I received Getting Started Knitting Socks as a gift when I was embarking on my quest to knit socks. Having used it since March 2008, I can report that it is a good choice for novice sock knitters, combining patterns with technique tutorials.

While I had difficulties with its instructions for the Kitchener stitch the first time around, its instructions for picking up stitches are fantastic (the illustrations are particularly helpful).

Though the book focuses exclusively on cuff-down socks (as opposed to toe-up socks), it has enough variety -- between instructions for different gauges and how to adapt the basic patterns to include color changes and different textured patterns -- to make it a viable pattern book.

My first project from this book was the "8 Stitches per Inch Sock," which I knit with KnitPicks Felici in the Hummingbird Colorway (photo). I'll probably knit up a few other patterns from the book, but the book's main role in my library will be as a reference book. ( )

This book is a great resource book. I taught myself to knit socks with this book and it showed pictures of everything step by step which I loved as a beginning knitter who wanted to learn to make socks. I also love that instead of just being able to knit ribbed legs on the socks it gives you a list of stitch patterns that will work for the leg of a sock so that you can pick whichever one you want to use for your socks. ( )

I have tried following other beginner sock knitting books. This one was far easier to follow and understand. The pictures are very clear. I give it 5 stars!