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Last Christmas, I asked for knitting books. I wanted phyiscal books that I can tale outside and read.
Let’s have a look at two of them: Charming Colorwork Socks* and Joyful Colowork Socks*, , both by Charlotte Stone.
Socks only!
25 pattersn are drafted in each book for an average price of 24 euros/each.
I’ll say that’s a bargain since standalone pattern usually costs between 4 and 7 euros.
The cover is soft and matte and the sheets are easy to turn. It may sound funny, but I’ve already put down books because of their texture!
The design of the pages is clear and well-structured.
The patterns are for top-down socks.
The instructions are organized as follows:
- cast-on
- ribbing (various types)
- colorwork diagram(s)
- heel (either heel/flap or short rows)
- foot
- toes (end of work is Kitchener)
The colorwork may be on the full sock or only around the ankle, depending on the pattern.
Nothing tricky, but the heel (for me!)
Once you know how to knit a sock, the main difficulty might be the colorwork and its tension.
Each book has themes.
Charming Colorwork Socks*’s themes are:
- living creatures (mouse, dog, sheep, butterfly, swan)
- flowers (lavander, forget-me-not, poppies, roses, tulips)
- food and beverage (coffee, ice cream, peppers, oranges)
- outdoor
- celebrations (Advent/ Christmas, Easter, Valentine, Halloween)
Joyful Colorwork Socks*’s themes are:
- living creatures (dog, cat, frog, fish, parrot)
- garden (daffodil, ladybird, apple tree, daisy, carrots)
- celebrations (St Patrick, Valentine, Guy Fawkes, Halloween, Christmas)
- food and beverage (cocktail, cupcake, pizza, tea, watermelon)
- arts/crafts/leisure (make-up, chess, gaming, camping, tarot)
You can knit socks for every occasion throughout the year.
Yarns that were used for the samples are shown at the beginning of each pattern.
First project rom one book
The Retro Gamer from Joyful socks was the one that sold both books to me.
My son is 1. an avid gamer and 2. a lover of handmade/knitted socks.
I used the following yanrs:
- Drops Fiesta (the variegated blue was heavier so my ghosts are chunkier!)
- Drops Fabel
- Hobbi Silly Socks neon
The heel was done using short rows…I couldn’t understand a single word of the explanation (neither the video!).
I tried to knit the usual heel/flap, but ti couldn’t work due to the colowork going around both ankle and foot.
So I looked for an alternative and stumbled upon the shadow wrap heel.
I used this amazing Youtube tutorial by Earth Tones Girl.
Mine are not as perfect as hers: tension is off, I still have holes at the junction, but I was really happy to learn a new technique.
Having the colorwork all around the sock means that you need to have a rather loose tension. My son had a bit of troubles getting into the socks before blocking them!
I’ll keep on knitting colorwork socks. I ordered new yarns for, at least, 10 more pairs…
I love knitting during the summer, lounging under the trees and listening to the birds, instead of sweating indoors sewing!
