Knit Soxx for Everyone

June 21, 2021
Hand-knit socks make the perfect gift, suggests Stine & Stitch blogger Balke (Colorful Knit Soxx) in this no-fuss guide to crafting socks. Each pattern is given a difficulty designation of one through three: a blue and red–striped children’s sock falls at level one (it’s one of only three projects meant for beginners), a fleur-de-lis adorned pair for adults is level two, and there’s the level-three “Soxx 1,” a child’s sock with a stranded pattern and tangerine cuffs and heels. Particularly bewitching are the urbane, tricolor “Soxx 9” and the easier striped “Soxx 6.” Balke focuses less on the practical aspects of handmade socks (warmth and longevity), and more on the fun of creating them, with whimsical illustrations and colorful photos accompanying the instructions. Though there is an extensive section on knitting basics, those new to knitting won’t have the easiest time, and, indeed, most projects are at the highest difficulty level. But for those who have mastered the art of turning a heel, this will provide plenty of inspiration and fun.

August 13, 2021

This is a guide for knitters of all levels interested in learning how to structure and size socks, and a source of 25 fairly similar but still well-written, easy-to-follow patterns. However, with competition from websites like Ravelry and Creative Bug, along with a seemingly infinite number of YouTube tutorials, craft books demand a little more, whether that's a layer of personal narrative or other elements that make the book feel more engaging rather than a collection of patterns that could be downloaded. There are a few glimpses of that personal content here, especially in the "Sock Party" comic at the end of the book, but overall this is not required reading among the ranks of other more lushly illustrated, innovative books for fiber artists. VERDICT Although it will be a welcome addition to library shelves, it doesn't provide readers with more than a straightforward guide to knitting socks and the patterns.--Emily Bowles, Lawrence Univ., WI

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