Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles- a Manual of Elegant Knitting Techniques and Patterns Description:

Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles: a Manual of Elegant Knitting Techniques and Patterns review:
3 stars (Not the right book for me.) - By the time this book arrived, I'd already found a free online tutorial showing how to knit socks on two circular needles. I was hoping to use the sock patterns, but most are written only for a women's medium foot--too small for me, too big for my kids. And, although I've successfully resized patterns in the past, these are written in such a way that I haven't been able to figure out how to do that. I'm curious enough about the "turned toe" technique that I may just make one according to her directions to see how it's done, then figure out how to resize it for my big feet. But it would be nice to be able to start with the right size. Basically, this was the wrong book for me--doesn't mean it won't be useful for someone else, but I was disappointed.
4 stars (its called building a better mousetrap..) - I thought twice about purchasing this book because of some of the reviews that have been written,,,,,

but being the thinking knitter that I am,,,, I paid little heed to the reviews,,,,,,and decided to check it out for myself.



I am very glad I did.



The author NEVER promises that this will be a 101 sock knitting book,,,,,, in fact she makes it quite clear,, that it is understood you have basic knitting skills, and one good reference book beyond the scope of her book .( page 2)



I questioned why there are reviews that say there wasnt enough information in this book.( have they read it??)



The author does offer a neat trick for grafting a toe which she credits the original inventor also.



Circular needles have been around a long time,,,,,



I think its should go without saying,,,,, that in all of the needlearts,,, we are to share very openly with each other and not "trademark" techniques.

This book is a great addition to your sock library and I have given my dp needles a new home,,, the back of a drawer.



Since starting this method, have done a 180 with my sock knitting,, my guage is very even and smooth , (with no stress points that occur between needles,, that used to drive me crazy,,,) ,,,,,,this is such a nice way of knitting socks.



Think this thru,, , in the knitting of one single sock how very quickly you can, and do zip along,,, because there is not a continual disturbance of knitting, due to intersections of 3 or 4 dp needles!

Think of how many times those needles are changed in the making of just ONE sock.



Can this save you time in your knitting,,,, increase the eveness of tension,,, and get more socks done for presents this Christmas because of the added ease?????



Yes, yes and yes again!!!



I choose to change my sock knitting to this method soley.

I am awaiting a new sock book due out this fall, but I am convinced that I can change any sock pattern to suit this type of knitting and there is explanation in the book on how to do so.



I really do think someone here has shown us how to build a better mousetrap, plain and simple.



If E . Zimmerman would not have written her books and shared her many incredible ideas the next generation of knitters( and more to come) we all would have suffered a tremendous loss !! How many knitters have gained more confidence in their abiltites because she choose to share her ideas with the world????



Same goes for J. Fee,,,,,,,, ( Sweater Worshop,, my numero uno favorite sweater book, now THAT book taught me how to knit sweaters that fit!!,) as well as B Walkers incredibly brilliant " Knitting From the Top Down ",, and all her fabulous stitch dictionaries.

Where would we be today without the benefit of knitters who went before us and chose to share their expertise?? Everytime I finish a sweater or a project that would have been intimidating to me 2 years ago , I am thankful I have read these books and have them in my personal library.



This is a book about a technique that is a better way to make socks,,,,,,,, ,smooth, quick and fun.



Some knitters will choose to stick with the old method of using double points all the time, they find comfort in the smoothess of bamboo double points, each knitter must find their own way of doing things,,,,,,and some will try a new method and be blown away by its ease.

The point is that we now have a choice.



But do give this book a try please!



I do not care if the photo's are in black and white, I didnt purchase the book as a coffee table book , I purchased it for TECHNIQUE AND LEARNING! ( and you can bet if the book was in full color it would cost a whole lot more to print it!)



This brings me to the reviews regarding the price of the book itself,,,,,,

I have paid MORE for a crochet brochure for lace baby blankets from the Leisure Arts company, at the local Wal Mart for patterns,, than this book!!!

Has anyone really LOOKED at prices on books/pamphlets lately?

Sure I would like to pay less, ( who wouldnt?) but lets be realistic this book is under 12.00!

Yes, there are tutorials on the net, but the patterns in this book are written specifically for sock knitting of this type, in fact the very first sock is almost identical to a pattern that I make in worsted weight for outdoor hiking/hunting socks for my husband ,,,I can use the same pattern but up my needle size and use my worsted weight knowing as the pattern calls for the same number of stitches to be cast on,,this should increase my husbands outdoorsman sock supply quickly enough for him.

The added hints throughout the book ( which I understand is self published and hurray for her!!!!!!) are worth the price of the book, I think.



This book will be used again and again. I look forward to making my first pair of knee socks with cables( the pattern is in the book) .. because it will go quickly and smoothly , and I can move along a whole lot faster,,,



I have long wanted to make knee socks for myself instead of shorter socks,,I like them and wear them all winter ,

As we all continue to turn our thermostats down in an effort to conserve energy,warm woolen socks are of great importance , one of the first things I reach for in the morning to dress.



Who wouldnt like a drawer full of woolen socks?? ( in my case woolen knee highs) this method is quick and fun!



As for comments about the printing of this book,,,,,,we arent in kindergarten anymore,, and do not need color pictures,,,we just need the information.
4 stars (For Sock Knitters) - For the intermediate knitter. A very good instructon book to have in your collection.