3 comments about Love to Knit Socks: 35 Fun and Fashionable Socks, Legwarmers and Booties to Knit.

1. When I ordered this book (after seeing the socks on the cover) I didn't expect to like so many of the 35 creative and new designs for socks. It's one of the best new book on socks I've seen in a long time. It has designs for short and long lace socks, dressy socks even socks for children and babies etc. I especially liked the flower socks, the japanese tabi socks, turkish socks, winter flower socks, stirrup legwarmers, tennis socks, gardening long socks, argyle golf socks, spotty slippers, tv slippers and especially the cherry slippers. There is even a simple Christmas stocking. Yarns are rowan , debbie bliss, jaeger, regia, patons, jamieson's etc.



2. I have not attempted to making socks yet. Upone receiving this book after reviewing it, I decided that I had to retun it. Perhaps in the future after I get "my feet wet", I will reorder this book. The book was very well written, but I did not think that it was for me at this time.



3. This book is interesting. For someone in their teens or twenties, it would probably be very good. For me, I passed it on to someone in their 20s. The colorwork socks were beautiful, but I hate doing colorwork. Many of the other socks were just a little funkier than I'd want to make.
   Not a bad book, just one I don't particularly love for myself. The person I gave it to, enjoyed it.

5 comments about Sexy Little Knits: Chic Designs to Knit and Crochet.

1. I love love love it! A great book to whip up those sexy little bikini tops and bottoms.



2. This book is full of Errors. Period. Save yourself $22.00 and countless hours of frustration. Boycott the Author- Boycott the Publisher- Boycott the store that you bought it from. They are all shameless!!
   
   The world is full of cute and striking Patterns provided by responsible Authors and Publishers. Ashley Paige and Potter Craft do not fall into this category.



3. I consider myself someone who would be able to wear the things out of a book called Sexy Little Knits...but these designs are ridiculous! I would keep this book away from my little brother and nephews, too, because the photography is like getting your hands on a Victoria's Secret catalog, and a little too much for even me. I would say that the little hot pink number on the front is one of the most tame and wearable designs. I read other reviews like the one I am now writing, and didn't heed their advice because I thought perhaps middle-aged women were trying to wear these and getting upset that they couldn't. Public apology...these knits are for no one but a tan leggy teenager (who can ostensibly knit her own dainties!)



4. As a machine and hand knitter, it is obvious that the garments on this piece were constructed on a machine and then the directions were interpretted for hand knitters. This makes for some wild instructions and impossible gauges. When changing a machine pattern to a hand knit pattern, you can't simply replace "needle" with stitch, as is done in this book. Furthermore, some manuevers that are easy and common on a machine are awkward and seldom used when knitting by hand, but this book does not offer alternatives.
   
   In short, I find it highly doubtful that any test garments for these patterns were actually produced by hand. They work great on a machine, but for the hand knitter, I cannot recommend this book.



5. There are so many beautiful patterns in this book including a luxurious bathrobe, a number of the gorgous retro bikinis Ashley Paige is famous for, and some really cute tops and skirts.
   
   Most of which come with horrid patterns that are nearly impossible to create. It's beyond typo errors, it feels more like whole sections are missing. Having knitted by hand and with a machine, it feels like these patterns were made for a machine and then translated for hand knitting but never actually tested. Maybe one day they will come out with another book called "Sexy Little Knits: with Actually Knittable Patterns."

5 comments about Vogue Knitting on the Go: Knits for Pets (Vogue Knitting on the Go!).

1. I don't like clothes for dogs but for people who love her animals it is very ineresting and there are many ideas for the dogs,. For knitters prefer this i think its a must to buy this book



2. I WAS REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING THIS BOOK, I HAVE LOVED ALL MY OTHER VOGUE BOOKS BUT THIS ONE DID NOT LIVE UP TO MY EXPECTATIONS. THE DESIGNS ARE SO IMPRACTICAL, THE FIRST TIME YOUR DOG MOVES MOST OF THESE OUTFITS WILL BE DRAGGING ON THE GROUND. AND THE TWO DESCENT SWEATER PATTERNS ARE FOR SMALL DOGS ONLY.



3. The felted pet toys are fun and easy to knit. My dogs and my friends cats love to play with them!



4. I wanted a book with dog sweaters. So I choose poorly. The items not for pets are a kids dog purse, dog hat and pet pillows. These are cute but not "for" pets. Overall nice patterens but not what I wanted. I thank those that wrote reviews before me that I didn't listen to!



