Sew Magazine
Over 40 sock designs to knit for men, women and children, inspired by the beautiful traditional folk patterns found across Norway.
Journal of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers
The first thing this title brings to mind is fancy colourwork socks similar in style to the region's colourful sweaters; exactly the style pictured on the cover. A quick look inside reveals textured stitches, lace, cables and even entrelac topped socks.
The designs are based on regional styles and surviving historical examples from museum collections; not always direct copies, sometimes taking just an element of the design, such as an unusual construction or stitch pattern.
The patterns follow a standard format throughout, each getting three or four pages. A description and the photograph of the old piece that was the inspiration is followed by beautifully clear photographs of the finished sock or stocking; next comes a written pattern and charts where needed.
There are some introductory chapter covering six different heel styles, with handy charts for dividing the stitches over a range of sizes; and also a brief explanation of how to work entrelac. The author herself suggests checking online for more instructions, so perhaps the directions aren't for the complete novice sock knitter, but if you already have a few pairs under your belt, then there are plenty of ideas here to keep your needles clicking for a long tome to come.
Customer review
An incredibly useful, very well explained book. Even though I am a novice at knitting socks, I was able to understand the patterns and the adaptations that can be made. I love that there is a choice of heels, and so many wonderful patterns to choose from!
Customer review
As an avid knitter of socks I was interested to see this book, and I was not disappointed! Before even opening, the book cover is beautifully designed and eye-catching and its weight and high gloss appearance draws you in! The first few pages give an overall description of sock making, together with a huge pattern list! The patterns themselves are mainly for womens socks but there are a few childrens and mens patterns included. Some are straightforward designs and some are amazingly intricate colourwork socks which would be of interest to the very competent knitters! The charts and patterns are very well written. What intrigued me personally was the historic notes on each pattern together with some wonderful old photographs of the socks and people from long ago. From various parts of Norway, there is a little description of the history of each pattern which I really loved. Altogether this is a beautiful and extremely useful pattern book and I would heartily recommend to anyone with an interest in sock knitting.
Customer review
I adore this book! I love how each project has a little history on each of the sock designs. I am hoping by next winter that I will have mastered sock knitting enough to have made a few of these! There are so many gorgeous patterns to choose from as well. I will be honest, if you haven't knitted much before then you are going to find this difficult. If you have basic knowledge of how to work in the round you should be OK. If you have only ever worked flat like me it looks a little daunting. But there is a section at the beginning to show how to work the heel and toe and reinforce them etc.
The charts are well written and clear and I am personally a little bit in love with the Star Socks. I am already coveting yarn to make them with.
Customer review
I love the sock patterns as they are different from what I usually knit. It is a wonderful little booklet of patterns.
Customer review
Nina Granlund Sæther has produced a beautiful book of over 40 traditional Norwegian sock patterns reworked for the modern knitter. I love that each design has a brief history and a photo of the sock that inspired it. Cables, lace and colourwork are all covered, and there is also a choice of toes and heels to complement the sock patterns. If you are into knitting socks you will love this book!
Customer review
Socks from Norway is a beautiful book. It's got a large variety of styles and patterns. There are both children and adult socks to knit. It's fascinating that each pattern has a brief history about the sock. The book has lovely illustrations, all the patterns are in black and white which in my opinion is the best way to follow Fair Isle.
I'd say the book's not for novice knitters as all patterns are on 4 needles. Saying that each pattern tells you the skill level recommended for the pattern. At the front of the book it's goes through the techniques used within the book.
This is a well written book with clear instructions and lots of pictures.
Customer review
Socks From Norway is a great book of traditional Norwegian patterns, The book has over 40 different pattern socks all with easy to understand instruction. Each pattern starts with a little bit of history regarding the design. Since receiving the book I have constantly picked it up to have another read of it. Cant wait to actually start knitting a pair.
Customer review
This book is a must for any keen knitter, especially if you love socks!
It begins with a brief history of sock making in Norway written by the author herself, Nina Granlund Saether. With over 40 patterns to make beautiful socks this book contains all the information youll need, an extensive look into the tools needed, together with relevant information about yarn and reinforcing thread, gauge, sizes and of course, stitches. Also, there is a list of abbreviations to guide you.
The instructions are very comprehensive and there are full colour pictures, diagrams and graphs throughout.
Its a lovely coffee table sized book which offers so much. My needles are itching!
