[.uk] Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles: a Manual of Elegant ... (ISBN 0970886950)

Book Description:
This is the first sock knitting book devoted to teaching the simple mysteries of two-circular-needle-sock-knitting, a vastly more efficient and easier method which is rapidly gaining converts. Eleven original designs, clearly worded instructions, photographs, charts, a section on translating traditional patterns to the two-circular method, and abundant tips and tricks have been put together with great care and a generous sprinkling of humor. The author answers all of those subtle, almost unframeable questions a new sock knitter has, as well as delighting seasoned sock knitters with innovative sock architecture and techniques.

More Information Needed:
This book got me started, but I stumbled with the first join - makes sense but I could not figure how to manipulate the needles to accomplish it - then when I attempted to try some other patterns, especially those using Cat's invisible Cast-on, I could not decipher the instructions for same. There are no illustrations of the method, and illustrations in general are lacking - this book has some nice sock patterms, but (and I am not a knitting novice) more clarification of the methods is needed.

Excellent technique, Terrible Instructions, Boring Sock Patterns:
To me, knitting with double-pointed needles is like trying to knit with a pair of porcupines. I was thrilled to learn how to knit socks with two circular needles. It makes knitting socks easier and fun. Unfortunately, this book does a poor job of explaining the technique. There are oceans of text instead of steps, photographs, and helpful headings. For example, I would have divided page 3 into headings such as: "Choosing Your Needles," "Casting on and Joining," "Knitting a Gauge Swatch," "Dividing Your Stitches," and "Knitting Around." Breaking text into small chunks makes it easier to digest and learn. This book is poorly organized. The photographs on pages 4 should be on the SAME PAGE as the instructions for casting on and joining, or, at a minimum, the instructions should refer you to the appropriate photographs. I have no idea why the photos on page 5 were included. The "Tips and Techniques" don't belong in an appendix. They should be in the front of the book, immediately after the instructions. I mean, shouldn't the reader know about "Gusset Gap" and "Gauge Checking" BEFORE starting to knit? As for the patterns, they're okay. A bit too heavy on simple intarsia for my taste. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend the technique and Cat Bordhi's creativity, but I do NOT recommend this book.

toe up socks:
This purchase was a replacement because I totally wore out my first copy. Cat has a wonderful way to do toe up socks or cuff down socks using 2 circular needles which has really increased my speed and productivity. Highly recommended.

Socks Soar:
Engaging description of relatively new technique taking advantage of the flexibility of circular needles. Good starter project patterns, good photos.

Put down those pesky double pointed needles.:
If it had not been for this book, I would never have learned to knit socks. I had always wanted to learn to knit socks, but I hate double pointed needles. I had no fun in trying to manipulate those nasty things. Then I found this book, while I was looking for another Cat Bordhi book, and thought wow, I would love to learn to make socks if no DP needles are involved. I would have to agree that it is a bit more advanced than beginner, but worth the effort if you want to learn the whole sock genre. It would be nice to see some knitting DVDs from Ms. Bordhi, which would really help beginning knitters figure things out. Ms. Bordhi does explain how to adapt the typical DP needle sock pattern to this method. Great idea, great book.