Socks Books

I'm working on the Starter Stockinette sock at the moment and it took me a while to figure out the heel turn and the gusset, but once the light bulb went off in my brain, it's been a breeze!! I really like how the instructions are laid out with each pattern, so that you know what to do next!! I've never knitted socks before, and I can't really tell you why I want to now, but for some reason I was intrigued by the process, and now I can do it!!! I Definitely recommend this book to beginner-intermediate knitters.

I like this book, though it is hard for me to knit with double pointed needles. I wish there were instructions on how to modify the patterns for circular needles. This book has me craving to make warm knitted socks. If I could just master the double pointed needles. The variety of the patterns is excellent. I was not at all disappointed.

I have been wanting to knit socks for awhile. When I saw this book, and the rave reviews it received, I thought I'd take a chance. So far, so good. I started with the first, and easiest, pattern and I've been pleased with the outcome.

I gave it four rather than five stars because I haven't knitted almost all of the patterns, so I don't know how easy they are to do for the beginner sock knitter. But, judging from the clear and easy-to-follow first pattern, the same detail carries through for the rest of the patterns, so I'm hoping they're do-able too.

What's good is that the sock patterns utilize different yarn weights, so not all the socks need to be knit in finger or sport weight yarns. In fact, some of the patterns provide instructions for two weights, so that expands a knitter's options.

Overall, this is a good beginner's book to sock knitting. I am encouraged to continue to knit socks.

I just recently purchased this book after teaching myself to knit less than a month before. I really wanted to be able to knit socks and was obviously wanting to jump right in. I decided to get this book after reading other reviews here and I have to say that this book was a good choice for me. The directions are very clear and I am already halfway through my first pair of socks. I decided to make both socks at the same time so I haven't actually gotten to my first heel turn, but so far the directions have been so clear that I'm not really afraid of when I get to that point. I really like that the author first takes you through the different parts of the sock and has even knitted a sock in different colors to demonstrate the different parts. I also like that this books goes from very easy to progressively more difficult socks. There are about 20 (sorry I don't have the book in front of me at the moment) socks shown in this book, so I'm sure that I will be using it for a long time.

Like many knitters, I can successfully follow well-written directions. I had even knit socks, but only by slavishly following a pattern; I didn't KNOW HOW to knit socks.

This little book deconstructs the process and can give you the skills you need to really know what you are doing. The patterns are varied and interesting, using five-needle directions which makes the process clearer for the beginning sock knitter.

While I do recommend the book, there are a few provisos:

* The beginner will need to do a bit of leafing back and forth. For example, picking up gusset stitches and kitchenering are covered very well, but not, of course, with the individual patterns. One good primer sock pattern with these techniques incorporated as you need them would make a smoother flow -- and then you'd KNOW HOW to knit a sock.

* Once you KNOW HOW to knit socks, the patterns are written with more detail than you need and you'll probably need to condense them for convenience.

* There are several patterns from worsted or doubled sock yarn. In my experience, at least in my climate, these thicker socks are of limited appeal. People want fingering-weight socks to wear inside regular shoes.

All that said, this is a handy, sturdy book that can launch a happy career of sock knitting. It worked for me!

I love that this book shows so many pictures of the roving, the yarn and then the sock. Great. Love it.

This is indeed a gorgeous book and I love all the information and was anxious to try a different kind of heel that appears to be so versatile and repairable, but I could not get the heels to come out correctly. I ripped them out over and over and still they are a sorry mess. I have gone back to the traditional type of sock heel but hope someday to figure out what the book is trying to convey.

A knitter of only afghans, I read this book after being inspired to try a pair of socks by some of the humorous blogs. The chatty and easy writing mistakenly convinced me to try her basic sock pattern as my first. Turning the heel, and an important omission in the directions earlier were the death of my attempt with these directions. This book is not for the sock virgin.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As a beginning sock knitter, finally a book with multiple sock patterns, including one that you knit flat without those darn dpns, that is till you get to the heel and toe. I'm tired of sticking myself inthe eye or nose with dpn's! Written clearly and concisely, a joy to your book collection

The directions for mixing dyes and using them to dye and paint roving and yarn are excellent. They are clearly written and illustrated. The directions for socks are equally well written and easy to follow. The photographs are wonderful and make me want to make almost all of the projects!

along with great pictures, it also has how to measure for fit and
how to caculate number of stitches need for type of yarn.

