5 comments about Shear Spirit: Ten Fiber Farms, Twenty Patterns, and Miles of Yarn.

1. Almost every knitter and spinner I know has dreamed of having a hobby farm with sheep of their very own. This book tells stories of those lucky ducks who get to live the life we imagine. It tells of the romance (skirting a fleece with a glass of wine *sigh*) but also tells what an incredible amount of work these people go through to get us our pretty yarn.
   
   The photography is gorgeous. Drooly gorgeous.



2. This book was very much what I expected. It is meant to be more of an inspirational coffee table book than a how-to. As a handspinner, I almost wish that some of the projects were geared towards handspinners with instructions on how to make the yarn for the particular project rather than requiring the millspun yarn that the book gives (although I do understand that the people whom the book covers also want to sell their products). Overall, a beautiful and enjoyable book.



3. Great pictures and interesting storiesShear Spirit: Ten Fiber Farms, Twenty Patterns, and Miles of Yarn
   I also found a perfect sweater pattern I was looking for from one of the featured farms.



4. Wonderful book, a must have for any knitter/yarn lover. Beautiful pictures along with great stories from the people and animals who bring us the yarn and fiber products we love so much. Very diverse, this book features fiber farms from around the country, no two are alike. Plus this book has patterns! Who could ask for more?



5. I find myself at a loss for words in reviewing this book. As a fiber artist who raises sheep, spins, dyes, and knits, I was awestruck! This is a "must buy" for anyone who aspires to this lifestyle. The yarns are fantastic, the patterns are great and geared towards handspun yarn... everything about this book is just beautiful! A++++ !!!

5 comments about Junior Knits.

1. I was very pleased to obtain this. I could not find it elsewhere.



2. I've never been disappointed with any of Debbie Bliss' patterns and these were no exception. I've made 5 from this book and they all are beautiful and fit great. I love how she sizes them just the way kids like them. They're comfortable and have plenty of grow room. My daughter looks so cute in her pea coat!



3. I'm a fan of Debbie Bliss, but most of her books are for infants. So I am happy to see this one for older kids; between 3yr-10yr. There are plenty of "cool" patterns for both boys & girls.. yet they remain nice & practical at the same time. The fact that it is spiral bound is a plus. I have many D.B. books and this is one of my favorites.



4. It is harder to find junior size patterns... and this book is full of
   fashion forward.... patterns kids will enjoy wearing....
   The sizes are generous.... so they have life... or could be knit for
   a larger junior size that wants a closer fit.



5. I just wish there was a full range of sizes on all the patterns, and that the sizes represented the 'tweens' as well as the older children. A ten year old grandson is just on the upper border of the spectrum and some the patterns only go to 6-8 age group. Still, wonderful assortment of patterns and styles.

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

5 comments about Arans & Celtics: The Best of <I>Knitter's Magazine</I> (Best of Knitter's Magazine series).

1. After repeatedly checking this book out from my library I am glad that I bought my own copy! I was hesistant since I've been a Knitter's subscriber since 2000 and do have a few issues from before that from Ebay. But after some research I found that 17 of the 30 patterns I did not have in my magazines, and 12 of the best were from the two oldest magazines (K16 and K40) which form this book compilation.
   It is true, you will not find whatever body/armhole shaping that is currently in vogue in these designs. You WILL find cable designs varying in difficulty that are a joy to knit and large charts that pose no eye-strain with easy to understand cable symbols. In addition, for those interested in different construction techniques, there are a couple pullovers knitted in the round (one of which involves steeking), a sideways knit, and a top-down aran with saddle shoulders. There are helpful knitter's tips in the margins (such as grafting a garter stitch underarm seam) when needed. Also some gorgeous close-ups of the cable details! For those who wish to modify the boxy drop shoulder look of some of the sweaters, it looks like it would not be difficult to adjust these designs for a square inset or fitted armhole. All in all, I highly recommend this book if one does not have the original magazines.



