5 comments about Sensual Knits: Luxurious Yarns, Alluring Designs.

1. The designs in this book are gorgeous-- simple, understated and classy. The unique silhouettes and lines are really lovely-- this is the first knitting book that I simply had to have, after flipping through in the book store.
   
   The only draw back is the errors in some of the patterns... some of them aren't even explained by the errata on the book's webpage. But aside from that, great patterns-- none of which are a bore!



2. I buy a lot of knitting books---probably too many. Usually there's a pattern or two worth knitting, and that's enough.
   
   In this book, I'd say there's a pattern or two NOT worth knitting. Everything else is an absolute gem. I've had the book three months and I'm already knitting two sweaters from it, the striking Transparency and the classic Balloon-Sleeve Jacket (which appears on the cover).
   
   This book should be on the shelf of any sweater knitter, especially, and anyone who wants to knit sweaters. Many of the designs are simple, but not the kind of "big-needle-fast-knit-crap" found in all too many books these days. These are thoughtful designs with shaping and drape to flatter most figures. Most are classics; a few are fashion-forward. Most are mid-weight (worsted, DK, Aran), some are lighter for a less bulky fit.
   
   Do yourself a favor and at least flip through this book, or check it out on Ravelry. I think you'll find you can't wait to acquire a copy.



3. I got this book less than a month after it came out and at least three of the yarns used in the book were completely unavailable, one of which has been definitely discontinued. The point of the book was to use unique yarns that were soft and sensual feeling (hence the name of the book), so it is hard to try to find substitutes. It seems the editor should have checked to be sure these yarns would still be available when the book was published.
   
   Other than the yarn issue I think the patterns are beautiful, classic, and very fashion forward. It's a great book to browse and be inspired by and a few of the patterns appear to be appropriate for a beginner although many would be a challenge to even a more experienced knitter. If I can ever find yarn I plan to knit several of the items in this book.



4. I had high expectation but was disappoited. But I like the pattern for the cardigan on the bookcover.



5. This book is exactly what it advertises -- an interesting assortment of attractive and feminine knit patterns. It's well laid out and easy to read. The patterns appear to be well-written, though I have no yet knit very many of them. The pictures are very good and give a good idea of what the finished knit will look like from several angles in most cases.

5 comments about New Pathways for Sock Knitters: Book One.

1. Cat's mind works in quirky and wonderful ways, and this book brings new challenges to knitters of all levels. I have not yet worked on all that new "Sockitecture," because I have been involved in other recent knitting projects with deadlines. However, I have scanned the book and know I will enjoy it. The instructions and illustrations are very clear and interesting.
   
   Cat has worked long and hard on this book, but it is very difficult to get all the kinks out of knitting instructions. This is the second printing, and I found a page of errata on the Internet and checked against the book. Not all errors have been corrected. However, from what I saw, I don't think this would pose a real problem for most knitters. However, the book should come with a page of errata enclosed.



2. Cat Bordhi comes up with answers to questions I didn't even think to ask! As always, her writing is clear and very readable. I almost feel she is having a conversation with me. The first chapter has a lot of beginner sock-knitting tutorials that I skipped over...but then went back and took a closer look when I was showing the book to someone that hasn't knitted for a long time. They are very well done. Then she goes into the patterns, which are all interesting and informative. The last two chapters (10 and 11) teach you how to use her concepts as a starting point for your own creativity. 11 also shows various top-down and toe-up techniques for toes, cuffs, and bind-offs.



3. Das Buch ist eine Fundgrube von Ideen, wie man Socken mit verschiedensten Abnahmen machen kann. Die Anleitungen sind sehr gut erklärt und natürlich kann man sie mit Rundnadeln stricken!



4. I'm an expert knitter (30+ years) and I've created my own patterns and taught knitting. I've mastered the art of knitting back backwards and I've created several of my own cast-ons when I found other cast-ons too constrictive or too complex.
   
   And yet I was starting to think that there was something wrong with me that I found this book confusing and overly complicated. I'm so glad to know there are other people who feel this way. The "choose your own adventure" aspect - where page 51 tells you to turn to page 9 and you get to page 9 and it tells you to look for box 10 - is unnecessarily complicated and, frankly, lazy. Make the instructions clearer - even if it means making the book longer.
   
   The second, and almost as annoying, aspect of this book is the way she makes up terms. What the heck? Is there something wrong with "SSK" and "K2tog"? I don't see the point, unless you're teaching a rank beginner with this book, and if you are, she's going to go off to other books and patterns and come back to you: "What?? Help! I don't understand!"
   
