by Alice Yu
Taunton Press, $19.95, 159 pages
If the 6000 people who attended the most recent Sock Summit (www.socksummit.com/) are any indication, Portland is a city that likes to knit socks. Based on a custom designed and colored sock yarn called Sokkusu – hence the name Socktopus – the 17 patterns in British designer Alice Yu’s latest collection are a treat for experienced knitters. Although, the first pattern is a basic one-color sock made entirely in stockinette stitch, the remaining 16 designs call for intermediate to advanced knitting skills. Samples are beautifully photographed, showing the intricate detail of each design. Top-down and toe -up charted designs are written for both double pointed and circular needles. The true joy of a hand knit sock is the combination of feel and fit and each of these patterns comes with clear measurement and sizing information. For the true sock addict, the pursuit of the next pattern to try is nearly as much fun as the actual knitting itself. This volume fits the bill on both counts.