The Joy of Sox: 30+ Must-Knit Designs by Linda Kopp has a lot of fun with the book title's similarity to a racier title, offering up sock patterns with names like A Roll in the Hay, Spring Fling and Blue Crush.
But the patterns themselves aren't as cutesy as their names. Instead, you'll find a bunch of solid sock patterns in a range of styles, from super-long thigh-highs with diamond lace inserts to fancy mosaics and socks perfect for your next pedi.
The Patterns
The Joy of Sox starts out with a quick overview of the skills necessary to complete the patterns, including a handy section describing the different needle configurations that can be used to knit socks (double-pointed needles and one or two circulars) and how to work a pattern with the needles of your choice regardless of what needles the pattern was written for.
But the bulk of the book is devoted to the 32 women's sock patterns, which use a range of knitting styles and techniques, including top down and toe up styles with different heel and toe construction methods.
Just one of the patterns is ranked as easy, while 17 are for intermediate knitters and 14 call for more experience. Those patterns that are trickiest have intricate stitch patterns, lace or complex colorwork. They're stunning and well worth the effort for knitters who are up to the task.
Some of the patterns offer multiple sizes while others fit the "average" woman's foot.
There are lots of patterns here to love for lots of different reasons. I like the Takeout for Two pattern featured on the cover (which is heelless and toeless and the one easy pattern) for its simplicity and luxurious warmth (they're knit in alpaca).
Other favorites include the gorgeous Fair Isle Boyfriend Socks; the Quickie Socks worked in worsted yarn and an easy rib pattern; Toe to Toe, which features a cute block pattern; the aforementioned Girl's Best Friend Thigh Highs, which still manage to be worked from just two huge skeins of yarn; and Sole Mates, which have a seeded rib pattern and a diamond cable on the back.
Bottom Line
The book also includes some sock knitting tips and treats, such as the story of Crazy Aunt Purl's first time knitting socks and advice from Shannon Okey and Laura Bryant on how color repeats work when knitting socks.
The only complaint I have about the book is that a few of the patterns are difficult to see the way the socks are photographed, but for the most part it's easy to tell what's going on in the patterns either from the photos or from the charts.
This is not a book for people who are new to sock knitting, unless they want something aspirational that will show them what they'll be able to do with some practice and patience.
Instead, this is an ideal book for people who've worked a few basic sock patterns, maybe delved into a bit of lace or cabling in their sock projects and are looking for a new challenge. It's also a great choice for old pros who might still be able to find something that stretches their imaginations (and possibly their skills) here as well.
If you know someone who loves to knit socks, or you are someone who loves to knit socks, this book is one you won't want to miss.
Publication date: October 2009.