   I wanted to like this book. I really did. I'm a process person, not a product person. But while the ideas in this book might be wonderful, the execution is so flawed as to make the book virtually worthless. I've had it for almost two weeks and I still haven't cast on a sock from it. This is unheard of for me: I've been known to cast on an interesting pattern on the way home from the knitting shop.



5. Cat Bordhi has a brain I envy. She's taken something that's been done for generations in pretty much the same few ways and broken it apart to examine it, put the pieces together in new ways and said "Why not?" The socks she offers are beautiful and innovative in the extreme. Directions are detailed and clear.
   
   One star off because of the paging back and forth required to follow some patterns, plus the tendancy to larger guages, which a lot of sock knitters, including me, aren't enamoured of.

5 comments about Knitting in Plain English, Updated Edition.

1. What a great book. I have learned so much about knitting from reading this book. My knits have improved 100-fold, and I look forward to many projects that will not seem as daunting now that I have read this book. I encourage the working of the practice pieces in the back of the book. The baby sweater and bonnet. They are great learning tools for newbies, or great methods of refining skills for intermediates like me. I've learned so much. Thanks for a great book, funny, warm and easy to read. Nicci in NYC.



2. This is a no-nonsense, wonderful book on knitting basics. Many of my knitting friends have balked at the concept of anyone being able to learn to knit without being shown by another human being, in person, exactly what to do, but it is absolutely true that I taught myself to knit, using *this* book. It is an enjoyable, chatty read and her instructions are clear and well written. She doesn't just tell you WHAT you are supposed to be doing, but more often than not, she is giving you the WHY as well. I highly recommend it!



3. Remember the old adage "give a man a fish, and he eats for a day, teach him to fish and he eats for a lifetime"? That's what this book is to knitting.
   
   While many of the current glut of beginning knitting books will teach you to cast on, knit, and purl (and possibly to make an already outdated scarf out of an already discontinued eyelash yarn), Ms. Righetti's book teaches you to think critically and how to knit what YOU have set out to knit.
   
   I own many, many knitting books. This is one I refer back to as I grow within the craft. The patterns provided might not be very stylish, but I learned excellent skills to take to other projects I adore.
   
   This book is a wonderful contribution. I was glad to see that so many here felt the same way about it. I'd love to hear more from Maggie. I wonder if she has any idea how many knitters she has influenced?



4. I recently purchased this book and love it! Righetti gives you a no-nonsense tutorial on all the basics of knitting. This book is great for both beginner and seasoned knitters. The one thing I would have liked to see differently is better illustrations of the stitches. Considering this book was originally published several years ago, I can deal with the illustrations. I highly recommend this book! Happy Knitting!



5. Generally helpful, in a research sort of way, but despite her protests to the contrary Ms. Rigetti does have a definate! point of view vis-a-vis techniques.

5 comments about More Big Girl Knits: 25 Designs Full of Color and Texture for Curvy Women.

1. I liked the first book and found this to be an excellent followup. I'm a novice knitter so I still have a learning curve, but this book has excellent pictures and a nice variety of patterns. The book is written in a fun style with a humorous approach.



2. addresses real big girl problems and designs are contempory timely and fasionable something for every one.



3. ... and for the people who knit for them.
   
   Love the book. It's a great follow-up to Big Girl Knits, with more techniques and patterns that flatter bigger women.
   
   It's written for big girls who are frustrated with trying to find patterns that fit and flatter, but would be useful for anyone who knits for a larger girl.



4. This just arrived today and already I have my next five or six knitting projects planned -- the patterns are GORGEOUS and the writing style makes me feel confident I can tackle these beautiful pieces. Can't wait for "Still More" from Moreno and Singer. I also can't emphasize enough how good for my own self-esteem it is to see so many photos of joyous, generously-sized women wearing clothes they love. Wearable art is for people of all sizes!



5. Thank Heaven for Jillian Moreno and Amy Singer! They have come up with beautiful clothing for us Big Gals. Lise Varrette's photography is exceptional! The choice of models for each piece is like it was made for them! The patterns are clear and easy to follow. Their style of writing makes me feel like I'm learning from good friends. Right now I'm working on the Susie Hoodie and can hardly wait to finish it.
   
   So little time, so many great patterns to knit! I highly recommend this book - and Big Girl Knits - for any Big Girl. Thanks to Jillian and Amy for helping us Bodacious Babes flaunt what we got!!

5 comments about A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns.

1. Excellent book, but it is so complicated to practice trying to follow the instructions line by line, without a chart.
   Additionally, the author should improve the photos and edition of the book. Its is too old.



