Knitter's around the world have discovered Antje's book, Knitting Circles Around Socks. In her first national-best-selling book, Antje teaches you how to knit two socks at a time on two circular needles. Once you close the toes, you have a pair ready to put on and wear! No more knitting the same thing twice or counting rows over and over again! When they're done, they're done.
The date of release was August 13, 2007. Now in its third release, Knitting Circles Around Socks is one of Martingale and Company's top three selling books. Check your favorite book seller's website for information on ordering or come by and see Antje at The Knitting Nest and pick up your own personally signed copy.
If you are a retailer and would like Antje to visit your store for a workshop or book signing, please contact her at The Knitting Nest 865-983-9554 or antjed@aol.com.
Thank you to all our friends for making this book possible and thanks to Martingale & Co. for believing in my beautiful wife, Antje.
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| Antje signed over 100 books at her first book signing! |
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| A historic day for the Gillingham family. |
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| I got mine! |
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Book Reviews and Comments
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 A really great book! , April 29, 2008 |
From - Amazon.com |
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 No more Lone socks!, April 27, 2008
I'm a novice sock knitter, and after my first pair of socks I discovered the problem of knitting socks individually, not only did they take me forever, but they turned out surprisingly mis-matched. A lady at the knitting store reccommended I try this volume, and I did, I've knit 4 pairs of socks using this book, and each pair comes out a bit better.
The instructions are clear and easy to follow, the patterns are very easy to read and I've even been able to adapt a different sock pattern to use with this method with no problem. She has wonderful diagrams of how the socks work, and several handy charts on sizing and on yarn weights.
The only problem I had at first with this book is figuring out how many stitches to cast on to make childrens socks from the basic pattern. And that might be due to my status as a novice sock knitter.
The only think I'd love to see is a toe up method, and perhaps information on how to change sizes for children. But I'd recommend it to anyone, and I'm thrilled at spending the time I would to make one sock and turning up with TWO!
From - Amazon.com |
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Book Review
This book includes eight designs ranging from easy to advanced, and a new technique: knitting two socks at the same time on two circular needles! You'll gain speed and efficiency and have fun trying new patterns that include cables, lace, ruffles, and more. Use of beads, contrasting yarns, and cotton with a touch of elastic are featured. There are anklets and longer socks, chunky and fine gauge. The first section, devoted to explaining the technique, is easy to follow thanks to well-written text and plenty of photos. One major plus to knitting two socks at once: When you're done, you're done. None of this "one sock finished, one sock maybe someday" that afflicts all of us at some point. Let's hope this is the first in a series rather than a stand-alone volume. We'd like to see more.
From - Knit 'N Style Magazine - June 2008 issue # 155
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Hi Antje (and team),
First let me say I LOVE your book. I'm an advanced-beginner knitter, and I'm currently on my 3rd pair of socks using your method. It gets easier with each subsequent pair! I'd tried fiddling around with 3 & 4 dp needles before finding your book, and thought it was too much bother, but now it's a treat to knit socks, and it goes so FAST!
I'm writing about Fixation yarn. I'm in the UK, and my Google search reveals NO sources of Fixation in the UK. Is there a substitute for this apparently-wonderful product? I'd like to have a go at the lacy socks as well as the striped ones, but don't want to make a goof by buying a substitute that doesn't work well.
Thanks for the great book & easy to follow directions. I'm currently using the Anne's Stripes pattern (size Large) in a solid gray Regia 4-ply for my husband, and just before being ready to start the heel flap, I found your site & the pattern correction for size large. Hooray! Thanks for that, too.
Yours Truly,
Phyllis |
Perfect for the advanced-beginner!, March 28, 2008
I received this book as a gift and am SO glad that I did. When I got it, I had knitted about 3 pairs of socks prior (one at a time, using DPNs). I was fairly comfortable with the anatomy of a knitted sock, but I think I could have understood Antje's technique even as a complete beginner.
I have to absolutely RAVE about the photography in this book. I have never seen a knitting book that had so many photos. In the first section of the book where the 2 sock technique is explained, there is a photo of EVERY SINGLE STEP. You can actually just follow the photos without reading a single page of the text and you will still end up with a perfect sock.
I knitted my first sock as a plain stockinette sock using Antje's technique. The second sock I did using this technique was the "Monkey" sock by Cookie A. and I had no problems at all translating the technique over to a more complex pattern.
