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

This book is beautifully designed, full of interesting sock knitting patterns from leading designers and a wealth of valuable learning material. 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 accompanies the design method block. 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) five-needle work, (4) any stretch set. (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. Clark, Meg Swansen, Ann Budd, Chrissy Gardiner, Katherine Alexander, Priscilla Gibson-Roberts, Yunnie Jung, Melissa Morgan-Oakes, Anna Zilburg, and Kat Bordhi. 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. The DVD allows the book to dispense with step-by-step photos of more advanced techniques and include many more close-ups of the knitted socks themselves. As a sample book, I rate it 5 stars; 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.