With all the joy in the world, we bring you a little book that we are uncommonly proud to present.

MDK Field Guide No. 11: Wanderlust.

The essential introduction to one of knitting’s greatest pleasures: the handknit sock.

Nothing fussy, nothing hard—Field Guide No. 11: Wanderlust is portable joy to take with you on whatever journey you have planned. Available here in a print edition with Ravelry download code on the inside back cover, or as an ebook.

Our Tour Guide?

From the master of mix-and-match design, Wendy Bernard, comes all you need to knit beautiful socks. When you hit the road, be sure to pack this little book and a skein of delicious yarn.

Consider this the only book of sock patterns you’ll ever need. After making more than 100 pairs, Wendy Bernard knows a ton about the construction of socks—and she knows what we don’t need to know, as we begin our sock-making adventure.

Like a sculptor honing away all the excess, she distills her deep knowledge into everything you need to know, and nothing that you don’t.

Which Direction Will You Go?

These are sock designs that let you begin at the toe or the cuff.

You can work a pattern all over the sock, in a panel down the front, or—our favorite when the yarn is wild—a perfectly simple stockinette sock.

Toe-up or cuff-down, with a baker’s dozen of stitch patterns that will give you plenty of beautiful, distinctive designs for every mile of your journey.

The 13 stitch patterns are all modern, clever, and add a little zing to your sock making.

You will be dazzled and astonished at how a few simple knits and purls will create beautiful textures that are perfect for socks.

Sock knitters know that socks tend to beget more socks. The more you make, the more ideas you have for the next pair. This Field Guide makes it incredibly easy to scheme up your next pair of socks—even as you crank away on your current pair.

The Yarns

We humbly submit that sock yarn is a big part of what’s fun about knitting socks.

With that in mind, we have worked like squirrels to bring you yarns for the most delicious socks. Today we launch four collections that allow you to knit socks at whatever level of exuberance you like. There are 31 shades here. We don’t think 31 pairs of socks is too many. We call that a good start.

These are dyers who are working at the top of their game.

Barnyard Knits Sock/Fingering

Nature in a skein, with astonishing depth of color and surprises.

Lichen and Lace 80/20 Sock

Lichen and Lace is a bestseller at MDK. Now, we welcome Megan Ingman’s subtle, sophisticated semi-solids in a fingering weight that will make for truly delicious socks—and exquisite shawls, accessories, and sweaters, too.

Neighborhood Fiber Co. Organic Studio Sock

Spectacular! These are the first variegated colors we’ve brought in from Karida Collins. We can all make socks that let us carry her dazzling way with color wherever we go.

These dyers inspire us with their hard work, their focus, and (of course) their extraordinary eye for color. When you order up their yarns, you’re materially supporting what they do.

You are also setting yourself up for some glorious knitting.

The Plan

We will announce a fantastic summertime sock knitalong next week. Whether this will be your first pair of socks or your hundredth, you’re going to have a good time with us.

We’ll have plenty of how to, tips, and hacks in the weeks to come.

At the moment, we encourage you to nourish your own wanderlust by ordering up MDK Field Guide No. 11 and a few skeins of this glorious yarn. It is going to be a beautiful summer, and socks are going to be our way through it.

Thank you as ever for your support—we are grateful.