Since I got this book and started knitting this way, I've had the opportunity to help out at a workshop with Antje in Hendersonville, TN. She is a wonderful person and if you ever have the chance to take a class with her or visit her knit shop in Maryville, TN, I highly recommend it. She's an excellent teacher and an all-around wonderful woman!
From- Amazon.com |
From: *****@yahoo.com
To: antjed@aol.com
Sent: 3/26/2008 2:03:59 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: Converting sock sizes?
Hello, Antje ... Knitting Circles Around Socks is
wonderful! It's just brilliant ... I have made some
for myself and have converted four-needle directions
to the two circular needles with no problem... after this
pair of socks, I'm going to try your technique with a
pair of mittens. I don't see why it won't work, but
if you've tried it and found a glitch, please let me
know. Many many thanks again. Joyce |
From: miss*****@yahoo.com
To: antjed@aol.com
Sent: 3/26/2008 11:51:51 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: Wow!!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the "Knitting Circles Around Socks" book. My local shop, "Always In Stitches" recommended your book when I asked about another title. I am so glad. I found the other book later and it is not anywhere near as good a book as yours. Besides which, I loved knitting two socks at a time, your instructions were perfect and I finished the socks in record time, for me. I finished them as I was watching Dancing With The Stars so these will have to be my "star" socks. I am looking forward to starting another pair this evening. I didn't use a particular pattern for my first pair, I just started with 48 stitches and did eight inches of k2,p2 for a pair of bobby socks, then I followed the rest of the instructions for the heel and instep, adjusting for the different number of stitches. I have been knitting for 53 years, off and on, and suddenly can't put my needles down. You get all the credit or blame, depending on who is telling the story. Thanks again. Pat - Noblesville, IN |
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One of my favorites, March 23, 2008
I love this book because not only does it give extremely easy to follow directions but it gives a nice variety of sock patterns and also how to convert double point patterns to this method. I would definitely recommend this book to any avid sock knitter. |
From- Amazon.com |
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love it!!!, March 18, 2008
This is my favorite sock knitting book and it sits on top of a hefty pile of others on the topic! Great illustrations for those of us easily confused by written directions. You need no experience in sock knitting to use this book and there are a variety of techniques to try. |
From - Amazon.com |
March 18, 2008
Knitting Circles Around Socks: Knit Two at a Time on Circular Needles
This is the perfect book for the first time sock knitter or the experienced knitter desiring to learn the 'two at a time on circular needles' technique. The instructions are simple; written very clearly. There are lots of illustrations. The author takes you by the hand and leads you step-by-step through this technique for knitting socks. After knitting the basic sock pattern, there are several other patterns to use.
I love the book and am very glad I purchased it.
From - Amazon.com
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Beginning Knitters Can Knit Socks With This Book, March 9, 2008
I am a beginning knitter. I HAD NEVER MADE A PAIR OF SOCKS UNTIL I RECEIVED THIS BOOK! When I first flipped through the pictures and patterns, I thought, "Maybe this is beyond my knitting ability level." However, as I followed the author's meticulous, step-by-step instructions, each subsequent portion of the directions made sense as I continued knitting along. The directions are very detailed, and the pictures are clear and helpful. I am pleased to report that my first pair of knitted socks turned out incredibly well, thanks to this book!
The author provides "The Basic Sock Pattern," on pages 20-33, to show exactly how to make a pair of plain, worsted-weight socks on two size 5 circular needles (one 16" circular needle and one 24" circular needle). There are 19 individual photographs (Figures 1-19) in The Basic Sock section that aid the reader in understanding the well-written directions.
Since the 16 inch and 24 inch needles are different sizes, you will not get confused regarding which row/round you are knitting. I followed the author's suggestion of using point protectors to differentiate between needles for the first few rounds. Bryson knitting point protectors can be cut in half with a sharp craft knife (these point protectors have holes for two needle tips). After cutting one point protector in half, I put halves on two of the four needle tips to differentiate between the 16 and 24 inch needles.
In addition, illustrated diagrams and written instructions are provided in the "Knitting Basics" section of the book. Instructions are included for the Long-Tail Cast On, Knit Two Together, Purl Two Together, Slip Slip Knit, Slip Slip Purl, Make One Stitch, the Kitchener Stitch Bind Off (Grafting), and other stitches mentioned throughout the patterns in this book. As a beginning knitter, I did not previously know how to "Slip Slip Purl" or how to do the Kitchener Bind Off (to graft the final toe stitches together). Since the author provided these instructions in this book, I did not have to search the internet to find directions elsewhere.
