GTS: When did you start knitting?
Rachel Coopey: My grandma taught me when I was little, she would cast on for me and I would sit at her feet and churn out garter stitch. When I was about 16 I wanted to start knitting again, I got a refresher lesson from my mum and knitted an extremely long scarf.
GTS: When and how did this sock obsession start?
RC: I fell in love with sock yarn before I fell in love with socks! I love the colours and the feel of sock yarn, I love that you can get a luxury blend without breaking the bank. Once I had acquired a few skeins I thought I'd give sock knitting a go. At that point I was knitting things to see if I could - I was more interested in the process than the end product, once I had a finished pair of socks that changed. There's nothing like wearing hand knitted socks, I never looked back!
RC: I fell in love with sock yarn before I fell in love with socks! I love the colours and the feel of sock yarn, I love that you can get a luxury blend without breaking the bank. Once I had acquired a few skeins I thought I'd give sock knitting a go. At that point I was knitting things to see if I could - I was more interested in the process than the end product, once I had a finished pair of socks that changed. There's nothing like wearing hand knitted socks, I never looked back!
GTS: Where do you gain your inspiration for pattern writing?
RC: Everywhere! I take photos of buildings and patterns, even tyre tracks in muddy puddles! I carry a notebook, I have one by my bed, I scribble on the backs of envelopes and anything else I can get my hands on!
GTS: What is your favourite heel type, and do you like top down or toe up best?
RC:I really like the way a cuff down sock with a heel flap, I find it much easier to get this type of sock to fit me. Occasionally I'll do something else or experiment but I always go back to it in the end.
GTS: What socks out of this most current collection are you most proud of just love? (I know, it is probably like picking your fav child)
RC: I think it's Dawlish, I love the yarn, the colour and the pattern work well together
GTS: Any advice for budding sock knitters?
RC: Knit your socks at a tight gauge and with some negative ease (smaller than your foot so they stretch to fit), you want your socks to wear well and last a long time!
GTS: And your most recent book is really lovely! What is next in the life of Rachel Coopey?
RC: I'm working on a few things! My next big project is a collection of accessories (not socks!) and then there will be another sock book - I can't stay away from them for long!
Rachel's latest book, CoopKnits Socks,
includes 10 fun and interesting sock designs along with a online download code. This is available in hard copy at Ginger Twist Studio for £15, where there is also an abundance of hand dyed sock wool. My personal favourite design, like Rachel, is Dawlish. I've now started on the second sock in Ginger's hand Dyed Delight 4ply in Gorblimey (delicious grellow). Rachel's instruction is
clear and her charts are marvelous. The book is also chalk full of
lovely and inspiring socky photos. Which is your favourite?
RC: I'm working on a few things! My next big project is a collection of accessories (not socks!) and then there will be another sock book - I can't stay away from them for long!
Rachel's latest book, CoopKnits Socks,
includes 10 fun and interesting sock designs along with a online download code. This is available in hard copy at Ginger Twist Studio for £15, where there is also an abundance of hand dyed sock wool. My personal favourite design, like Rachel, is Dawlish. I've now started on the second sock in Ginger's hand Dyed Delight 4ply in Gorblimey (delicious grellow). Rachel's instruction is
clear and her charts are marvelous. The book is also chalk full of
lovely and inspiring socky photos. Which is your favourite? 
My favourite is 'Paignton' I love the detail in the knit and I'm totally facinated by the afterthought heel. Think I will have to attempt to make these in the New Year.
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