The first sock I ever tried to knit was perfect thanks to this manual-- I had no idea what I was doing, I just followed the instructions very carefully and like magic (really) a sock came out. I never knew that home-made socks were so incredibly comfortable, like walking on tiny little pillows. Too bad my dog then promptly stole it and secretly chewed it up while I was knitting the second one! Besides perfect and easy grafting, perhaps the most important thing I learned while using this book (but unfortunately not before she also ate 3/4 of a beautiful cashmere scarf in-progress) is this: organic yarn still smells like an animal to a dog, an animal that dogs want to eat. Other than that (har har), this book will teach a beginner everything they need to know. ( )