5 comments about Cables Untangled: An Exploration of Cable Knitting.

1. I love this book. I didn't purchase it on Amazon, however, I plan on purchasing more Melissa Leapman book immediately! I made the pink scarf/hat set as my first project, continued with the easy cable sweater. I also made the afghan with squares (still working on it, I made squares in between projects), the Harvest Tweed Afghan, and the multi-colored pillow. Everything has turned out beautifully. However, one complaint - unless I am reading something wrong, the reversible cable scarf pattern is incorrect. I figured it out and mine looks exactly like the book, but just a warning!
   
   I love this book!!!



2. I've been looking at this book for ages and when I finally got the chance to meet the author in person and have her sign a copy I couldn't resist any longer. Ms. Leapmen makes the whole cable process easy, from chart reading to making the garment. As for those disappointed with not having reversible cables or a cardigan, stop and think about the fact that this book is rather large does contain tons of information. You can only put so much in at one time. Thanks Ms. Leapemn for a wonderful addition to my library!



3. This book attempts to be a stitch pattern book, project book, and a "how-to" book for cable patterns. The author would have been better off picking one or the other since this book only gives superficial attention to the patterns and techniques.
   
   If you want to learn how to do cables, then probably the best book (though harder to find) is Knitting in Plain English or (harder to find) Principles of Knitting). Both "demysitify" how to knit cable patterns -- they really aren't very difficult.
   
   If you would like a great book of cable stitches, there are several knitting stitch libraries that are dedicated to cable patterns -- The Harmony Guides, Vogues Stitch Guides and the Barbara Walker Stitch library are much more in depth and will provide you with more cable patterns than you could ever need.
   
   Finally, if you are looking for books that give you great cable projects, the best ones discuss the history and development of Aran knitting techniques. Check out "Traditional Aran Knitting" by Shelagh Hollingworth, "Fisherman's Sweaters" by Alice Starmore, "Patterns for Guernseys, Jerseys, and Arans" by Gladys Thompson and "Arans & Celtics: The Best of Knitter's Magazine" by Rick Moondragon (just to name a few). While these books are older and their "production values" may not be as "glamorous" as Leapman's books, they provide a wider range and better quality projects and will even help you learn how to create your own Aran designs.



4. I really wanted a cable knitting book, and this one seemed perfect. First off, the projects in this book are lovely, they will make your fingers itch with a desire to start knitting. There is the normal cable knit hat and scarf, a few allover cable pattern sweaters, a rug, an afghan or two (patchwork and panel), a few pillows, and a panel cable v neck sweater vest. All the designs in this book are wearable and usable. If you're looking for project inspiration, this book might work for you.
   
   HOWEVER. You might find, as I did, that the lovely projects are not worth the headache. I am not an expert knitter, and I do not bill myself out that way. I have experience with cable patterns (mostly scarves). I can read a cable pattern if it is written as such: "k4, C4B, k4". I have trouble with charts for cabling. This book ONLY has charts. It does NOT write out the pattern. And my god, there are a lot of different cable abbreviations. It looks like a slanted line and a series of dots and dashes on a knitting chart. Frankly, it was too much for me. It felt too much like Morse Code.
   
   So if you're like me in that regard, you might want to consider alternative books, such as The Knitter's Bible by Claire Crompton, and The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches by Reader's Digest. I own both, and they are an invaluable resource. They also have lots and lots and lots of cable stitches, and amazing explanations. Why did I even want another cable book, you ask? The Reader's Digest book does not have projects, it is more inspiration to design your own. And the Knitter's Bible has lovely projects, very wearable and well explained and usable, but I wanted something new. Both these book have knitting charts, as well as the written out pattern (which is what I rely on).
   
   Other more minor things that annoyed me about Cables Untangled: the pages with the projects are beautiful, glossy, picturesque. The pages with the cable stitch pattern glossary are not glossy or attractive. It seems that the publisher cheaped out, which is too bad.
   
   Also, if you read through a pattern (for an afghan, for example), the pattern does not include the, well, the pattern. It basically tells you to cast on 50 stitches, then go to the stitch glossary, work in honeycomb stitch for 6 inches, and then come back to the pattern for further instructions. I did not like that at all. I prefer my patterns to be all inclusive, so I can look at it and tell top to bottom what I need to do, instead of flipping all over the book for different portions of a cable panel. And remember, this *is* cable* knitting. It is done in panels. You will be flipping between two more more cable stitches to work a pattern. Frankly, I hated that.
   
