The Little Cast-on that Could

Years ago, as legend has it, there was a knitter named Judy. One day, our dear Judy was home in bed, too ill to knit. She began to play with her sticks and string, and had the kind of a-ha moment for which we all yearn. She hadn't solved world hunger or second sock syndrome. She had developed, in her own words, "a more humane way to start toe-up socks".

The world took note. More specifically, Knitty took note, and, in that magical Knitty way, the thing went viral. Epic. Pandemic. Magical.

There remained a subset of knitters, the poor unfortunate souls, who thought JMCO (yes, it gained instant acronym status as well - take that, LMFAO) was not for them. They would never knit toe-up socks, so this technique was not important to them.

I hold in my hands a book that will change those minds. In the words of Ann Budd, "Judy Becker revolutionalized how stitches are cast on for toe-up socks; with Beyond Toes, she may revolutionize how stitches are cast on for just about everything else."

Beyond Toes
Knitting Adventures with Judy's Magic Cast-On
Judy Becker
photography by Vivian Aubrey
2011, Indigo Frog Press, $28.95

This book capitalizes on the tendency we knitters have to adapt, tweak and toy with techniques and methods. Judy's simple, concise and effective method inspired many variations, many of which appear in the pages of this book. Want a vest with a neat and tidy tubular cast-on? A pair of mittens whose starting point cannot be identified? A stuffed pig built from the rump end up? How about a lovely lace shawl, artfully constructed from the centre out? It's all here.

Presented as a treasure map with each variation of JMCO as a point of interest, the knitter is encouraged to play, to explore and to make these techniques their own. 23 patterns by 22 designers (including one by Judy herself and two by yours truly) include a staggering array of socks, caps, garments, household items and much more. I already have some  favourites (Bobsled mittens, I'm looking at you), but this is a book I could see knitting in its entirety over a number of years. The variety and scope of potential projects is unmatched on my bookshelf.

If you'd like to take a peek at the patterns - and believe me, you do - click the cover above to be taken to the book's main web page. If you'd like to win a copy for your own bookshelf, leave me a comment. I'll draw a winner once I've received 25 unique user comments, so send your friends on over!

Edit to add: the book is autographed by Judy herself. Good luck!

Comments

[Angela]

I love JMCO! I love your patterns! And, I love the photography in that book!

[Ellen]

Glad to see the 'blog from back home' back in my feed reader :-) I am SCARED of JMCO, so maybe this book is just what I need - thanks for the giveaway!

[Elinor]

I like JMCO--It's the rest of the toe up sock that I'm not very fond of. They're growing on me, though!

[lesley]

Never tried toe up or the magic cast on...would love to try.this book could expand my knitting horizon!

[Laurel Coombs]

Love this technique!
JMCO is sweet.
I love to knit,
JMCO is easier than spit.

[Monique]

I would love to win this book.

[KiniaCat]

Nifty review! I put this book on my wish-list as soon as I heard tell of it. I truly enjoyed taking one of my very 1st Sock Summit classes with Judy Becker - yes, for JMCO!
I expect this book will be a treasure!

[Fiona]

What a lovely selection of projects! Please count me in.

[Steph VW]

Between you and JMCO, my sock knitting life was revolutionized. Never again will I fuss with "how many stitches to cast on for a pair of socks for my kid's growing feet. I will just start at the toe and increase until the fit is achieved.

If the cover is any indication, I will be adding this book to my collection soon, regardless of the outcome of these comments.

Xo xo

[Tricia]

Long-time reader, first-time commenter! Please add my name to the draw.

[Deb Kegelmeyer]

I convert my patterns to toe up so I can use JMCO! I love it and this book looks like a must have.

[Debra J]

I fear JMCO. I have never attempted it and would love this book to help me conquer my fear. I've seen others doing it without fear or trepidation and I would love to be in that group.

[Singlestitchknit.wordpress.com]

I found JMCO after my first pair of socks and I never went back. I would love this book!

[Donna B.]

I used JMCO for my first toe-up socks, too. I'm excited to learn some variations (maybe helping me get rid of the little "ears" that plague the ends of the initial cast-on?) and expand my use of the technique!

[Brenda J]

Thank you for drawing my attention to this book. I've experimented on my own, adapting this wonderful cast-on to other projects, so can hardly wait to see how the master does it.

[s.e.]

Thanks for your review and for the draw! I am still very much a beginner at knitting socks in particular and I would love to read this book.

[Abigail]

I have no idea how I haven't heard of this book, but now I can't wait to pick up a copy. I love JMCO!

[lorraine]

love the patterns in this..really clever! :)

[alittleweirdo]

Fun review. Would love a copy of the book!

[Debby]

I've never tried JMCO but I'm certainly willing to after seeing these wonderful patterns. Thanks for the chance!

[Claire]

JMCO, sheer genius. I didn't think I coud and then someone showed me. There's nothing else like it for neatness.

[Renee]

Judy is one of my knitting guru's. Since I learned the JMCO technique I use it all the time for socks.

[TL]

I love the piggie in this book! LOVE the cast on too...use it for my toe up socks!

[Valerie]

I love JMCO! Sounds like a fun book.

Hope you can make it to KOL this summer some time!

[Margo W]

It took me a while to figure out JMCO, after watching Judy's video it finally clicked. It is my favorite cast-on for toe-up socks and top-down hats. There are some pretty awesome looking patterns in this book.