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Beth Parrott, Charlene Schurch, Knitting, new knitting book, sock knitting, socks, stitch dictionary, The Sock Knitter's Handbook
All things are difficult before they are easy.
[Thomas Fuller]
I took this book to a sock-knitting class, and the seven class members insisted that they each had to have a copy for reference to carry with them. I listened to their excited discussion about what they liked best about the book. Here’s a partial list:
- The photos are so clear and easy to understand
- The binding allows the book to lie open easily
- There are so many variations to choose from
- The charts and diagrams are useful
- The stitch samples stimulate sock design ideas
- The book size is easy to handle and carry . . .
The Sock Knitter’s Handbook, Expert Advice, Tips, & Tricks by Charlene Schurch and Beth Parrott was published this year (2012) by Martingale and Company. At first glance, this book seems quite simple, but simple usually requires more thought, organization and effort to produce well than something lengthy and wordy. This handbook hints at that underlying effort which has made it very useful.
The authors introduce color-coded photos for parts of socks in the “Sock Architecture” chapter then proceed through the various sections using the color coding to present a number of ways to knit each part of a sock. They also present charts for such information as yarn yardage and foot measurements. Diagrams show how to execute specific stitch techniques, and a stitch dictionary presents a variety of decorative ideas for jazzing up a sock.
Since my day job is working as a graphic artist in publication design, the first thing I notice about a book is its production features. Not only does this book have a pleasing page design that enhances its message, but its binding and paper choices make it user friendly. Since I also design knitting patterns and I want to avoid being influenced by other people’s designs, I must confess that I rarely look at knitting pattern books or magazines. I’m delighted I had a reason to review this one. It will go directly into my knitting bag for future use.
Book Giveaway Contest
Ms Schurch sent me an extra copy of this book to give away in a contest. In one week, I will collect the names from the comments to this post and have a drawing. Then I will email the winner for a mailing address and send the lucky knitter the new book. So, do enter the contest by leaving a comment.
Knitting, writing and other joys 
Sure looks like a helpful book for sock knitters. Elaine
Toe up completed to both socks!
My most favorite item to knit is socks! I have downloaded many tips, tricks, and techniques and have them saved on my computer. This book would be wonderful to own since I can’t take my computer wherever I go. Thank-you for this drawing!
I’m just about finished my very first pair of socks & I’m so excited! Both my teenage son & daughter asked for some after they saw the little red ankle socks I’m knitting . Yay! The Sock Knitter’s handbook looks like a great book to help guide me through my next pair 🙂
Sign me up for the drawing for the book!!
I have just stumbled across your site looking for more sock knitting tips. Thanks for the book referral. I have just finished knitting my very first sock… so excited..just have to make it’s pair. I knitted it by amalgamating 3 sock patterns I found on the internet and then watching a tutorial to understand how to work the heel flap, heel turn and gusset. I am on the way to becoming a sock addict.
A good reference book like this is worth a dozen pattern-only books. And, by the way, I’m knitting your Gusset-Heel Gansey Socks right now and love the pattern. Please enter my name in the drawing for Charlene and Beth’s book. Thanks.
That does look like a great book. I’ve liked Charlene’s other books. It would be fun to win!
Your review and the addition from your students make me want this book. Slip my name in the hat too.
Sounds like a good book to have handy –especially with your worthy recommendation!
The clarity of your review must match the clarity of the book…. must have, for sure. Put my name in the hat!
Sockknittting is one of my passions and I am always curious about improvements,this book looks interesting and I would like to read it
Sounds like a very good book to have!
Thank you, one can never have too many reference books.
It looks like a wonderful book to have. Thank you for such a well written review. There was enough information for me to decide I want this book. Thank you for the chance to win it.
I know a lot about knitting, but I also know, I can always learn more! I learned a lot from Charlene’s first sock book (Knitting Sensational Socks), and i am sure this book, too, will have insights to improve my skill. I am on pair 9, (of 24 planned for this year)–so you could say i am a sock addict.
Boy! Could I use a travel sock knitting reference! I know its great before I even look at it because I have two other sock books by Charlene (not small enough to carry with me though) and they are fabulous in both content and layout. I hope I win, I hope I win…….
Thanks for the book referral. i’m always looking for tips on how to improve my socks. And I appreciate well laid out instructions. My favorite instructions thus far are from Sally Melville’s book (The Purl Stitch). I like how clearly she lays out all the basics, not assuming any previous knowledge of sock construction. I’m curious to see if this book does it even better.