   Another thing that you might not notice if you weren't a cable newbie: The explanations and how to stuff in the beginning of the book is *okay*. I would *not* use this as my only resource for learning cable stitches. The pictures and explanations are only helpful some of the time (hit or miss, basically). This book is not in my opinion a comprehensive guide on cables and how to do them. The two books I mentioned above are a far superior resource on learning how to do cables.
   
   For project ideas, this book is nice. For that, I would consider it check-out-of-the-library worthy, not buy-worthy.



5. This is a beautiful book. And, I finally understand how to do cables without cable needles from the two page description in the book. The patterns are lovely, but they may be initimidating to a beginner or someone who does not read charts (like me). It is a whole new language of symbols. I wish they would have put both charted instructions and regular K1, P2 instructions. It may be a little while before I get to learning this. Worth having in your library, if only to look at the beautiful photos.

5 comments about At Knit's End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much.

1. How delightful!! I tucked the book in my knitting bag to read in spots were knitting is not deemed appropriate - but those are the very spots where laughing out loud is not deemed appropriate either. I promptly decided I needed to spend less time in such places.
   
   It is so very humanly funny, that I had to share it with my mother - who doesn't knit at all. She loved it too. As a matter of fact, I never got it back...



2. This is a great little book... I decided to bend the corners of each quote that I liked. Needless to say, most of the pages have a little corner turned down. I recommed this book.



3. Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is not only a talented knitter but a gifted writer as well. I have 4 of her books and want to get them all eventually. It's great to have a knitter I can relate to. She has a super way of expressing herself. This is a gem of a book, and I recommend it, yes I do! Get it for yourself or for a friend who knits. I first read one of her books from the public library, then I was hooked. I usually read them in bed while my husband's sleeping, trying not to wake him, while I'm snickering away. I've even read parts of her books to him. After living with me (a knitter) for so long, he gets her humor too. Wonderful book.



4. This author never ceases to enthrall me with her true life experiences as a knitter.
   If you knit (at all) you will 'see yourself' in her observations too.
   The only problem is I can't read the book. laugh and knit at the same time.
   However all knitters should rest their hands periodically, and reading this book
   and sipping a cup of coffee is my prescription for rest!



5. One of my best friends bought this book for me when my husband was very ill in the hospital. I'm a knitting addict and this book was not only hysterical, but really lifted my spirits! It's a book you can't wait to read & will make you smile and laugh! You feel like someone else really understands your world as a knitter! Hilarious! I just loved every page of it! Stephanie has amazing wit! You'll love this book - it's a must, must read for anyone who loves to knit, read and laugh!!

5 comments about Bag Style: 20 Inspirational Handbags, Totes, and Carry-alls to Knit and Crochet (Style series).

1. I am a huge fan of Scarf Style; it truly has a scarf for everyone (I've made for 3 different people already, and have others in the works). So I was very excited to order Bag Style, and pretty disapointed when I finally got to thumb through it. Out of the patterns, there are only 2 I remotely liked, the one on the cover (but it turns out you have to felt it, which I can't stand doing) and a cute little purse that incorporates a wooden knitting needle. The other patterns were just too kitschy or too far from current fashion trends for me to consider. I would have liked to see a few more "classic" styles, as well as some more realistic trendy selections, to round the collection out.



2. This book is full of super cute and trendy bag/purse projects. Out of all the knitting books dedicated to handbags, this by far is the best one I've found yet. I can sincerely say I like just about every single pattern. I made one of the bags for my best friend and she said she gets compliments all the time. One note: I'm in my twenties and think these are adorable. Granted if you are older or just simply have more traditional taste, you may not like some of these patterns but I find them all to be just the right mix of trendy, sophisticated and classic.



3. If you are looking for something to make in the latest knitting trend, well here is a nice selection of knitted bags. There are bags knitted with cotton to felted wool. I especeially like the cover bag and can't wait to knit it. Nice addition to my knitting library collection.



