As an avid knitter I love to learn new techniques. This book certainly doesn't disappoint. It is very well researched and the explanations are clear

What I liked-
The general method
The tone of the book
The photography

What I disliked-
The sizing was not inclusive and directions were not given on how to fix the patterns to suit more diverse foot sizes.
Sizes stopped at men's 12
No instructions for wide calves

Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for providing me an ARC in exchange for my unbiased review of this book.

Knit 2 Socks in 1 by Safiyyah Talley (expected publication date November 9, 2021) is a fun new way to approach the dreaded "second sock syndrome" that plagues many knitters. There are many ardent sock knitters out there, but many find themselves bogged down after the initial excitement of knitting up sock #1 when faced with the task of repeating everything they've just done to knit sock #2. Talley's approach to knitting socks gives sock knitters a new way to knit a pair of socks that helps prevent second sock syndrome.

The book is organized with the first half being a general reference guide for making socks. There is an extensive discussion of types of yarns to use that work best for socks, and considerations for needles and working small circumferences in the round. Talley then breaks down the steps for knitting 2 socks in one long tube, placing lifeline scrap yarns at specific points in the tube so that you can go back and finish the final details (a cuff and a toe, and the heels) once the long sock tube that encompasses both the legs and feet are completely finished. This gives you only minimal finishing and lets you work the majority of the socks in one go. The author also provides a handy list of measurements, so you can achieve a perfect fit (for you or a recipient) with measurements for leg and foot length and foot circumference, all based on your gauge/the weight of yarn you've chosen to knit your socks with. This gives you a basic recipe from which you can work socks in all sizes and weights using her 2 Socks in 1 technique.

The second half of the book contains patterns for socks using this technique, ranging from very simple/all stockinette to more complex (although none of them exceptionally difficult) socks with some patterning on them. Again, these socks are all customizable using the measurement standards she provided in the first half of the book, allowing you to work them to your specific gauge and size requirements.

The technique is well-illustrated throughout, step by step, with clear photographs showing the process. The patterns are also nicely photographed in a range of sizes (from toddler through adults) with a fun, upbeat vibe. (Her littlest model is possibly the cutest ever.) You could easily use a pattern already in your library that is top-down and apply the techniques described in this book, making it a great way to tackle some of the patterns you might have had lurking in your queue for a while.

My only reservation about this book is that it won't be for anyone who is a steadfast heel-flap knitter. The technique lends itself only to "afterthought" type heels, so short-row heels (which are used for illustrative purposes in the book) or Fish Lips Kiss Heels will work. Some knitters find these a bit snug and prefer a heel-flap type construction, which isn't easily translated into this particular technique. It also assumes that you like working socks from the top/cuff down. Modifying an existing pattern will work, but knitters should be aware if the pattern they've chosen has a specific directionality to it, as that will change if the original pattern was written for a toe-up orientation.

Overall, I think this is a fun reference book to help sock knitters expand their knowledge arsenal of ways to approach finishing an entire pair of socks and well worth a look if you are a beginner or experienced sock knitter.

So first I would like to say that the ARC I have been given contained a lot of errors which I hope will be corrected before publication, but I can only review the book I've been given. I have not subtracted any stars from my rating for the mistakes because that seemed unfair.

I found the premise of the book fascinating and thought the concept looked really clever and doable. I also liked the presented patterns and loved the pictures. The people in the photos looked so nice and likable, I would love to sit down with them for a cup of tea and a stitch'n bitch. I can't say too much about how easy to follow the instructions might be, because there were placeholders instead of referrals to places or sections, due to this not being the final version. If all of this gets fixed before publishing, I think this will be a great, really useful knitting book.

--Easiest Way to Knit Socks?--

I received an electronic ARC from Storey Publishing through NetGalley, and here are my thoughts.

Where are my needles? I love any knitting technique that promises to save me time and frustration, and that is exactly what this book by Safiyyah Talley promises.

After teaching the toe-up, two-at-a-time socks using the Magic Loop method, the author's students asked for something EVEN SIMPLER. Because, guess what? Having to keep two balls of yarn from tangling with each other, can be frustrating. I've been there.

Therefore, if you feel the same way, this technique is genius. Basically, you knit ONE LONG SOCK, then separate it, and finish off the two pieces so they each have an ending and a beginning.

Will this accommodate every style of sock? No, but it's not trying to.

The book is written in a "Choose Your Own Adventure" style, so you choose a beginning...a middle, etc., you get the picture? Don't focus on what you cannot do...FOCUS on the adventure you can have and the freedom (from tangles and frustration) this method will bring to your project.

You'll now probably end up making socks for EVERYONE and their grandmother, now that this technique is under your hat. Or feet.

Big Thumbs UP!!!

This book is a godsend to me!!!! Several times I have started knitting a pair of socks only to finish one and lose interest in knitting its mate. So over time I just simply said to myself, "You can't knit socks!" Author and crafter Safiyyah Talley solves this issue in a absolutely ingenious manner. Basically you knit a tube (toe at one end and cuff at the other). You follow a few simple steps. Voila! You have a pair of socks. The book also give helpful tips on which yarn and needles to use. The photographs are affirming and helpful. This is a great book. I look forward to knitting many socks in the near future!

