Knit Socks! by Betsy McCarthy

Synopsis

Anyone who's ever picked up a set of needles thinks about knitting a pair of socks.

Continuing Storey's popular die-cut Knit! series, Knit Socks! offers 15 one-of-a-kind patterns that keep feet toasty warm while making a cool fashion statement. Betsy McCarthy--a nationally renowned knitting teacher and designer of simple, innovative knitwear patterns--recommends which types of yarn to use (wool and wool blends hold the sock's shape best), and discusses the types of needles suitable for knitters of varying levels of skill (wooden or bamboo for beginners who knit more slowly, metal for speedy, experienced knitters). And McCarthy's tips on working "in the round" using five needles will benefit even people who have knitted for years.

The friendly, step-by-step instructions and color-coded charts make Knit Socks! perfect for knitters of all skill levels.

Library Journal

Storey has added two entries to its colorful series of knitting pattern books, which features sturdy, die-cut, paper-over-board binding and an affordable price tag. Scarves are a popular first project for beginners and are so easy to knit that surely another book about them is overkill. Or is it? Jensen (Hooked on Crochet) combines patterns for a wide variety of scarves with a wealth of knitting tips and ideas to assist readers in designing scarves. A range of alternative yarns is pictured for most scarves. Designer McCarthy includes even more knitting instruction, reflecting the complexity of sock knitting compared with scarf knitting. Longtime knitters will appreciate her tips for achieving a "jogless jog" when knitting stripes in the round and for knitting with five double-pointed needles instead of four. Like other books in the series, these are aimed at readers who know the rudiments of knitting, i.e., how to knit and purl. Each design is pictured in a full-page color photo with full instructions in a reader-friendly, row-by-row chart of knitting instructions. A good buy for public libraries. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Biography

Betsy McCarthy teaches knitting workshops for beginning and experienced knitters. She is famous for her simple, innovative knitwear patterns and for her teaching method, which gives students the technical expertise and confidence to create their own knitwear designs. Her sock and hat patterns have been published by Fiber Trends. McCarthy lives in Seattle, Washington.