Review: Folk Socks - Updated Edition

Let me preface this blog post by stating that, on the whole, I am perturbed by the majority of reissues and updated editions of books and albums. They irritate my frugal sensibilities - whether it's intended or not, the consumer has to purchase a copy of something they already own if they want access to the shiny new bells and whistles. This can be a double-edged sword for completists like myself (and my husband, an incurable vinyl nerd - but that's another story entirely): while it's frustrating to buy something you already own, it can be quite edifying to watch the bonus DVD that is included with the reissue, or hear the two new tracks, or knit the new pattern....you get the idea.

Reissues in the world of music definitely have more of a money-grubbiness feeling (at least to me), the likes of which I haven't seen here in the knitting world. However, there is one knitting book that has been plaguing me for quite some time: the updated edition of Nancy Bush's Folk Socks. I have a very well-worn, well-loved copy in my library, and I was a little dismayed when I saw a new edition come out in 2011. I knew that, eventually, I'd be buying this book again because I love Nancy Bush's sock patterns and books! Knitting on the Road is the first sock book I ever purchased, and it remains one of my favorites today.

Fast forward to present day, when I was browsing the Interweave Sidewalk Sale (happening now through June 26) and finally caved in; apparently, a price point of less than $10 is enough to sway me to the other side!

To judge the book solely on first impressions, it's much thicker, clocking in at 147 pages (as compared to the original edition's 117). The cover design and book layout is a lot more striking and colorful, with updated projects images and new detail shots.

The updated layout is not only fresher, it's easier to follow and read; the previous edition has a lot of dense text and very little graphic or other elements. A good example of this is in the pattern instructions - elements such as "Leg" and Foot" are in a noticeably larger font, and cues such as "Row 1" or "Joining Round" are written in burgundy. As a result, it's a lot easier to navigate the pattern instructions.

Patterns that were originally knit with yarns that have since been discontinued have been updated and re-knit, which is a nice touch. I was hoping there were a few new patterns, too, but it looks like the only pattern lineup changes are subbing in the Estonian Crossroads Socks for the Greek Socks.

If you're buying this book for the first time, it's worth adding to your library at any price point. If you already bought the original edition, snap up an updated version for $7.49 while the Sidewalk Sale is still happening!

Now that the sidewalk sale is done, may I recommend purchasing your own updated copy of Folk Socks on Amazon?

You may like to know: I purchased my own copy of this book and just wanted to share my thoughts for anyone who was curious about the differences between the two editions! This review was not solicited by Interweave.

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