Review on 🧶 Sock Knitting Master Class: Cutting-Edge Techniques + Patterns by Leading Designers by Michelle Langley

Note: I have never knitted a single sock, not even a training sock. I have been knitting mainly gloves, scarves, hats and baby clothes for three and a half years. It will take time before I have the experience to critique a knitting book effectively, so I hope my beginner's perspective is helpful. With all the books and information available on sock knitting, I just decided to start with this book. I gave it four stars because it was missing some of the information I was hoping to find. There could be several reasons for this: my expectations were too high (as a beginner sock knitter I don't know what one would reasonably expect in a sock book) or - what I wanted to know could only be learned through experience - or - I misunderstood what this book was about should contain (again due to lack of experience on my part). I read the book three times, it was quite fascinating. for functionality and toes - examples of knitting socks on different types of needles and how to arrange them - design tips for your own creations - designer notes on why they did what they did - how to measure the foot and how much yarn for that Foot Yarn Used Size and Thickness - Yarn ends for each pattern. Example: If you want an X result/effect with a Y design feature, use a Z fiber/yarn - lots of tutorials and technique instructions (some clear and simple, some a bit more complicated, but I'm sure that I can figure it out by actually trying it) - the selected patterns use a mix of components (heels, toes, top down/toe up, etc.) to illustrate possible combinations/settings. - Several components/variations are explained for both toe up and top. - Directions down including on/off options. Dissatisfied: - not as comprehensive as we would like. As far as I know, they only included the most common heels, toes, etc.; but at least as many options were left out as were included. Maybe they tried to reduce the number of pages or the price or some other reason, but I'd rather have it all in one book. There is practically no comparison of the selection of components. Example: A/B/C heel is preferred for X heel size/shape or for Y purpose (work, hiking, etc.) -or- X heel is generally preferred over Y heel because [reason]. It would be helpful to even say that there is no real difference between them (if there was; I don't know!). I know this knowledge will come with time, I was just hoping to start with more tips. As for the DVD, it is a video/visual demonstration of the techniques/chapters selected. This is not the entire book on video, but it may be very useful for some. I personally wasn't impressed with it and probably won't use it, but people learn differently, so the DVD doesn't affect my ranking. While I felt there was a wide variety of designs (lace, braids, thigh length, slouchy, etc.), I wasn't impressed with the patterns. There were only two (out of 17) that I wanted to do the way the book says. But templates weren't really the purpose of my book purchase, so I didn't include that in my ranking either. I am very happy with this book. Again, this isn't a comprehensive or beginner's book, but it will definitely come in handy.