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

Basically, any book by Ann Budd warrants a look, and this doesn't disappoint.

She starts by talking briefly about things like fit, yarn, needles, and general techniques, but also discusses heels and toes in more depth. Then the rest of the book is split into two sections: top-down and toe-up, and each starts with more detail about cast-on/cast-off options for that method.

And, of course, there are patterns. They're stunning, of course. Each is photographed beautifully, with detail shots of toes and heels so you know what you're getting into. There is a sidebar of "Design Techniques" for each one, which lists the techniques you'll need to knit that particular pattern. There are notes about how you might make modifications. Sidebars about picking the right kind of yarn. Stories about how and why the designer came up with that particular sock. The sizes of the socks are given in detail, too: circumference, length from toe to heel, length from cuff to heel. I honestly can't think of any details that are missed.

She knows how to collect talent, too. The designs in this book are from true sock-masters. Cookie A, Kathryn Alexander, Veronik Avery, Cat Bordhi, Nancy Bush, Evelyn A Clark, Chrissy Gardiner, Priscilla Gibson-Roberts, Anne Hanson, Eunny Jang, Melissa Morgan-Oakes, Deborah Newton, Clara Parkes, Meg Swansen, and Anna Zilboorg.

But wait! There's more!

The book comes with a 95-minute DVD of Ann Budd showing off the socks, and going into detail to show you various cast-ons, cast-offs, and so on. You've got over an hour and a half of video complimenting the book's already clear instructions. Her presentation style during the little show-and-tell of each sock design seemed a little nervous, but as soon as she gets into the instructional portion of the video, the content is gold. Sometimes it really helps to SEE someone show you Kitchener stitch, you know?

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 Getting Started Knitting Socks, for new knitters. Two really excellent sock-knitting reference books are The Sock Knitter's Workshop: Everything Knitters Need to Knit Socks Beautifully, for somewhat experienced knitters; and Sensational Knitted Socks, for all knitters, regardless of experience. Two personal favorite sock-knitting books are Folk Socks, which has a lot of interesting patterns and good general instructions; and Lucy Neatby's Cool Socks Warm Feet, 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, Getting Started Knitting Socks (Getting Started series) is my sock knitting bible. This book, Sock Knitting Master Class: Innovative Techniques + Patterns from Top Designers 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.

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