Super Socks book – and a giveaway!
Well, here it is! Amazon have excelled themselves and the 3-5 days they told me it would take for my book to be available has been less than 24 hours – pretty great service!
Ta dah!
I wanted to turn the blog tutorials into a physical (and Kindle) book so that it would be an easy reference for people to use – either people who can’t or don’t use the internet, people who prefer to read a book rather than look at a screen or people going on holiday or somewhere without computer access but still want to knit socks, or perhaps as a gift instead of sharing a link. Sometimes, it’s just nice to have a book.
It seems incredible to me that all the thinking, knitting, photographing and writing over the last few months has resulted in this. I love the accessibility of everything online and would be lost without the internet (YouTube in particular has been a lifesaver during some technical hitches), but actually holding a book your hands – especially one with your name on it – is really quite something. It makes all the months of work worth every minute.
It feels like a seed has grown, or a caterpillar has emerged from a chrysalis – from this …
and this …
to something tangible with a picture of big daughter’s feet on it (and one of the few blue skies we seem to have had this summer)! I’m grinning like a Cheshire Cat!
Would you like to have a look inside?
The book has a paperback cover, is 8″ wide by 10″ tall and is 108 pages long. I wanted it to be a decent size so that it would be easy to prop it open whilst you’re using it, and also so that the pictures could be of an easily viewable size as well. The nice thing about the blog tutorials has been how big the pictures are so I wanted to try to replicate that. You can’t follow illustrated instructions if you have to put your knitting down every two minutes to pick the book up and squint at the pictures!
It contains the same information as the blog tutorials, from choosing yarn and needles, swatching and matching yarns to the instructions themselves. I’ve chosen a font that’s easy to read …
and offset the pictures with the text so that you can always see where you’re up to. The tutorials are set out for each needle type – short circular, DPNs and long circular – so that you can work on your socks from start to finish without having to search around the book for the next section. There are also the patterns for the 4ply and 6ply socks without the illustrations.
At the back of the book is an index – because there’s nothing worse than wanting to check up on something and not remembering where you saw it! That’s where the search facility comes in very handy on the blog, but it doesn’t work with paper!
The Kindle version is exactly the same but works on a Kindle instead. These pictures were taken from the previewer that I was using – here it’s set to show a Kindle Fire HD preview but the book works on any Kindle (although the photos change size).
As a Kindle works like a small computer, you can jump from any of the headings in the contents straight to the chapter
and I’ve also created an index at the back to allow you to jump to any of the specific sections that you might need.
I’m very grateful for all the support and encouragement that you’ve all given me over the Sockalong and no book would have been complete without mentioning this in the acknowledgements …
so thank you once again. It really wouldn’t have been the same experience without you!
And finally … what does it cost to have one of these books of your very own? Well, as you’ve probably guessed, they’re not free like the blog tutorials are, although I have tried to keep the cost down as best I can. Most of the cost is the printing, especially as the book is full-colour throughout, and then Amazon’s fee. The profit that there is will be going towards the cost of big daughter’s Peru trip which is less than a year away now.
In the UK, the paperback book costs £12.99 (less than a skein of hand-dyed yarn!) and the Kindle version is £6.40. (2022 update – there has been a price increase due to paper and printing costs!) There’s free shipping in the UK (thanks to Amazon’s policy of free shipping for books over £10) and of course the Kindle version is an immediate download. In other countries, it will be priced in the currency for that country and the shipping will be whatever Amazon’s policy is there. If you’re a member of Amazon Prime, you can borrow the Kindle book for free. If you don’t have a Kindle, you can download a free Kindle viewer from Amazon which will let you read any Kindle book on a computer, and also a Kindle app which will let you read books on an iPad.
(If you do buy a copy, perhaps you’d be kind enough to leave me some nice feedback on the Amazon site as that way Amazon will share the book with other people who are looking for something similar – thank you!)
To celebrate the launch of the book, I’m going to give a copy away – either paperback or Kindle, whichever you prefer – and I’ll sign the book if you’d like me to (providing you can read my rather untidy writing!).
All you have to do to enter is tell me who you would knit a pair of socks for and why. It can be anyone at all, living or dead, real or fictional, so just add your comments at the bottom and I’ll enter you into the draw. I’ll be picking the winner on Tuesday 4 August at 8.00pm (BST) using the random.org generator so that it’s fair.
In the meantime, you can find the UK paperback here on Amazon (my husband is laughing at me because I keep going to “check” that it’s still there), the UK Kindle version here, the US paperback here and the US Kindle version here. If you’re in a different country you’ll find it through the search bar – exciting stuff!
