I just received a review copy of Sock Architecture by Lara Neel.
This book is available as both an eBook and a printed book. It is $16.95 for the PDF version, $26.95 for the PDF and printed book, together, from Cooperative Press. Printed books will ship in a few weeks. If you just want the PDF and not the printed book and have a Ravelry account, you can buy it directly on Ravelry, here.
If you check out the Ravelry page I just linked to, you can read a very thorough description of the book and see photos of the 17 sock patterns in the book.
This is so much more than just a sock pattern book.
First off, it is beautifully written and a surprisingly fun read. The tone of the book is friendly, approachable, and humorous. One would not usually use those words to describe a book that not only is a treatise on sock techniques, but goes in-depth into the historical beginnings of sock knitting but they are totally warranted in this case. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
Take a gander at the Table of Contents — this is the page that links to all the different heels and toes in this book.
Impressive, no? There are both top-down and toe-up techniques, by the way.
There are lots of great photos in this book that document every step of the sock-knitting progress.
And there are lots of charts! Charts for everything. For example, features in different heels:
And with each of the 17 patterns, there is a chart for customizing the sizing of the pattern.
Cool, huh?
This is a great book for any sock knitter. I will admit to being thoroughly sick and tired of socks but after reading through Sock Architecture for this review, my interest is piqued again. It may be time for some sock experimentation! That’s how impressed I was with this book.
Who would like to be similarly impressed?
To be entered in a drawing to receive a free copy of the eBook version of Sock Architecture, please leave a comment on this blog post by 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday September 3, 2014. At that time I’ll have the Random Number Generator select a comment and that comment will receive a free copy of this great book.
In other news, Loki took a nap last night after reviewing the new issue of Vogue Knitting (shown in the foreground, below).
No doubt he is dreaming of handknits and how to shed on them.
This sounds like a great resource book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Oooh, give Loki a pet for me please.
Thanks for the chance to win this book. Socks are one of my favorite things & I am always looking for new patterns & ways to do them.
Hev´s last blog post ..Kansas City Vacation 2014
I’m still not the greatest at sock knitting, so having tables and such for customizations sounds pretty useful–I’ll have to add this to the list of books to get when I have space for another book shelf 😛
Sounds like a great book, and I’d love to win it. Also, I have 3 Pekingese who can give Loki great shedding tips.
I love socks, and could really use some inspiration to jazz up my sock knitting. Id love to bury my face in Loki’s furry belly, It looks so soft and sweet.
I’d love to win a copy, seems like a great book!
Wow, this sounds like an interesting read. I love when a little history gets thrown in! Please enter me! Tnx.
I’m definitely interested in trying this one on for size! I have weirdly-shaped feet, and my calves don’t match my ankles, and and and… This sounds like it could be a lifesaver. 🙂
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Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the offer.
OMG! One could knit socks to match one’s newly knit shoes! How very cool.
Sounds like a book I could really use. Thanks for a chance to win it.
I’d love to get a copy of the book! Hopefully my number is picked!
Thanks for the great review!
As a new sock-knitter this book will come in very handy!
I’m just two pairs in to my sock addiction. I’d love to learn more with this book
I am interested in this book because I am an advanced beginner sock knitter and would love to learn more about constructing socks.
This sounds like an awesome book!
Melissa´s last blog post ..To Renew, or Not to Renew?
Recusing myself from the giveaway as I tiptoe off to buy a sock book not written by you!
Astonishing, I know, but if you’re recommending it, it must be good! 🙂
i love knitting socks and would enjoy a book that would give me more insight to the process.
Oh gosh, I’ve been looking forward to this book coming out! It looks as wonderful as I thought it would be. Can’t wait to get my hands on my own copy.
I’m still in search of the perfect heel for a high instep. Hopefully this book can help.
This sounds like a great sock instruction book. Thanks for offering up a copy through your blog.
Kathleen
Rav ID: MadameKnits
Hmm sounds like a good read. I keep trying to get into socks but I always find they end up too big and get discouraged. I measure and everything!
Looks like a great book!
I would love to win a copy of this book. 🙂
Lilie´s last blog post ..Test Knit Foglie e Cardi – WIP
I love socks and am still looking for the perfect heel and toe. This book looks like it would help me to find them.
I love that cat!!
I am just wading into the wonderful world of sock knitting. This book sounds awesome. It would be great to win it, but after that lovely review, I’m tempted to buy it for myself.
Looks like a very interesting resource!
I love knitting socks and would really appreciate a copy of this book. Thanks for the opportunity to win it!
Loki’s tummy looks so soft and pettable… What a tease!
Oh! This sounds like a great resource. I do enjoy trying out new ways to knit socks.
I’ve been anxiously waiting for this book to come out ever since I’d heard about it from Lara on twitter. Thanks for the review and preview … looks awesome! Thanks for the giveaway.
Long time reader first time writer. Looks like a lovely book. I just LOVE your pictures of Loki by the way, he’s one of the many reasons I look forward to reading your blog. I have three cats (one a giant Maine Coon) who all seem to be experts in shedding on hand knits.
I keep thinking about dipping my socks into sock knitting – this resource would be a great way to getting a pair on my needles!
My Bobby J. Kitty tells me that he doesn’t shed on my knitting but he does contribute specialty fibers on occasion. grrrr
I’d love to win a copy.
I’ve made numerous pairs, but they all kind of sit in the drawer – too droopy, too big or too tight. This book might make the drawer much happier; it will get to see daylight!
My 16 1/2 year old Scarlett swears she only sheds on her blanket!
