If you want to learn how to knit socks from the toe, up, this is the book! From Judy's Magic Cast-on to the finishing touch, clear instructions, photographs and worksheets will help you learn how, finesse your technique and get it right — every time — on every pattern.

Included are three different cast-on methods, five different styles of toes (I'd only seen one), four styles of heels (including instructions for a hybrid heel that looks like like the top-down heel-flap) and three different stretchy bind-offs — along with complete instructions for finishing and caring for your socks. You'll also learn advanced techniques like reading charts, cabling without a cable needle, converting from top-down to toe-up and knitting two socks at once.

The patterns that follow the instructional section illustrate each of these techniques and range from beginner- to advanced-level patterns. And, even beginning-level patterns make socks nice enough to treat yourself or present to a deserving friend. In the "Fancy Socks" section, "Sakura" based on a Japanese postcard of cherry trees, and "Spring in Oregon," with tiny leaves shooting up the front and raindrops sprinkling the back, are real knockouts. Other patterns, like "Sydney," a lacy, ruffled anklet, and "Gull Wing" a rippled slip-stitch textured sock, were designed especially for variegated yarns. You'll find patterns that make use of special fibers, like mohair and buffalo down, employ larger-sized yarns from sport-weight to bulky, and cover your family's feet from toddler-sized to the long feet of extra-tall men. Throughout, Gardiner offers helpful notes on making each pattern a success. A glossary of techniques at the end reviews important basics.

This will be the next sock book I buy; I can see myself referring to it with every pair I knit. ( )