I really hope that publishing the tutorials as a book will help even more people to discover that knitting socks isn’t beyond them, and that it will be just the start of their sock knitting adventures! You can never have too many socks!
Edited on Tuesday 4 August, 9.00pm: The giveaway is now closed, but thank you so much to everyone for entering the giveaway and leaving your comments – I’ve loved reading them all! xx
I will knit a pair of socks for my mom because she's deserving of special things!!
How exiting 🙂 I've just found your blog and am knitting my first pair on DPN's as we speak, and your instructions were so easy to read, the only thing i had trouble with was turning the heel, but that was down to me being tired and not concentrating properly, i'm just starting the gusset now 🙂 Your tutorials are a godsend 🙂
I think i would knit socks for Stephen Fry, as he always outs together his outfits so nicely, so i'd knit a pair to match an outfit ,or a suit 🙂
Diva xx
I am not entering, because it would be wasted on me and a real actual knitter of socks should receive this lovely gift! I just wanted to congratulate you and say how wonderful I think this is and that I hope that you have lots and lots and lots of sales!!! xx
That's really kind of you Amy, thank you – and I live in hope that one day you'll be taking up the pointy sticks! 😉 xx
I'd make some for my son as a UK size 15 comfy socks are hard to find x
I'd make some of your beautiful socks for my bestest friend Jodie as she ALWAYS wears odd socks!!
Congratulations on the completion of your book, so many people have already benefitted from your sockalong, I do hope you raise lots of money for your daughter's trip to Peru. Liz
Congratulations on the publication of your book, did you realise when you started knitting socks it would lead to this? My youngest son has been badgering me for a few years now to knit him some socks but as he has huge feet – size 13 extra wide I have been putting off the task, especially as he wants them in a boring khaki green colour but if I won your book that would give me the incentive to tackle them. xx
Congratulations, you should give your self a huge pat on the back!! What an achievement!
I'd make my 16 year old son a pair as he is joining the Royal Navy in a couple of months. They will keep his toes warm and show him he is much loved 🙂
JoJo, can you email me at winwickmum[at]gmail.com please? I can't get in touch with you to tell you that you've won the giveaway! 🙂 xx
Oh my goodness that's amazing, thank you so much 🙂
Jon Snow, Game of Thrones, because 'winter is coming' and I'm sure a nice fluffy pair of socks would be handy on The Wall (yes I'm a sad Game of Thrones obsessed person lol!) x
That is awesome Christine! Well done…..I would make my daughter a pair as she loves some of mine that I shrunk (dryer accident) so they fit her and she reckons they are the best lol
Congratulations, you must be so proud of yourself! I struggle to sort out a blog post, never mind a book!
I would love a book version, and I would make socks for my son and daughter, me, my husband, in fact anybody I can knit a pair for
Congratulations!!! This is a special treat to have a chance to have your wonderful sock book. I definitely need your help to finish one sock that has been on the DP needle for way too long! I would love to finish them and start a new pair for one of my five kids or granddaugthers : ) (and finish them quickly)
Thank you, xoRobin
I would knit a pair for both my lovely grandbabies….then another pair for me…..a gal can't have too many pairs of handknit sox x
Hi Christine…Just to say congratulations…and I have just bought your book on Amazon, I found your blog via Lucy Attic 24 ages ago and have followed your tutorial for the basic sock pattern, I have always wanted to have a go knitting socks but all the patterns I found seemed too complicated and I never tried…until I found yours…I followed it to the letter, including hunting down the tiny circular needles and I have fallen totally in love with all the jazzy sock yarns available so much so I am now having a go at dyeing my own yarn!!. I have made two pairs so far using shop bought yarn and currently have another pair on the go, but as soon as they are done I'm going to start on a pair for your Yarndale Sock Line using my own dyed yarn. I do have a question, I would like to know how to scale down the pattern to make kiddies socks, my niece and nephew want a pair for Christmas!!!
Thanks again Christine and I hope your book is a great success.
Jan..xxx
Thank you very much, Jan! I'm so glad that you've found sock knitting so much easier than you expected. To scale down the pattern, all you need to do is make it reduce the number of stitches you want to cast on by multiples of 4, just as you would do to make the sock bigger. When I've made smaller socks, depending on how small they need to be, I've still kept the heel at 2" – if you're able to measure your niece and nephew's feet (just as you did with your own when you made your tension square) then it should be easy for you to work out how many stitches you need. Hope that helps! xx
Congratulations, I've placed my order it will be delivered tomorrow. x
That's lovely, thank you Jo! xx
I would knit socks for my Gran. She taught me to knit when I was 4, but I didn't attempt socks until after she had died. Having written that, I can't recall ever seeing her wear socks!