In addition to The Basic Sock Pattern, there are 8 more sock patterns in this book. You can make bulky-weight socks (1 pattern), socks with beads (1), socks with stripes (2 patterns), socks with cables (1), anklet ruffle socks (1), and socks with knitted lace (2). Besides the patterns in the book, the author gives instructions for "Converting Patterns From Double-Pointed to Circular Needles." With the conversion instructions, you can convert any double-pointed needle sock pattern to the two-at-a-time circular needles method.
This book is a wonderful resource if you want to make two socks at once (from the cuff down) on two circular needles!
From - Amazon.com |
Brillant!, March 8, 2008
The technique illustrated in this book FINALLY enabled me to knit a pair of socks. I have tried using other methods with many failed attempts. This book takes the mystery out of knitting socks. Well Done Ms. Gillingham!
From - Amazon.com
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I Hate Knitting Socks!!
"This was my usual response until I bought "Knitting Circles Around Socks" and with these easy to read instructions I've knit three pair in a month. Two socks at a time with two circulars. Now I love knitting socks!" — Susan
From - The Yarn Shop Website (Charlotte, North Carolina) March 2008
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 A very good book!!, 21 Feb 2008
From - Amazon.com.uk
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Warm Up America! Weekend
This past weekend’s Warm Up America! Knit Out was my first experience at this event. I was awestruck meeting designers Candi Jensen, Susan B. Anderson, Kristin Nicholas, Antje Gillingham and Karen Thalacker. I’ve knit patterns these wonderfully creative women have published. It was a thrill for this knitter’s heart to rub elbows and hang with them . . . and they were so nice! And not a single one asked me to show them my knitting . . . thank goodness!
From - Debbie Macomber Blog
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Two Socks at Once!
Mon, 2008-02-11 00:29 — scenter
Reporting back on the two at once sock class, as I promised BuduR:
I took Antje Gillingham's class Sunday at my LYS - all 7 hours of it - and we made 2 socks at once on two circulars. Since she wanted to make sure we completed all the techniques in class, we only made baby booties (sorry I don't have any pics - I immediately frogged them to make the full sized version at home).
The technique can be a little daunting at first, but if you have knit one sock at a time on two circulars already, it really isn't too different, so persevere and clarity will come. The knitting is done from two separate balls - one for each sock - each is cast on separately in a manner that allows you to work one half of one sock (Sock A), then the same half of the other sock (Sock B), followed by the other side of Sock B and then Sock A - the pattern is AB-BA-AB-BA-AB-BA-etc.
Her book "Knitting Circles around Socks - Knit two at a time on circular needles" is well written, and is easy to follow. Her technique centers on two disparate circular needles - one 16" and the other 24" - the different lengths help you distinguish between 'sole' and 'instep' stitches, so it's harder to get lost in a stockinette jungle.
From - www.menwhoknit.com/community
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good photos and instructions, January 20, 2008
Very clear photos, instructions and patterns easy to follow knitted from the top down. Basic stitches explained and graphed. This book has the best kitchner stitch bind off explanation I have seen.
From - Amazon.com
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Great for beginning socks-on-circs knitters!, January 13, 2008
Very nice resource... clear instructions, good photos, step-by-step instructions. This will get you started knitting tubular pieces two-at-a-time, which I think is the easiest and most logical way to knit components that need to end up exactly alike (or mirrored). I'll use this method for knitting sweater sleeves, pants legs, and mittens, as well.
I started off knitting just one sock on two circular needles to get comfortable with handling two needles at once. But then I was ready to get on with knitting pairs of things.
The idea of using two different length needles was brilliant! That makes it much easier to differentiate between sole/instep ... or in the case of sleeves, front/back. Will make mirrored shaping much easier in future projects.
Combine with Cat Bordhi's New Pathways For Sock Knitters Book One for toe-up instructions and alternate sock architectures... add your own stitch patterns and you're in for unending sock success!
~ Karen Wiant
From - Amazon.com
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I just finished a little pair of socks (at the same time) using your book!! I had a little yarn leftover from another project and so I just downsized the numbers and now have completed a nice little pair of socks for a toddler. I have knit many pairs of socks including two-on-one-long-circular and had decided I still preferred TWO circular needles even if I could only knit one sock at a time. Then I saw YOUR book and now I doubt I'll use any other technique! It's just great.
