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Title: Step Into Crochet
Author: Rohn Strong
Publisher: Interweave Books, an imprint of F+W Media Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-63250-478-4

Step Into Crochet – Crocheted Sock Techniques from Basic to Beyond

Step Into Crochet is more than just a great crochet sock pattern book – it is an instructional guide to teach you the basics of successful sock crocheting. By learning these basics you will be able to modify patterns to fit you perfectly.

Chapter 1 is dedicated to explaining what factors go into making socks that fit you perfectly. Rohn Strong walks us through the process – how to measure your own foot and what parts of the foot you need to measure. He also explains how the ‘stretch for fit’ factor works and how you need adjust your pattern for negative ease to allow it to stretch to fit the size of your foot based on your measurements. Page 9 includes a chart you can write your specific foot measurements into for future use.

Sock Sizing Tables are discussed at length on page 11 and page 12 includes a great sock sizing chart for Infant/Child, Women and Men. Next we are taught how to take our own foot measurements to find our to-fit measurements to make our socks fit perfectly.

Chapter 2 explains how to Choose The Right Yarn and explains that not all yarns are sock yarns. We learn about elasticity, strength and absorbency and how different fibers and plies will play a big part in the strength and absorbency factors. It is also important to note that the more a sock yarn costs does not mean it is better quality. So if you are like me and tend to go with the highest priced yarn when you are unsure of how it will work for a new project like socks – read Chapter 2!

Chapter 3 explains the Basics of Sock Construction. This chapter outlines the basic stitches you need to know, the anatomy of the sock (the cuff, the leg, the heel and gusset, the foot, the toe) and the different types of construction (Cuff-Down or Toe-Up) and Gussets. Design elements like cables, lace and colorwork (intentional stripes and intarsia) are also introduced.

Rohn’s Top 5 Ways To Adjust Patterns For A Custom Fit are shared next on page 29.

Chapter 4 walks us through the construction methods of heels, toes and cuffs. You will learn about Cuff-Down Round Heel, Toe-Up Round Heel, Cuff-Down Strong Heel, Toe-Up Strong Heel, Common Heel, Cuff-Down Dutch Heel, Toe-Up Dutch Heel, Reinforced Heels, Patterned Heels, Wedge Toe, Six-Point Toe, Four-Point Toe, Square-Toe and Patterned Toes. You will also learn about different cuff construction methods such as Single Crochet Rib and Slip-Stitch Rib.

Beginning in Chapter 5 we are given patterns to use to apply our learned knowledge from Chapters 1-4. Simple sock patterns are provided first and are the most basic type most easily customized type of sock patterns. These are perfect for us to use to practice our newly learned skills.

The Designs included are:

Simple Socks

• Gorman Street Cuff-Down Socks – Yarn: Super Fine [1], Hook: 2.75 mm (C). Foot Length:  7.5″ to 9.5″ (in 1 inch intervals); foot circumference 7″, 7.5″and 8.5″; leg length 1″
• Gorman Street Toe-Up Socks – Yarn: Super Fine [1], Hook: 2.75 mm (C). Foot Length: 7.5″ to 9.5″ (in 1 inch intervals); foot circumference 6.5″, 7″ and 8″; leg length 7″
• Beltline Cuff-Down Socks – Yarn: Super Fine [1], Hook: 2.75 mm (C). Foot Length:  7.5″ to 9.5″ (in 1 inch intervals); foot circumference 7″, 7.5″, 8.5″; leg length 7″
• Beltline Toe-Up Socks – Yarn: Super Fine [1], Hook: 2.75 mm (C). Foot Length: 7.5″ to 9.5″ (in 1 inch intervals); foot circumference 6.5″, 7″ and 8″; leg length 7″

The more complex designs (but still very straightforward thanks to Rohn’s detailed instructions) are found from Chapter 6 to Chapter 8 and include:

Textured and Cabled Socks

• North Hills Socks – Cuff Down – Yarn: Super Fine [1], Hook: 2.75 mm (C). Foot Length:  7.5″ to 9.5″ (in 1 inch intervals); foot circumference 7″, 7.5″and 8.5″; leg length 1″
• Oakwood Socks – Toe Up – Yarn: Super Fine [1], Hook: 2.75 mm (C). Foot Length: 7.5″ to 9.5″ (in 1 inch intervals); foot circumference 6.5″, 7″ and 8″; leg length 1″
• Raulston Socks – Toe Up – Yarn: Super Fine [1], Hook: 3.25 mm (D). Foot Length: 8.5″ to 10.5″ (in 1 inch intervals); foot circumference 7″ to 8″ (in half inch intervals); leg length 3″
• Azalea Socks – Toe Up – Yarn: Super Fine [1], Hook: 3.25 mm (D). Foot Length: 7.5″ to 9.5″ (in 1 inch intervals); foot circumference 7″ to 9″ (in 1 inch intervals); leg length 1″
• Mordecai Socks – Cuff Down – Yarn: Super Fine [1], Hook: 3.25 mm (D). Foot Length:  7.5″ to 9.5″ (in 1 inch intervals); foot circumference 7″, 7.5″and 8.5″; leg length 5″
• Hillsborough Socks – Cuff Down – Yarn: Super Fine [1], Hook: 3.25 mm (D). Foot Length:  7.5″ to 9.5″ (in 1 inch intervals); foot circumference 7.5″, 9″and 10″; leg length 5″