Congratulations on the publication of your book! What a great accomplishment and how satisfying it must be to see it in print after all of your hard work. I have been knitting and crocheting for almost a year now and have not yet attempted socks. This book would definitely be very helpful to me. I'd like to make socks for everyone in my family but the first pair would go to my husband since he has been so supportive in this new passion of mine. Thanks for the chance at winning a copy of your book, and congrats again!
I would give the book to my mother in law who loves knitting jumpers and cardigans, then she can make me socks. 🙂 cheeky I know, but I can't knit but know she would love This book.
For my lovely hubby as his slippers from Christmas are falling apart, mind you these may need to be for winter 2016 rather than this winter!!!
Congratulations… I only know one way to knit socks and it would be nice to learn how to make a real heel and top down. I would knit a pair for my son, a pair for my brother having a first anniversary surviving a heart attack and my best friend deserve one too. It's lovely to have book to hold and feel the paper.
Congratulations on publishing your book. I would knit a pair of socks for my great niece.
Exited for You, congratulations!
Mom would get a nice pair of socks 🙂
I would knit a pair for myself as I don't think I would be able to part with them 🙂 well done xx
Congratulations on your books. I would like to knit socks for my grandpa.. As he live next door and he likes to wear socks while he is sleeping..
I would knit a pair for my granddaughter's physical education teacher. He is always commenting on the socks I've knit for her and it would make both of them happy! Looks like a great book!
Thank you and congrats on your new book.
I love knitting socks. This book would be an amazing help.
I was terrified of sock knitting, but I'm beginning to learn. I'd love a comprehensive guide to different ways to knit them. I'd like to fill the sock space in my drawer with hand made socks, and give some away to friends and family. Also, there's a homeless ministry that I knit for sometimes, and I'm sure someone would feel really special with their own pair of hand-knitted wool socks for winter.
I think this is fantastic! I would make my parents each a pair of socks..they are in their 70's and both dealing with some serious health issues.
Great idea. I think that lots of people are really going to love this book.
Last year I taught myself to crochet as I'd always been a knitter. This year I told myself I'd learn to knit socks for my family of large footed boys since a friend of mine made me socks for my 50th and they were such a great present. This book would be just the ticket!
Congratulations! Such a big thing 😀 Hope your sales will go through the roof.
I want to knit my boyfriend a pair of socks.
I knit for me im not selfish its just no one i know appreciates that I enjoy knitting socks they just laugh! !!
Congratulations on your new book! It looks awesome and I'm sure it will soon be a recommended book for anyone wanting to learn how to knit socks.
I would knit socks for lots of people, but first for the little guy I used to babysit. I promised him a pair a few years ago when I only aspired to make socks, but still haven't figured it out yet. 🙁
As a relatively new Gramma, I have been knitting hats, sweaters, even dresses for the sweet little girl in our lives, but am a bit of a sock-o-phobe. I would love to use your book to get past that fear and make her a pair of socks for her birthday, and extend the gift it by doing one a year for her going forward.
Oooooh this is so exciting! Ok so although I've made two pairs for myself, I would like to make a pair for my husband as he doesn't realise just how awesome they are and NEEDS to experience handmade socks! 🙂 x
I knit for family and friends. If I won this book in hard cover I would give it to my daughter who wants to learn how to knit socks as well. Congratulations on your book
I'm sure many people will be fighting to get this on their book shelves. I start sock knitting four months ago. I like that you include details using DPNs and Magic Loop. Congrats on this project. I will definitely send many more knitters to this site for this book.
Congratulations on the new book!
I would knit a socks for my kids and grandkids. I cannot pick just one, they all want a pair.
I've downloaded your basic socks pattern and find it very easy to follow. Congratulations on your new book!
I would love to knit a pair of socks for my father who passed away in 1980 at the age of 54 years old.
Lmecoll on Ravelry
I'd knit socks for my Mum if I could, Linda. I'm sure both your Dad and my Mum would have loved them xx
I would knit a pair of socks for my daughter. She has very tiny feet, so it shouldn't take too long. Then I will relax and knit a pair for myself.
Congratulations on your new book.
I am terrified of knitting socks. Recently, I am thinking of taking a bold step & make a pair. I would knit for myself.
Congratulations on the new book.
This looks like an amazing book, easy to follow instructions. Way to go!
