5 comments about Knit Mittens!: 15 Cool Patterns to Keep You Warm (Knit).

1. I love the patterns in this book and the way the book is laid out. The directions are easy to follow. I especially like the charts letting you choose other yarn, gauge, and size of mitten. I really dislike it when a pattern calls for one size yarn and I want to use another. This book helps you avoid that.



2. Being a beginner knitter, I rather like this book than the Knit Hats book. Although the 2 books have color knitting, this one on mittens gives out several tips on how to continue with the color patterns when increases are made for the mittens and the explanation can be easily understood. Just wish they teach how to continue the color patterns if there are decreases.



3. I wish I hadn't spent the money on this book, which I got becuase it's companion "Knit Hats!" was excellent. Knit Mittens! does not have the variety of interesting concepts and patterns found in Knit Hats! I wouldn't reccomend this book to anyone if they haven't looked through it themselves and decided whether or not it is worth buying for the few patterns they will probably enjoy.



4. Great book for visuals, methods, sizing and great instructions. Easy to modify most patterns to suit your own particular needs.
   Great Addition to a home knitting library!



5. At first glance, this seemed like a great little book with a variety of interesting patterns: lots of stranded colorwork, felted mittens, a good variety of sizes.
   - I liked the layout of the instructions in tables so you can easily keep track of the numbers for the size you're making.
   - I also liked the fact that the instructions for the left and right hand shapings are written out, rather than the author just saying "repeat, reversing shaping for the other hand."
   
   However, there were definitely a few annoyances that I ran into when I started trying to use the book:
   - No row gauge given for the patterns! I'm currently almost at the end of my first North Star Mitten and it looks like even though I was over on stitch gauge, my row gauge is tighter than what the author assumes, and my mitten will end up being shorter than my hand. For plain stockinette patterns, I guess this doesn't matter much since the row/stitch ratio is usually pretty consistent, but with the combination of colorwork and yarn worked on smaller needles than recommended, it would be really helpful if the author also gave ROW GAUGE instead of just telling you "x stitches per inch."
   - No yardage information for the yarns used--the author just tells you the number of skeins of a certain kind of yarn. If you want to substitute yarns, it's up to you to research the recommended yarns on the Internet if you want to find out how many yards this translates to. If some of these are partial skeins, this isn't specified either.
   - There is no single glossary of knitting terms. I encountered the abbreviation "ssk2tog" in one place and had to hunt all over the book to figure out if this was the same as the term that is usually written "ssk." (Yes, it is.) I also had to cross-reference a couple of different pages to find the author's definition of "M1". I prefer books that list all their abbreviations together, in a single glossary at the end, rather than scattering them throughout the book in cute little sidebars.
   - I would have liked the mittens to all come in a consistent range of sizes. The "chicky feet" mittens were cute, but only had instructions for children's sizes. It would have been great to see children's, women's, and men's sizes for all the mittens.
   Overall, it's a nice little book to get out from the library (which is what I did) but I probably wouldn't buy it.

5 comments about Pretty in Punk: 25 Punk, Rock, and Goth Knitting Projects.

1. I'll liked this book because its different and fun... I which I could find more like it...



2. Okay. Based solely on the patterns, this book is more like a four and a half. But the lack of multiple sizes for some patterns (the mohair sweater, for instance) makes adjusting difficult.
   Also, none of the patterns provide yardage, making substitution nearly impossible.



3. "Pretty in Punk" is a nice little pattern book with great photographs. The presentation of the happy models looking all funky and cute in the knitted clothes is very appealing and upon my first flip through it, I definitely flagged a few items which I would make.
   
   Upon further review, as someone else pointed out, these could be described as standard patterns which have been adapted and "punked up". For example, the nautical-looking blue top: it's really just a V-neck with anchor-printed buttons up the side. But this, to me, is creative, and aren't most pattern basics essentially the same when it comes to clothing? It is in the colour and accessory additions where you can personalize things and individualize them. This could have been done in black with white skull buttons and categorized as "goth". It is all in the individual's choice, which I like.
   
   My boyfriend (knitter that he is!) made me the ruffled miniskirt with the argyle intarsia on the front and it is gorgeous. No pattern errors, and it fits me beautifully. He seems happy with the book, the pictures are great, and there is a lot of variety and inspiration here. The black drop-stitch tank top is the next project we're looking at, and I definitely feel that he got his money's worth already with this book. The skirt is BEAUTIFUL!
   
