Knitting Knee Highs - patterns to blow your socks off!
Today was a banner day - my friend Barb Brown's new book came in the mail! I've known about this book being in the works since last summer and the wait has been worse than pregnancy, since it's taken much longer than 9 months for the wonderful results! LOL!
It was really hard to have to keep it all under my hat! I knew whatever she did, it would be done well and the one thing she said that really underlined her ethic, was that there would be no "filler" patterns. You know the ones, the not-so-unique generic designs they often add to a book just to bring the pattern count up. Well Barb stuck to her guns and I have to say that every pattern has something special to offer - REALLY!
So with her kind indulgence I want to tempt you with photos my favorites...
Although I do not do much of it myself, I am also a big fan of colorwork - socks particularly - and the delft blue theme going on in Bonnie Birds Knee-Highs is SO gorgeous! What I really like is how she has made the side increases (decreases, actually in a cuff-down sock) into a design feature instead of a "worked-in" and hidden thing. Talk about making it easy for beginning sock knitters! Everything about her colorwork socks shows an impressive amount of thought and planning went into embellishing every part. There's no "it's just the toe" or "you don't see the heel anyways" about any of her designs. It's a celebration of socks in every single pattern!
It was really hard to have to keep it all under my hat! I knew whatever she did, it would be done well and the one thing she said that really underlined her ethic, was that there would be no "filler" patterns. You know the ones, the not-so-unique generic designs they often add to a book just to bring the pattern count up. Well Barb stuck to her guns and I have to say that every pattern has something special to offer - REALLY!
So with her kind indulgence I want to tempt you with photos my favorites...
For starters, I'm a texture-phile and there was ample to titillate my obsession! On the left are Stalking Stockings, one of my big drool-overs! They don't stop at a beautiful textured cuff either! Many of the patterns have variations for short socks and anklets if knee highs aren't really your thing, like the example in pink on the right. Talk about value for money!
Although I do not do much of it myself, I am also a big fan of colorwork - socks particularly - and the delft blue theme going on in Bonnie Birds Knee-Highs is SO gorgeous! What I really like is how she has made the side increases (decreases, actually in a cuff-down sock) into a design feature instead of a "worked-in" and hidden thing. Talk about making it easy for beginning sock knitters! Everything about her colorwork socks shows an impressive amount of thought and planning went into embellishing every part. There's no "it's just the toe" or "you don't see the heel anyways" about any of her designs. It's a celebration of socks in every single pattern!
These Both Sides Now Knee-Highs have such a spectacular color contrast! Vivid and lively! Nothing shy or retiring about this pair! And there are lots more excellent patterns - believe me!
But more than anything I want to say Kudos to Barb! As a collector of sock knitting pattern books I can honestly say these are cream of the crop patterns! No lame-o's, no "fillers", just a beautiful collection of thoughtfully designed, wonderfully executed sock patterns that you don't have to be a fan of knee-highs to knit! Cheers all!
But more than anything I want to say Kudos to Barb! As a collector of sock knitting pattern books I can honestly say these are cream of the crop patterns! No lame-o's, no "fillers", just a beautiful collection of thoughtfully designed, wonderfully executed sock patterns that you don't have to be a fan of knee-highs to knit! Cheers all!
Posted by Gloria Patre at 2/15/2011 5:32 PM 
Categories: Books
Tags: knitting knee highs sock knitting patterns book review
Categories: Books
Tags: knitting knee highs sock knitting patterns book review
Those pictures are fantastic! I have put the book on my wish list. I especially like the shorter version offered. I am much more likely to wear short socks than knee highs. Is the book available at the regular bookstores or is there a special place to order it?
Wow-I love all the models you've shown us. I guess eventually I'll have to get this book too!
What gorgeous designs...I would luv to knit those Delft Bleu ones!