There’s nothing quite like opening the box with the first printed copy of your very own book.

It’s difficult to explain the swarm of emotions. Excitement and exhaustion. Relief and trepidation. Not unlike giving birth…you’re so proud of what you’ve made, and you’re holding your breath as you prepare for it to go out into the world!

On February 13th, Knit Star Summer Lee’s first highly-anticipated book, “The Sock Project: Colorful, Cool Socks to Knit and Show Off,” will debut on Amazon, in Barnes + Noble, various yarn stores and bookstores worldwide.

I just preordered my copy!

When it came across my feed that Summer will be signing books at my favorite Tulsa bookshop, I had to call her up, get the inside scoop on the book, and see how she’s feeling as she prepares to release it out into the yarn universe.

First I asked Summer, why did you decide to write a sock book?

“I’ve always wanted to write a book,” Summer said. “Since I was a little kid, I’ve wanted to be like Carson McCullers hunched over a typewriter, you know, with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, writing this amazing novel (laughs).”

Still I wondered… Summer has been so busy, churning out amazing patterns, making ALL the socks and riding the wave of adulation in the wake of her Knit Stars Season 7 workshop. So why now?

“Because a NYC publishing company called me up, that’s why!” she laughed. “Actually, this was the third publishing company to approach me. The other two just didn’t feel right, but with Abrams the terms were great, I loved my editor – it was just a match.”

“They asked me what I wanted the book to look like, and I gave them the most nonsensical direction, you know, like ‘I want it to look like Courtney Love’s album from 2002!’” Summer said. “And they nailed it! They turned it into a book that perfectly captures me – it’s super colorful and super happy.”

In her Season 7 workshop, Summer shared how much she loves to read, and she’s especially attached to printed books.

“I personally love tangible artifacts,” she said. “I love having a physical book in hand. And with pattern books they’re so special, I love to collect them. It’s not just about patterns to make socks. It’s also about inspiration. You can pull those pattern books down and just feel inspired, it’s uplifting if you’re having a bad day.”

“I wanted to write the book I wish I had when I started sock knitting. It has a ton of tutorials. It has five different recipes just for basic socks alone. Lots of different heels and cuffs and toes. So you can kind of experiment and find the sock that works best for you. And then it goes into all my tips and tricks for colorwork, striping, fading, lace, cable, and texture. So you can kind of decide what you’re in the mood to knit and build your skills from there.”

I asked Summer what makes her book different from the other sock books out there?

“Well, first of all, my voice,” she said. “There’s a lot of writing, stories, reference to bands I love that you can listen to when knitting miles of sock ribbing…it’s got my character, my photography and inspiration. I poured myself into this 100%.”

“And the way that it’s structured, I created it to be the ultimate reference book, with recipes and skills that build on each other.”

Then I asked, “If I’m someone who took your Knit Stars workshop in Season 7, why do I need this book – and vice versa?”

“In my Knit Stars workshop, I show you the techniques in beautiful full-color professional shot video, the sneak peek into my life, and the 4 Knit Stars patterns. And then the book builds on it with photos and 25 different patterns you can put into practice!” she said. “They are great companion pieces to one another. If you’ve got the workshop and you’ve got the book, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be knitting socks like crazy within a month or two. You should be good to go!”

And lastly I wanted to know…”This books sounds perfect for beginner sock knitters, but what about the Lorettas of the world who’ve already made hundreds of pairs?” 😎

Heads up, Yarnies!

Today’s the last day to order the spectacular 1st Quarter Yarniverse Kit, featuring an exclusive new colorway from Hedgehog Fibres dyed on their new, to-die-for “Oh So Fine Cashmere.”

Along with the very special yarn, the kit will include a pattern designed just for us by HHF Founder Beata Jezek, plus a really cool surprise in honor of Beata’s hometown of Cork, Ireland. All in a gorgeous Yarniverse box with a beautiful full-color printed piece, too.

If you’re a Yarniverse member, click here [LINK] to order your kit – ships in February!

If you’re not a Yarniverse member yet, what are you waiting for? Click here to join– then come back and click through to pre-order your kit and get in on the fun!

Has all this sock talk put you in a sock-yarnie mood?

Well, allow me to tempt you a bit…

We have a limited supply of Twisted Ambitions Sweet Sock yarn in the yummy palette that Ross dyed just for us! Including our exclusive colorway “Calm Before the Storm” and my personal favorite, the pink-and-gold “Oh My Stars.”

Starting today, we’ve put our entire site on sale 30% off – including these very special sock yarns. Oh and they’re not just for socks…check out this page for other great project ideas!

Karen just cast on for a pair of socks using this Chocolate Lily Set hand-dyed by Love + Speckles. It’s perfect for a pair of high-contrast, luxe silky socks!

And orange lovers, rejoice! We still have tons of LolaBean “Dream Bean” in “Iconic Orange.” The cashmere blend is oh-so-delicious and a portion of sales still go to Gaye Glasspie @ggmadeit 🧡  

Shop all our sock and fingering weight yarns on sale 30% off, here.

Loyal readers who might be tired of the very protein-forward (read: steak) recipes that Hot Luke is so fond of…will appreciate Summer Lee’s recipe suggestion for the week!

“I’ve been eating this every day for like two weeks 😂(cuts down on decision fatigue),” Summer wrote. “It’s super healthy, delicious and easy to make! I got it off a reel on Instagram @natsnourishments – if any readers are looking for easy, plant-based recipes, she’s fantastic!”

Summer’s Beans All Week
Recipe and photo credit: @natsnourishments on Instagram

Ingredients:

• 1 700g jar of cannellini beans
• 6 cloves of garlic (or to taste lol)
• 1/2 a white onion
• 1 red chili
• 200ml vegetable stock
• 2 handfuls of spinach
• 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper

Method:
Slice the onion and sauté in oil until just browning, then add minced garlic and diced chili. Cook down for another minute and then add in the beans and their brine. Top up with veg stock and bring to a boil and then let simmer until thick, about 5-10 minutes. Finish by stirring through lots of spinach, lemon juice and pepper!