Even if I knitted and learned for a year this book would be beyond me. I can barely tell its written in English--E=mc2???. For me this was money wasted.

What a great sock knitting primer. I especially appreciate the sections that pertain to your favorite method of knitting. The pattern selection chapters are so inspirational! I highly recommend this book to the beginning sock knitter but I also recommend it to an experienced sock knitter. I've been knitting socks for years and this book has inspired me to a new level!

This book takes care of my main gripe about most sock patterns, i.e. that they specify a brand name yarn, and don't even tell you what weight it is, so it's hard to use something else. Yarn names come and go, but with this book you can knit up a swatch for guage, and follow the charts to the right number of stitches and the pattern you like. Also, it gives instructions for whatever needles you like to use (I like two circulars).

Although it took me a while to figure out the layout of this book, I absolutely love it. HOWEVER!!!! Watch out for errors in the patterns. If you check the errata pages at the publisher's website, you will find several important errata in the previous book, "Sensational Knitted Socks." So far, though, there are only a few reported errata in "More Sensational Knitted Socks." I know for a fact that there are more. Especially when knitting from the color work charts, BE CAREFUL; there are errors in at least two of the instep patterns. I am going to report one myself this week, so I figure there are probably more out there that are unreported.

Also, I wish there were more than one technique described for working a short-row heel.

All things considered, though, I do love the book, love the layout (now that I understand it), and recommend it.

This book is full of wonderful information regarding historical sock knitting, including a variety of heel and toe variations and several "basic" sock patterns of varying ribbed designs. The rest of the book is made up of turn-of-the-century patterns that Nancy Bush has updated for modern knitting. There are several wonderful patterns, including a great pair of ladies' thigh-high stockings that would suit anyone interested in authentic historical costume reproduction.

I find most patterns easily adaptable to the Magic Loop method that I prefer, even though all of the patterns are written for double-pointed needles. They are also all top-down, which I also prefer, but toe-up aficionados would have to adapt the patterns to their preferred method. I found more patterns that I want to knit in Nancy's Knitting on the Road book, but Knitting Vintage Socks is both informative and has plenty of good patterns as well.

I couldn't be bothered to knit sock for years. It seemed to me like a waste of time but a friend dragged me to a class on toe-up socks and I've been hooked ever since. Don't know why but there's something about turning a heel that makes me happy! I feel I have done something substantial. This is a great book. It combines old patterns with new pictures and allows you to see the possibilities. Nice, well written patterns and plenty of choice. There's a nice preamble as well that talks about the history of sock knitting and some good info on needle size etc. The really great thing about this book is the spiral binding. It's so much easier to just knit straight from the pattern in the book because the book stays open where you want it to - no bending of spines to keep the book open!

I was impressed with the large number and variety of sock patterns for men. Being a male knitter, I was beginning to wonder if I was ever going to find more than the basics for men. This book is wonderful. I plan on making most of the designs in the book.

I received this book for Christmas and I've been downright obsessed with it ever since. I had only knit one pair of socks before this but I was looking for patterns that were more stylish but still easy to understand. The author of this book includes detailed explanations of several common heel and toe styles, the patterns range from lacy to practical, and the section on the history of the patterns would also interest people who enjoy history but not knitting. Overall I'm delighted with this book and I can't wait to knit every pattern in it.

This would be a good book for someone who is interested in the history of fashion or pattern-making, but as a pattern book it fails.

There is no adjusting for individual sizes, just a one-size-fits-somebody-but-not-you. Instead, it suggests that sizes be adjusted by using bulkier or thinner yarn. Am I to make socks out of super-bulky yarn to get my size? I don't think so.

If you are knitter interested in proper fit, don't bother.

It's too bad the book doesn't have an update about how Hillary, after using Socks as a prop, gave the cat away when she left the White House because it became too "inconvenient".

What a warm and loving woman...

