Book Review: Saltwater Socks (Caps, Mittens, and more from the Island of Newfoundland)(OT)

Saltwater Socks (Caps, Mittens, and more from the Island of Newfoundland*) by Christine Legrow and Shirley Scott (Boulder Books, 2022, 250 pp paperback, $29.95) Review by Skye Anderson

The latest of four knitting books in the Saltwater series, Saltwater Socks is well-worth waiting for if only for the colors and the patterns and the history which is interspersed in between 25 patterns.

Vamps and Sleep Socks and Play Socks - What are Those?

Beginning with a history of socks (would you believe socks have a history?), Socks is a book to drool over. Your children will want socks with whales on them,

or osprey, or cod or caribou (degree of difficulty - Tangly). . . . 

The Humble Sock

Plus coordinating fingerless mittens, watchcaps, scarves, headbands, gloves, warm-ups. . . . with traditional knitting patterns

and, of course, stories galore.

They Also Serve Who Only Sit and Knit

Just as good food was important to me when I served in Afghanistan, perhaps color is crucial during the long winters of Newfoundland. Regardless, the colors of these socks are simply to die (dye) for - worth the price of the book for the history and photos, even for non-knitters. 

But beginning knitters will get a kick out of Saltwater Socks and learn with the introductory patterns labelled "Easy Does It (Think of this as a gateway pattern - the next one will be much easier. Keep calm and carry on. Best foot forward.)" 

Soon, with more experience under your belt, you will graduate to the "Tangly" patterns and finally to "Over the Wharf" socks (Rough road ahead. There will be tears before bedtime. It's time to fish or cut bait.).

And remember, the puffins sent you!

Long may you knit!

*The Canadian province, Newfoundland and Labrador, is composed of the island of Newfoundland and a mainland portion called Labrador.