Melissa Morgan-Oakes

This book shows my current favorite method of knitting socks.
It's brilliant: No dreaded second sock lethargy! No unplanned yarn shortages! You can fit as you knit!
The instructions are very clear, even when my aging brain and arthritic fingers need to go over and over the details of how to "make one left by raising the bar" or "Picking up wraps". I did supplement the instructions with bits from YouTube on how to do the "Surprisingly stretchy cast off" and from a different two at a time sock show more book for subdividing the yarn skein properly before you start that "Magic Eight cast ON", which is probably the trickiest part of the whole process. Still, this is the one sock book I'll hang on to instead of passing along. show less

I have always been a visual learner. When I decided a few years ago to relearn how to knit I ended up getting a couple of CD-ROMs (remember those?) to use on my laptop. It gave me the basics, and I supplemented with other books and classes over the years. Teach Yourself Visually: Circular Knitting would have been in my hands if it existed, and I am still glad it is now.

This book takes you from the basics of what you actually need for not just circular knitting, but handy accessories in show more general, on to the various cast-ons and methods used in circular knitting. Techniques for common problems, like how many times I have twisted when I joined the cast-on row, or caused jogs when colors are changed, are outlined along with how techniques are adjusted from flat to circular knitting. You can knit a flat pattern chart in the round!

The projects range from a basic ear warmer to various pullovers in stripes and cables. For the hat, mitten and sock projects Melissa shows you how to take measurements to adapt each one for fit. Each pattern comes with helpful hints, such as "Choosing Your Yarn" when making the Double-Thick Potholder or "Choosing Your Stitch Pattern" when you move up to socks. Melissa emphasizes when you must knit a swatch for gauge (sigh) and how to not be afraid of steeks in a project (gasp). Applying scissors to knitted objects are as scary as cables, but maybe with guidance I will find myself with one of the lovely projects provided. Chapters on various stitch patterns to liven up your circular projects and technique overviews complete the book.

I have been fortunate to actually take a class with Melissa before, and now I feel I have a way to go back to her instruction at any time with Teach Yourself Visually: Circular Knitting. Whether this is the first time you are picking up circular knitting needles or you have been doing it for years, this book will be a handy reference for all. show less

This book was a revelation to me! I'd only knitted socks using the pattern inside the ball-band before, as a compact passe-temps while backpacking up the Australian East coast by Greyhound. But these designs made my earlier efforts look like poor relatives. Added to the fact that I prefer to knit everything on circular needles, this no-waste method means that you don't lose interest halfway through a pair of socks!

I've adapted the patterns for double-thickness toes, but have yet to work out show more how to reinforce the heels. I'd have liked to see a bit more advice on casting off loosely enough, but otherwise... it's great! show less

I am so happy that more authors are coming out with toe-up sock books. Unfortunately, this author only shows one method of doing magic loop socks (make one toe increases, gusset heel, sewn bind-off). That is my only complaint about the book. The pictures are fabulous, showing each step for using the magic loop technique. (This is the only book I know of that shows magic loop toe-up.)

There is a wide variety of patterns--both for solid & variegated yarns. This book has the largest amount of show more patterns for variegated, hand-painted & self-striping yarn that I have seen. The spiral binding inside the hardcover helps the book to lay flat & open to whatever page you are on while you are knitting. That way you can look at the technique instructions & pictures as you knit.

Overall, I was impressed with this book & happy that I bought it, but I still like Toe-Up! By Chrissy Gardiner & Toe-Up Socks for Everybody By Wendy D. Johnson better. I hope to see more patterns & books for toe-up socks as they are becoming a lot more popular. show less