5. I plan to do some of the designs, and the one on the cover was going to be the first... until I read the pattern and found out that there are no finished measurements. I have no idea what the size of this sweater is, and even worse its a lot of work! So what am I supposed to do? Work for hours with pricey yarn and keep my fingers crossed? geez... I am having a knitting pro look at the pattern in a couple of weeks to see if we can figure out the size and adjust as necessary. I will say that the patterns are really beautiful though! Amazing designs, creative and colorful. I would rate this book as advanced knitting... it is definitely not for beginners... but a worthwhile purchase if you are at least an intermediate knitter.

5 comments about Wendy Knits: My Never-Ending Adventures in Yarn.

1. I know Wendy has a huge following on her blog, but I have tried and tried to read her blog and her book, and it just doesn't inspire me to read on, or to follow her blog.
   
   There are so many knitters out there who have engaging writing styles, and authors of knitting books who do as well (Stephanie Pearl-McPhee comes to mind), that I simply can't see spending my knitting and spinning time on one that isn't as engaging and entertaining. This is one of two books about knitting or spinning I regret having ever bought.



2. I was disappointed in this book. Although it was a cute book to read, it is nowhere as interesting as The Yarn Harlot's Books, and the patterns were nothing special at all, as far as I am concerned. The patterns showed very little imagination, and the sweaters were shapeless and baggy.
   You have your basic socks, your plain pullover, your shortsleeved sweater, a sweater with a little bit of cabling, and, oh, look, a cat bed with novelty yarn. There is a vest, a lace shawl, an easy "Norwegian" sweater.
   Nothing here you can't find online someplace for free.



3. anybody who has read her blog knows how way cool she is. now a book. and the patterns work. what else is there?
   
   oh, yes, and she has the cutest cat in the world to model the patterns (sits right on whatever Wendy is photographing, like any good cat should).
   
   I love love love this book. A keeper.



4. This is a delightful book full of interesting information and patterns, as well as biographical information on the author. Wendy is a lovely lady who has a very entertaining blog. I would recommend this book to any knitter of any skill level.



5. Wendy is known as quite a talented and prolific knitter. This book, unfortunately, does not showcase her talents and there is absolutely nothing inspiring about it. Fortunately, I did not pay for the book and was happy to pass it on to a charity works bookstore.

5 comments about Vogue Knitting: American Collection.

1. If you have all or most of the 1990's issues of Vogue Knitting, you will already have all the sweaters in this book. Vogue always publishes a quality book, with large photos, diagrams, and good instructions, so purchasing the book is worthwhile if you have missed the 90's issues. As with Designer Knits and Very Easy Knits, both nice books, you get recommendations for updated yarns when the original is not available. Even so, I was disappointed. Those sweaters chosen for this collection are ones that I never considered all that appealing. A good many are weak attempts at avant garde sweaters and few for a more conservative, classic style are included. Many of these sweaters are also appropriate for very thin women, but normal bodies might not be complimented by the styling. One plus is that the tapestry afghan is included in case you missed it, and the author attempts to do something similar to Falick's Knitting Across America by including two page biographies of major American designers. This adds interest to the book but then those two pages could have been put to use to include more sweaters -- the usefulness if really up to you to decide. I was much happier with Designer Knits and Very Easy Knits.



2. While this book of patterns is more down to earth than their designer series- it has many of the same problems from a beginner's perspective. The sweater patterns are almost exclusively for experienced and expert knitters. There are a couple for the intermediate. There are no interesting, simple and classic pullovers or cardigans for the beginner, or even the advanced beginner! Steer clear unless you're very proficient.



3. Want a "best-of" collection from the top American knitwear designers, even if you'll never manage to complete half the patterns? This book is for you.

   Each chapter begins with a two-page profile of the designer and then features four or five of the most memorable patterns she ever did for the magazine. In total there are more than 40 garments from Pam Allen, Lily Chin, Nicky Epstein, Nora Gaughan, Kristin Nicholas, Debora Newton, Mari Lynn Patrick, Michele Rose, Elizabeth Zimmerman, and Mag Swansen.

   As you'd expect from Vogue Knitting, the layout is exceptionally clear and well illustrated, and the patterns are easy to read. The book has just a few Very Easy Very Vogue patterns. The rest are definitely for intermediate to expert knitters.




4. Even if you're a relatively inexperienced knitter, you should buy this book. While it is true that most of the projects are for more advanced knitters, you need something to work toward, to look forward to. As is true for all of Vogue Knitting's books, the pattern instructions are clearly written, and the photographs are dynamite. At some point, you will want to try something more challenging, and when you're ready, you'll have this book. Even so, I think several of these designs could be attempted after you have done a couple of more simple sweaters. Just go slow at first, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

   In addition to the beautiful designs in this book, there is a profile of each designer. This is a great feature. Each of the designers started out as beginners, just like us. It's interesting to see how each of them got their start. You might even be inspired to design something on your own.




