**Disclaimer** I personally purchased this book this past year. I am not affliated with the author, publisher or yarnshop. This is not a sponsored post.
I love knitting and wearing handknit socks.
There is nothing like a handknit pair of socks, made with your special skein of 4 ply / sock yarn.
When I heard that my LYS were taking pre-orders for Ready Set Socks by Rachel Coopey, I jumped outta my shoes and submitted my order.
When I received the book, I quickly flicked through it. I’m really like the general layout of the book, which is geared for knitters who want to be Sock Knitters.
Starting off by choosing the knitting needles and yarn, then straight into the nitty gritty of top down sock basics.
I like the way the book is written, and typeface/font is easy to read.
There are 10 top down sock patterns which range from simple to interestingly challenging for Sock Knitters at any level. However,
There are tutorials on the variations in the cuffs and heels which appealed to my sense of adventure.
At this time, not one particular pattern is calling out to me. However, I do like that there is a hashtag for each sock. So, when I have more online time I will start looking thru the hashtags on IG to get some inspiration.
Overall, Pompom published a good reference book for Sock Knitters and any knitter who is curious about the Sock knitting experience.
*originally published on Dublin Knit Collective June 2023
Disclaimer I personally purchased a subscription to this magazine. I am not afifliated with the author, publisher or shop. This is not a sponsored post.
Aoife Long is a writer, editor of Slow Fashion and creative director at Spirt and Luxury. I came across her Instagram back in August. I take inspiration by her written word on the creative ethos of slow fashion and the Irish wool industry.
The print magazine cover is glossy and smooth, and as I flick through the 28 pages of heavy paper, the colourful images standout so amazingly. Six designers are interviewed in this issue.
The typeface and font makes it an easy read, with the exception of the Mise Tusa article which is printed on a dark green background.
I personally had visual difficulties reading it in a room with poor lighting.
Interesting read about, Bridget Geohegan and the creative collaboration with her mother , Meritta. Collectively know as Mise Tusa. However, this particular article had only one reference to knitting, the Magnifica Wrap. Not one photo in sight, and curiosity got the better of me, so I went over to the Mise Tusa website and searched for this hand knit strips of pink Italian linen. I would have liked to read the story behind this innovative article of clothing.
I’m no stranger to Liadain Aiken and her Instagram grid. I was quite interested on her thoughts of the cottage industry and at this moment it still works for her business.
The thought of getting a knitting machine in the VillaMaker Studio entered my mind as I read about the process of creating her her simple knitwear and adding that pop of colour in Donegal Yarns which gives it that whimsical edge.
I am quite acquainted with Ailbíona McLochainn and her knitting patterns. I enjoyed the insight to her artistic flare and design process. I was quite surprised to read her thoughts on social media by not playing the social game or reading reviews. Designing is her calling, she does not spend her day fiddling with tutorial videos to please content monsters.
Thank you to Ailbíona for contributing the Bachlóg Mitten pattern, specifically written for Spirit & Luxury Irish Wool, which is available on the Spirit and Luxury website. I was a little surprised to see the shipping fees within Ireland for one 100g skein of yarn needed for this project.
The pattern itself can be knit in DK yarn. There are striking elements in the construction of these mittens. So, I look forward to knitting a pair for myself and maybe a couple for Christmas presents.
My knowledge of any UK based slow fashion brands is zilch. I truly enjoyed Aoife’s written imagery of Beatrix Potter and the Lake District as an introduction to Kate Stalker and her brand, Oubas Knitwear.
Kate has a commitment to sourcing British wool and integrating it in her slow fashion designs.
As a hand knitter, I never had an interest in machine knitting, however, it was interesting to note that Siún Carden sees the two crafts as being integrally linked through the culture of making, creativity and technical know how. The Shetland Islands is a dream destination for any fibre lover.
The final interview is with Aran knitter and instructor, Ryan Koenig. He has found a creative way to spin a good yarn about the Aran knitting in Ireland to new knitters and tourists right here in Dublin. He’s also put together knitting kits to complement the Aran knitting experience through his AirBnB.
Thank you for reading my notes on on Slow Fashion Knitting.
VillaMaker 