Op-Art Socks: Creative Effects in Sock Knitting

What makes this book great are the thoughtful pattern details. Stephanie van der Linden has based each pattern on a famous artist or artwork and gives a bit of background on it as well. An example of the details, an M.C. Escher-based pattern of interlocking lizards has the charming detail of putting a lizard on the sole of the sock! And take a look at the sole on the Ludwig Wilding sock: a mosaic pattern with a clever set of decreases on the sole that extend the pattern 360 degrees around the foot.I'm incredibly inspired by this book. The first pattern that I made from this book was the 1 color pattern, Anni. It has knit and purl stitches that form a subtle meander or maze. In my first attempt at stranded 2 color knitting, I am enjoying the Fibonacci pattern right now. If you want to see all of the patterns, you will find great alternate photos from book available on Ravelry.com by searching "Op-Art Socks." There isn't a full set of project photos available on Amazon.Patterns range in difficulty: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Eighteen patterns are cuff down. One pattern is toe up. Some patterns offer mirrored designs for the left and right feet.This book, like all Interweave publications, also has knitting tips and a thorough glossary and stitch definitions. I'm particularly glad that multiple pattern sizes are included. I knit for large sized feet and other designers may only offer patterns in medium size.

I've been wanting this book forever. Thicker than I expected! Large glossy pages, 19 different pages. Lots of charts. Not for the faint of heart! It'll probably be a while before I tackle these & I will definitely be copying the charts so I can mark off my place as I knit. The complexity is mind boggling and the resulting socks look amazing!

This is definitely a table top book. These patterns are so beautiful and if you are into making mittens, hats and scarves you could make beautiful sets from these patterns.

The patterns in this book are both visually interesting and fun to knit. Each has new and challenging methods to learn. The charts and written instructions are clear and easy to follow. This is the first time that I have purchased an instruction book where I have wanted to make every pattern. At this point, I have made three pairs of awesome socks and I am working on the fourth. Since following the charts is essential, it would be a great benefit if there was a way to download them to print out so that they could be more easily followed without damaging the book. Because of the strong visual effects, it's a bit difficult to adjust the sizes. I think all of the patterns have 2 sizes included, however it seems that only the length changes and the width remains the same. I am happy that I was able to get this book so quickly and at a good price.

I bought the Kindle edition of this book - and I was worried that I would have trouble reading the book - especially with charts. But, using my iPad it is absolutely no problem. The pictures are really very high quality - and the charts are excellent. (Through Ravelry, I found 1 pretty minor errata that i need to look up. I think I'll be able to add a note to my book to remind me in case I ever do that particular pattern.) I'm starting to like "paperless" patterns more and more!I've only done a bit of stranding on one pair of socks. But this was a technique that I really wanted to explore further. This book has some great hints and has given me confidence to take the plunge. I'm really excited to try several of the patterns!

I am a sock fiend. I love to knit them and am always looking for new patterns to try. When I first saw this book I was a little wary, They look really complicated and although I like to try new projects, I do not want to devote my life to them. But, I looked at the Kindle version of this and then ordered the hard copy. The hard copy is just easier to follow a pattern from, and you can copy the charts to follow. The method used to achieve some of these designs are not as complicated as the socks would lead you to believe, and in fact are very clever. If you have done stranded knitting or colorwork, you can follow them.

Cool book with many ornate patterns that will bring a lot of joy

I'm so excited to finally get this book for Christmas. I've been previewing it online for quite some time. The book is quality made with beautiful pictures. It has so many fun patterns in it. I'm giving it four stars for now and then after I make a pair of socks I can up it to five stars if the patterns are well written.

I love graphic patterns and the book is full of them – executed both in colour and in texture. The pair of socks on the cover is not just vibrant but has very interesting sole construction which probably was the strongest enticement to buy this book.I knit a lot but apart from couple of relatively easy sock patterns I am not an experienced sock knitter. The explanations in the book are very clear and there are some very useful tips on stranded knitting small items in the round and general sock knitting techniques.It is great fun to browse through Stephanie Van Der Linden's book and I am looking forward to knitting some of the socks in it. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone in love of colour knitting even if they do not have experience. A sock is a small project and a great way to experiment with new techniques.

Like the patterns. Some of the yarn recommend does not appear to be hardwearing. All the brands are american so of little use to us Brits.It would have been helpful to state wraps of yarn per inch or centimetre. Patterns are clear and easy to follow.The size of sock only comes in two sizes, not always the same two sizes so if the pattern you like is not in the shoe size you want then you will have to be an accomplished knitter in order to adjust your needle size in order to create the sock size that you want.In summery: patterns good; yarn irrelevant; sizing a bit hit/miss.

What a lovely book. Almost every pattern in this is a wow pattern certainly not suitable for a beginner and no quick weekend projects but brilliant if you want to really stretch your sock knitting skills. Absolutely a must for the avid sock knitter.

Update 2022: This is, by far, my favourite sock book. Have made at least one pair of most of them and multiple pairs of 4 of them.I love the patterns in this book. I've finished the first pair and can't wait for the next. Can't wait for my sock drawer to look as colourful

Very stimulating projects well presented.