[ePub] Knitting Knee-Highs: Sock Styles from Classic to Contemporary by Barb Brown at Arts-Photography

Review

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. Elaborate Patterns for Knee-Highs That Really FitBy Lynne E.Designer Barb Brown has given us a beautiful collection of 20 elaborate patterns for Fair Isle. lace. cabled. and ribbed knee-high socks. (Some of the patterns can be converted to anklets or legwarmers). Judging from the photos. Browns knee-highs will not only hug their wearers legs. but will stay up when worn!The "Celeigh" knee-highs (check the "Look Inside This Book" preview) and the "Dance Little Jean" knee-highs (see the books cover photo). are typical of the included patterns. Full instructions and charts are given for knitting each attractive knee-high design. For the calf shaping. some designs use gusset panels. while others use ribbing. stitch patterns that pull in. or subtle increases and decreases to achieve proper leg-hugging fit. No matter which method is used. the calf shaping is carefully worked into the overall design for maximum decorative effect.There is not a single design in this book that I wouldnt want to make! But for me. the "Knee-High Formula" (also shown in the "Look Inside" preview) and the "Tips and Tricks for Custom Fitting" are enough to justify the books purchase. The "Formula" for a basic or generic knee-high sock discusses measurements. then gives detailed. step-by-step directions for calculating the number of stitches to cast on. to knit straight. and to decrease. as you knit down from the cuff along the calf to the ankle.This beautifully photographed book has already found a permanent place on my technical sock knitting reference shelf. right alongside Veronica Gainfords delightful classic. Designs for Knitting Kilt Hose.18 of 19 people found the following review helpful. a mixed reviewBy AnnaHeres what I like about the book:1. It includes a useful formula for calculating how to make your own knee-highs (cuff-down only).2. About half the designs. which is pretty good (See photos of all the designs on Ravelry.com and decide for yourself).3. Each pattern is shown as both a "knee-high" and an alternate version. either a shorter sock or a legwarmer. and theres an accompanying pattern for the alternate version. That really maximizes the value of each design. giving the knitter a lot of choices.Heres what could have been improved:1. As noted by others. not all the socks are actually knee high. And you cant blame it all on the tall models -- some of the socks do reach their knees. so obviously theres a problem either with the sample knits or the directions. Even if you follow the directions and knit for 13" from the cuff to the heel. youll only get a knee high if youre on the short side. You can easily adapt the patterns to fit your leg. but greater accuracy in the book would definitely have been better.2. Every single sock is knit cuff down. If you know how to flip the patterns to toe up. you can. but no instructions are provided.3. The book does not explain how. when designing your own socks. to incorporate the calf decreases into the pattern. Its done different ways in different patterns -- in one back panel. in two side panels. within the leg pattern -- which is great. but the author never explains her choices. which would have added greatly to the readers understanding and ability to design her own knee highs.4. The photos dont always show the decrease area. which is something youd usually want to see before embarking on a project of this size.So. dear reader. the choice is yours...it depends whats important to you in a sock book.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. beautiful socks require creative knittingBy Barbara Hill-MayoIve made many socks in my day. but I was eager to try out this book as Ive never had any luck keeping knee highs up. I appreciated her hints at doing so and the designs. although not all to my liking. are beautiful. However I have been having to call on my experience as there have been multiple errors peppered throughout. from how much yarn was needed (yes my gauge was equal to hers and the yarn I used was identical) to errors in instructions. Im on my 4th pair in this book. but I dont think Ill do any more as they are quite frustrating at times...Overall a good book.