I got a copy of the new book Silk Road Socks by Hunter Hammersen this week.
If you’ve seen the back cover of this book, you’ll know that this wasn’t my first look at the book.
I was offered a chance to see it pre-publication. Here’s what my back-of-the-cover blurb says:
This book is a fascinating combination: lessons on the origins of oriental rugs and carpets, as well as a collection of sock patterns inspired by 14 of these beautiful textiles. Packed with useful technical information and lovely illustrations and photos, sock knitters are sure to find several “must knit” projects within its pages.
That’s it in a nutshell. The book starts with an introduction to the origins of oriental rugs and the “silk road” — the network of trade routes where silk was traded and transported. There’s some pretty interesting technical information about the rugs, including different types of knots used in their construction.
Next comes the technical information you need to be able to knit the socks in this book — info on gauge and re-sizing, along with a key to the symbols used, among other things.
Next come the patterns, 14 of them. They are top-down, textured, cabled, and/or lace. Most are pretty intricate, but they are a couple that are a little easier that less-experienced knitters can start with and then work up to the more complex designs. Each design is beautifully photographed with the rug that inspired it.
The book is available in both hard copy and digital format — see the book website for info on ordering the different formats.
I was sent the digital version, but also received a signed hard copy. I am tempted to keep the hard copy, but decided to be nice and give it away to one of you.
Who’d like it?
Leave a comment to this blog entry by 4:00pm Eastern time, Thursday March 3 2011 to be entered in the random drawing to win my copy.
Note that my blog was redesigned over the weekend (yay — I love it!) and the link to leave a comment is now right below the title of the blog post. After clicking on the link, scroll down to the bottom of the page and you’ll see the comment form to fill out.
Meanwhile, there is some Twisty sleeve knitting going on:
And Lucy has decided on a nap!
She wants to be wide-awake and alert for the Academy Awards tonight. 
I do! Those socks look awesome!
I really, really like the new blog layout. Please don’t enter me for the book, though!
The new layout looks good. I’d like to throw my name in for the book. Thanks!
I was just looking at that book (again)! It looks so amazing!
That looks like an interesting new book and the new blog layout looks terrific!
I like the new layout.
I would have never looked at the book based on the front cover. Didn’t make me go OOH I have to look at it. The interior page you showed though did draw my attention.
K
Kim´s last [type] ..test from cell
I like Hunter’s work. I really must finish up the second sock of one of her pre-book designs.
Yay! That book is so intriguing, I think I queued all of the patterns:)
P.S. love the new blog layout….scritches to Lucy!
LOVE the new site design! And thanks for the opportunity to enter the book drawing.
Cricket54´s last [type] ..Some Days Its Just Not Worth Chewing Through the Restraints
Blog looks wonderfullly updated! The blue background brings out the blue in Lucy’s eyes! Would love the book!
I’d like to win the book!
Your new blog layout is great–nice and fresh for spring.
I’d love to have the book.
Congratulations on what seems like a speedy recovery from the injury.
Laura Conrad´s last [type] ..News of the week of February 22- 2011
I love your new layout for the blog. I would love to win a copy of SILK ROAD SOCKS! Thanks.
I would love a copy of Silk Road Socks, a very interesting sounding book. And I’d like to say thank you for your great sock patterns, knitting insights and always an enjoyable read. Hope you’re healing well and quickly.
I’d love to have a chance to win the book. It looks beautiful and socks are my favorite thing to knit!
mzundercover´s last [type] ..Block O Square pattern
Ooooh, pretty! Thanks so much for the contest.
Love the new blog layout, it really looks great! So does the book!
Michelle´s last [type] ..Hats
Love the new layout and the book! I hope Lucy wears her tiara during the academy awards tonight!
Your blog looks great. What an interesting theme for the book.
I’ve only heard great things about that book!
Your blog layout is really fresh and calming, I love it! I’d love to win the book. Crossing my fingers and toes!
The book sounds very interesting.
Oh my, where would I put another book!? Love it!
The book looks great! And so does your new blog design — the blue really enhances Lucy’s eyes!
janna´s last [type] ..In the mail
I’d love that book. History and sock knitting….wow!
<3 the new design! And I am glad you are feeling well and able to knit your aran!
That book looks great! You can never have too many sock patterns, and the history is fascinating.
Glad to see more of your Twisty Aran!
I’d love it.
Oooh, that book looks amazing! Add me in!
Sounds like an interesting read! I can’t wait to see a copy.
Yes please!
History of the techniques and patterns are so cool. I would love to be entered for it. Love the new blog layout.
I’ve seen this book around Ravelry – it looks amazing. I love Hunter’s designs!
Oh my, they look so interesting. Even if I am not fortunate enough to get your copy, I will be buying this one.
Beautiful!
Love the book and would love to own it!
The book looks really cool. I’d love to win a copy!
Ashley W´s last [type] ..Waiting for Spring
That book looks like one I need to have.
I would love a copy of Hunter’s new book!!! And, I would like a copy of YOURS when you get it all written. Thank you for sharing your talent with all of us!
I really like the new layout!
Enter me for the book as well.
Looks like a very interesting book – rugs and sock …. what a great combination. Please enter me in the draw.
Congrats on new blog design! Would love to win copy of the book – my parents last year went on a tour of the silk road (well, part of it anyways) and brought back so many treasures. I’d love to knit a pair or two of socks for them.
