Knitting Circles Around Socks: Knit Two at a Time on Circular Needles

Knitting Circles Around Socks: Knit Two at a Time on Circular Needles
by Antje Gillingham

Knitting Circles Around Socks: Knit Two at a Time on Circular Needles
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Book Summary Information

Author: Antje Gillingham
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2007-08-27
ISBN: 1564777391
Number of pages: 79
Publisher: Martingale and Company
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Book Reviews of Knitting Circles Around Socks: Knit Two at a Time on Circular Needles

Book Review: dancing with eels
Summary: 3 Stars

I'm a big fan of this concept; unfinished works dogs the tracks of most crafters--did you know that some auction sites actually have whole categories for the wistful "unfinished crafts" of the world? My mother was notorious for knitting argyle sock tops and abandoning them when the heel gusset loomed, so I have the gene. And this concept actually increases your chances of finishing and turning loose of the project by a whole sock!

The book is clear, the pictures are clear; your first cast-on may be a nightmare of frustration anyway. The cast-on is harder than anything else you will do. Once you get that straight and build a few rows of cuff, you will have the "aha" moment and from then on, it all makes sense. After that enraging hour or so of starting over and cursing, I've never had a problem again. I haven't yet tried the toe-up method, but I'm sure it's equally simple. You'll have that Sally Field moment of astonishment: "I'm doing this! I'm really doing this!"

The one problem I had wasn't really the author's fault: battling the squirmy, springy circular needles. If they had been made of silk cord instead of adversarial plastic, I'd have been done in half the time; they are honestly the reason I haven't become virtually a little sock factory this winter. I've since been hunting for less aggressive body in a circular needle and found that the more costly, the more supple the line, but none of them are much different. By accident I did make a discovery that really simplifies the learning curve on the cast-on process and your first pair of socks by this method: use two different-colored needles. At least the tips, and if possible, the line as well. At that point, all you have to do is chant to yourself, "Pink goes to pink..." It also helps you see the two separate circles more clearly I'm surprised that neither she nor any of the others recommend this assist.

The other thing that helped was supplementing the instructions with a couple of online videos. Cat Bordhi's demonstration was very good, although her playful mixed metaphors were maddening, and I found a few others by various charitable knitters demonstrating how the whole assembly should look. If you're on the right track, it's reassuring; if you're not, they can straighten you out.

As for the sock patterns: well...they're fine. They work, they're simple, even the lacy ones. I actually sent my demo pair (which I had counted on unraveling mercilessly) to my sister. I happen to think they're all a little too similar in style, and some of them are completely plain in order to show off expensive branded yarn, such as a self-striper. I don't really consider that fair play unless the book is actually published by a yarn company and says so big 'n' bold upfront; knitting is already on the way to becoming a "rich girl's game," and I hate to see it happening. In my opinion, every honest knitting pattern should contain clear alternatives for non-branded yarn.

Is the book worth the non-insubstantial cost? I don't know. Look at it in a bookstore or library before you decide. I'm not sorry I bought it, because I just didn't want to wait any longer to get started. I suspect the information is available plenty of other ways, but her teaching method was clean and clear and it taught me, and knowing the technique is well worth the time.

Summary of Knitting Circles Around Socks: Knit Two at a Time on Circular Needles

Why knit one sock and then start all over again to make a match? Instead, knit two socks at the same time on two circular needles! With this creative approach, you can slip a sock on each foot as soon as you bind off.

* Get off to a great start with one basic sock pattern; then experiment with seven more designs

* Make cuffs, feet, and toes match exactly from sock to sock; no more measuring as you go

* Discover how easy it is to convert any sock pattern for double-pointed needles to this ingenious method

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