Dowdy and dilettante - that's how the socks in this book look like! The
colors are horrid, the craftmanship awful. Well, maybe not that awful,
after all those are socks we're talking about and socks are by
definition not for the novice (and some of those techniques are rather
difficult - I do admire that!), but still - this was a contest for
amateurs and it shows.
As the other reviewers stated, there are a great many different
styles and techniques. Something for everyone. I agree with that. But
please! Socks in a book for knitters should at least try to look
professional. You could make socks with all of those techniques but way
better looking. (Well, I have to be fair - some techniques were quite
interesting, but then they had to go and spoil it by choosing those
awful colors!)
Out of 70 projects there were only about two that were actually
worth reproducing. One of them entrelac (but with horrid colors, yuck!)
which I have seen elsewhere before and one lace pattern which was quite
pleasant, but not all that stunning either. If I had to choose from this
book, then I would choose that lace thing (I forgot the name -
something in lavender). But one out of 70? That's not worth buying the
book for. Especially since the other patterns are not just not great,
but actually ugly and/or something I wouldn't want to be caught dead in!
It reminds me of those horrible bulky sweaters in Waldschrat-green and
those itching wooly underwear that my granny used to bestow on us kids
when we were too little to defend ourselves...
There are other books that have a variety of patterns to offer just
like this one, but with much better looking socks and way better
craftmanship. Like 'Outside the sox' (another Knitter's Magazine
contest, actually). Or that 'Around the world with socks' (or something
like that) by Stephanie van der Linden. Or check out that toe-up book by
Wendy D. Johnson.
And as for doing such a great job explaining how to work a heel and
stuff...well...yes...there are instructions, but...are you kidding?! I
found the instruction pages were just pro forma, but there are much
better instructions in other books. Seriously.
I love knitting socks and I love books about knitting socks. I just
can't get enough! And when I read all the high praises that the other
reviewers heaped on this book, I knew I had to have it! Boy, was I
wrong! What is so great about this book? I do not understand. Are we
talking about the same book?! I have never been more disappointed.