2. I love this book. I recommend it to anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of knitting and design. The only drawback I see is the fact that all the patterns are flat knitted. To use them in the round(circular) you first need to convert them. Not impossible, just an inconvenient. There is a section dedicated to this, with good directions.



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



4. 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.



5. 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.

5 comments about World of Knitted Toys.

1. This book is packed with adorable animals to knit. I am knitting the Kangaroo right now for a gift for a two-year old little boy, and it is coming out really cute so far. My recommendation is to take the pattern and write notes, line by line, to keep track of how many stitches you should have on various rows and what the number in Parentheses should be (it might say, "with the number in parentheses 1 less each time or 2 more each time). I wrote out line-by-line instructions for myeself and use a stitch counter and am doing well with this pattern. Her pictures are beautiful and she is so creative!!! A must have for any knitter who likes to knit toys.



2. This book is packed with wonderful patterns and projects. There is every type of animal in all range of sizes. Best of all the designs are wonderful and detailed so that you can easily tell which animals are which (other patterns I've seen you can't tell a dog from a bear). These are great! What fun for the knitter and the person receiving the knit gift of love!



3. As a doll and critter knitter from way back, I have a shelf full of knitted toy and doll books and loose patterns, but this one tops them all! What a great collection of well illustrated, patterns, clear and easy to follow. For those of us addicted to 4 dpn knitting in the round, most of the head-body and leg and arm directions are easily adapted to that method as. Patterns call for double knit yarn but also work well with sport weight yarn. I've learned a few new and very useful tricks as well. Somewhat experienced beginners should have no trouble turning out critters they'll be proud of, and the rest of us will knit critters we never expected to. I've only made 4 so far, but am well on my way to at least a year of knitting fun with this book.



4. There are already 20+ reviews for this book, so what can I add? As an Australian, I often rate "animal knowledge" by whether you really know what a kangaroo, wombat or platypus looks like. So what are Dalmeny's like? The platypus' bill is too small, the wombat looks more like a stunted grizzly bear and the kangaroo's head is too big - but overall not bad. I would make them for an Aussie child. So the animals themselves are pretty good.
   
   Other information of interest-
   - this book was first published in the UK so needle sizes are given in metric, european and US (unlike many US books) and tension squares are specified as x-stitches over y-rows using z-needles.
   - basic techniques, making up and decorative touches are provided but only over 4 pages - more space for content...
   - a useful difficulty guide - Dalmeny specifies difficulty (easy to challenging) with a quick index at the beginning dividing the patterns up but - the lovely part - when a difficulty is given with the pattern we are told WHY eg Grizzly Bear - challenging - "The pieces aren't complicated but the adult bear is quite a big project - a real armful for a small child! If you haven't got much time, try knitting the cub, which is rated as straightforward, instead."
   - some variations of patterns are suggested to make them more interesting for the experienced knitter eg "invent your own snake patterns with cable stitch or perhaps Fair Isle designs in subtle greens and browns."
   - patterns suit the beginner (a snake!) to the more experienced (a snake using fair isle).



5. I love knitting. I've been an avid knitter for 25 years. And I found this book to be delightfully creative. The layout is wonderful. There are pictures of each project at completion, which is something I look for in knitting books. I like to have that visual in mind as I knit. There are ratings for each project ranging from easy to straightforward (involving a bit more complexity) to challenging. The ratings also include helpful information such as age appropriateness of the finished project.
   
   I did find that piecing together the items was a bit awkward at times. I think that, using some different stitches, the pieces could be shaped so that there is not so much sewing at the end. However, this has no bearing on the appearance of the completed project.
   
   I've used this book quite a bit for making gifts, and the recipients are always thrilled.

5 comments about Knit So Fine: Designs with Skinny Yarn.

1. I want to knit every project in this book and have cast on 2 and queued most of the others already. Truly a good value; think how much all those separate patterns would cost!
   
   AJ in AZ



2. I love knitting with fine yarns because they are more flattering and offer greater design options. The technical tips and info in this book do a great job explaining all this. However, the designs of the patterns offered do not live up to expectations. Fitted eighties clothes would be a good description. The majority of the patterns offered are frumpy and pedestrian. I am sure that better color choices in the samples would have helped and better photography could have sold it. The cover shot is as good as it gets. The book is not worthless but it is not particularly inspiring either. Others write that the patterns are well written. Since I am not intrigued to start any, I cannot comment. Very Disappointed!



