Make & Mend

Socks for Stephen

Renee Neiger, books editor

2 users recommend

You could win a copy of Big Book of Socks by Kathleen Taylor...

or a copy of Socktopus by Alice Yu!

Perhaps the jester pattern for Mr. Colbert? p. 70, Big Book of Socks.

You could win a copy of Big Book of Socks by Kathleen Taylor...

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So, if you are a knitter, chances are you've already heard of the Ravelry group: Socks for Stephen. But if you haven't, you can read all about the controversy started by the U.S. Olympic Committee here. 

When we heard about it here at Taunton, we thought, "Let's break out our sock books and get knitting!" We have two great titles, Socktopus by Alice Yu and Big Book of Socks by Kathleen Taylor. Hmm, I wonder which pattern we should pick to make in a size 11? The "2luvcrew" pattern from p. 77 of Socktopus seems like it would be perfect for Stephen.

Or perhaps the red, white, and blue "Jester" sock from p. 70 of the Big Book of Socks would be more appropriate? Then again, maybe he should get both! 

If you are in immediate need of some sock patterns, you can get the eBook version of Big Book of Socks, or you can order a print version of Socktopus and of Big Book of Socks. 

We'll be watching to see how it plays out. Meanwhile, if you make some socks to send to Stephen, post a picture to our gallery. We'd love to see your work! 

YOU COULD WIN THIS BOOK: Do you want to win a copy of one of these books? Leave a comment letting us know which book you would prefer to win and why, and you'll be entered into our drawing for a copy of either Big Book of Socks or Socktopus. Just leave your comment prior to the deadline--11:59 pm EST, Tuesday, July 31. The winner will be randomly selected and announced during the week of August 6. The winner will also be notified via email. 

Kathleen Taylor has more than 30 years of knitwear design experience and is the bestselling author of I [Heart] Felt and Knit One, Felt Too, and Fearless Fair Isle Knitting. Check out her blog Kathleen Taylor's Dakota Dreams. 

Alice Yu is a renowned sock designer who started Socktopus as a sock club and hand-painted yarn shop. It grew to become Socktopus sock yarns, the Knit Love sock club, and the co-sponsor for Knit Nation-London's summer knitting and spinning exhibition. 

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Comments (46)

gmKlein writes: Knitting socks intrigues me so I want to try my hand at making them, something I have not done before. I am especially drawn to the beautiful sock patterns made with cables and other interesting stitches in both books, however "Socktopus" immediately caught my attention. What a colorful and impressive array of sock designs to use as a guide to mastering sock knitting. My first choice would be "Socktopus" for those elegant, intricate socks that I find so appealing.

Thanks for making these wonderful books available.
Posted: 8:12 pm on July 31st

DreamyDahlia writes: Love the Jester sock from the Big Book Of Socks. I'd love to win that book and make some!
Posted: 9:08 pm on July 29th

YellowBug writes: Both books sound useful but the Big Book of Socks would be my 1st choice.
Posted: 11:19 am on July 25th

db7cook writes: Socktopus looks like it has interesting patterns. I have made a few pairs of socks and am ready for more (when the weather cools off).
Posted: 11:24 pm on July 17th

RAMyers writes: I would like to win "The Big Book of Socks". This would be a great book to have in my library. I love making socks and am always looking for new patterns.
Posted: 6:08 pm on July 17th

irenic writes: I would love to win The Big Book of Socks. It would help with my goal of knitting socks for Christmas.
Posted: 12:03 pm on July 17th

jamama writes: The book Socktopus looks like it would be the one for me since I am a true blue beginner. Hope I win!
Posted: 8:26 am on July 17th

Josefly writes: I'd love to have Socktopus! Beautiful socks!
Posted: 7:20 pm on July 16th

Northernstitcher writes: I'd LOVE to win The Big Book of Socks. As a relatively new knitter, one of my biggest accomplishments this past winter was my first pair of knitted socks. I LOVE them, and I loved knitting them....so I'm thrilled to think of knitting others...and this book is filled with so many possibilities. My knitting group meets during the cold, arctic winters, and we'd no doubt enjoy selecting some patterns from this book to try this coming winter.