Colorwork Socks

• Brickyard Socks – Toe-Up – Yarn: Super Fine [1], Hook: 2.75 mm (C). Foot Length:  7.5″ to 9.5″ (in 1 inch intervals); foot circumference 7″, 7.5″and 8.5″; leg length 1″
• Lake Lynn Socks – Toe Up – Yarn: Super Fine [1], Hook: 3.25 mm (D). Foot Length:  7.5″ to 9.5″ (in 1 inch intervals); foot circumference 7″, 7.5″and 8.5″; leg length 5″
• Pullen Socks – Toe Up – Yarn: Super Fine [1], Hook: 2.75 mm (C). Foot Length:  7.5″ to 9.5″ (in 1 inch intervals); foot circumference 7″, 7.5″and 8.5″; leg length 1″

Lace Socks

• Meredith Socks – Toe Up – Yarn: Super Fine [1], Hook: 3.25 mm (D). Foot Length: 8.5″ to 10.5″ (in 1 inch intervals); foot circumference 7″ to 8″ (in half inch intervals); leg length 7″
• Umstead Socks – Toe Up – Yarn: Super Fine [1], Hook: 3.25 mm (D). Foot Length: 8″ to 10″ (in 1 inch intervals); foot circumference 7″ to 8″ (in half inch intervals); leg length 2″
• Centennial Socks – Toe Up – Yarn: Super Fine [1], Hook: 2.75 mm (C). Foot Length: 8″ to 10″ (in 1 inch intervals); foot circumference 7″ to 9″ (in 1 inch intervals); leg length 7″
• Yates Mills Socks – Cuff Down – Yarn: Super Fine [1], Hook: 2.75 mm (C). Foot Length:  7.5″ to 9.5″ (in 1 inch intervals); foot circumference 7″, 7.5″and 8.5″; leg length 5″
• Little Rose Garden Socks – Cuff Down – Yarn: Super Fine [1], Hook: 2.75 mm (C). Foot Length:  8.5″ to 9.5″ (in 1 inch intervals); foot circumference 7.5″and 8.5″; leg length 7″

Here’s a look at some of the sock patterns included in Step Into Crochet:

The patterns are written in a easy-to-follow manner using American Crochet Terms. Multiple sizes are included in the written instructions for each pattern and included foot length, circumference and leg length. Yarns weights, lengths, quantity needed, fiber type, hook sizes and gauge are included in each pattern, along with any notions you may need.

The yarns used to create these designs are available on page 139 and include yarns from Blue Sky Fibers, Cascade Yarns, Classic Elite Yarns, Lion Brand Yarns, Louet North America, Made In America Yarns, Miss Babs Hand-Dyed Yarns and Fibers, SweetGeorgia Yarns, Westminster Fibers/Regia/Rowan and Yoth Yarns.

The number of increases are included after the written instructions, as well as, the final stitch count for each row or round. Special stitches used are included at the end of the publication in the Techniques Section if they are not listed as the one included in the “Stitch Guide” provided on the 2nd page of each individual pattern. Charts are included for cables and other patterned stitches within the pattern itself, when needed.

Abbreviations are included on page 132. Techniques are included beginning on page 134 and include the basic stitches (ch, sc, sl st, sc2tog, dc, dc2tog, hdc, hdc2tog, hdc3tog, lhdc [linked half double crochet], fpdc, bpdc, exsc [extended single crochet], mattress stitch, xdc-cl, seam toe). Most of these techniques included in this section include visual diagrams too which are helpful.

I am very impressed both by the content included and in the conversational manner it was presented. It almost felt like I was sitting and talking with the Designer himself and he was walking me through the entire sock construction process, how to modify a design to fit my non-average feet and addressing every possible question I could come up with in a friendly and helpful way.

This book isn’t just for Designers though – it is for anyone interested in crocheting socks for themselves, or as gifts. You are guided through the process of modifying sock patterns to fit your specific size measurements. You are even given examples, showing you how a pattern can be customized. Finally, you are provided with basic sock patterns to practice making your modifications; along with more complex patterns with beautiful design elements like cables, color and lace.

For those of you who are not interested in learning everything available in this book, it will still work as a fantastic sock pattern book. With 18 beautiful sock patterns, including socks with cables, lace and colorwork you have a variety of patterns to crochet and gift to family and friends.

Bonus Pattern! When you purchase this book from Interweave you also receive a 19th bonus pattern called Lake Johnson Socks!

Would you like to win a copy of Step Into Crochet, by Rohn Strong?

Here’s how you can enter for a chance to win!

This Giveaway is open worldwide where allowed by law.

Start Date: June 20, 2017; 12:00 am ET
End Date: June 27, 2017, 11:59 pm ET

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If you are not the winner of the Giveaway and you would still like to have you own copy of Step Into Crochet by Rohn Strong, you can purchase your book directly from Interweave!

Bonus Pattern! When you purchase this book from Interweave you also receive a 19th bonus pattern called Lake Johnson Socks!

I would like to thank Interweave Books, an imprint of F+W Media Inc. for both the Review and Giveaway Copy of Step Into Crochet by Rohn Strong. 

For more information about Interweave, visit their website, Facebook or Twitter!

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