Socks from the Toe Up

April 15, 2009
Blogger Johnson (WendyKnits.net) provides a thorough introduction to knitting socks from the toe up, including clear, concise, and well-illustrated directions for several popular cast-on, bind-off, and heel-shaping techniques. The attractive patterns range from simple to complex, including three vanilla patterns intended for practice and as a blank canvas for would-be sock designers. Like Cat Bordhi's "New Pathways for Sock Knitters", this is essential for those who want to add new skills and techniques to their repertoire.

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2009
Adult/High School-As readers of Johnson's blog are aware, in the summer of 2007 the author set out to see how many socks she could design and complete as part of the online knitting world's "Summer of Socks." The result is the genesis of this book. Johnson is an advocate of the toe-up method. She starts with the essentials and goes on to include a range of patterns from easy to challenging. The socks are shown in beautiful photographs featuring young models wearing kicky clothes. The patterns are written for two circular needles but can be easily adapted to double-pointed needles or a long circular one; the variations are described and shown. The techniques section includes clear diagrams and illustrations. Standard abbreviations, definitions, and resources are included as an appendix. Errata are available on the blog. A solid resource with interesting patterns and clear instructions."Sarah Flowers, formerly at Santa Clara County Library, CA"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2008
Knitting socks from the toe up has a few advantages: you can try on the sock as you knit, and you can adjust the height of the cuff to the amount of yarn you have. Johnson providesfive different techniques for starting a sock with the toe; three different heel techniques; several cast-off options; as well as instruction on knitting using double-pointed needles, two circular needles, or one long circular needle. The ballerina photos show off each sock pattern from multiple angles. The three basic sock patternsallow knitters to experiment with their own creations. Solid or heather-colored yarns are recommended to best display the lacework or textured design (no color-work patterns are included). Half of the socks are lace patterns, and all but three use fingerling weight yarn. Socks are a popular knitting project because of their size, portability, and variety; they can be as simple or as complex as you like. This attractive collection of 23 sock patterns ranges from very basicto more challenging designs; both first time and advanced knitters will find projects here.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)