Thanks to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I've followed The Drunk Knitter for several years and I am so excited about this book! The instructions were super easy to follow and I definitely feel that I can confidently make a pair of matching socks.

This is a great book! I've knitted a number of socks cuff down but was looking around for a new method. This book has well written instructions with plenty of photos. Very inspiring and approachable, and bringing new ideas to a very popular topic in the knitting world. Very impressive!

You’ve picked the perfect sock yarn. You have the needles, the pattern and you are ready to go. You start with the cuff, continue with the body, turn the heel and taper to the toe. Finished. A success. But then…you have to do it again. Exactly the same way. That’s why so many knitters have a collection of odd socks waiting for the moment of inspiration to finish the partners.

Safiyyah Talley has a genius idea in Knit 2 Socks in 1. The method she uses is simple. Begin with a cuff then knit a long tube separated at intervals by “lifelines” of removable waste yarn (different color yarn from another project). The tube ends with a toe. Finish both socks by removing the waste yarn and adding the missing section: heel, cuff, etc. This may sound complicated but it is not. The illustration and step by step directions are very clear. Talley follows with original patterns for socks organized by the patterns used (ribbed, frilled, lace) and sized for babies children and adults.

Knit 2 Socks in 1 is an excellent guide for knitters at every level. Talley discusses yarn weight, needle size, blocking techniques, swatching and accessories. There are sizing charts and a worksheet for notes. Knit 2 Socks in 1 belongs in every knitter’s library. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storey Publishing and Safiyyah Talley for this ARC.

This is a great book for sock knitters. Safiyyah Talley presents us with a well designed solution for the infamous "single sock syndrome". Knitters can now create two socks in one go, with a few finishing touches to each at the end. We no longer need to fear having two different socks or no second sock altogether. There are plenty of project ideas provided, meeting almost any sock knitter's desire. There is also a great section on needles and yarn selection, specifically geared toward this category of projects. Pictures are well done and serve to further inspire creativity.

It is important to note, however, that this book is geared toward those with some knitting experience. Expertise is not required, but this book will not provide a detailed description of how to knit, or a specific step-by-step breakdown of stitches. This basic knowledge is a prerequisite. I would recommend this book to anyone who has knitted socks in the past and desires a better way of doing so.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of KNIT 2 SOCKS IN 1 (Discover the Easy Magic of Turning One Long Sock into a Pair! Chose from 21 Original Designs, in All Sizes) by Safiyyah Talley in exchange for an honest review. This is an instructional manual on how to use the “after thought” heel and waste yarn to knit one long tube with a toe, separate the top half, then add one more toe, one more cuff, and two heels to turn that one long tube into two socks. I can see a couple of different ways to use this setup depending on the colorway of the yarn being used. This is a great method for those people who tend to lose that first sock while knitting the second. I have a friend I really want to tell about this method! I highly recommend this to people who are looking for a different way to knit two socks at a time.

#Knit2Socksin1 #NetGalley

"Knit 2 Socks in 1" is an intriguing book for the sock knitter! Safiyyah Talley has come up with the idea to knit a long tube with lifelines (a term very familiar to knitters) to make knitting a pair of socks more doable! Second sock syndrome is a real thing in knitter land...you always seem to make the first sock no problem, but then very slowly or even never knit the second sock. The idea in this book will make that second sock not an issue! I personally can't wait to try this technique!

As someone who is new to knitting, I love that I can now knit two socks at the same time. I've heard about the second sock, the illusive and mysterious project that never quite comes to fruition. Other than my relief at learning I have the ability to 1-and-done a pair of socks, the variety of designs and sizes, explanation of the basics of yarn, needles, and technique, and the inclusion of a worksheet for knitters are additional perks.

Review based on a NetGalley ARC provided by the publishers.

This book is perfect for any knitter, who like me, suffers from Single Sock Syndrome (SSS). I'm always afraid my second sock will not turn out as the first. Hence I either try to work two socks at a time, using magic loop, and give up when I get to the heel and turn the socks into wristwarmers, or I don't cast on at all.

Talley shows a truly simple method in this book, which follows the popular "build-your-own-adventure novel" approach, allowing the knitter to be creative while following her 'afterthought method' [my description] for avoiding SSS.

The introduction to the book includes information on yarn weight, needles, sizing, how to get gauge, which notions might be useful, and so much more. Making this book a good fit for beginners at sock knitting as well as advanced knitters.

I love knitting socks, they’re probably one of the things I knit the most so I was very excited when I saw this book.

It’s a good book, the instructions are clear and easy to understand, and I like the photos throughout the book. I was pleasantly surprised to find there were quite a few sock patterns in it too. They weren’t all to my personal liking but there were definitely patterns I will be making.

Overall Knit 2 Socks in 1 is a good book suitable for beginner or advanced sock knitters and a great book to have in your craft book collection.

3.5 stars


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Second Sock Syndrome" is real and I've never made a second sock in my life! So I am super excited to try some of these patterns. I've never heard of the technique and I always love learning new knitting secrets. As soon as I finish with my current test knit, I'll be getting some new socks from these patterns! 😁