Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)As you can figure out, this book's main purpose is to serve as an advertisement for Tofutsies sock yarn. Nothing wrong with that, in my book, actually, but if you're expecting more, you'll be set up for disappointment.
The book utilizes a flip format (similar to, I believe, the book _1000 sweaters_ from a few years back) with all of the sock bits knit in the same color. This is handy, because you can see how the sock would look knit up with this toe, this cuff, this ankle pattern, etc. As for variety, you get a good number of options. For cuffs, for example, you get picots, baby-cable rib, ruffle, foldover, etc. For toes they include not only pedi-socks (sock with no toe) to thong socks to even little compartments for each individual toe (no thanks! My toes would get lonely!)
Another reviewer spoke well when she said that the yarn and stitch pattern didn't really show up very well--and that's the problem, after all, with yarns like Tofutsies or, say, Lang Trekking. Some of the patterns work up beautifully, but some just didn't look right for that kind of yarn.
The 'sock gallery' at the end *is* marvellous--only problem is, there are only really about half as many sock variations as listed (they list each sock individually), and the one really interesting pattern isn't in the book. It is on the website, but still. Was it too much to put it in the book!? Not a lot of information on changing sizes or changing gauge, either. And none of the patterns feature anything on the instep of the sock--the pattern goes down to the ankle only, and the foot is knit plain.
If you have any of the other sock compendia (I know I keep harping on Schurch's books for beginners, and Cat Bordhi's two are stupendous for intermediate/advanced socksters), this book is not going to be irresistible for you. If you have my level of sock compulsion, you'll get it and it will be useful to you, just not as much as you'd hoped. I'd hoped for a book full of patterns that showed Tofutsies off in its full splendor--with its limited elasticity and bright colors, it's not easy to plug into a pattern! It's useful, and useful for more yarns (I think some of the patterns would work even better in some of the more subdued Trekkings, for example) than just SWTC, but as an end-all and be-all of sock books, I'm sorry but there are ones you should have on your shelf before this one.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Socks a La Carte: Pick And Choose Patterns To Knit Socks Your Way
Socks a la Carte is the ultimate resource for sock knitters who want to design their own original patterns without starting completely from scratch. General instructions at the beginning of the book outline the basics of sock construction, including measuring feet and making calculations based on gauge. The unique flip section is where the pages are divided into three categories: cuff, leg and sock body, which includes the heel and toe. Readers can flip these pages to see how the individual elements work together and then mix and match these patterns to create unique sock styles that they can then knit according to their personal preferences. A bonus gallery will feature a number of finished sock styles in a variety of colors as inspiration for the reader.
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