Review on Unleash Your Creativity: Sock Knitting Master Class with Cutting-Edge Techniques + Patterns by Top Designers by Linda Diaz

This book is beautifully designed and contains many interesting sock knitting patterns from leading designers as well as valuable learning materials. However, because the instructions are organized around specific sock projects, it feels more like a pattern book than an accessible guide to sock knitting techniques. For example, while many paragraph styles are explained (round, short row, striped, Dutch, etc.), the actual instructions aren't all grouped together in one Paragraphs chapter—instead, you may need to navigate to one of the patterns that describe a specific type of paragraph used to find the actual step-by-step guide. The book includes ten top-down patterns and seven toe-up patterns. The adjustment and attachment methods are illustrated with clear line drawings. Patterns are written out in the standard sock pattern style (general information, pant leg, heel, foot, toe, trim or vice versa). Patterns are included where appropriate (twisted stitches and color patterns). There is a general chapter on design, along with hints and design tips scattered throughout. Each template is accompanied by a "Design Methods” insert. This feature breaks down sock construction by method used and provides a roadmap to page locations for additional guidance on methods. For example, Veronica Avery's Happy Go Lucky Boot Socks pattern uses the following techniques: (1) top down construction, (2) slip stitch design, (3) work with five double pointed needles, (4) stretches any way you like. (5) rounded heel, (6) chisel toe, and (7) kitchener stitch. All patterns are beautiful as you would expect from these famous sock designers: Cookie A., Nancy Bush, Ann Hanson, Veronica Avery, Deborah. Newton, Evelyn A. Clarke, Meg Swansen, Ann Budd, Chrissy Gardiner, Katherine Alexander, Priscilla Gibson-Roberts, Yunnie Jung, Melissa Morgan-Oakes, Anna Zilburg, and Cat Bordie. The book also includes a 95-minute DVD. Ann Budd discusses individual projects (shows actual knitting patterns and describes the techniques used in each) and demonstrates knitting techniques. If you learn best by watching someone else knit, you'll love this "bonus" DVD. Thanks to the DVD in the book, you don't need step-by-step photos of more complex techniques, and many more close-ups of the knitted socks themselves. As a pattern book, I give this a 5 star rating; as a technical reference 3.5 to 4 stars. My favorite Anne Budd sock knitting book is still called Getting Started in Knitting Socks for beginners. Two really excellent sock knitting guides: The Sock Knitter's Workshop: Everything a knitter needs to knit nice socks for a few experienced knitters; and Sensational knit socks for all knitters, regardless of their experience. Two of my favorite sock knitting books are Folk Socks, which have lots of interesting patterns and good general instructions; and Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Nitby, a very popular book by my favorite designer, who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world. as a technical reference, from 3, 5 to 4 stars. My favorite Anne Budd sock knitting book is still called Getting Started in Knitting Socks for beginners. Two really excellent sock knitting guides: The Sock Knitter's Workshop: Everything a knitter needs to knit nice socks for a few experienced knitters; and Sensational knit socks for all knitters, regardless of their experience. Two of my favorite sock knitting books are Folk Socks, which have lots of interesting patterns and good general instructions; and Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Nitby, a very popular book by my favorite designer, who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world. as a technical reference 3.5 to 4 stars. My favorite Anne Budd sock knitting book is still called Getting Started in Knitting Socks for beginners. Two really excellent sock knitting guides: The Sock Knitter's Workshop: Everything a knitter needs to knit nice socks for a few experienced knitters; and Sensational knit socks for all knitters, regardless of their experience. Two of my favorite sock knitting books are Folk Socks, which have lots of interesting patterns and good general instructions; and Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Nitby, a very popular book by my favorite designer, who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world. Two really excellent sock knitting guides: The Sock Knitter's Workshop: Everything a knitter needs to knit nice socks for a few experienced knitters; and Sensational knit socks for all knitters, regardless of their experience. Two of my favorite sock knitting books are Folk Socks, which has lots of interesting patterns and good general instructions; and Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Nitby, a very popular book by my favorite designer, who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world. Two really excellent sock knitting guides: The Sock Knitter's Workshop: Everything a knitter needs to knit nice socks for a few experienced knitters; and Sensational knit socks for all knitters, regardless of their experience. Two of my favorite sock knitting books are Folk Socks, which have lots of interesting patterns and good general instructions; and Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Nitby, a very popular book by my favorite designer, who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world. which has many interesting patterns and good general instructions; and "Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Nitby, a very popular book by my favorite designer, who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world, which has lots of interesting patterns and good general instructions; and Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Nitby, a very popular book by my favorite designer who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world. which contain many interesting patterns and good general instructions; and Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Nitby, a very popular book by my favorite designer, who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world. which has many interesting patterns and good general instructions; and "Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Nitby, a very popular book by my favorite designer, who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world, which has lots of interesting patterns and good general instructions; and Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Nitby, a very popular book by my favorite designer who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world. which contain many interesting patterns and good general instructions; and Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Nitby, a very popular book by my favorite designer, who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world. which has many interesting patterns and good general instructions; and "Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Nitby, a very popular book by my favorite designer, who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world, which has lots of interesting patterns and good general instructions; and Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Nitby, a very popular book by my favorite designer who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world. a very popular book by my favorite designer, who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world. which has many interesting patterns and good general instructions; and "Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Nitby, a very popular book by my favorite designer, who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world, which has lots of interesting patterns and good general instructions; and Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Nitby, a very popular book by my favorite designer who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world. a very popular book by my favorite designer, who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world. which has many interesting patterns and good general instructions; and "Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Nitby, a very popular book by my favorite designer, who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world, which has lots of interesting patterns and good general instructions; and Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Nitby, a very popular book by my favorite designer who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world. a very popular book by my favorite designer, who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world. which has many interesting patterns and good general instructions; and Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Nitby, a very popular book by my favorite designer, who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world. a very popular book by my favorite designer, who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world. which has many interesting patterns and good general instructions; and Cool Socks, Warm Feet by Lucy Nitby, a very popular book by my favorite designer, who is probably the most technically advanced knitter in the world.