Review: Sock Yarn Accessories by Jen Lucas

Recently, local(ish) designer Jen Lucas messaged me to ask if I'd like to review her newest book, Sock-Yarn Accessories. As you know, I am not one to turn down such an enticing offer, and within the week, a copy had arrived on my doorstep!

Most of us probably have quite a bit of sock yarn already in our stashes - it's always a good choice for impulse buying, since you know you'll use it eventually....and I know that a lot of folks don't even count sock yarn towards stash! This book is the perfect way to put some of those skeins to work: there are 20 patterns in all ranging from scarves, shawls, socks, cowls, hats, mitts, and even a market bag - and they ALL use fingering weight yarn!

I am really excited to shop from my stash and cast on for a few new projects this fall, especially since there are several quick-to-knit designs that would also make great holiday gifts. For those of you who are really ambitious, there are even four matched sets within the book for that knit-worthy someone on your gift knitting list.

Crossing Paths Hat and Mittens

There's something for everyone here: textured stitches, colorwork, cables, and lace. Another nice feature is that each pattern is ranked by difficulty, making it easy to choose a project that's suited to your skill level or current preference, and many of the patterns are also geared towards helping knitters learn new skills along the way.

Larkspur Cowl

It may seem like a slim book, but they've packed plenty of information into it, besides the patterns: there is a section on choosing the right yarn for the project, plus photo tutorials for special techniques used throughout the book - and, of course, the usual list of abbreviations, yarn resources, etc. that you would expect to find as well.

Paragon Scarf

So many of these patterns have gone into my queue; I'm looking forward to sharing my WIPs with you from this well-done collection of patterns!

Fergus Socks

Click here to view the Ravelry pattern page, which includes links to purchase both hard copy and PDF ebook versions of Sock-Yarn Accessories!

Images from Sock-Yarn Accessories, Martingale, 2015; Photos by Brent Kane.

Comments

Overdyeing A Finished Knit

Even after just a few years of knitting or crocheting, you're bound to have some finished projects lying around that never get worn or used. After 10+ years of crafting, I have more than just "some" or "a few"....and with my ongoing quest to declutter my house this year, I've become obsessed with going through these forlorn projects and making some Big Decisions. Sometimes, they are perfectly fine and just need a new and loving home. Other projects may have not turned out quite right: there might have been some mistakes in the knitting that I thought I could live with, or the yarn was gorgeous but not well-matched to the pattern, or my taste has drastically changed since I finished making the project...in any case, why on earth did I keep knitting?! Who knows, but I don't feel good about gifting anything that falls into this category to someone else. These projects have been relegated to the "frog pile" (or should I say, frog pond?), to b

Easy DIY: Beaded Vintage Snowflake Ornament Kits from Solid Oak Inc.

I was really excited to step outside of my comfort zone and try something new as part of my "Christmas in July" theme this month. The kind folks at Solid Oak Inc offered me a chance to review one of their Nostalgic Christmas beaded crystal ornament kits I couldn't resist. My tree is already full of ornaments I've inherited or been gifted from other family members and friends, so these pretty crystal beaded ornaments will fit right in I think! I was super impressed with this compact little kit , which includes everything needed to create three gorgeous vintage-style ornaments - just add a pair of round nose pliers (I found mine on Amazon for less than ten bucks). The instructions had some fabulous tips for newbies like me; for example, it recommended sorting the beads and laying them out in order on a towel or beading mat to prevent them from rolling away. That may seem obvious, but I was totally ready to start beading on my kitchen table without a

What If I Didn't Add Heels?

Last weekend, I finished the first sock with my Waterlilies yarn , and just for yuks, I tried it on even though it was basically just a tube sock. Much to my surprise, it fit really well, even without a heel. Who knew? So, that got me thinking: what if I just didn't add the heels? I never thought a tube sock would actually fit nicely, but I genuinely like the fit, so...why spend time to add the heels? As the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.... Let's say I decide not to add heels once the second sock is done - there will still be placeholder yarn for the afterthought heels, as you can see above, so should I leave it in and just weave in the ends? Or should I remove it, put the live stitches back on needles and at least graft them together using more of the Waterlilies yarn? I plan on mulling all of this over as I knit the second sock, and I'd love to hear your opinions of what you think would look best (or if you think this whole "n

handmade by stefanie

Search This Blog