I grew up in Tullahoma, Tennessee, which is far south of you, I hope maybe sometime when I'm back in the state I can visit your shop in Maryville! I was reading your blog about your meeting the author from the Body Farm, funny, I had just bought the second book in that series last night at the same bookstore where I got your book--the best bookstore in the world, Tattered Cover, here in Denver, CO. The Body Farm sounds so interesting.
Well, thanks again for this great technique and Happy Holidays. Langdon in Denver
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Wonder socks, December 2, 2007
I really liked this book it was a challenge to learn this new way of knittng and the patterns were very nice and well written. |
From - Amazon.com
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Easy to follow, December 14, 2007
I tried to use another book to knit a sock using the magic loop, but even though I mastered using one circular needle to knit with the magic loop, the directions for the socks were hard to follow. So I purchased this book on the basis of these reviews, and what a difference. The directions and photos that go along with them are so clear and easy to follow. At first using the two circular needles was a little confusing, but very quickly I figured it out. And knitting both socks at the same time is so much better than knitting one at a time. |
From - Amazon.com
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Fun to knit 2-at-a-time, December 11, 2007
This book makes sock knitting easy, fun and fast. No more trying to match sizes as you knit both socks at once. It's easy to make both the same size using this method.
From - Amazon.com
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Absolute MUST own if you are a sock knitter!!!!!, October 30, 2007
I received my book from Amazon and was very excited to begin to work with it
I have many sock books , but this one TRULY is the best!( add to this that you can convert any sock pattern to this method it makes it even better!)
I , too suffered from the second sock sydrome~ ESPECIALLY socks for my husband or sons!
I think this book is hands is without doubt one of THE best sock books that I have ever seen in terms of explanation. Period ( and I cannnot say that about too many knitting books!)
The author is able to articulate and diagram socks and their construction in an easy and understandable way, this would be the book I would use if I were a beginning sock knitter also.
You can go from NEVER knitting a single sock to this book and pick it up ( with out a class!).
The beginning sock knitter will finally feel that deep sense of accomplishment that they have conquered the knitted sock!( Well,, at least that is how I felt when I simply couldnt " get it" time and time again when I first ventured into sock knitting.)
She explains and diagrams everything is such a clear manner that it would be very hard NOT to understand it( Believe me,,, I do understand how frustrating this can be,,I tried to " get it" for a long time!)
The patterns offered in the book are just great,,,,you can move along with a sense of accomplishment and the best part is,,,,,BOTH of you socks are done at the same time for virtually the same amount of time it took you to make one sock! ( HOW great is that???)
I have made socks for my husband sparingly, because ,of course ,it takes a bit longer to make larger sock , then,,,,there is the second one to be dealt with...
Add to this that this is the ONLY knitted item he EVER asks me to make for him,,,,,( not vests, not sweaters,,,,but SOCKS!)
If you ever put a pair of handknit socks on you would instantly know why.
They are a simple luxury to the human foot.
( and we wear them year round unlike heavy sweaters)
I also learned to knit many years ago as a child from my Oma ,,but put my needles down ,,and when I picked them up years later , I couldnt knit in the class because I ( unbeknownwst to me) had learned continental knitting vs American knitting ,,and was very frustrated~
One very kind person put needles in my hand and asked me how I would knit and then I got it fast!( if not for her I might not be knitting today)
I quickly learned and knit on with a passion just like the author~
Every girl who has an Oma, learns about the age of 4th grade or so,
so I feel a connection to the author in some small way knowing our heritage is very much the same.
I loved her personality in the book and it definately came through, she encourages the knitter to understand and really GO for it!
I had this book on pre -order as I REALLY want to be able to knit more socks as gifts for my husband (and others) and this is perhaps THE most common request I get from non knitting people.
For me , this will mean that I CAN accomadate those requests!
I would give this book a 15 star rating if I could because it has freed me from the second sock syndrome once and for all!!!
Thank you SO SO much for writing this book ,,I ABSOLUTLY LOVE IT!!!!!!( I know my husband will thank you also come snow and hunting season this year!)
From - Amazon.com
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"I have never made socks and I admit no desire to ever do so.....well,truthfully everyone who knits socks seems really hooked (no pun intended) and I have been afraid of becoming one of them, but I think the experience will be good for me,so when the book "Knitting Circles Around Socks" by Antje Gillingham hit the shop I grabbed one and plunged in. Her explanations are clear and well written and so far it seems really easy to knit both socks on two circulars (why doesn't everyone) :-) for me it works because I know I won't do the other one, having no real desire to do socks in the first place. I am using Cascade 220 super wash for the first pair following the recommendation to use worsted weight yarn."