4. I found it peculiar in the extreme when I read this book to see so many remarks about how different and cool crochet is now, compared to "our mother's crochet." Has the author ever read any of the 70s crochet books by Del Pittman? Or "Design Crochet?" Maybe best of all: "A New Look at Crochet?" And the books by James Walters and Sylvia Cosh take crochet innovation to a new dimension. These books make the patterns in this book look like 1960's McCall's Needlework and Crafts magazine - and I mean pre-hippie styles. In fact, there is a dress in here that I'm positive is almost identical to one from an old '60s McCall's NWC! Exciting possibilities you will NOT find in this book. Cute stuff made from patterns you will. I could never follow a crochet pattern as written - drove me nuts. Then I found a copy of "A New Look at Crochet" in a second hand book store for about $3 and have never looked back. It's way easier to crochet if you know how to make the yarn do what you want, and then just do it, than to follow a pattern. I gave the book a mid-level review, as there are some cute things here, but for innovation, it really is less than mid-level. But, according to many reviews I read, seems as though other people prefer to faithfully follow patterns. So, if you do, ignore me.



5. I bought this book because I liked more than half of the patterns. It has a nice variety--book bags, messenger bags, a clutch, a tote bag, bags to knit, bags to crochet, dressy bags, casual bags, girly-girl bags, tomboy bags, easy bags and experienced knitter bags.
   
   My first project was the Knitting Bag. I'm a beginning knitter on the verge of being an intermediate knitter. After I figured out how to do the trinity stitch, this bag was a slam dunk. And, regardless of what the pattern says, this bag NEEDS to be lined to be useful. The instructions for the Knitting Bag were clear and correct.
   
   I planned to do the Lace Market Bag next but the lace pattern is SO HARD. It's teeth-gnashingly frustrating. Making a mistake in the lace pattern usually meant ripping out 4 rows and throwing the bag across the room. It requires full focus and no knitting while watching TV. WAAAAAY too much work for something I'm gonna stuff groceries in. I went with the Saturday Market Bag pattern available for free on Ravelry instead (and knocked that bag out in 8 hours).
   
   I'm currently knitting the Fair Isle Book Bag. It's not particularly interesting to knit, but I like the bag and it's a great way to learn Fair Isle. The instructions are fiddly but accurate.
   
   Aside from the patterns, the thing I like about this book is that it talks about how to design a bag--shapes, how to construct a sturdy bag--all sorts of considerations for bag design. So after I complete the Boot Bag (featured on the front cover), I'm gonna design my own bag!

5 comments about A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns.

1. Even more GREAT designs. I love this series. Well designed and laid out, easy to understand. A must for any knitter!



2. There is an online archive that is creating color swatches of patterns from these books, which is fine. But today I was able to compare this book with the new Harmony Stitch Guide: Lace and Eyelets, and this one is far superior. The swatches actually show the pattern very clearly in the somewhat more distant view, while modern guides such as Harmony give extreme close-ups that give you no idea what this will look like in a shawl or sweater. Walker's book will never go out of style. The focus is on the pattern and not the pretty yarn. Some people (not me) would prefer their stitches charted, but other than that, this is the classic you want.



3. If you can buy only one book on knitting, make it this one. Great collection of fantastic patterns, a lot of laces, a lot of edgings, some fancy knitting techniques, and extremely clear photos make this book unique on the market. And there is a bibliography, something very seldom found in a pattern book.
   I took off one star because all instructions are textual, not charted, however after seeing Barbara Walker's charts in her Third Treasury I rather not deal with her diagrams. Instructions are good and accurate, and very often the picture will suffice to guide the work.
   Definitely recommend this book to everybody who knits - many patterns simply cannot be found anywhere else, and indeed are very beautiful.



4. A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns offers the same clear photos and helpful text as A Treasury of Knitting Patterns. If you prefer charted patterns, this would probably not be your first choice, but that issue aside, this book is a great reference for knitting patterns.



5. This volume is an invaluable tool for anyone wanting to incorporate new design features into their knitting.

No comments about Glam Knits: 25 Designs For Luxe Yarns.

No comments about Knitted Jackets: 20 Designs from Classic to Contemporary.

5 comments about Knitter's Handbook : A Comprehensive Guide to the Principles and Techniques of Handknitting.

1. Montsy Stanley's book is a knitting book for geeks - for people who WANT to know two dozen methods for casting on and off (and when best to use them - Stanley is good about saying WHEN to do what), three ways for avoiding holes when turning short rows, more than a dozen ways to increase, several different decreases and 14 ways to knit a selvedge.
   
