Classes

Explore Shimada’s Socks

Toshiyuki Shimada, a Japanese knitting designer (and concert pianist!) recently published a book of socks in a variety of styles.  You’ll be interested by the way these are charted, not written out.  With a little detective work, you can knit Shimada’s socks without knowing a word of Japanese.  We’ll review the basics of reading Japanese charts and schematics, and swatch a heel and a toe.

Gayle Roehm

Class Level:Advanced
Class Skills:Must be comfortable working from charts.
Cost:$75
Class Length:3 Hours
Class Materials:

Note-taking equipment; scrap yarn and appropriate double-pointed needles for swatching; yarn snips and sewing-up needle.  TO OBTAIN THE BOOK: The title of the book is “Hand Knit Socks,” (Teami no sokksu), the author is Toshiyuki Shimada, the ISBN-13 is 978-4-579-11263-0, and the ISBN-10 is 4579112636.  Some possible sources: Yesasia link: http://www.yesasia.com/us/sock-of-hand-knitting/1021323963-0-0-0-en/info.html (free shipping over $39; get another book while you’re at it).  Kinokuniya link: https://bookweb.kinokuniya.co.jp/ohb/02/contents/eb04.html  If you live near a Kinokuniya bookstore, you can order and pick up there, or have it mailed to you. See website for locations and phone numbers.  Amazon Japan link: http://tinyurl.com/47fjn8x (shipping is, however, very expensive).  Additionally, some Etsy and eBay sellers carry this book. A limited number of copies may be available at Sock Summit, but please get the book ahead of time if possible.

Homework:

None, but students should purchase “Hand Knit Socks,” (Teami no sokksu), the author is Toshiyuki Shimada.

Simply Socks Yarn Company Blue Moon Fiber Arts The Fold Knitter's Magazine WEBS Wool2Dye4 Louet Soak The Loopy Ewe skacel