From - Commuknity website
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A fun learning experience, September 28, 2007
Since I have done socks on doublepoints before, I decided to start with the "Anne" pattern and fingering weight sock yarn instead of the worsted weight wool recommended for first attempts. I figured I could just take the numbers from Anne and drop it into the basic pattern instructions as I went along. It worked beautifully!
The instructions in the basic pattern are very detailed and easy to understand and follow. And thank you for taking the time to add many pictures to the directions as I am more of a visual learner!
I also like the various patterns in this book because they show how to work this technique with cables and lace, and they are not too complicated to practice with. I've started working on the fixation/lace pattern and it's very pretty...I keep trying one sock on! ;)
Next I am going to use one of my favorite "regular" patterns and convert it to the circular needles. Hopefully it will be as easy to understand as the rest of the book is. I really enjoyed adding this book to my knitting library.
From - Amazon.com
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I finally get it!, September 30, 2007
After many attempts at knitting socks, I finally get it! This book has stayed at my side while knitting my first "pair" of socks. As a matter of fact, I have them on right now and have 2 more pair on needles.
The instructions, photo's and description of each part of a sock are right on. I was fortunate enough to have taken one of Antje's sock classes in her shop and can tell you this book is a must! It makes knitting two socks at one time a breeze.
While I have only been knitting for 3 years or so, I have always wanted to make socks only to end up with one as I used double pointed needles.
I am so glad I found her shop and the book. Thanks for sharing!
From - Amazon.com
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"I love how Antje gets right to the cause of knitters’ reluctance to learn to knit socks. One, having to work with pesky double-pointed needles. Two, having to knit the exact same thing twice. Knitting with two circulars takes care of both these issues. It is certainly why I started knitting with two circulars... What I considered tricky with knitting two socks at the same time was the traditional heel flap and gusset. With her Basic Sock Pattern Antje walks you through the steps. She also explains how to translate DPN sock patterns into two-at-once patterns so you can use all your old favorites."
Kelley Petkun - is the owner of Knit Picks. She has been knitting for 20 years.
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Overall Rating:  5 out of 5
Oct 31, 2007 from Aurora, CO
I knit a sock with 2 circular needles at a time, easier on my hands than double pointed needles--the instructions in this book teaches you to knit 2 socks with 2 circular needles--all you need is a 2nd skein of yarn---since I have received the book, I have finished 2 pairs of socks (small and xx-large) within a week! Easy technique to learn and master--great book!
From - Overstock.com
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It's time to knit some socks. I was at a bookstore and found this book on knitting two socks at one time, using two double pointed needles. The book is called, Knitting Circles Around Socks.This is not a new concept by any stretch, but the illustrations and concise explanations really got my attention. This could either cure my plague of second sock syndrome, or put an end to my sock knitting forever. I decided to buy the book and take the chance.
I am not one to understand knitting directions from a book. Usually a kind, yet sympathetic person has to show me and explain it, and not just once. Then, because I still don't get it, they have to use different words until that little light comes on.
So I turned off the TV and set my needles in front of me with the book. The true test was to get past the first round without twisted stitches, fumbled up needles, knotted yarn, or insane behavior.
So far, so good... suddenly, I realized with delight that I had worked several rounds, and everything was clear.
It's easy to see how it works: you use the same size (but different lengths) of circular needles. Half the stitches of each sock is on one circular, and the other half is on the second. Working back and forth, you change from one circular to the other to make the round.
It is so much easier to see it explained in the book.
Here are some of the advantages:
Two socks are finished simultaneously
Both socks are the same size and length
No needles to slip out
Heels are worked on two needles
You can use any sock pattern
(and yes, you can even try them on while working on them)
Beautiful!
Posted by: Weedwacker Knits- November 13, 2007
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I made an interesting discovery yesterday as I was perusing my local library's online catalog. There are A LOT of closet knitters living all around me!!! Case in point - TWENTY reserve requests for A.K. Gillingham's "Knitting Circles Around Socks." For an area that honest to goodness does not have a LYS (unless your definition of 'local' is multiple towns over), or any other visible knitting presence, that is a shockingly large number.
KNITSABELLA - November 5, 2007
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