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.


Hi. I’m Mary Ann Beattie from the book, “Crazy Toes and Heels” sock knitting book.
Yes, I am alive! I’m now 73, still knitting toe-up socks, a widow, but many hours are still spent knitting.
I was tickled to find your review. If you want to communicate with me, please do.
ladygray51@gmail.com