   I think this book makes a great addition to a collection of "alternative style" knitting books, and I'm happy to recommend it.



4. I love this book and everything in it. There are alot of great things in this book, it is also very well written and the presentation is great. In my little opinion I think most of these patters are what teens really want so YEAH, no I'm not even close to a teen but I have one :)



5. I really love most of the patterns in this book, but as others have said, there aren't really 25 different projects - most of the projects are variations on the same project. I personally felt like they could have done a lot more than just re-hash the same patterns over and over again.
   
   Furthermore, while none of the designs in this book are a challenge, they aren't for beginners either - there is no instruction regarding beginning techniques like casting on, double cast on, bind off, picking up stitches, intarsia, etc. And some of the descriptions can be really confusing for someone who doesn't already knit.
   
   The biggest problem I have with this book though, is it's price tag - it's just not really worth $20, I bought mine used for $7 and I'm happy with that. Had I paid the cover price for it I would be kind of annoyed.

5 comments about In Sheep's Clothing: A Handspinner's Guide to Wool.

1. I've had this book for a number of years and I've returned to it for information concerning different types of wool. I believe that this book is supposed to help a spinner choose a fleece when purchasing either whole or partial fleeces for spinning. However, I've been disappointed that the information is too incomplete to be really helpful in that respect and the format isn't conducive to quick cross referencing or making comparisons.
   
   At the beginning of the book there is a short primer on wools, in general. There is also a short explanation of woolen vs. worsted yarn and the different types of fleece, whether fine wools, long wools, or down wools. I'm not sure why this information is being given in a book that appears to be directed at a spinner who has sufficient experience to consider purchasing an entire fleece.
   
   The authors give a very nice summary, or reference guide at the beginning of each chapter that rates the softness, elasticity, staple length luster and felting properties. I liked the chart format here. If the information for each fiber type had been summarized in this format throughout the book, it would have made it more of an "at-a-glance" type of reference and the spinner could have made comparisons between fibers.
   
   The photos show a lock of each type of fleece against a contrasting background, several sample projects from each division of fiber and now and then, a photo of an animal. The information is short and covers only the basics. There are suggestions for possible uses for each type of fiber. I appreciate that, especially considering that the authors are attempting to describe something that only a hands-on experience can confirm. To only see pictures of single locks isn't nearly enough to get a good idea of what a type of fiber is like. It's kind of like trying to describe what an orange tastes like without actually getting to taste one. To actually make this book more user friendly, I've put all of the Louet wool sample cards that I could get my hands on in with the appropriate pages. It makes the book easier to use if I can actually touch a sample of what is being described.
   
   If this book had a photo of each type of animal, both before shearing and in full fleece, along with the fiber photos, I would place a higher value on it. As it is, I use this book as a starting point and go to the internet or library to find out more information on a breed type or a fleece type. To be honest, finding detailed information about all breeds of fiber producing sheep in one single volume is impossible, so I know I'm asking a lot. To find samples of each type of fiber is an heroic task as well, so I understand how difficult it is to produce what I'm asking. However, it seems that the authors went to a lot of work to research and photograph all of these types of fiber, only to leave out about half of what they had to have learned during their research.
   
   Throughout the book, there are suggestions for specialized spinning techniques and possible uses for each type of fiber. The book ends with a short primer on hand carding, hand combing and spinning. Again, I'm confused as to why beginner information is being included in a volume that appears to target the more experienced spinner.
   
   Overall, I think this is a noble effort, but it falls short of being the spectacular volume it could have been. Including animal photos and extending the information to cover more than the bare bones would have been a wonderful addition. It would have also raised the price astronomically. Condensing the information into chart form for a spinner to use for the purposes of comparison and contrast would have been a practical addition. I use this book and I will always have it as part of my library, but it's just not the reference I was hoping for.



2. Amazing book that details the different types of sheep and the types and quality of wool that they produce. Now when I go to Maryland Sheep and Wool festival, I'll better understand what I'm looking at, and understand better what wools will satisfy my requirements.



3. In Sheep's Clothing: A Handspinner's Guide to Wool
   Absolutely essential for handspinners that are deciding on which sheep breed to buy.



4. This book is a must for the spinner who wants to spin natural wool straight from the sheep. It not only describes each variety of sheep, but has tables that make it very easy to compare the various breeds for their different characteristics. It is an invaluable reference.



5. Great book for old and new spinners. A lot great information about different breeds of sheep and the wool they produce.

5 comments about Weekend Knitting: 50 Unique Projects and Ideas.

