Sock Knitting Master Class: Innovative Techniques + Patterns from Top Designers

This is not a master class, just a pattern book. Technics are not well explained to learn from. it is for experienced knitters that already know how to knit socks. Also this book covers only a few heels and toes, and explained very superficially. Really disappointed. Sending it back.

This book is THE reference book on socks. Everything is in here. Complete with tables and techniques it's the best results for my socks ever. The choice of patterns colors and styles make this a well-designed book. I strongly recommend this book.Ps I ordered a used copy it was in perfect condition only the dvd included was missing which is not a problem at all.

Wonderful patterns, some are very interesting which I cant want to give them a go. Especially love the bios of all the people who provided their spins on knitting socks

Tutti i modelli presentati sono bellissimi, sono rappresentate moltissime tecniche per realizzare calzini, gli schemi son ben fatti, ma la cosa che lo rende fantastico e il dvd con i tutorial sulle tecniche indicate nel libro, ben realizzato e di facile comprensione.Assolutamente da avere.CONSIGLIATISSIMO!!! a patto di aver dimestichezza con l'inglese

A really lovely book. I plan to knit all of them! Its a compilation from various designers so there are differences in the construction, so not only are you getting a lovely new pair of socks, you are learning new techniques too! If you get this book you will be a master sock knitter!! There is a DVD supplied with the book so you can visually learn too, well worth the money. It is really hard to choose books as there are so many out there but I am so pleased I bought this particular book, ticks all the boxes for me!!

This book is beautifully designed, has a pleasing variety of interesting-to-knit sock patterns by leading designers, and loads of valuable instructional material. However, because the how-to information is organized around specific sock projects, this is more of a pattern book than a reach-for-it reference on sock-knitting techniques. For example, although many heel styles are explained (round, short-row, band, Dutch, etc.), the actual instructions are not all grouped together in a single chapter on "heels"--instead, you may have to go to one of the patterns that uses a particular heel type to find the actual step-by-step instructions.The book includes ten top-down patterns, and seven toe-up patterns. Cast-on and bind-off techniques are illustrated with clear line drawings. Patterns are written out in standard sock pattern style (general information, leg, heel, foot, toe, finishing--or the reverse). Charts are included when appropriate (twisted-stitch and colorwork designs). There is a general chapter on designing, and there are notes and design tips scattered throughout.A "Design Techniques" box accompanies each pattern. The feature breaks down the sock construction by the techniques used, and provides a "road map" to the page locations for additional how-to instructions on the techniques. For example, Veronik Avery's "Happy Go Lucky Boot Socks" pattern uses these techniques: (1) top down construction, (2) designing with slip stitches, (3) working with five double-pointed needles, (4) any elastic cast-on, (5) round heel, (6) wedge toe, and (7) Kitchener stitch.All of the patterns are beautiful, as you would expect from these famous sock designers: Cookie A., Nancy Bush, Anne Hanson, Veronik Avery, Deborah Newton, Evelyn A. Clark, Meg Swansen, Ann Budd, Chrissy Gardiner, Kathryn Alexander, Priscilla Gibson-Roberts, Eunny Jang, Melissa Morgan-Oakes, Anna Zilboorg, and Cat Bordhi.The book also includes a 95-minute DVD. Ann Budd discusses the individual projects (displaying the actual knitted samples and describing the techniques each uses), and demonstrates the knitting techniques. If you learn best by watching someone else knit, you will really like this "bonus" DVD. Because of the DVD, the book can dispense with step-by-step still photographs of the more complicated techniques, and include many more close-ups of the knitted socks themselves.As a pattern book, I rate this at 5 stars; as a technical reference book, at 3.5 to 4 stars. My favorite Ann Budd sock knitting book is still , for new knitters. Two really excellent sock-knitting reference books are , for somewhat experienced knitters; and , for all knitters, regardless of experience. Two personal favorite sock-knitting books are , which has a lot of interesting patterns and good general instructions; and , a very popular book by my favorite designer, who is probably the most technically accomplished knitter on the planet.

Ann Budd is my favorite sock knitting writer. Her book, is my sock knitting bible. This book, is for the more advanced sock knitter. It is filled with wonderful patterns of all sorts - lace, cable, intarsia, and entrelac.The book has an opening section that contains information on fit, comfort, yarn and gauge, needle choice, heels, toes, and aesthetics. It provides excellent information on the construction of socks and the choice of yarns. The patterns in this book are either top-down or toe-up construction, about half of each. Ms. Budd includes great information on cast-ons for top-down and toe-up patterns as well as bind-offs. The book includes a DVD of innovative patterns and techniques from top designers. It is excellent.My favorite patterns in the top-down section are:French Market socks with highlights of blue and green triangles and squares.Twisted Stitch Stockings in a lovely soft gray hue that are nearly knee-high.Knot Socks in a light variegated orange, knit with cables and ribbing.Mock Cables and Lace in a dark rust color, perfect for wearing with sandals or flats. Ms. Budd states "I chose a lace pattern that gives the illusion of a wide cable along the front and back of the leg".Of the toe-up patterns, my favorites are:Stealth Argyles in a brown and blue horizontal striped pattern. Ms. Budd states of this pattern, "Because patterns produced by shadow knitting only reveal themselves when viewed at certain angles, the patterns magically appear and disappear as the piece moves".Terpander socks knit in a chartreuse green. Terpander "is an ancient Greek poet and musician who used a lyre in composition and performance". The composition of these socks brings to mind the shape of lyre.All told, this is a wonderful book. It is a great resource and the patterns are wonderful and easy to understand. I don't recommend this for beginning sock knitters but it would be an excellent addition to the library of any intermediate or advanced knitter. Thank you Ms. Budd for this extraordinary book.