3. I love this book. It has so many beautiful patterns it is hard to decide which one to knit first. I prefer knitting with finer yarns so this book fits the bill. I highly recommend it.



4. I love this book for the ideas and the gauge information for fancy patterned knits. I would much prefer to work with fingering than with bulky yarns and there are very few collections in books for fingering, so this was a pleasant surprise. I usually don't follow any particular pattern wholly, but end up designing my own adaptations. This book will be no different for me, but there are some nice ideas and this is a welcome addition to my library.



5. I had flipped this book and decided I wasn't interested since I hate wrap sweaters and knitted skirts. Some of the other things were sweet but not remarkable. I paged through one more time and then ...ACK!... I was bitten by the Anemone Beret. The pattern is lovely. The stitch looks like Broomstick Lace (crochet) but it IS knit. Long story short, bought the book and have made 3 of these berets. A four hour search of my Barbara Walker books found the stitch but I'd have never remembered it in this way. Kudos to Myers and Sulcoski (I think she did the beret pattern) for reeling me in!

5 comments about Itty-Bitty Nursery.

1. I started with the Itty Bitty Hats, and have made most of the designs for friends and my own little one. I wanted to expand my gifting with this new book. It does NOT disappoint! I am so excited about everything in it that I can't wait to get the yarn on my needles. What a treasure!



2. I was leery to purchase this book online as I could not peruse the patterns. I came across it at a local book store and immediately fell in love! I left the bookstore and went to the yarn store to get started! SO MANY great patterns. Sure to please anyone having a baby or making gifts for friends!



3. I received this book as a Christmas gift. I am an occasional knitter so after a long lapse, I need a refresher on knitting. After my obstetrician put me on bedrest, I cracked open this book and started reading. My first project was the Frenchie hat. The instructions were easy enough for me to follow and not too time consuming. The yarns recommended are beautiful, but expensive (it's a good thing that babies aren't too big!). The author does a good job on explaining how to knit. She also has a blog which has video for some of the more difficult techniques http://susanbanderson.blogspot.com [...] I am looking forward to receiving Itty Bitty Hats!



4. Some wonderful patterns to embellish inside this book - basic hats, but fun to knit!



5. From basic, elegant designs (cardigans made from squares) to truly drool-worthy cute patterns (the cupcake and tea set) this book covers adorable knit projects that take up very little time. I've already made two toys from the book and am looking forward to knitting the rest. The patterns are very well written so that you can clearly see where you're going (definitely helpful for a beginner - and a lot of patterns use garter stitch).

5 comments about Knitting Lingerie Style: More Than 30 Basic and Lingerie-Inspired Designs.

1. I loved this book. The designs, along with two other books (Fitted Knits and Romantic Knits) inspired me to give knitting another try after a 12 year break. Almost all lingerie you buy is knit already. It is machine knit fabric. To revisit the idea of knitting undergarments for beauty rather than warmth is genius. I have been able to find all supplies and yarns locally or online. Some patterns include plus-sized sizing. However the bra cups do only go to a D. I am a G. However, I am so used to having to figure out how to alter sewing patterns to fit, I was not too intimidated by doing it with knitting. You just need to check your guage, honestly measure, and do the math. For any one who says why bother, why bother making anything yourself? It is for love of fit and for love of the art.



2. 
   This book is better and contains more than you could even imagine! As far as sexy knits - this is by far the best book out there. I know that knitting underwear might not be every ones cup of tea, but that book is filled with much much much more than just that. Stockings, gloves, little sexy tops. I found the patterns to be well described, easy to follow and for knitters of every level. If you are looking for a timeless sexy knit book ... this would be it!



3. The patterns were very pretty, but I needed more room in the bust area.
   
   I know I could have just change/add the bust darts on some of the patterns.
   
   It just didn't suit my needs.



4. I love knitting and I love making lingery. Two of my favorite things in one book. Both the beginning and the advanced knitter will find projects in this book. I am a public knitter and I am not sure how I would feel about knitting a thong or bra in one of our administrative meetings. Yes, I do knit in meetings or my red personality will take the meeting over in order to get back to the real work. But back to the book, it has great project and many of them will stand the test of time.



5. I love this book! I bought it on a whim, and I'm so very glad I did! The layout and photography are lovely, and the hardback construction of the book is remarkably nice for the price. Best of all, it is filled with wonderful patterns -- patterns that are sexy in a way that makes me feel beautiful and tasteful. I already have most of the book pegged for future projects. I heartily look forward to a fun and intimate journey through it with needles and yarn.
   
   P.S. My husband loves this book too. He's also pegged quite a few projects for me. :)

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.