A book for all dog and cat owners. I liked the way she organized the photographs between the children's letters. Some of the children's letters had drawings that my grandchildren enjoyed. I thought Buddy's Bio and Socks Stats where clever, and we tried the same idea to describe other pets. My children grew up with pets, but my grandchildren do not have room for pets. So we read this book about Buddy and Socks whenever they want to know more about having pets. Usually it leads to drawing a picture or writing a story afterwards.

The President and First Lady's book shows the unconditional love and understanding between humans and our best friends.
The childrens' curiosity and interest shown in their letters serves as a valuable source of inspiration and learning for young and old alike.

What a fun way to see inside the lives of the first pets. Well-written, with lots of cute photos and interesting information.

In this predictable knockoff of the Presidential pet book series pioneered by several Republican administrations, Diet Roosevelt's cat and dog ("Socks" and "Buddy," respectively) are hagiographically profiled. Author Lady Diet Roosevelt relies largely on letters purloined from a swarm of unsuspecting child correspondents for the body of the text, much as her husband's administration largely appropriated the watered-down policies of his predecessors in running the nation (even his philandering was a watered-down take on Camelot days!). Intelligent Diet Roosevelt watchers who buy this book hoping for hidden political insights should look elsewhere, as this is a fairly straightforward profile of the first pets, targeted solely at small children and Democrats. The one curious exception to this is the unconfirmed rumor - suspiciously unrefuted in this volume - that the Kremlin's most popular occupants in Lenin's day were his cat and dog Ïðèÿòåëü and Íîñêîâ - Russian for Socks and Buddy, respectively. Coincidence?

With the help of a friend, I managed to make 1/2 of a pair of socks--and that sock is too small, despite my frequent measurements. I haven't decided whether to knit its mate and give them to a person with smaller feet, or unravel it and make a new sock.

I should have gone to the library and checked out some books first before buying one. That's what I did after the fact.

This is the book from which I learned to knit socks. It is really easy to understand and I still refer to it. I love knitting socks and recommend this book to anyone - beginner or not. The patterns are really nice. If you have ever wanted to knit socks - this is the book to with which to start.

Very pleased with LEARN TO KNIT SOCKS. It's great to see knitting with today's fashions in mind. Keep on knitting!!

This is more of a pamphlet than a book, but the instructions are excellent and better than an actual book I had previously purchased. This is easy to carry with your sock project. Received quickly. I love knitting socks!

Great book, I just couldn't understand how to make the heel and the gusset, but I followed the step by step instructions, and now I have my first pair of knitted socks! I'm so thrilled.

I hate buying knitting books! You spend 20 bucks on an entire book because you're in love with 1 or 2 patterns. This book was different. I did buy it for 1 or 2 patterns, but have made a bunch of them now. The patterns are not at all difficult, and are easy to vary a little with color or size so not all projects look the same. They are also pretty easily personalized.

I use this book as a way to use up my leftover yarn from other projects, and it works out great! I especially love the mushroom cap and mittens. There is a nice balance between single color patterns and multi-color patterns; easy and difficult; small needle/thin yarn and bulky with big needles. You use this if you are a beginner, and still find a challenge in it when you are experienced.

I've had to photocopy some of the pages to keep in my knitting bags because, like most knitters I usually have 4-5 projects going at once. 2 or 3 of them are from this book! Plus, I used the book so much it's getting a little worn.

Don't be hesitant to invest in this book, because the variety of patterns will keep you going back to it again and again.

I am usually pleased with anything done by Interweave Press, and this book is no exception. It is beautifully done - nice photography, clear directions, short bios of the contributors, easy projects, more challenging projects....need I go on? It is printed on nice quality paper, and the book is big enough that it will lie open as you follow the directions on your needles. This book contains a lot of smaller projects that will be great to work on in the summer months (think Christmas!) when I don't want a heavy project on my lap. Some of these projects I have seen in other books, but it is nice to have them here together. A good choice for your home library.

I own lots of knitting books and this one by far is the best. I do a lot of charity knitting and there are lots of patterns I use. My favorite is the knitted helmet, great for my deer hunting friends.
Each pattern describes the types of yarns used, so its easy for me to substitute a yarn. I love this book, need I say more!

I have been looking high and low for knitting books that offer simple patterns. I don't consider myself a beginner knitter but I also don't feel up to knitting an Aran Sweater.. no matter how beautiful they are.
The book isn't outdated by any means and there are a lot of interesting patterns for experienced knitters but about two for a beginner.
My suggestion is to go to www.lionbrand.com and find free patterns there.

If you are a handspinner of wool yarns, this book is an invaluable resource. Many patterns written for use with commercial yarns simply don't work with handspun. The patterns in this little book are classic, adaptable, and well suited to the special characteristics of hand made yarns, which tend to be less elastic and "drapey" than factory products. They also work well when knitted oversize and then felted. I refer to Homespun Handknit frequently, and the family mitten pattern is one I've made in homespun dozens of times, always with excellent results.

My son loves this series of nine books. It manages to be funny, understandable, and a wee bit educational (about plants). It is terrific for boys, though I bet girls will like it too.

I read this book when it was first published, in 1988 when I was in 5th grade. I don't rember the details after all this time, just that is was 2 brothers sharing a room when one is neet and the other messy, and they get mail order seeds that grow into "carnivor" plants (socks are cotton, ie, a plant, and the plants eat socks) and the boys use them in a sciene fair, get famous, and I think a soap company is involved somehow?

Basicly, I wanted to say that even if its not a "classic" Its a story that you or your kids will think about years down the road. I would classify it along with Chocolate Feaver, and How to Eat Fried Worms as good stories that will capure your imaganation and hold it, helping you grow through the years.

The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks is a great book! It's about two kids that get seeds in the mail. They plant them, and a couple weeks later, they turn into mutant plants that eat socks. If you like the first one there are other ones. This book will put you in suspense and it will make you laugh.

The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks Goes Hollywood

If you like a humorous story, this book would be great for you. For example: Fluffy's Schlurrrp! And Burrrpp! Were followed by a noise that sounded like an "ex" because Norman tried to teach his plant to say excuse me. There are a lot of adventures. You'll never guess what will happen next. Or do you like dirty and disgusting? You would then love this book either way. Especially... never mind, I'll let you find out by reading this book.
The author's craft I noticed in this story is dialogs. Guess what, she made the plants talk to each other! If you're interested in what I just told you, you would sure like to read this book. Check out The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks By Nancy McArthur.

I first discovered The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks series when my boys were still young enough to be read to aloud. They howled with laughter. As they got old enough to read chapter books to themselves, they both devoured the entire series. This series ought to be on every elementary school library's shelf as it is a good series for engaging reluctant readers. Struggling middle school readers would like the series too.

patterns look great and easy enough for an experienced crochet-er...can't wait to give some of these cozy looking socks a try...

I consider myself an intermediate crocheter, by means that if I wanted to design my own sock pattern I could but I'd rather be sure and use other people's (professionals) patterns.
I am really sorry for spending money on this one. Out of the 16 patterns only two are for toe-up socks. They are hard to interpret and the difference between them is not that great. They almost all, look the same until you start crocheting the leg and by then I'm sure you can find a nice stitch to use by yourself. Seriously, there are far better patterns for free out on the internet.

I am an experienced crocheter, but have never made socks either knitted or crocheted. I found this book to be pretty easy to understand also, but found that some of the explanations in the instructions are vague. I feel that it could be a little more clear with some of the instructions for those that don't have any experience with making socks at all. It should also be mentioned that there is a stretch to the sock and to take that into consideration when making the socks. I made one sock using the dimensions stated and ended up with something that would have fit an elephant....so I tore it out and went down a couple of sizes -- worked out great.

I haven't tried any of the sock patterns yet (I'm a beginner, trying to work my way past dish cloths & scarves). I wanted to keep my projects small, like socks, plus, my feet get really cold in the winter. I think I'm really going to like this book. There are many patterns ... some pretty wild (with toes) and some of the yarns are pretty peppy too. I'm happy to see there are also reserved styles and beginner patterns that are more to my taste. There's a great introduction to sock making in general along with tips on custom fitting PLUS stitch illustrations, changing colors, increasing & decreasing. Perfect for a beginner like me and I don't think it will detract in the least for an experienced crocheter. As a beginner, I will want to use the exact yarns specified for my first sock (and probably the next few after that) and would prefer to use less expensive yarns, though I did intend to use a wool and nylon combination. I was disappointed that the beginner patterns call for yarns that are expensive and aren't standard & readily available, though I was able to find them online. Some patterns do use standard yarns, such as Patons & Kroy. Regardless, I am very pleased with this book and highly recommend it.

