Tuesday 19 February 2019

Review of Coopknits' Socks Yeah! DK Vol 1 + Yarn

Image courtesy of Coopknits
Having previously bought sock afficianado Rachel Coopey's Socks Volume 2, and knitting the starter Dave socks, I was pleased to see that she has published a book Socks Yeah! Volume One DK in January to support her own Socks Yeah! DK yarn.

The book contains eight original sock designs in various degrees of difficulty to suit both the new sock knitter and those who love to combine colour, lace and cable in one design.

The print book costs £12 plus P&P and is available from Coopknits' own shop and other retailers. If you're happy just with an ebook version you can forgo the P&P and download it for £12 at Ravelry.

I bought the book from AC Knitwear who at the time I bought it were selling the book and three 50g skeins of Socks Yeah! DK at a discount. It was difficult to choose which three colours to go for but in the end I plumped for Sphene, Tyburn and Fleet to knit the stripy sock pattern Zlonk.

The darker colours are described as grey but look a lot bluer in the photos and real life. They really make the mustard yellow of Sphene pop. My plan was that the socks' stripes would be a gentle introduction to the knitting the patterns from the book and that once I've mastered them I can move on to something more difficult such as the pink-toed Pow.


Coopey says that as the socks are knitted in DK weight they're perfect for keeping your feet cosy in colder weather. Using a 3mm circular needle rather than the usual 4mm for DK weight means that the knit is slightly denser and sturdier than usual.

At the end of book are very helpful photographic tutorials covering the long-tail cast on and Kitchener stitch - although I've used the grafting technique plenty of times I always need a quick refresher.

It's a pleasure to knit with Socks Yeah! DK as it doesn't split and is smooth to the touch. The yarn is a blend of 75% merino and 25% nylon. A 50g skein costs £6 plus P&P. At present there are 16 shades to choose from, some of which are pictured below:

Image courtesy of Coopknits
Here's where I'm up to so far with sock number one!


I'm taking a little holiday and am hoping that I'll be going from cold England to something akin to this:


I'll be taking Socks Yeah! DK with me to keep me occupied in case the reality is more like this!


Coming soon

When A Woolly Yarn's holiday is over we'll be reviewing

  • West Yorkshire Spinners' latest yarn releases
  • Erika Knight's Wool Local.
If you enjoy reading A Woolly Yarn then a nomination for the British Knitting & Crochet Awards 2019, in the knitting blog category (question 20) would be much appreciated. www.letsknit.co.uk/awards. It's also your chance to support your local yarn store, favourite designer and wool brands. Plus everyone who nominates has the chance to win a year's worth of yarn!


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