The book Charming Colorwork Socks, written by Charlotte Stone, is a gorgeous book! Many of you know Charlotte from @stoneknits, so this particular subject is NOT a surprise.
Those socks on the cover really set the stage, and the book gives you TWENTY-FIVE gorgeous pairs!
Not Just for Colorwork Knitters
I don’t say it lightly. As you all know, I’m not what you would consider a colorwork knitter. But as I flipped through the book, I found myself liking “this pattern” and “that pattern” and “ooh, what a fun little pattern!”
Starter Colorwork Socks
Whenever I look at colorwork socks. I often look for colorwork that’s ONLY at the toe or at the top. These areas are the easiest places to add colowork because they don’t have the stretching needs of the foot. As a less-experienced colorwork knitter, these places are easier for me to add that pop.
Many of these designs have the colorwork JUST on the toe or at the cuff!
Starter DOESN’T mean basic or not-Unique
These socks aren’t short on style!
They’re gorgeous and fun and the designs allow you to “speak” with your feet.
It’s clear that Charlotte has a passion for socks, but she’s made colorwork socks accessible. I read this book and felt like I COULD make these socks.
No – I felt that I WOULD make these socks.
Charlotte’s passion for these socks shows in both her words and her designs.
I love how, with colorwork socks, we can be so creative with the colors and motifs just by knitting with a couple of colors in one row.
Charlotte Stone
How Should I Knit these Socks?
Charlotte has a whole section on Knitting Colorwork Socks: My Tips and Tricks. Some of the sections include:
- Why Colorwork Socks?
- Sizing Matters
- Gauge for Perfect-Fitting Socks
- Floats
- Choosing Colors
- and lots more
One of my favorite quotes from this section really sums up the feeling that you get from this book:
I truly believe there is no “best way” for knitting colorwork.
Charlotte Stone
Just Try It
There’s no better way than to just dive in and try it. If it’s your first pair, I have a few suggestions:
- Pick colors you love – You’ll live with them for a while, so use colors that you LOVE.
- Select a theme that speaks to you – Set yourself up for success and look forward to finishing.
- Alter the length in order to make them faster – Make a pair of shortie socks by knitting a short leg
Just Say It
The book gives you lots to choose from. Here are the main sections:
- Crafty Animals
- Flower Power
- Food, Glorious Food
- The Great Outdoors
- Celebrate Good Times
Passionate about Dogs?
Love the beauty of butterflies?
Maybe swans are your thing…
Or, flowers are the way to go?
Just Do It
I can’t end this better than what Charlotte said:
Go grab your favorite pair of sock needles and rummage through your sock yarn to see which pair you might cast on first!
About the Writer: Jody Richards
Jody is the founder and lead editor of Knotions. She loves poring over stitch dictionaries and trying out new stitches.
She’s also on a mission to get everyone to embrace the blocking. And, to avoid using garter stitch edges in knit swatches made for gauge.
And while she likes all things crafting (well ok, except that one thing), yarn crafts are her true love (and she has the stash to prove it).
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