1. I LOVE this book! I bought it because of the flower washcloths. I have made three so far and they were easy to do and fun to knit! They turned out great. I have started the baby sweater. Yes, the needles are small, but, the sweater is a classic and really fun to knit. I agree that this book is not for beginners. But, if you are an intermediate to experienced knitter, you will be able to figure out the patterns and I think you will be quite pleased. I also agree with the other comments that state the title is such because it gives projects that are fun and relaxing to do during the weekend. I do not think the book claims that you would be able to complete ALL these projects in simply one weekend. Try to forget the title if you think it is misleading and simply take the book for the great projects, beautiful photography, and span of projects. I highly recommend it!



2. I almost added this book to my pile for the used bookstore, but gave it one more chance recently. Ms. Falick wrote one of my favorite books--"Kids Knitting," but this one just doesn't measure up. The plain mittens were easy to knit (I made a pair for my husband for Christmas)and they were a big hit. HOWEVER, during help night at my LYS, I attempted to aid a knitter using the two-color brioche technique explained in this book and it was torture! I finally found a video on YOUTUBE that helped her. The projects are varied, but I find the instructions fuzzy for many of them. I wouldn't recommend this book to a beginner, but it's nice if you need a quick gift such as a doll, hat, game/tote. The photos are good, the projects are nice, but the instructions leave something to be desired. This book is typical of most of the knitting books being cranked out by publishers recently. Designers need to learn how to write instructions, and publishers need to have EXPERIENCED KNITTERS proof the pattern instructions before publication!!



3. I LOVE this book. I have a large collection of knitting books and I find myself picking this one up over and over. Each time I find another pattern I find easy to make and beautiful when it is finished. I HIGHLY recommend this. Great for gift ideas. Get it!



4. I bought this book as a beginning knitter, seduced by the unique projects and lovely photography. I was also taken by the fun insets that talk about knitting in literature, knitting in movies, and knitting in the bath. I immediately adopted their idea of putting an assortment of yarn and needles into a basket so my guests could give knitting a try or add a few rows to a "community" scarf.
   
   The patterns are much too difficult for a beginner unless you've got extraordinary patience and an experienced mentor. There no "learn to knit" sections in this book. If you don't know how to increase, decrease, or knit on dpns, this is book not for you.
   
   As a beginner, I was overwhelmed by the complexity of the patterns. I started with the flower-shaped washcloth, but was unsuccessful at transferring the petals to dpns. After a couple years, I came back to the project and finished it easily.
   
   I've come back to this book again and again when I've become bored of knitting the same old projects (baby sweaters, scarves, afghans, and caps) and need fresh inspiration and fresh challenges.
   
   I knitted a handful of the egg cozy sweaters and hung them on a line with my kitchen curtains. I'm in the process of knitting the checkerboard purse because I love the idea of having a purse that turns into a game! And I want to knit some cushions to match my kitchen exactly.
   
   "Product knitters" who are focused on finishing a project will likely be frustrated with this book. However, "process knitters" who enjoy the process of knitting---strolling along, learning new techniques and investigating the possibilities of knitting--will love this book.
   
   Other reviewers have indicated that most of these projects could not be completed in a weekend--which is true. But I think that "weekend knitting" refers to knitting with a luxurious, leisurely "weekend" attitude.



5. I purchased this book for myself because it was on sale on Amazon. The book has a couple interesting patterns in it but as I flipped through the pages, nothing really caught my eye or seemed like something I really wanted to make. I was disappointed by how few patterns there were in the book, particularly when one pattern is counted as 8 or 10 separate patterns (several different styles of finger puppets, none of which will I ever make). Overall I was pretty disappointed. This wouldn't be a bad book to rent from the library, but not worth spending money on.

5 comments about Knitting VISUAL Quick Tips (Teach Yourself VISUALLY Consumer).

1. If you have one knitting book on your shelf it should be this one. The instructions are so clear that it is a great book for beginners, as well as an excellent reference for more experienced knitters. The author is very thorough, and the step-by-step text and photos will get you knitting no matter what your learning style. I would highly recommend this book!



2. I recently purchased this book, along with a similar book on crochet. Being new to both of these crafts, I have found them to be invaluable resources. The fact that they are small in size and can be easily taken along is just another plus. A must for those new to knit and crochet!



3. This is a perfect resource for your knitting bag. It is small and portable. The pictures and print are large and clear. The instructions are step by step without missing anything that beginners would not know. I have the Knitter's companion (old version) and I this this is better.



