Local author Lisa K. Ross introduced readers to her new book “Sock Knitting Success," which offers insight into everything one must know in order to learn how to knit socks, on Tuesday night at Morgenstern Books & Café. At the event, Ross highlighted how knitting can be an accessible and practical activity for college students looking for a creative outlet.
This process was not an overnight creation. The book has been in the works for about two years now, Ross said at the event. When Carrie Bogart, an editor on several knitting books that Ross had been a part of, asked Ross to be the author, she could not say no.
The book "Sock Knitting Success" is the ultimate guide to creating detailed, personalized socks that will last for years. Ross highlights the correct needles and yarn to use when handling certain patterns. She also mentions tips and tricks for specific difficult situations when knitting.
Ross made sure to cover different problems that any knitter may encounter — especially when it comes to intricate patterns and tricky maneuvers. The book includes tips and tricks for when one faces challenges while knitting, specifically with sock knitting.
When she was pregnant with her second son, Ross wanted to find a hobby to pass the time. In no time at all, she was hooked on knitting, and it became a passion of hers rather than just a hobby.
Ross loves knitting not just because it is great for her mental health but because it has been shown to lower heart rate and blood pressure. It has also been proven as a good way to develop motor skills and to lower the risk of memory loss.
For those who are not new to the knitting community in Bloomington, most were familiar with Ross even before the release of her book. Attendee Annie Prince met Ross 16 years ago at a book club where they bonded over knitting.
“Lisa actually started asking me questions about knitting when she was just starting, and I was like, ‘Wow you’ve already surpassed me,’” Prince said. “She really is spectacular about what she does.”
Ross also mentioned how Bloomington’s community for knitting has made her business, Paper Daisy Creations, thrive.
The endless number of resources and groups available made learning to knit a fun and collaborative journey. Ross made it known during the event that within the knitting community, everyone supports one another to constantly progress their projects.
“It’s been an amazing community connection,” Ross said. “The library in downtown Bloomington has an enormous library of shelves of knitting and fiber arts books.”
Additionally, Ross is passionate about the types of yarn she uses for her projects.
She primarily uses variations of wool because of its antibacterial properties, as well as the warmth it provides. Ross said it is great to use in socks for those who have circulatory issues because they don’t have elastic in them.
For students balancing classes, expenses and busy schedules, Ross said that knitting offers an opportunity to develop a skill while creating something useful. Socks, in particular, can be a cost-effective project which allows students to make something they would otherwise purchase.
Beyond the financial benefits, sock knitting can also become a habit that gives students a break from the demands of college life. The process encourages patience and creativity while giving knitters something tangible to work toward. Through her book, Ross hopes to make the craft more approachable for people interested in learning how to knit their own socks.
“But as far as knitting, it’s also an amazing sense of accomplishment,” Ross said. “Just getting something off the needle, something that you accomplished brings a sense of pride. Just the other day, I was sitting at an event for my kids, and I pulled out my knitting. Socks are the best projects for carrying around because of how portable they are.”
During the event, Ross presented an array of information on what her book is about, which included major topics regarding yarn ingredients, types of needles to use and different risks to take when trying out new knits.
When asked about her favorite parts of creating the book, she recounted how she did all the photography herself and that is what she was most proud of.
Some of the attendees came to the event in support of Ross because of the long-term connections they share as local residents in Bloomington. Attendee Kylie Hartley was one of them.
“Lisa is one of my oldest friends in Bloomington, and we’re all just so proud of her and all the hard work she’s put into this project, as well as the passion she has for it,” Hartley said. “I’m here to support her even though I don’t knit.”