2. My mother gave me this book as a gift and at first I thought it was going to be just a nice knitting book to add to my collection. The patterns appeared complicated and I did not really believe they would work out as well as presented in the pictures. However, I have recently completed two patterns from this lovely book and there is no need to adjust any of the instructions. If you follow the patterns as written, the results will be a beautiful sweater that will receive many complements! The results were far better than expected.Arans & Celtics: The Best of Knitter's Magazine (Best of Knitter's Magazine series)



3. What I love most about this book is that these are sweaters that are not your typical sweater (personally, I don't think it's worth knitting an average-looking sweater that you can purchase in the store for $20-$30), yet they are not trendy and dated looking by next year, either. Many of the books out there now that I've looked at contain more trendy styles that will be gone soon.
   
   I'm an experienced knitter (15 yrs.) who's fairly new to cables and looking for a challenge. This was it. It is definitely not for the newbie knitter. If you're experience and are looking to make a timeless sweater for yourself or as a gift, this is a great book.



4. I am very satisfied of this book. This book is beautiful and the service is exceptionnal.



5. Fantastic book. Just what I wanted at the time. Started to knit straight away with easy to read instructions. Well worth the money. Great Efficient service from Amazon books.

No comments about Essential Knits for Kids: 20 Fresh, New Looks for Children Two to Five.

5 comments about Folk Style: Innovative Designs to Knit, Including Sweaters, Hats, Scarves, Gloves and More (Style series).

1. I thought the book was very well presented with bright colourful photos, and the instructions were clear and easy to understand (and interpret for machine knitting!). Great book, well recommended.



2. This book is a creative inspiration! The color options are fresh and vibrant, and I can easily see making several of the small projects for my family without arousing that "Oh, no, where did Mom find this clunker?" response (I can see the Sunny Flowers Fez becoming an instant favorite with my granddaughter). Some of the body silhouettes are short trendy accent garments (patchwork jacket, Shanghai surplice) that would be easy to lengthen if coverage is an issue. The Algonquin socks and Bunad mukluks are adorable--just in time for winter!
   
   I really like the suggested embellishments--embroidery touches, buttons, unexpected details--that add whimsy without overloading the designs. Mags Kandis has opened a window to fresh design and color choices.



3. is what i love, but this beautiful book is so wonderful i want to learn to knit.its the funky and artsy,bohemian chic look that is usually found in a crochet piece all sweetly put together in a gorgeously photographed package of inspiration. now, i am off to ask my thirteen year old to teach me how to knit!



4. A great book with some unique patterns. These will also serve as very wearable items. Good for my knitting library.



5. I love the designs in this book. I am currently knitting the Modern Quilt Wrap and love it. If you are intending to
   make the designs in the book exactly as designed including types and colors of yarn it can be difficult to find the yarn as some colors have been discontinued, but this just allows a chance for more creativity.

5 comments about Twinkle's Big City Knits: 31 Chunky-Chic Designs.

1. This book is full of fun, fast patterns for intermediate to advanced knitters. I've only knitted scarves so far, so many of these patterns are beyond my current abilities. However, the instructions are detailed and the pictures are terrific.



2. I love the knits in this book, although admittedly I haven't knit any yet (typical for me.) It's ironic how much animosity people are showing towards the author here because she has created patterns for petite and thin people. Honestly, the only people who can really pull off a look with bulky yarns are twig-thin folks. So of course that's who she aimed for. If you judge people because they are thinner than what you expect them to be, don't be surprised when people judge you because you are fatter, stupider, more petty, or whatever than what they prefer. It goes around, then it comes around, people.



3. Yes, the patterns need a caption that the final measurements are the actual garment measurements that will stretch to YOUR body size! Even with that oversight, I love the book. The patterns are super cute and trendy. Modern knitters need this book.



4. This is a real hit or miss book. Some of the patterns are really pretty (St. Bart's mini, which would look nice in a ribbon yarn), and others just look very frumpy (the Chelsea Sweater). Some of the patterns (like the Chelsea and the Karate Sweater, among others) are lace patterns which just don't look good in chunky yarn. If they were redone in thinner yarns, they would be very nice indeed.
   
   The instructions are not clear at all, and for the items done in dark yarn, the photos are just about useless as they show no stitch detail. The Tuxedo Jacket is just one of several designs only photographed from one angle on the model, leaving you to wonder exactly how the back is supposed to look (there's some kind of a keyhole collar) when worn.
   