Posted: 12:19 pm on July 15th

jzzl writes: One can never have too many sock patterns!
Posted: 9:23 am on July 15th

7YaksDesign writes: I would love to try knitting socks! I've always felt pretty intimidated by the process but I'n ready to tackle the challenge.
Posted: 7:19 am on July 15th

sfpat writes: It would be fun to knit socks for Stephen between bites of "Ben & Jerry's Stephen Colbert's Americone Dream." Every sock in this book is making my fingers itch.
Posted: 6:19 pm on July 14th

ctdamsel writes: Right now, with temps in the high 90's, I am reallllly stretching my mind to imagine ever wearing socks again. However, in the cold weather, I enjoying wearing the pairs I've made! I think this book will be a great addition to my knitting library.
Posted: 5:10 pm on July 14th

MsWhimsey writes: Can one ever have enough socks? These books seem to be full of refreshing designs, and perfect for the take-along project. Like so many other devotees of your online journal, I would love to own these books.
Posted: 4:22 pm on July 14th

smfsprout writes: I would love to learn to make socks. The whole heel - toe - cuff system is intimidating for a novice.
Posted: 2:25 pm on July 14th

Nannie_Lou writes: I have knitted since childhood. I have never made socks and would love to do. I have grandchildren and would make wonderful homemade gifts. I want to make things for them so they will remember and do when they have children and grandchildren. It is a way to pass down a way of life that does not need to be forgotten. Knitting, crocheting, and sewing have been my sanity many times over again.
Posted: 1:40 pm on July 14th

saschapup writes: I have wanted to learn how to knit socks for the longest time! I think "The Big Book of Socks" would help me get started. Looks like a great book!
Posted: 12:19 pm on July 14th

beacontree writes: I would love to win "The Big Book of Socks." Right now I am in the middle of my second pair of socks and am looking forward to make many more!
Posted: 9:17 am on July 14th

marieteresa writes: I inheritated some wonderful cashmere wool, and would love to be able to knit socks with it, alas no matter how many patterns I buy nobody explains how turn the heel, goodness knows I have tried. Maybe one of these books might be the answer. I honestly wouldn't mind which one as long as it explains the heel tenique for an idiot, best wishes marie teresa
Posted: 8:35 am on July 14th

Jrlafleur writes: The Big Book Of Socks, because I can never have too many patterns.:).
My family would love the fun styles.
Posted: 6:10 am on July 14th

crystalangela writes: I have never knit socks before but I would love to learn, so either book would be fabulous. But if I had to pick one, I would say Socktopus, because the name just sounds such fun!
Posted: 12:11 am on July 14th

Rowans writes: I absolutely love socks. It has been a passion of mine since high school.The Big Book Of Socks is loaded with inspirational patterns sure to jump start creative gift giving ideas and just maybe a few new socks just for me. I would jump right out of my socks for a copy of the Big Book of Socks. Happy knitting.
Posted: 12:11 am on July 14th

CraftingGal writes: I've never knit any socks. Would love either book! Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted: 11:30 pm on July 13th

GryS writes: Since I first saw Socktopus, I have wanted to try my hand at knitting socks. But I think I would be able to find a pattern I like in the Big Book Of Socks!! I would love to win the Big Book Of Socks.
Posted: 11:22 pm on July 13th

LOVEsocks writes: Need these awesome patterns to make socks to fit my feet that are 2 1/2 differant sizes. Your designs are awesome.
Posted: 11:05 pm on July 13th

grami writes: After knitting for fifty years, I am going to get back to knitting socks. Since my son-in laws are all big guys I think I would probably get the most use out of The Big Book of Socks so I would lov to win that book so I could start my holiday knitting. Thanks... Grami
Posted: 10:40 pm on July 13th

DLouie writes: Either book would be great to have, but in the effort to choose just one, I'd prefer Soctopus. Thanks for the opportunity!
Posted: 10:34 pm on July 13th

jansews39 writes: I've just recently started knitting socks after knitting for too many years to count! Socktopus is such a clever name, it would be a great book to learn some new designs to add to my repertoire.
Posted: 8:18 pm on July 13th

Nuttmel writes: The Big Book of Socks looks like the book I would "LOVE" to win. Wow, looks like so many patterns from easy to difficult, it would be difficult to decide which to make first!!!! Socks make "GREAT" gifts, I start knitting this time of the yr for Christmas...