   The book contains every knitting technique Montsy Stanley knew in 1986 (she admits herself that she doesn't know everything - for example, there's nothing about magic loop or two circs) and in that respect offers the best 'information per dollar' value of all knitting books on the market today.
   
   However, it is not a book for beginners! The instructions are not always very detailed, and not always very easy to understand (I've seen much better explanations of Kitchener Stitch!) The terminology differs sometimes a bit from what I'm used to: Stanley calls a "bridge" what I'd call a "steek", and there's a few others. Besides, the book lists the techniques in a general way (and gives general examples for using them) - there's no step-by-step instruction for projects. The book lists several different way of doing buttonholes and pockets, but it doesn't explain how to knit a whole sweater.
   
   There's also no patent recipes - quite often Stanley says "do swatches to decide what you like best".
   
   So, it won't be the only knitting book you'll ever need, but it's a great reference for experienced, thinking knitters!



2. This book has a great deal of wonderful information and I will be using it often



3. What a great knitting reference book! I've been knitting for a little over a year and I'm amazed at the amount of useful material in one book. I never knew there were so many ways you could cast on and when it would be useful to use each one. I have many knitting books and find myself going to this one over and over. Very comprehensive.



4. ...is that I heard that this book is being discontinued and immediately bought two new copies so I'd have a lifetime supply. I am very hard on my own copy; it gets marked, dog-eared, photocopied; it's got coffee stains beyond counting. And in truth, the binding isn't especially strong.
   
   I must have more than a hundred knitting books, judging by shelf footage alone. More often than not, they are reference books rather than pattern compendia. This, along with the Barbara Walker Treasuries, is what I turn to most often, and with the most hope of finding what I need. The organization is a bit strange until you learn to work with it. The names of many techniques don't match what other experts call them. But who cares? Stanley's comments are so sensible and personal that any quirks are easily forgiven. For new and experienced knitters alike, this book is indispensable. The other one is Vogue Knitting, which is clearer and prettier but not as packed information, basic and esoteric. To me, the difference is: I respect Vogue Knitting (which is written by a committee) but I love Montse Stanley's book.



5. Buy this book NOW---before you get hours into that complicated pattern in that beautiful coffee table book and realize the instructions that go with the beautiful picture are worthless and you've wasted an entire weekend.

5 comments about Domino Knitting (Knitting Technique series).

1. When I bought this little book, it was but one of many new additions to my crafts library, so I leafed through it thinking "Hmm, that's interesting; I'll have to try that sometime," then forgot about it. Two years later, while thumbing through the latest issue of Vogue Knitting (Winter 2005/06), I came across a stunning and sophisticated geometric-patterned skirt (on p. 82) that *looked* as if it would be incredibly difficult to do, but VK rated the pattern only "intermediate" skill, and I recognized why: it was domino knitting! So I whipped my Hoxbro book off the shelf, read it through, and finally started learning the technique, which proved to be as easy as the author claimed.
   
   I wish more of my knitting & craft books were this well done. Ms. Hoxbro's instructions are extremely clear, concise yet thorough; multiple drawings & sharp photos illustrate every step, and many helpful sidebars are interspersed throughout the book. As I worked through my first squares & joinings, at no point was I left wondering what to do next. For example, when she says to pick up a stitch "around the corner," she supplies a drawn diagram with an X marking the spot *and* a photo of a join-in-progress, so there's no mistaking where your needle needs to go.
   
   I also like the format of the book: just the right size for tucking into a tote with my knitting, printed on glossy, quality paper, and while it may not lay absolutely flat, it flattens enough to work from and is sturdy enough to withstand creasing at the margin. Wearing eyeglasses, I often find fault with how some books are printed, but I have no issues with this one.
   
   The learning projects in the book all have a distinctly Scandinavian flavor, and perhaps illustrate the versatility of the technique more than anything else. That gorgeous skirt in Vogue Knitting displays a very different style, which *this* experienced knitter might have hesitated to tackle were I not armed with a copy of "Domino Knitting," and thanks to Ms. Hoxbro's section on working triangles, I'll be able to change its hemline with confidence.