5. Vogue Knitting American Collection ($) will appeal to knitters with its collection of handknit patterns from top designers. Over forty garments are presented ranging from casual to dressy, each including color photos of finished products, a stitch overview, and step-by-step instructions perfect for those without prior knitting experience.

No comments about Felted Wool Fashions: Making New Styles from Old Knits.

No comments about Ethnic Knitting Exploration: Lithuania, Iceland, and Ireland.

No comments about The Harmony Guides: 101 Stitches to Knit (The Harmony Guides).

5 comments about Knit Knack Kit.

1. I taught myself to knit from this book. While I agree with others that the round needles were not easy to work with, I was able to get started. The store I bought it at told me there was no yarn included - so I bought a ball and was knitting that night. It's great to inspire someone to knit.



2. This kit is the re-packaged version of "Knitting Pretty", by Kris Percival, my first ever knitting book. It's an enjoyable book and it did the trick, but I have a slight bone to pick with the kit. I remember only too well one day a few months after I had become a successful knitter. I wanted to knit my dad a hat for his birthday, and with a smile on my face picked up a pair of circular needles. The experience was horrible! I kept getting tangled and snarled, and after 15 minutes I was in tears! Now I'm a bit more advanced and have successfully completed a hat, and circular needles are my friends. But for a beginner, I would not recommend this kit for the sole reason that it expects people to learn on circulars. I would more recommend buying "Knitting Pretty" and some STRAIGHT needles, instead of buying the Knit Knack Kit. Same book, less money and suffering...

   PS: One thing that "Knitting Pretty" doesn't explain, which is crucial to know when you DO pick up circular needles, is that "join yarn" means MAKE SURE THE YARN ISN'T TANGLED. It confused me that the instruction to "join yarn" was in all the "Knitting Pretty" hat patterns, but I had no idea what she meant. So just so you know... Hope I helped!




3. Every Friday I teach a small class of 2nd- 6th graders the art of knitting. Initially, I had a hard time finding patterns for the children that were quick, easy to read, and most important...FUN! The children love the cards that come in the kit because they can stand them up on the table in front of them. This saves these newbie knitters from having to put down their work to check a pattern. Also, it includes kid friendly patterns like the head kerchief, child's halter top, and the beer cozy, which we use for our Cokes instead! The skill level ratings on the cards are great as well, because they help the kids decide which patterns are feasible for them. If you have a child who wants to learn how to knit, this is the perfect starting kit.



4. I did not like this Kit since I found the designs very basic and some were not particularly practical. However; for the beginner knitter it would be an excellent gift. I did like the scarf pattern and the baby hat. Plus, the designs are well written and convenient to put with the project.



5. This is really a very nice kit for beginners as well as knitting to go since most projects are smaller. The 25 projects are all super nice or cute. BUT as a long time crocheter [and a knitter of just a few years] with this kit, what I consider as the big flaw and perhaps an oversight is that all yarn measurements are listed as # of balls/skeins and # of grams/ounces. If there is any yard lengths mentioned on the back of the cards; it is not noted if this is total yards or per skein/ball. I can only say of my own yarn purchasing experience - I do not buy any yarn by the weight; I do however check the yard length which insures that I will have enough yarn to make any project.

5 comments about Sally Melville Styles: A Unique and Elegant Approach to Your Yarn Collection.

1. This is not like the "Knit Stitch" or "Purl Stitch" books of Melville's, which I love. I found no patterns that I cared to knit, and few that I felt I would even want to attempt. It's promoted as having patterns that get rid of your stash, but most patterns do this by weaving in small amounts of various colors. You will still need to have large quantities of a basic color for many of these patterns. I will be getting rid of my book, unfortunately. Check this out a library first to see if these patterns are what you like.



2. I loved this book. If you have been knitting for awhile, you will have accumulated lots of odd balls and bits of pieces of yarn. This is the book to help inspire you how to use them. She also shows how each sweater uses the color wheel in the design, and some wonderful tips for knitters.



3. Sally Melville's STYLES provides a fun new approach to organizing and using a yarn collection: producing blends of styles, colors and textures. STYLES is all about patterns to combine these odds and ends, showing them off to maximum advantage, and makes for a lovely option for any knitter who has a wealth of yarn `leftovers' to combine.



4. I'm a very "old" french knitter but Sarah Melville is ALWAYS interesting for me: she has so many new and good ideas, explanations are so clear and funny... so really good.



5. For a person who has knitted all their lives this book offers patterns one can utilise the lovely single bits of wool you didn't want to throw away. One use the background pattern and incoporate any ply for the inserts.