My father at 91 gets really cold feet even in the hot summer, he would definitely get many more socks to help keep him warm.
I am a knitter and love making socks but this book would be a wonderful gift for my niece( more my daughter) as she wants to knit socks but needs to "see" the instructions. What a wonderful treasure!
Great idea! Looks like a wonderful sock knitting resource.
This sounds amazing. I am knitting my first pair of socks now. I'm scared to do the heel lol. This would be a great help to me and many other people I am sure.
Congratulations on your new book! It sounds like it will be a wonderful reference to have!
I would knit socks for my grandchildren, 4 pairs…16 socks…that will keep me busy
I would love to learn more from your new book. Congratulations to you!!
would love to win a copy. congrats on publishing your new book!
I've tried to comment twice, but I never see it here. Third time's the charm? I have started knitting socks (I'm on the first pair after my 'practice' pair), but I need so much help! I would love to have this book in my library. I would also love to knit socks for my Mom who passed away a year ago in March. She was always so cold. <3
I forgot to also offer my congratulations to you! What an achievement!
Thank you! I'm glad your comment made it at last! 🙂 xx
I would knit a pair for my daughter-in-law. She loves home made items.
Sherryglover1 on Ravelry
Please don"t enter me in the giveaway as I use your tutorials on line and ask my mum when I get stuck, but I just wanted to add my voice to the chorus of congratulations and say how thrilled I am that you now have a book in print, how wonderfully exciting for you X
Thank you, Penny! It is super-exciting, especially as I'm hoping that now even more people will be able to discover that they really can knit socks after all! 🙂 xx
I want so badly to learn how to knit socks! The first pair i knit would be for myself as it would likely not be perfect. As i get more proficient, i will gladly knit more socks for family members.
Lovely book…and so nice to have many options for needles. Thank you for taking the time to help all of us!
I would knit a pair of socks for my brother. He is always complaining about being cold. =) Of course I have a long long list of those I would knit a pair of socks and gift them to.
I would knit a pair for my dear friends Mary Helen and Joyce because they are so kind and sweet to me in every way and I feel that handmade gifts are from the heart.,
Congratulations on your book. I would knit socks for my granny. She passed away almost forty years ago, but her memory lives with me still.
I would knit a pair of socks for my mum, She taught me to knit many years ago and I have spent many a happy afternoon with her over tea and knitting 😉 What better way to repay her for giving me such a lovely hobby than a pair of warm hand knitted socks that fit 😉
looks like a great reference book to have on a knitters bookshelf for the times when you need some extra help.
I would knit socks for my daughter who is living in China.
I've loved every moment of the Sockalong and am currently on pair #2 after spending way too many years as a non-knitter. I'd make a pair for my fiancée. We're eloping this fall and I'd love for him to have something I made to wear on our day. 🙂
My Grammy loves hand knit socks. I would knit her socks until her heart's content!
Congratulations on your book Christine xx Thank you for leaving me a comment on And's Instagram feed. I am thrilled and over the moon to visit your blog. I have admired And's socks for so long!! I would love to have a try knitting socks for my daughter away at University and for my youngest son, they are so special being handmade, individual and unique, I know how much they would be loved and that is exciting! The crazy, bright colours of wool just screaming to be made into socks, I can't wait to have a go!! Gez xx
I'd knit socks for my friend Sandra who posted on fb " Oh no, we have no loo paper, bye bye sock!" Perhaps I'd be better buying her loo paper.
Noooo! You couldn't let her use your beautiful hand knits as loo paper! 🙂 xx
I would knit a pair of socks for my grandpa. He is now gone but he was always my biggest supporter. I know he would have worn them proudly.
Congratulations !! 🙂 . You have inspired me to get into socks knitting.
My brother-in-law has been bugging me to make him a pair of socks. I've only ever made one pair though and have been reluctant to try and fit his XL feet.
Well, my first pair would be for me. Not for selfish reasons but because I have sock phobia, I have happily knitted for many years but never socks. Once I manage to master them, watch out everyone – socks will be coming your way!!
I have the wool but have never knitted the socks. You have inspired me to try for daughter number two, who is off to Amsterdam university for a year. They will cushion her feet from the cobble stones!!
I will be knitting socks for my daughter and granddaughter, because it gives me pleasure and they so appreciate them.
For me! Because I will appreciate them.n
I’d knit a pair for my husband. He has size 14 feet – extra wide – needless to say – virtually all socks don’t fit & by the time they have been washed several times – have a mind of their own, twist round, don’t come up far enough & leave him with blisters & sore ankles & lie low in the bottom of his shoes!