2. The book has good instructions how to knit the different squares and triangles and how to make them all together. (My book is in Norwegian, I dont know the exact words.)In the beginning I was impressed by the book. It fascinated me to knit that way. But I experienced that the garments are shapeless and rigid. If they dont fit neither grown ups or children, you have spilt a lot of yarn; it is not possible to take it apart. I have bought a couple of other books giving the same method. The garments in them are looking very fancy, but in contrary to Høxbo, instructions are not good. Maybe with the mix of two books, I can come to a better result. The method is not quite new either. In Norway we have "kontestrikk", built on the same technique. Høxbo and others have used it to create modern fashion, and that is good. Grete



3. I've been knitting for 40 years but I am someone who can't knit without a pattern, whether I design it or someone else does. That is, until now. This skill is so deceivingly simple, I can't believe I didn't already know it intuitively. It has allowed me a method to knit without a pattern and when I have limited amounts of time. I really love how loose ends are woven in as you go to diminish finishing time.
   
   This is a terrific addition to any knitter's skill set. I'd probably never make a sweater this way but have made quite a few afghans, pillows, hats and scarves.



4. Vivian Hoxbro's detailed, yet simple instructions that get you going on your first square, are great!
   Exciting to learn from! I recommend this book to ANYONE who can knit,purl, slip a stitch, and psso.



5. I give this book 4 stars because it is a nice little book, that explains the technique well. The author uses mitred squares as the basis for her modular knitting. The pictures are nice and the instructions are clear.
   
   Still, I like the book Woolly Thoughts better. That book gives more information and inspiration, plus lots of technical info. They really help you see the math of it all and encourage you to explore for yourself. I think that book will end up being more useful.

5 comments about The Knitting Experience: Book 2: The Purl Stitch (Knitting Experience Series).

1. A good book for beginners to intermediate. Lots of good directions.
   
   Some nice patterns. The patterns are very spelled out. Easy to follow.



2. When The Purl Stitch came out I bought it right away. I was eager to try something new.Reading the book is as important to me as trying the patterns. The examples are challenging and fun to wear.



3. Although The Purl Stitch, by Sally Melville, is a straightforward knitting book giving, clear concise instructions, throughout the book there is a spirit of fun and playfulness. The teaching method is to present several basic techniques in a chapter and provide knitted items (usually sweaters) that use these techniques. Each pattern is introduced with a short description of how or why the author came upon the pattern and a photo of the garment. And unlike many of the current "coffee table" type knitting books filled with beautiful though sometimes deceptive photography, the lion's share of the pictures here are devoted to demonstrating technique and displaying finished garments. In either the left or right hand border of the page the author lists the pattern "Vitals" which include: size and type of needle; swatch requirements; yarn amounts; sizing; level of pattern difficulty; type of fit and; knitting notions required for garment completion. This simple device allows you to see at a glance what you'll need to complete a garment. In addition to photos of the item, you'll also see a schematic of the garment with its final measurements. At the end of each chapter the specific techniques which are the chapter's focus are demonstrated via photography and text. All in all this seems like a very smart way to teach knitting.
   
   Much has been said in these reviews about the patterns and, I agree that many of them are pretty standard classics. I must admit, however, that they are the type of casual sweaters I enjoy knitting, wearing and giving as gifts. Also I feel pretty comfortable making yarn substitutions with such basic patterns and like many knitters, I have a considerably yarn stash to play with.
   
   I learned to knit many years ago and have been knitting seriously for the past 12 years. Through this book I've discovered many new techniques and have gotten a better understanding of ones I've been using for a long time. Through her patterns and instructions Ms. Melville introduces you to the adventure of knitting and it's easy to understand why she's named this series The Knitting Experience. This is a knitting book to have in your library, no question.



4. Both books, "The Knitting Experience: The Knit Stitch and the next one with the same title, except it is for The Purl Stitch, are the quintessential books for anyone who wants to learn either or both stitches. This is to get the knitting of the ground with the right attitude and the right tips, at the right time! I have been knitting for many years, both with a machine and by hand (which is still my favorite way of doing it!!) but both books had some tips for me that I never knew or thought of! If any book can do that to an somewhat experienced knitter, do you know what it will do for a novice? Even the patterns that both books contain are such that you can sit down and DO them as soon as you open the books!!



5. The book is very helpful for a beginning knitter with pictures and simple steps to learn the stitches. The seller packaged the book very well and it arrived promptly with Book 1.

No comments about Boutique Knits: 20+ Must-Have Accessories.