I love your newsletter, keep up the GREAT work....Mel
Posted: 7:22 pm on July 13th

Shai writes: I would love to win either of these books, but I think "The
Big Book of Socks" would be the most useful to me as I have several men in my life who love hand-knit socks but are very hard on socks as well. My partner takes a size 13 shoe, my father-in-law takes a size 11, and my stepson takes a size 12, and of course they all love a longer leg on their socks, which means that I am constantly knitting socks, and I get tired of using the same pattern repeatedly.
Posted: 6:31 pm on July 13th

audwell writes: I would love to have either book offered as I'm embarrassed to say that I have taught a blind man to knit and crochet straight items but can't get brave enough myself to learn to turn a heel on a sock. Maybe these books could help me so I can continue teaching him more detailed work. He's always fascinated by learning more techniques. Makes him feel valuable as a person with a talent. He does beautiful work.
Posted: 6:09 pm on July 13th

SvenskaSeighin writes: I have just entered the realm of knitting socks and have just recently completed my first wearable sock! I would LOVE to win either of the sock books. Thanks!
Posted: 5:52 pm on July 13th

oscarsgram writes: The red 2luvcrew from "Socktopus" really caught my eye. I would love to win it. I already own "The Big Book of Socks."
Posted: 5:09 pm on July 13th

Kathyquilts writes: I've just started sock knitting, so I'd love to win either book! Thanks for the chance.

Posted: 5:05 pm on July 13th

Svaana writes: What a great contest :) I have just started my very first pair of socks and am looking forward to knitting many more. I would love to win a copy of Socktopus. I always have trouble making my mind up when given too many options. Having only 17 patterns to choose from would make life much easier and I love the look of the pair on the cover.
Posted: 4:18 pm on July 13th

coffee_snob writes: I would like to win Soctopus. The designs are great! I am looking for some new inspiration after knitting 37 pairs of plain socks last year.

Posted: 4:08 pm on July 13th

eyesofyellow writes: Oh How Exciting! I have my very first pair of socks that I am knitting on the needles right now.....I have wanted to learn how to knit socks since I started knitting a few years ago but was scared....now I am just making them (have both on the needles) one row at a time! I would love to win "The Big Book of Socks"....this would be a great first book on sock knitting for me!
Good luck to the lucky people who win the books! Enjoy!
Jane
Posted: 3:59 pm on July 13th

Whiskey007Whiskers writes: So much of a good thing when my family received home-spun socks for Christmas this past year. They just loved the ones that I knitted using my favorite book titled The Big Book of Socks. I would like to win this book as I have lent mine out and it has not been returned.
Posted: 3:56 pm on July 13th

pjonesr writes: What a wonderful opportunity to win a great sock book. I choose Socktopus for the elegant and fun designs.

Posted: 3:49 pm on July 13th

Island_Gardener writes: I have Kathleen Taylor's "Knit One, Felt Too" book, and love it, so would like to win "The Big Book of Socks".

Posted: 3:47 pm on July 13th

lldurgin writes: I would love to win The Big Book of Socks ~ would love to learn new tips and tricks of the sock making kind!
Posted: 3:27 pm on July 13th

TuxedoMom writes: I have been wanting to learn how to knit socks and haven't had any luck with the patterns I've tried. I think I need "The Big Book of Socks" to get me going on the right track.
Posted: 3:26 pm on July 13th

sweetserenity writes: My choice is The Big Book of Socks because of the variety of styles and yarns used.
Posted: 3:15 pm on July 13th

sweetserenity writes: My choice is The Big Book of Socks because of the variety of styles and yarns used.
Posted: 3:15 pm on July 13th

NancyLynn writes: Would love to win the Soctopus. Love her designs
thanks...nancy
Posted: 3:13 pm on July 13th

tomsmama2 writes: I would love to win "The Big Book of Socks". Meet regularly with a group of wonderful women and with this book I'm sure we could find a pattern that all could agree on for a group project.

Posted: 3:11 pm on July 13th

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