Learn to Crochet Socks for the Family

I have not made anything from this book yet so I can't say if the patterns are correct but I did find the book limited in designs (60 pages - 15 patterns; 11 for women, 2 for girls, 1 for men and 1 for boys). Most of the socks have the heels added which I thought wasn't really attractive because holes are left on both sides of the socks when you add the heel (I might be able to correct this when I make a pair - I've been crocheting for 35 years). The beginning of the book does address designing your own socks and gives charts but I don't know if I'll find this part useful yet or not. Unfortunately I bought the book at full price. I think the price should have been under ten dollars. I also thought the way the book was sent out in an envelope was wrong. The book came damaged so if you care about that and I do - you shouldn't buy it from Amazon. I tried twice thinking they would send it in a box the second time, they didn't. If you buy the book from Amazon - good luck. Most of the books I get aren't packaged well.

Item arrived in a timely manner with no boxing on the corners. With that being said, I've been crocheting and knitting for many many years, and at first glance this book seems to give clear and easy to understand intruction. As of yet haven't been able to read completely though or start a project. Will revise and add or delete stars at a later date.

Beautiful socks

If you want to make socks and don't want to deal with four needles or circular knitting this book is the choice for you! I bought this book because I love to crochet and want to make socks. I found the book to be a great resource and the patterns are all written well even for a novice!

the socks are really nice and I am already crocheting some.

I am sorry I purchased this book. Really, it has not added to my life or talents as a crocheter. Could have downloaded patterns cheaper.

great book

Learn to Crochet Socks for the Family by Darla Sims is a pattern booklet that includes valuable information about sock design and construction. The book opens with a friendly introduction from Darla, who explains that the book gives "the crocheter... lots of choices." The first six pages of the book are a sock primer. Darla walks the reader through creating a gauge swatch for socks, yarn substitution, and the anatomy of a sock. She explains how to choose stitch patterns to design your own toe-up socks, and gives tips for customizing an existing sock pattern. She includes sizing charts for children's, women's, and men's socks. Budding designers will appreciate the "recipes" she includes. She provides four pages that explain how to design top-down socks (in rounds or in rows; with a flap, add-on, or turned heel; and a tapered, rounded, or gathered toe) or toe-up socks (with an add-on or turned heel).After this introductory section, Darla dives into 15 intermediate level patterns. A full-page photograph of each sock, along with the first page of instructions, are included. (The rest of the patterns are continued towards the end of the booklet.) Patterns are written with U.S. abbreviations and terminology.The booklet ends with a general instructions appendix which includes information on yarn weight, crochet hooks, and pattern abbreviations and pattern reading tips, along with written and illustrated instructions for special techniques and stitches used in the booklet.Overall, the patterns in this book are visually appealing and explore a range of construction techniques. Most are shown clearly in primarily solid yarns, but two socks (including the one on the front cover) use variegated yarns that make construction and stitch patterns less obvious. The booklet doesn't include international stitch symbols and includes mostly women's sock patterns.I would recommend this book to crocheters interested in learning to crochet socks, or sock crocheters who want to branch out into designing or customizing existing sock patterns. The design primer and recipe patterns are very clear, and allow this booklet to stand out from the other sock pattern booklets on the market today.Project types: 9 Toe Up/6 Top Down; 9 Turned/4 Add-On/2 Flap Heels; 3 Tapered/2 Rounded/1 Gathered ToeSizing: 1 Men's, 3 Children's, and 10 Women's Sock patternsFull disclosure: A free review copy of Learn to Crochet Socks for the Family was provided by Leisure Arts. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.

Not made any yet but I love the book

Nice patterns

Very pleased with patterns

This book has given me lots of practical information and tips on crocheting socks which has given me the confidence to "have a go". Very pleased with it.

It's an OK book, but nothing special. I was expecting more patterns rather than pages explaining the anatomy of a sock.