BOOK REVIEW: Favorite Socks by Ann Budd and Anne Merrow

Socks have long been a popular item for knitters to make. Portable and requiring relatively small amounts of yarn, they can be as complicated or as simple as a knitter desires. For many knitters, they are the perfect way to try out a new technique while make something inherently useful, and ensure that loved ones’ feet are kept warm.

From the second issue of Interweave Knits, sock patterns have been an integral part of the popular magazine. Ann Budd and Anne Merrow have combed the archives and selected seventeen of their favourite designs for inclusion in Favorite Socks: 25 Timeless Designs from Interweave. From Meida’s Socks, Estonian-inspired lace socks by Nancy Bush (1997), to the Waving Lace Socks, a popular design by Evelyn A. Clark featured on the book’s cover (2004), there is sure to be an old favourite for everyone.

Patterns have also been pulled from sister publications PieceWork and Spin•Off, presenting knitters with patterns they may never have seen before. To round out the collection, six new patterns have been included, designed by Ann Budd.

Many of the original issues of Interweave Knits have gone out of print and Favorite Socks ensures these patterns are accessible for a new generation of knitters. Besides providing many classic patterns, this collection also includes a helpful tutorial on knitting socks on two circular needles, instructions for making resoleable socks and both toe-up and top-down instructions.

Published with a hardcover and a spiral binding so the book opens flat, Favorite Socks is sure to win pride-of-place in many knitters’ libraries. Patterns range from the basic Retro Rib Socks suitable for beginning knitters (Winter 2004 issue) to the elegant Anniversary Socks in a cashmere/silk blend (PieceWork, Sept/Oct 2003) or the Eesti Trail Hiking Socks in colourwork (Winter 1997) for knitters who seek more of a challenge.

A Knitalong (KAL) has already popped up for Favorite Socks and is open to anyone who wishes to join. As the organizers state: “This is the place to share your photos, suggestions for yarn substitutions or variations, or any other creative ideas related to the patterns from the book.”

Here's a complete list of all the sock patterns from Favorite Socks (in reverse order of publication), courtesy of the Knitalong site:
1. Elegant Ribbed Stockings - a new pattern by Ann Budd
2. Lace Cuff Anklets - a new pattern by Ann Budd
3. Undulating Rib Socks - a new pattern by Ann Budd
4. Diagonal Cross-Rib Socks - a new pattern by Ann Budd
5. Mock Wave Cable Socks - a new pattern by Ann Budd
6. Flame Wave Socks - a new pattern by Ann Budd
7. Embossed Leaves Socks, Interweave Knits Winter 2005, by Mona Schmidt
8. Cable Rib Socks, Interweave Knits Summer 2005, by Erica Alexander
9. Padded Footlets, Interweave Knits Summer 2005, by Mary Snyder
10. Go With the Flow Socks, Interweave Knits Spring 2005, by Evelyn A. Clark
11. Retro Rib Socks, Interweave Knits Winter 2004, by Evelyn A. Clark
12. Waving Lace Socks, Interweave Knits Spring 2004, by Evelyn A. Clark
13. Eastern European Footlets, Interweave Knits Winter 2003, by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts
14. Uptown Boot Socks, Interweave Knits Winter 2003, by Jennifer Appleby
15. Anniversary Socks, PieceWork Sept/Oct 2003, by Nancy Bush
16. Merino Lace Socks, Interweave Knits Summer 2003, by Anne Woodbury
17. Hidden Passion Socks, Interweave Knits Summer 2002, by Jaya Srikrishnan
18. Austrian Socks, Interweave Knits Winter 2000, by Candace Eisner Strick
19. Priscilla's Dream Socks, Interweave Knits Fall 2000, by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts
20. Up-Down Spiral Sox, Interweave Knits Summer 2000, by Sandy Cushman
21. Two-Yarn Resoleable Socks, Spin-Off Summer 2000, by Wayne Pfeffer
22. Ilga's Socks, Interweave Knits Spring 2001, by Nancy Bush
23. Ute Socks, Interweave Knits Fall 1999, by Nancy Bush
24. Eesti Trail Hiking Socks, Interweave Knits Winter 1997, by Nancy Bush
25. Meida's Socks, Interweave Knits Spring 1997, by Nancy Bush

Read the review at Armchair Interviews.


ISBN10: 1596680326
ISBN13: 9781596680326

Hardcover
128 Pages
Publisher: Interweave Press
Publication Date: April 1, 2007
Pattern Errata: Corrections to Favorite Socks


tags: books book reviews knitting socks Interweave Press Ann Budd Anne Merrow