So let us begin, shall we?

Now, I want to start off by saying... I've never knit a Christmas stocking before. I know, I know.... though I've knit plenty of socks, I've never knit stockings, and I don't hang any up by the chimney with care, either... I have a store bought stocking for hubby, my parents & I and that's it. But maybe with this book... just maybe... that will change?

We start with the usual how to section, including how to knit, purl, increases and decreases, turn a heel (short rows) and the importance of a gauge swatch. I've complained before about how knitting & crocheting books always include a how to section & it bugs the heck out of me, I find it a complete waste of space. If you are buying a book of knitting patterns then you already know how to knit... if you want to learn how to knit, you are going to buy a how to book, or take a class, or ask a friend, or go onto youtube

The patterns are laid out very clearly, and each part of the stocking is spelled out for you, casting on, knit the leg, turning the heel, finishing, etc and the photos are what you'd expect: clear, pretty, well lit. Patterns are all charted.

So, the patterns! Some of my favorites from the book include:

Winter Wonderland - a cute fair isle stocking, space to customize a (short) name, with little 3 dimensional snowmen to add on

Mix and Match Stockings - just what the title says, it's a great mix of fair isle patterns, you can also add a name to it.

Stars Brocade - if I were to knit my MIL a stocking, this would be it, though instead of the photographed white I'd use a Victorian burgandy

Mini Socks - great for an advent calendar

there's also an assortment of ornaments/package tags as well.



I received a copy of this book free through netgalley. ( )

This book had a lot of great patterns. Even better, some of the patterns have options within the style. For example, the pattern I completed had several different designs that you could use for each of the bands. Additionally, most of the techniques that you will need to complete the projects (color work, completing the heels) are explained in detail throughout the book. My only complaint is that the stockin that I did is a bit too big and there really isn't a good way to decrease the size. ( )

What a wonderful book of stocking and ornament patterns. I can hardly wait to try one, but first I have to choose a pattern out of the variety! The book reads well, has good illustrations with its instructions and the patterns are written in a simple, direct way. The variety is amazing, there are simple patterns to much more advanced. I don't feel intimidated by the more difficult patterns due to the layout. The variety of texture and colour is wonderful as well!! Thank you for a wonderful new edition

Knit Christmas Stockings, 2nd Edition
19 Patterns for Stockings and Ornaments by Gwen W. Steege
Love the different samples shown before the books chapters. Gives you an idea of what the book has to offer.
Ornaments are the cutest ever and I love the other patterns, fair isle, Irish fisherman I have a hard time deciding which I'd want to make first.
Starts with what you need for materials, abbreviations and other helpful information.
Instructions are given row by row style with some chart instructions for the color work involved.
Wide rows make it easier to follow the pattern. This is not basic things but if you take your time even a beginner can make these items. And for the experience knitters there are challenges to be met.
Reindeer and bells for a long term project-a stocking would be my choice. And for a short term project I'd want to select the heart ornament because it could be used for many other holidays.
I received this book from Storey Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion ( )

Cute patterns, haven't tried any yet so can't express an opinion on difficulty. ( )