My socks are usually pretty standard, but I would love to try the penguin socks! They are so cute!

  22. If you mean INTENTIONALLY funky, well then, no, I haven’t done that. More than that my pride will not allow me to say. Would love to do the pig socks. Thanks for the giveaway.

  23. All of the socks in this book are so cute and pretty. I am a sock beginner, so have not knit anything fancy. I would surely love to try, though.

  24. I have lots of niblings who would love some of these creative socks – and I do love to knit for my niblings! Thank you for the chance to win.

Have you read?

Felted Bag Knitting Patterns

I feel like felting is a knitting genre that deserves a resurgence. My first knitting book (which came out in 2008, eek!) was all about felting, but I don’t feel like there are a lot of felting knitting projects out there these days. I really like the technique as an easy way to make a thicker, more durable knit fabric, and it’s actually perfect for knitting bags.

The ZZ Bag from yamagara recently caught my eye and got me thinking about felted bags, and maybe remaking one of the bags that was in that book. This one has a fun zigzag pattern and is worked in worsted weight yarn. You can find the pattern on Ravelry.

A lot of the other knit and felted bag patterns I could find were older, but that doesn’t make them bad patterns. I’ve always loved the booga bag from Black Sheep Bags (the pattern is on their website but the photo is broken so you can also check it out on Ravelry). This is a fun one because you can use all your leftovers or a self-striping yarn (the original was made with Noro) to give it a colorful look that’s super easy to knit. 

An envelope purse is another easy shape to knit, and this version from Lavender Hill Knits on Etsy comes in different sizes for younger girls and teens or adults. The small version is worked with one strand of worsted weight yarn, while the larger uses two held together.

The Japanese knot bag is a classic, and a felted version is a lot of fun. You can find this pattern from Cindy Pilon on Ravelry and knit one for yourself using bulky yarn. I also love her bag The Curve, which is also on Ravelry and has a fun rounded shape and contrasting handles.

And there’s also the amazing stained glass bag from Knitting Dream, which also uses a Noro yarn, but you could use wool scraps on the different fans to give it a unique look. There are two size options to choose from and it’s not as tricky as it looks.