We’re going slightly sock crazy over at Knit with attitude these days! Admittedly there has been a lot of focus on summer tops here on the blog with the Summer Top KAL happening, but really, what knitting project is more suitable for summer than socks? Small, light-weight and so portable you could even bring it to the beach (if you happen to be near one). I personally love a sock project as my public transport knitting, as it is almost impossible to bump into anyone while enjoying some quality time on the bus or tube.

If you happen to be one of those who still think of old ladies when thinking socks you really have to readjust your conceptions, sock knitting is super-cool and allows you to dive into a whole new pool of stitch combinations and techniques. We’re talking three dimensional constructs here!

One designer that has been receiving a lot of attention lately is Rachel Coopey, and let me assure you the buzz is well deserved. Her edgy designs grew quite a fanbase with her first printed collection Coop Knits Socks, and with the recent Coop Knits Volume 2 Rachel confirmed her position as the Queen of Socks – the applause does not seem to be dying out anytime soon.

In both of the CoopKnits Socks collections well-written instructions are accompanied by Jesse Wild’s beautiful photographs which really brings each individual design to the front.
Rachel’s creative designs often incorporate a variety of skills, including cabling, grafting, lace and twisted stitches, providing a great opportunity to try out new techniques. 
Each design is beautifully balanced and well thought out, giving both experienced and novice knitters the chance to create wonderful, wearable socks that are enormously enjoyable to knit. Not only that, but every print book contains a code to enable you to download the eBook free of charge.

At Knit with attitude we just can’t decide on which of these we will cast on for first, however, we all agree on which yarn to use. Remember the lush newcomer mentioned in the last blog post, Fyberspates Vivacious 4Ply? Quite a few of Rachel’s designs feature this tightly spun Merino yarn, hard wearing and washable, ensuring a long life for your favourite socks.

If you have already dipped your toe in the world of sock knitting but want to take your skills to the next level, perhaps you would like to turn things on their head and learn to knit socks from the toe up? We have a very exciting course coming up later this month – Toe Up Sock Knitting with Jane Lithgow.

Jane was taught to knit by her grandmother at the age of four and over the years has had a go at pretty much everything knitting related from punk inspired mohair sweaters in her youth to blankets and bootees for her niece and nephew when they were babies. However, her particular passion is for socks, a self confessed sock knitting geek, with lots of samples and sock related stories to show and share! Above all, Jane is an experienced, enthusiastic and patient knitting teacher who loves to pass on her skills and love of the craft.

There are a few spaces left for grabs, so it is still possible to get in touch to secure your spot. The Toe Up Sock Course is on Sundays 19th and 26th of April, the fee is £60 which includes the Artesano Definition Sock Yarn and a set of double pointed needles, everything you need to complete your first pair of Toe Up Socks – one of many I guess, as sock knitting is highly addictive!