Nice new layout for your site. It’s nice and fresh. I would love to win a copy of that book. Thanks
Love the new look! And the book.
That is a gorgeous book! So nice of you to share.
Thanks for having a giveaway! The book looks really interesting, and your new blog layout looks great!
What a cool book — might make me actually knit socks with my sock yarn stash!
Fascinating concept for a sock book! Pick me!
I always wonder where the inspiration for socks and other items comes from…being a rug collector, I am totally going to want this book! I would love to win and find it enchanting that it is signed, too. very nice of you to give us yours……
I think the new blog look is great! Please enter me in the book drawing…. it sounds like an interesting read!
Oh, I would totally love a copy
Ever since I visited Turkey, I love “silk road” designs!
Nice blog design… And Hunter’s patterns are amazing. I’d be honored to be lucky enough to win the book!
JaneB´s last [type] ..My Special Valentine
Sounds like a beautiful book. I’d love to have it come my way.
Oh pick me!
biomaj5´s last [type] ..On A Roll SWAP SHAWL SPOILER POST
The new blog desing looks great. I love the picture of Lucy’s blue eyes!
The book looks great, and I have a closet full of sock yarn waiting…
Whether I win this book or not, it is going to be mine somehow. Beautiful!
I was in Xian a couple years ago and went to the museum of the Silk Road. It was really something to see.
I’d love to win that book — it looks great!
Love the new design. Lucy is looking beautiful today for the awards.
I’d love to win that book! Thanks!
Love the new page layout and would love to win a copy of the book!
I’d love a copy of the book, it looks simply gorgeous! Very wise of Lucy to rest up, we wouldn’t want her sleeping through the awards
This book is gorgeous. I would love to have it.
Socks are a favorite of mine to knit. Would love the book! Thanks!
I’d love to win! I haven’t gotten a new sock book in ages!
Dana´s last [type] ..Knitting-related injury
Love, love, love the redesign. The color brings out Lucy’s eyes. Just beautiful
Oh, and the site’s color is beautiful, too. 
Would love to win a copy of Silk Road Socks. Thanks for giving away the hardcopy!
Andrea Vlahakis´s last [type] ..Sock Clubs 20
I love the look of the new blog, especially your ‘cover girl’, beautiful as ever.
Thanks for the opportunity to win a lovely book!
I really like the new look of the site and that Twisty sleeve looks amazing! I think a copy of Silk Road socks would be a perfect addition to my growing library of books, but are you sure you don’t want to keep a copy? Do you at least get a copy for yourself?
ooh, I’d love a look at that book! love the twisty sweater, too.
Count me in! Thank you for giving away another lovely book.
Pick me please! And give Lucy a little scritch from me too!
I’m liking the new blog look. Very nice. Oh and can I have the book, pretty please?
I’d love the new book. I”ve been scouting my next sock adventure and want it to be a challenging one.
Scritch Lucy for me!
Love the new web design! Thanks bunches for offering the book!
Love the look of that book! Sadly, not so much the new web site style. I thought the “old” one was beautiful.
I’d love that book, I’m on a sock challenge this year – it’s on the UK Sock Knitters forum on Ravelry if you’re interested in having a look
Sam´s last [type] ..Socks- spinning- Unravel & a milestone
I absolutely love the new design! The light blue is perfect and matches Lucy’s eyes exactly. (Gee? Was that planned?)
I WANT that book! I’m going to have to succumb and buy it if I don’t win a contest soon!
Love the blog, would love to win the book. Your cat is lovely, and the sleeve is amazing. Thanks for giving me a chance to win the book:)
Would love this new book – the patterns look amazing! And your web design looks great!
Nice blog change! I’d love to add the book to my collection. My needles are crossed!
Sue H´s last [type] ..Terrible day today
Two of my favorite things: oriental carpets and sock knitting!
lol lucy!
really like the new blog look! This book looks very unique and interesting. Very cool!
turtle´s last [type] ..I know I know
Me, me, me! I love knitting socks.
Bevelry´s last [type] ..Take a Chill Pill or Time Out Anyone
Nice book, I like the fact it has some history put into it as well. I like the facelift to your blog it looks great.
I’ld love a try at the book myself. I’m always intriged by something new. Thank you.
Looks like a great book to add to the knitting library!
I’d love to win the book… I’d also like to compliment the new blog header and your twisty is looking pretty good – especially for a person with a messed up hand. I had shoulder surgery recently and had to put aside the knitting until the drugs wore off, but could hardly stand the short hiatus.
Nice clean new blog layout. Hope you are enjoying our warmish sunny DC day!
Love the new layout – very clean. Please also count me in for the book drawing!
Love the look that I’ve gotten at the book–would love to have it!
Me please! It looks like a great book.
Natalie´s last [type] ..Saturday spinning update – 5 down- 1 to go
I’ve been eyeing up this book since the initial reviews started coming out. It looks fantastic and I’ve love to win a copy!
Love Lucy’s little face right there!
Great patterns in Silk Road Socks! Please enter me in the drawing.
great work on the new blog look and please enter me for the book drawing
thanks
The book sounds wonderful!
Walden121´s last [type] ..Food Friday – Baked Stuffed Peppers
Nice layout. Loved the picture of Lucy getting into her “nest” on the chair.
I love the look. Lucy is good decoration, as usual
honeysuckleblue´s last [type] ..Photography for this dummy
Ooh, textiles and socks! Me, please.