Knitting

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

by 24 Comments

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?

Small Cowl Knitting Patterns

I love a little cowl because it’s perfect to tuck into your coat when the weather is cold, but you can also wear it when it’s not as cold because it doesn’t make you as warm as a big scarf wrapped around your neck.

They’re also faster to knit than a big long scarf or shawl, and they make great gifts for anyone on your list. They can also be a way to learn new skills, like with my mosaic knit cowl if you haven’t done mosaic knitting before. Let’s check out some more great small cowl knitting patterns you can whip up as last-minute holiday gifts or a way to treat yourself.

If you’re looking for a perfectly simple cowl knitting pattern for beginners, Luxe Knittery has what you need. Their one skein knitting pattern is mostly stockinette stitch, with a cute picot border on one end and a I-cord bind off on the other. It calls for worsted weight yarn (though they also have a sport weight version) and there are links to video tutorials for the special skills needed for the edges.

Stitch up simple warmth in a hurry with the super bulky Sunrise Cowl form Wooly Bear Knits. This is a great one to use leftover yarn to make an ombre effect, of you can stitch it in stripes or a solid color if you’d rather. Either way it will stitch up in no time and be super warm and cozy!

Add a little more colorwork that’s still really easy with the Over the Rainbow knit cowl from Spruce Hill Knits. This free pattern calls for five colors of yarn but it would also be fun to do with a variegated yarn as the contrasting colors (which would give a similar look as my cowl linked above, just with a different motif). This pattern calls for DK or light worsted yarn and is so cheery it would be perfect for gray winter days.

The Odds and Ends Cowl from Kathryn Ashley-Wright offers a lot of options for using what you have. There are fingering/sport weight and DK/worsted weight options, and you can use as few as two or as many as nine colors depending on what you have on hand. You can grab this one on Ravelry.

For allover colorwork, try the Horae Cowl from VSR Design. It uses two colors of fingering weight yarn, so it will take longer to knit than some of these other options but it will keep you cozy without being too heavy. There’s also a matching tam pattern.

Add a little whimsy with the Road Runner Cowl pattern from Jennifer Berg, which you can find on Ravelry. It uses DK weight yarn in two colors and features a large bird on the body of the cowl.

And lest you think all small cowls have to be tubes, Cloud Drift from Gudrun Johnston turns a small cowl into a kerchief cowl with a fun colorwork design. It uses fingering and lace weight yarns held together (a wool and a mohair/silk blend) to work at a DK gauge and make an accessory that’s light as a cloud. It’s also worked flat and seamed at the back for easy wearing. Find it on Ravelry.

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