I recently got this book when I wanted to try making my own socks, since I dont knit and I was getting very jealous of all the ladies I know that knit beautiful socks :). This book has very good instructions and the patterns are easy to follow. You can even substitute fingering weight (baby) yarn if you cant find regular sock yarn. I have had a lot of people comment on my socks and ask where I got the instructions to make them and I have no problem recommending this book. Its worth it :)

If you want your organization to rise above the competition when it comes to delivering great customer service, I recommend that you read this book and apply the principles within it.

In Delivering Knock Your Socks Off Service, Performance Research Associates - with some editorial help from Ron Zemke - highlight the main principles and techniques involved in providing great customer service and resolving customer problems. This lively book features many short chapters, cartoons, bulleted axioms and what-to-do examples. However, much of the information seems very familiar, like a juiced-up version of hints, tips and advice that have appeared in many other customer service books. Thus, it has a kind of déjà vu quality. While someone who is experienced in this field may find the information here too familiar, we recommend this accessible volume as a great introduction to customer service.

"Knock Your Socks Off" is an easy to read, well-organized, thorough introduction to the crucial aspects of providing excellent customer service. I kept it on the corner of my desk and read it during lunch hours. The 31 short chapters (approx. 150 pages) can be finished in just a week or two. I intend to pass it along to the Customer Service Reps that work for me as "required reading" (or maybe even splurge and buy them their own copy!)

The book is organized in Four Parts:

1. The Fundamental Principles of Knock Your Socks Off Service - includes the RATER factors: Reliability, Assurance, Tangibles, Empathy, Responsiveness.
2. The How To's of Knock Your Socks Off Service - honesty, rules, doing the right thing, listening, asking questions, winning words and soothing phrases, telephone tips, writing skills, details, thank-yous.
3. The Problem-Solving Side of Knock Your Socks Off Service - how to fix problems, fix the person, apologize, and handling nasty customers.
4. Knock Your Socks Off Service Fitness - Taking Care of You - how to stay calm, professional, and competent and how to have fun doing it

Whether you're new to the business of providing customer service or a seasoned pro, this book will give lots of great advice and a positive perspective on the challenges of providing good customer service. I plan on using the book to help set goals and establish metrics for improving service at my company.

In Delivering Knock Your Socks Off Service, Performance Research Associates - with some editorial help from Ron Zemke - highlight the main principles and techniques involved in providing great customer service and resolving customer problems. This lively book features many short chapters, cartoons, bulleted axioms and what-to-do examples. However, much of the information seems very familiar, like a juiced-up version of hints, tips and advice that have appeared in many other customer service books. Thus, it has a kind of déjà vu quality. While someone who is experienced in this field may find the information here too familiar, we recommend this accessible volume as a great introduction to customer service.

After two weeks of joining the service business I was eagerly looking for a book that discusses about delivering good--if not exceptional--service. My conclusion is that this book will meet your expectations if you are new to the business--just like me.

The authors provided many suggestions and recommendations in ways of delivering quality service. I read this book in the span of two-three months, and by the time I finished reading, I realized that I have been doing pretty much most of the things that the authors are suggesting. And based on my customer service feedback, the authors are pretty correct. So, I walked away knowing that I have been doing the right things and a few more ideas of how to improve my service level.

I would have given a five-star if I can find some of the chapters being elaborated further, such as those towards the end of the book. For example, I would like the chapter (Chapter 20) on Exceptional Servic Is in the Details being further elaborated as I found I need some suggesstions for carrying my service level to another level. Nevertheless, the book does give me some hints on areas to look into.

In conclusion, I would recommend this book to those who join the service industry for the first time and want to get some ideas on providing quality service. And for those who are searching for more, you will be refreshed and walk away with some good suggestions and pointers.