4. I love this little book! It's the perfect size and weight for the knitting bag. PLUS, it is just jam-packed with knitting info, all in color photos, and all very clearly written. I learned to knit from Sharon Turner's other Visually book, and I'm so happy to have this lightweight handy book to toss in my carry-out knitting bag. As with her other knitting books, the instructions and the photos that go with them are written and arranged such that even the most inexperienced beginner can understand what to do. On top of containing everything you need to know on the go (plus a lot more), this pocket-size book also contains tons of fun tips that you would never have thought of yourself. A++++ keep the knitting books coming!



5. I'm completely NEW to Knitting & THIS handy little booklet is another VISUAL Learner's TRIUMPH! It gives you the WHAT & HOW TO - RIGHT NOW - when you REALLY need to KNOW - without having to scour though chapters of text HUNTING for just that immediate answer you need NOW! BRAVO!!! Another Must Not MISS addition to any knitter's basic library!

5 comments about More Sensational Knitted Socks.

1. Although it took me a while to figure out the layout of this book, I absolutely love it. HOWEVER!!!! Watch out for errors in the patterns. If you check the errata pages at the publisher's website, you will find several important errata in the previous book, "Sensational Knitted Socks." So far, though, there are only a few reported errata in "More Sensational Knitted Socks." I know for a fact that there are more. Especially when knitting from the color work charts, BE CAREFUL; there are errors in at least two of the instep patterns. I am going to report one myself this week, so I figure there are probably more out there that are unreported.
   
   Also, I wish there were more than one technique described for working a short-row heel.
   
   All things considered, though, I do love the book, love the layout (now that I understand it), and recommend it.



2. What a great sock knitting primer. I especially appreciate the sections that pertain to your favorite method of knitting. The pattern selection chapters are so inspirational! I highly recommend this book to the beginning sock knitter but I also recommend it to an experienced sock knitter. I've been knitting socks for years and this book has inspired me to a new level!



3. This book takes care of my main gripe about most sock patterns, i.e. that they specify a brand name yarn, and don't even tell you what weight it is, so it's hard to use something else. Yarn names come and go, but with this book you can knit up a swatch for guage, and follow the charts to the right number of stitches and the pattern you like. Also, it gives instructions for whatever needles you like to use (I like two circulars).



4. Even if I knitted and learned for a year this book would be beyond me. I can barely tell its written in English--E=mc2???. For me this was money wasted.



5. along with great pictures, it also has how to measure for fit and
   how to caculate number of stitches need for type of yarn.

5 comments about A Treasury of Magical Knitting.

1. Cat writes engagingly about the mobius and the creative process she experienced in channeling the projects in the book. I appreciated her encouragement along the way with guidance like "If something goes wrong, rejoice and dive in to see what treasures are revealed" and "Find something to do more or less of and see what happens" and best of all, "Have at it". Sure, if you stick to her patterns you'll have great projects, but if you stick to her advice to engage your creative muse you'll also have the satisfaction of a one-of-a-kind reflection of you. One caution with this as well as any other knitting book: do an internet search for errata before you start any project.



2. Cat Bordhi's book on the moebius loop is a bit of a one-trick pony, but you gotta admit, it's a really good trick. The patterns are the same thing over & over again in different gauges, but the cast-on technique is clearly explained & was quite easy to pick up. This one's a good addition to the knitting library.



3. I previously have knit socks/sleeves on one long circular needle and wanted to try Cat Bordhi's two needle method so purchased four of her books. "A Second Treasury of Magical Knitting" is the sorriest book of my entire extensive knitting library. This is right up there with it for #1 SORRY. Elizabeth Zimmermann taught us many years ago to knit a Moebius scarf. Now Cat puts together an entire book of HER pictures (I kid you not) 57 times! I guess her mother would love this book but I did not realize I was paying $26.95 for her picture album and most of these are simple variations of the same Moebius scarf. This is ridiculous! This one along with her second "Treasury" are DEFINITELY going back!!!



4. I love this book and I love the Moebius knitting concept. I know others have created patterns based on the Moebius strip, but I have to say that beginning to end, once you master the cast-on, this technique is a blast. The cast-on is tricky, but after a couple false starts, I was using this cast-on like a pro. I made my first scarf in an afternoon and couldn't wait to move on to the second one. Fun, fun, fun and very satisfying. Certainly, not a beginner book, but once you have mastered the basic knit & purl skills, you should have no trouble with this technique.



