The subtitle of this book, “New Twists on Classic Patterns” is very descriptive of its contents. It is a balanced blend of old and new. In her introduction, Nancy Bush gives us a glimpse into the process she used to transform old sock patterns into new enticing ones. She begins with a history of the publication “Weldon’s Practical Needlework”, the source of the original sock patterns. A detailed chapter follows giving actual quotes from Weldon’s juxtaposed with Nancy’s comments and clarifications, an intriguing look at how while knitting has changed many aspects have remained the same. Included in this chapter are 4 heel shapings, 6 toe shapings and 4 basic ribbed sock patterns which illustrate the techniques discussed. Each of the specialized patterns which follow includes a note denoting the issue of Weldon’s in which the original pattern was published along with the yarn and needles specified and a line drawing of the original sock. Nancy then introduces each sock with a paragraph giving some interesting facets of the pattern. A full page photograph of each sock makes seeing the details easy.
There are some real pluses for this book. There a good number of men’s sock patterns included in several sizes. A baby bootee and a small child’s sock round out the collection. Though the names of several other socks include the word “child”, they have been updated to be a woman’s sock. The hardback cover, spiral binding and glossy heavy paper make this book easy use while actually working on a sock. A historical timeline is printed across the bottom of the pattern pages which gives some fun facts of the past century and a half.
The glossary includes many of the usual information, but is especially good on splicing and joining into a round. The book also includes and index.
Knitting Vintage Socks
by Nancy Bush
Interweave Press (copyright 2005)
Reviewed by Candy Knerr
FOCUS: socks
# OF PROJECTS: 20
SIZES INCLUDED: Men’s shoe size 8-11, Women’s shoe size 6-9, Child’s shoe size 3-
4 (1 pattern)—actual sock measurements are also included.
FIBER CONTENT: Mostly wool and wool blends, also silk, alpaca and cashmere
YARN WEIGHTS: Fingering weight (SuperFine #1)
SKILL LEVELS INCLUDED: Advanced beginner to Expert
SKILL LEVEL MARKED: No