   Several reviewers have commented about how knitters are supposed to know how to adjust patterns. Yes, that's true to a certain extent where sizing is concerned, but you shouldn't have to FIX errors, or try to guess what you're supposed to do from vague instructions, not when you're paying big bucks for the book, big bucks for the yarn, AND figuring in the cost of your time (your time is worth something, even if you don't work outside the home).
   
   Check this book out of the library first, before buying. The patterns are geared towards very slender, very flat-chested models, so if you don't fit the profile (so to speak), be prepared to do a LOT of swatching and adjusting.



5. . . .the patterns in this book are indeed chock-full of errors, as may be gathered by reading other reviewers' comments. However, Classic Elite (distributor of Twinkle yarns) has an errata file for download at their website, and Wenlan Chia herself has encouraged knitters to be creative with her designs. If you feel comfortable with winging it every so often, go for it-- super-bulky yarns and mega-humungo needles (size 36 circulars?!) can take your project from idea to FO ASAP.

5 comments about Knitting for Dummies.

1. At last, a book that explains how to knit in a way that I can comprehend. I cast on right away! Shipped very quickly too.



2. I ordered this for a friend who wanted to learn how to knit. I have used Dummies books for lots of other subjects, and in general, have found them very helpful and clear. Not this one.
   
   I understood "for dummies" to mean for people who know absolutely nothing about the topic but want to learn. I don't know if the authors are so experienced that they don't remember what it was like to be a beginner, or if it's just really bad editing, but this book jumps all over the place and even talks about designing your own sweaters in the first few pages, as if a beginner would understand what that means. Knitting lingo that only experienced knitters would know appear way too early as well.
   
   The first couple of lessons, just casting on and knitting, are too complicated and have errors. The diagrams don't go with the text or are on the next page from the text (?!) so you can't refer to both at the same time. The material is presented in a bizarre order and the ugly format using cheap newsprint with the color pictures in a clump in the center just doesn't do it for a knitting book. I'm so glad I shipped it to myself so that I could send it back in exchange for the Teach Yourself to Knit Visually book, which is superb, packed with color pictures, and costs only a couple dollars moreTeach Yourself Visually Knitting (Teach Yourself Visually). From now on, I will go to the bookstore to review a Dummies book in person before purchasing! A real disappointment.



3. I taught myself to knit with this book fairly quickly. Getting started was a little confusing, though and I had to do an internet search to find a video to watch about it. Some things are very clear and others I had a lot of trouble with (although I'm assuming it's just because I was learning).
   
   I've not worked my way through all of this book, but I would say that it's a good way to get started knitting. =)



4. Not a good way to start out someone learning to knit. Not terribly well-written, either.



5. Buy this book if you're looking for answers on how to do certain things.
   This book filled the gaps left by "Stitch n bitch" and has helped me out of several jams.
   
   The patterns are crap, but the reference is good.

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 Crafty Mama: Makes 49 Fast, Fabulous, Foolproof (Baby & Toddler) Projects.

1. I got this book as a gift and I love it! The pictures are great, the writing is funny and the crafts super clever!
   A must for all new families!



2. I've already bought this book for two other friends because it makes a very uncrafty mama like me into an oohs and ahs mom around the neighborhood. I've got people asking where things are from and I'm proud to say "I made it!" Easy instructions, great crafts and a must have for any mom (or dad).



3. I got this book after seeing the author on a news show. She was so freaking cute I wanted to fold her up and put her in my pocket. Then I got the book which is even cuter. It's so well written, the projects are adorable and the best part is that the crafts are EASY. (I mean, what mom, no matter how crafty, can devote doing a project that takes longer than 2 hours?) The creativeness of this book and the obvious love that the author has for crafts (and kids!) comes through on every page. I just found my staple baby shower gift!



4. This book is fantastic. I saw the author on the local news and she seemed brillant, crafty and fabulously fun. The ideas are easy to do and adorable. A great gift for mom and baby!



5. This book is fabulous! Whether you're super crafty, or just so-so, everyone will love this book. Each activity is rated according to the cost, the time, the skill, and "how ga-ga they'll go." It's very cute and helpful to new mothers who prioritize everything! There is quite a range of craft ideas and each one is super-cute. I highly recommend Crafty Mama.