Knitting Vintage Socks: New twists on classic patterns
Nancy Bush (Interweave Press)
$34.95, ISBN 1931499659
This book from author/designer Nancy Bush features 24 patterns lovingly 'reinvented for today's knitters' from pattern instructions from the 19th-century American reference Weldon's Practical Needlework.
Intro sections covering cast ons, toes, heels and gussets are particularly useful, and armed with these basics, knitters will have a hard time choosing which pattern to work first, from a basic ribbed sock to a light and lacy baby bootee. Some of the pattern titles may give pause, with labels such as gentlemen's or child's socks; however, Bush has reworked most of the patterns to women's or men's sizes, notably the Gentleman's Sock with Lozenge Pattern, the Child's Sock in Miranda Pattern, with its attractive overall stitch; and a pair of Heelless Sleeping Socks (not just for sleeping of course).
All tension and yarn information is modernised and clearly described, making substitutions easy. Accurate, sharp photos are teamed with specifications for each sock, while a spiral binding makes this book easy to use. Your project bag will welcome this new addition.
—Melissa Deutsch Scott