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I’d love a copy. After figuring out that I need to add a centimeter of height to most cuff-down heel flaps, I’d like a bit more guidance.
I’m just about ready to take on socks as my next knitting adventure – this book sounds like it would be a huge help! Thanks for the opportunity.
Love the idea of a bunch of charts. Very helpful for knitting for others. Would be a fun book to win.
Wow what a great resource. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
The last thing I need is another sock book. And yet…from what I can discern from your pictures, I like her approach to customization.
Thanks as always for the contest!
That sounds like a great book: thanks for the chance to win a copy. Love the way Loki stretches out on his back. His coat looks great now!
would love this book – thanks!!
Ooh, that book looks interesting! Please enter me in the drawing!
Thanks for the great review, Wendy! I’d love to have this in my library 🙂
I myself am just discovering the wonder of socks. It’s taken me waaaaaay to long to figure out that they’re the perfect pick-up/put-down projects for me. Perhaps this book could help me retain this newfound affection.
Thanks for the book giveaway….definitely interested in reading the book and knitting some of the patterns.
Looks like an excellent book to add to the collection.
I kept seeing patterns from this book popping up on ravelry, and was hoping that someone who does a lot of sock knitting would give it a review. Looks like it’ll be yet another book on my wishlist!
Would love a copy of this book! Thanks for the giveaway.
Socks are my go-to project for Take & Go knitting.
Socks are my favorite project to do, I hope whoever wins enjoys it!
This book looks like it can take a knitter to the next level of sock knitting. Very exciting!
Looks like good info. I’d love to have a copy. Oh, and the knitted shoes are fabulous. I saw that pattern a few days back. Very neat.
Love sock knitting! Would enjoy a book like this!
This book looks so useful! I’d love to have a copy.
I do love sock books 🙂 And that looks to be like one I should own at some point!
Renee Anne´s last blog post ..Future WIPs: The Fiber Edition
I love knitting socks! I would love to try some different techniques.
I have difficulty knitting socks. This book could be just what I need.
OOOH, this book is meant for me! Really! And my birthday is in a few weeks! Please, please, please, random number generator: pick me!!!
Kristen´s last blog post ..Even More Will County Fair!
I love knitting resource books, and I’m always looking for new sock information
Thanks for the chance to win this great book
What a great book giveaway!! My birthday is just a few days away and it would make a wonderful present.
Thank you so much for the opportunity!
So far not much luck with knitting socks properly. I hope this e book could help.
I’ve just got into knitting socks and I’m loving it! What a great book!
Oh socks! More socks! I could eat a chocolate elephant of socks and sock books, to say nothing of the infinite loveliness of skeins of sock yarn.
I keep SAYING I’m going to knit socks – maybe this book would help get me moving. Thanks for offering it.
I think the thing I like about socks is that there is always some new technique to try and every pair is a new challenge.
Oh a new take my favorite!
I really enjoy knitting socks and would love to learn some new techniques! Thank you so much for this opportunity!
As a math major, I’ve always loved Laura. I’ve been waiting for this book to come out!
One year I knit a pair of socks a month. Ended up learning a lot about them and now just enjoy an occasional pair. Love the look of the book and would like to have it. Thanks for the chance.
I would love to have this book. Thanks for the chance.
Just into sock knitting. Any new ways are welcome. Thanks for the chance to win this one.
Charts are such a smart way to present this kind of information. Good luck, everybody!
Sounds like a great give away !
I would very much enjoy this book, especially because I have had many people ask me for help and haven’t had an all-encompassing book with visuals handy to use.
What a great book! Socks are my favourite thing to knit, but always from a pattern and always with the same general construction. This would give me the knowledge and courage to step out of my comfort zone and try some new things!
Ooooh! A sock book! I’ve lost my sock mojo and need to find it back! 😀
I’m still in love with sock knitting. This book looks like so much fun! If I don’t win it, I’ll just have to buy it. 🙂
I’d love to win this book. It might bring my “mojo” back.
If someone else is lucky enough to win, I may have to buy it anyway – I’d like to make a pair of socks that actually fit me, and I’m definitely not having good luck with that this summer.
Any book that has Wendy thinking about experimenting with socks again has to be great! Thanks for the giveaway Wendy!
I’m feeling the soul of this book!
I’ve been knitting socks like a demon — and would love to have more options for design. This looks like a great book!
A little sock inspiration would be good. Please send me the book :0 !!
Socks are my primary knitting, because they’re small (& thus portable) and I have very little trouble fitting them! Also, considering that I am a slow knitter, it’s the best project for me. I’d love to win this book! 🙂
Okay, I really need this…I’ve made 3 pairs of socks in my knitting life. One pair for my daughter, who said she’d wear them inside her boots, one for my SIL who said he liked them so much he wouldn’t wear them so they wouldn’t wear out, and one for my husband who couldn’t think of anything so he did wear them. I need help, all my socks look lumpy and uneven, and that’s after blocking!
After 3 recent major operations on my fingers this year, I am vey anxious to get started knitting again. I think this book is just what I need to get going!
I would love a copy of this book. Your basic sock pattern is my go to pattern and the one I use when I teach someone else. Thank you!
The word ‘architecture’ is the perfect description for this beautiful book. It would fit so well into my sock book collection.
Looks like a great book–thanks for the giveaway!
Great giveaway. I’m in love with sock knitting and would love this book. Thanks
I’m not tired of knitting socks yet- count me in.
I rarely enter giveaways but would love to win this book – thanks!
I would love to win this book!
I think I definitely need it!
I need this book.
Wow! I hadn’t seen this yet – very cool. Coop Press does amazing books. Thanks for a chance to win!