Beyond Toes: Knitting Adventures With Judy's Magic Cast-On Paperback – September 30, 2011

A very thoughtful, well made, inspiring knitting book.

This book is a must for knitters because it uses the "magic cast-on" for items other than socks. But - it is very difficult to locate a copy of this book since it was not printed by one of the big craft printers. it arrived in like new condition still shrink wrapped.

The magic cast-on method is usually associated with socks but this book takes it to a whole new dimension. The method itself uses two circular needles and Ms. Becker provides very clear and easy to follow directions. The illustrations are great and they walk the knitter through the magic cast-on with ease.There are sections on hats, neckwear, mittens, socks, garments and wraps, bags and cozies, and comfort things.In the hat section, head bumps is lovely. It is knit in bright blues, greens and purples. In the neckwear section, the magic cowl and wristlet is very feminine and lacy. Monica's seaman's scarf in a earth-toned brown is lacy and practical. The bobsled mittens look warm and pretty in a bright cobalt blue. The sock section does not disappoint. Spring fever socks are cabled and bobbled in a lovely shade of blue. In the garment section, the November street shawl is spectacularly knitted lace in a green/golden hue. Mokosh is a beautiful shawl in a striking shade of blue that would keep the chill off the wearer in any time of year.The book ends with a nice section on references and abbreviations. There are also nice little bios about all the designers who contributed to this book.

Wow, was so amazed at the unusual way of this cast-on. Very unique and was very pleased with the quick shipment.

This book is great in that it has very cool ways of starting projects, not necessarily from the top or bottom. I have not put a project on my needles yet. (One can only have so many works in progress.) I will be, as soon as I get a chance to. I look forward to trying out this new thinking from the other side of my brain.

Reading this book is a delight. The quality of the book is evident immediately. The lovely photographs, the feel of the paper, the nicely rounded corners all show a great attention to detail. This unique cast on technique leads to highly creative patterns with completely new construction methodologies. I can't wait to try socks that start at the heel!

I had just learned to do Judy's Magic Cast On and now I can learn ways to use it. The book is beautifully bound and has a story to tell besides great patterns.

This is one of the most stimulating and fun knitting books I've seen in a long time. Can't wait to try these patterns and it has got me thinking of many more applications of Judy's MCO.