5. My friend turned me on to moebius scarf knitting and this book is really great fun. I am a beginning knitter and even I can understand most of the instructions and it has great photos in it too.

5 comments about Doggie Knits: Sweaters & Accessories for Your Best Friend.

1. I just took a peek at this book yesterday evening at my LYS. The patterns in this book are uniquely clever. The photos of these pooches are adorable. I can't wait to make the hat and scarf set for my little pup. Too Cute!!



2. I just got this book and it's wonderful. There are some great new techniques and some really cute new designs. The hat with holes for the ears and an attached scarf to wrap around is so adorable. I can't wait to knit that one. There is also a new snuggle bed pattern that I'm sure my cat will love. If you like pet knits, this one is worth the money for sure.



3. This book is terrific. The patterns are clear and easy to follow, the book is bright and the dogs pictured are adorable! It has come out just in time for me to finish projects for the holiday gift season. Can't wait to see my friends and family putting these cute outfits on their dogs.



4. The reasons I love this book are:
   - very well explained techniques
   - author is a perfectionist and teaches tips to make a well constructed and well finished project
   - the author clearly had her hands in every phase of the creation of this book and you feel her personality in it everywhere
   - worsted weight (much warmer and easier to work with) yarns are used in the project
   - there are truly beautiful designs for every level of knitter
   - variety in the projects - I am just finishing the sweet little hat and scarf plus there is a bed pouch, collar cover, bandana
   - tips on dyeing your own wool using powdered drink mixes adds a nice creative touch
   
   As long as you don't mind learning to use circular needles in a way you may never have tried - and can use pictorial diagrams (I'm still getting my head around the techniques) - you'll be ready to create some beautiful warm sweaters for all your furry kids.



5. I've been knitting for 7 years, and most of that time I've knit dog sweaters. This book not only has darling photos of cute dogs modeling the patterns, it's extremely well-written. I like that Corinne gives yardage for each pattern, not just a particular yarn. The section on combining colors has been liberating for me; you never could have convinced me that purple and green look good together when linked with orange, but it resulted in a stunning little sweater.
   
   I'll continue to use this book again and again. My dog thanks you, Corinne!

5 comments about Knit Fix: Problem Solving for Knitters.

1. This book provided some solutions for knitting errors that I have come across in my knitting work over the years. Obviously my fixes never looked as good as some of these solutions.



2. Knit Fix is an absolute must-have for knitters of all levels! Being new to the art of knitting, I often have more questions than answers to the problems I encounter. I learn better visually than from written word, but the author addresses each problem (and many I've not yet encountered) in such an easy-to-understand manner, I almost feel she's standing next to me, guiding my every step. Beginners spend a lot of time learning from their mistakes. Now instead of trying to spot the problem and figure out where I went wrong, I have a a time-saving and outstanding reference book to turn to.



3. This book is so helpful to the beginner knitter (me!). The information and pictures are all very well presented.



4. Terrific illustrations explaining the working of the knit/purl stitch. Great instruction to undo and fix the impossible.



5. The book is able to be opened flat which is helpful. The troubleshooting section is especially good.

5 comments about Folk Vests: 25 Knitting Patterns & Tales from Around the World (Folk Knitting series).

1. Enjoying the book, it provides me with an outlook on vests from other countries. Recommend this book to all who are interested in knitting styles .



2. This pattern book has very nice looking vests but,
   unfortunately, the instructions have too many errors.
   I tried to knit the Bookworm vest and it came out huge
   even though the gauge measured correctly.
   Wish I had not purchased the book.



3. Photographs of the vests are beautiful, only wish the gauges worked. I tried the Bookworm vest and ended up searching the internet for corrections. I recommend, before knitting patterns, search for corrections.



4. This book is a design library and Folk Vests are frequently seen being proudly worn at the big knitting shows. The wide variety of stitch and construction techniques makes Folk Vests a great learning guide for the newer knitter, and experienced knitters will find designs that showcase their skills. The photos of the vests give good stitch detail. All the patterns give clear instruction and finished measurements. Minor errata have been corrected in the new printings and are also available from the publisher on the web. Highly recommended for avid knitters and students of knitting alike.



5. ALL the vests pictured in the book are absolutely beautiful. This book made me dreamt of wearing vests for all the days of the week. I cannot wait to start and finish each one. Regarding the gauge problems that other reviewers mentioned; I've learned that they can be different according to tension and needles used. For example, straight versus circular. In my opinion, this book is one of the most favourite I own to date. (And I have the whole library full) ^_^