Purls of wisdom

"Socks are a miracle of engineering.  When you knit a sock, you're doing it the same way it has always been done.  You're connected with knitters over the last 700 years, all making socks and watching them wear out." 
Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, Knitting Rules.

There's been some cosy fireside sock knitting going on here lately.  Rather infuriatingly I lost my basic sock recipe pattern from Stephanie Pearl McPhee (the Yarn Harlot) that I'd found on Ravelry and printed off for my first pair last year.  Now it seems to have mysteriously disappeared from the web. So I tried another pattern but couldn't get on with it and decided instead to buy Stephanie's book, Knitting Rules.  

Craft book purchases are a generally rare event for me. I'm the queen of frugal (if it hadn't escaped your notice) so I usually I use freebie patterns I find online or borrow books from the library. I'm so glad I actually bought this one. It makes so much sense to my mathematically challenged brain, it's like having a comforting friend holding your hand and encourging you to just go with the flow and not to be intimated.

Instead of knitting patterns, she provides basic "recipes" for socks, hats, scarves and sweaters which can be tweaked and modified to your preference. This kind of guidance makes me feel smart, like I'm totally getting it, rather than simply mindlessly following directions. And her words on sock knitting are brilliantly insightful with the added bonus of being hilariously funny.

Comments

[Rachel]

what a great quote, i'd never heard that one before, i have not knitted a pair of socks yet, but i will have to try one day

[Lina]

There are so many great quotes in her book - it was hard to choose! Be warned, sock knitting is very addictive!

[UK lass in US]

I refuse to knit socks. The results may be beautiful, but that tiny yarn... for something to be worn hidden in shoes... for only a couple of weeks a year in California... I'm too slow a knitter for that.

[Sew Create It - Jane]

I love the notion of knitting socks, but my hands won't co-operate. I count on my DD1 to be the knitter in the family. She's started a sock...but has yet to finish it. I've sent her the link to your post...hopefully that will spur her on ;o)

[driftwood]

I am loving knitting socks and that quote is inspired x

[periwinkle]

I said back in July I would make some socks as Christmas presents , in fact I might have said it last year ... better get a move on hadn't I lol

[French Knots]

Socks are the first thing I learnt to knit, I wanted a small project,found a simple pattern and as long as I stick with the same pattern they come out right. Very satisfying to make and cosy to wear. Love your sock yarn.x

[Petit Filoux]

There should be more books like that! So many just make you feel inadequate, it's not right is it!!

[nina - tabiboo]

I've never tried to knit socks before, but it does sound like a cosy thing to do.

Love the yarn,

Nina x

[Emma]

That yarn is so lovely. One day, one day I will knit my own socks. For now though it does seem terribly complicated and daunting.

[Susan from Missouri]

Started knitting a pair of socks last year - I am a quilter, so this was quite a challenge to work with 5 needles at the same time. Loved it. Thanks for your blog. Your pictures never cease to make me smile. You see so much joy in simple things. I appreciate your blog.

[Lina]

Thanks Susan. With Stephanie's recipe, you only need to use 4 needles, I find that much easier than 5! Happy knitting!

[lucy locket]

I love that quote! But I have to admit that I am a bit of a craft book junky - just love buying them! L x

[Jana]

That yarn is absolutely gorgeous! Do you happen to know where you got it?