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(More customer reviews)Knitting socks is portable fun. That said, many sock knitters have their favorite techniques and there are two main choices: toe-up or top-down. Most books cover top-down, gusset/flap heels, whether on two circular needles or on 4/5 double-points. What I (and many other knitters) wanted was a book of toe-up patterns. Most sock books don't have more than one pattern for them. Hooray, a book of nothing but toe-ups!
No Kitchener Stitch needed here. If you ask sock knitters what they dislike most about knitting socks top-down, I'll bet you my favorite circulars they'll say Kitchener. I don't worry about losing my needles, by the way. (If there's a close second, it's Second Sock Syndrome. More on avoiding that below.)
I have to admit I bought this book sight unseen because of the title, since I'm a fan of toe-ups with short row heels. To my surprise, fully half of this little book consists of instructions. There are four short-row heel patterns, and two gusset-and-flap patterns, and one pedi half-foot pattern for clogs and summer shoes. That's it. If you have wide or large feet also be aware the patterns don't go up that large; you will have to modify the pattern counts.
The instructions are for double-points only; I wish someone would put out a book for toe-ups with circular AND double-point examples. I had hoped this book was going to be it. I was wrong. For a book with both instructions, search for Cat Bordhi's sock books, but be aware most (if not all) of the patterns in her books are top-down. They're also not for beginners.
Still, this little sock book is worth getting. After all, if you've never knit socks before, this book will get you started. Toe-up socks are really good for one thing, which is why I like them: it's almost impossible to run out of yarn to finish the toes, since you did them first. Running low on yarn while making a toe-up? No problem. Just
make your knee-highs calf-high, or even anklets. You'll still get socks. If you're making top-downs, you're either frogging or deciding you really wanted another pair of legwarmers (or, worse, running and calling around to find just one more skein of sock yarn in your dye lot to get them done. Of course, that's when you won't ever find one and must make an odd two-tone sock, one you'll always wear in clogs or boots). It's also easier to fit toe-up socks to your foot, heel, and ankle as you make them.
Combining this book with any of the knit-two-socks-at-a-time books is a perfectly wonderful idea, since circular needle techniques used for two-at-a-time are the same whether you go up your socks or down, only the patterns are different. Most of the current two-at-a-time books consist solely of top-down patterns. Still, I'd suggest getting one if the thought of holding all those little double-points intimidates you. Once you learn how to use two circulars you can transfer those instructions to the patterns in this book. That way, new sock knitters, you'll never have to face the Dreaded Second Sock Syndrome. Two-at-a-time means just that: when you get done with one you're done with both, and it's wash, block, and wear time!
Do be warned that once you start wearing hand-knit socks you'll never go back to plain, boring, mass-produced socks again. Well, I don't miss them at all.
Happy feet to you!
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Toe-up Techniques for Hand-knit SocksHere's your chance to make socks that fit from toe to top! With these easy techniques you'll knit socks from the toe up rather than from the cuff down. The advantage? You can try on the socks as you go, for a perfect fit every time. There's no more grafting toes and practically no finishing work, just fun socks!*Find reliable sock instructions from a trusted source, the author of the best-selling Crocheted Socks!*Learn several cast-on methods, all the basics, and how to manage the tricky parts*Slip this small book into your knitting bag--it's perfect for take-along projects
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