Hey fellow fiber enthusiasts! Since the ’90s, I’ve had the joy of watching fiber artists’ online communities flourish. It’s been a journey full of inspiring people, some of whom leave a lasting impression in your heart. One such remarkable person was Mary Ann Beatty, affectionately known as “Queen Kahuna,” renowned for her “two at a time, toe-up socks.” She was not only kind and intelligent but also shared her expertise by self-publishing “Crazy Toes and Heels.” In my opinion, this book is the ultimate guide to crafting gorgeous socks. Unfortunately, Queen Kahuna has passed away, making her book a rare gem to find.

Sock making, my friends, is an art form filled with numerous techniques and creative decisions. From choosing the perfect toe style (I’m a big fan of Judy’s magic toe cast-on – just Google it for tutorials!) to deciding on the heel and gusset designs, and whether you want an intricate or plain foot. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend visiting http://ravelry.com. It’s a fantastic free community with more patterns than you can imagine. Take some time to explore and admire the vast array of designs.