Socks from the Toe Up by Wendy D. Johnson
I went looking for a new project challenge recently and decided to work on improving my sock-knitting skills. Over a years time between 2007-08 I taught myself how to knit socks, and it became my favorite knitting project. I liked that I could make them fit my large feet, make them with different kinds of yarns, and at the same time have a project that was easy to pick up and work on for just a few moments of time. I began using the more common form of sock-knitting, knitting from the top down; making a ribbed top, then the heel, then working on the foot, then finally the toe. I had to learn how to do the Kitchener stitch, which is a way to weave the two sides of the toe end together so that it is seamless. It is a tricky skill to learn, but oh, so worth it, when you see the finished product.
There is another way to knit socks, and that is starting with the toe first and working in the opposite direction with the top knitted last. There are advantages with this method in that there is no Kitchener stitch needed to finish the toe as that is where you begin – with the toe. As you work on the toe and foot you can easily try on the sock to see how it fits you. And if you happen to run short on yarn you can just decide to finish with a shorter top and end it there. So for all of these reasons, and to find a challenge to occupy myself with, I went looking for a good instruction book on the method of toe-up socks.
I have found it in Socks from the Toe Up, by Wendy D. Johnson.
The book has very good instruction on tools and yarns needed for sock knitting, and basic sock knitting techniques. It then goes into instruction for getting started with different toe styles, and for using either cable needles or double point needles for your project. It gives instruction for making a sock with gussets, or without, and for creating different heels. There are chapters on basic socks, lace socks and patterned socks. There are many beautiful patterns included, with instructions and charts for knitting them. In the back of the book is resource guide, definitions, and an abbreviations chart.
The book includes many clear close-up pictures of the projects, which is a great help, in my opinion, when it comes to learning a new method. There are plenty of projects of different skill levels to keep your interest going for a long time.
This book is well worth the price, which is printed on the back cover as U.S. $22.95. It is a heavy-duty soft cover book, sized about 8x10”. Look around and see if you can find it for a discount. It is a most enjoyable book.
Enjoy - Edey
