Sonderbooks Book Review of Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles

****Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles*

A Manual of Elegant Knitting Techniques and Patterns

by Cat Bordi

Reviewed April 21, 2003.
Passing Paws Press, Friday Harbor, Washington, 2001. 44 pages.

This is a specialized book, only of interest to knitters. It’s a little high priced for something that seems more a pamphlet than a book, but I’m delighted with it and think it’s worth every penny.

Normally, socks are knitted on four or five double-pointed needles. This book teaches a method in which you can use two circular needles instead. I find the method delightful and much faster. I recently finished my first pair of socks from this book and am delighted with them. I’ve started on the next pattern in the book, a pair of felted boot slippers.

I already preferred knitting with circular needles, in almost all cases. I like to work on several projects at a time, and I find that circular needles make a project much more portable. I can throw the project into my bag along with others, and don’t have to worry about losing the second needle or having the knitting slide off the needle. In the case of socks, this means three less needles. It also means less transitions from needle to needle all the way around the knitting.

There are a total of eleven patterns in the book, as well as an explanation of how to convert traditional patterns. I will probably only use the basic pattern at the beginning, since I’m enjoying using Regia’s special sock yarn. The yarn is made especially for knitting colorful socks. The socks come out in lovely patterns without ever having to change the yarn. Naturally, this works best in a very plain sock pattern. I can’t wait to try different colors of the yarn.

If, like me, you are interested in knitting socks but don’t want to face the hassle of using four or five needles, then this book is for you.

Book Reviews by Sondra Eklund

***Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles

A Manual of Elegant Knitting Techniques and Patterns

by Cat Bordi

****Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles*