Charlene Schurch

I really like the way this book is organized. Technical sections explain basic techniques: The book starts with an introduction, specialty socks, instructions for using the book, needle techniques, and custom socks.

There are 11 basic sock patterns: four-stitch patterns, four-stitch patterns for narrow and wide heels, five-stitch patterns, six-stitch patterns with even instep and heel flap, six-stitch patterns with uneven instep and heel flap, eight-stitch patterns, ten-stitch patterns, twelve-stitch patterns, six-stitch stranded patterns, six-stitch tessellated patterns, ten-stitch mosaic patterns. Most of these patterns include instructions for working top down or toe up.

There are no traditional patterns that walk the user through step by step. Instead each basic patterns contains tables for each component of the sock. You find your gauge and size in the table, and work the basic instructions on the resulting number of stitches from the table. This makes most of the patterns adjustable to any gauge from 5 to 10 stitches per inch. I have always preferred this type of "choose your own journey" approach over individual patterns.

After the 11 basic patterns, general instructions are provided for heel flap/gusset and short row heels; several different toe shapes; cast on and toe finishing options for top down socks; cast on and bind off options for toe up socks; troubleshooting common problems. Tables are provided for gauge and needle sizes; yardage yields; yarn quantity requirements; size charts for children, women, and men; and a list of abbreviations used in the book. A stitch dictionary at the end provides texture and color patterns that can be substituted into the basic sock patterns.

Limitations: This book was first published in 2007, so it does not include some innovations that came later. For example, the needle techniques section includes 4 DPs, 5 DPs, and 2 circulars, but not magic loop. Toe up methods do not include Judy's Magic cast on, and bind off methods do not include Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off (JSSBO). And the gauge ranges in the patterns end at 10 stitches per inch. Depending on the knitter's individual gauge, that may not be adequate for light fingering weight yarn. Except for the gauge issue, instructions for these other techniques are readily available from other sources.… (more)