5 comments about Mother of Purl: Friends, Fun, and Fabulous Designs at Hollywood's Knitting Circle.

1. I found nothing wrong with the instructional portion of this book. Using photos instead of drawings was a great idea. But the yarn section was too opinionated, and the patterns were just OK, with several I would never knit because either a) they looked so weird or b) they would take WAY too long to complete. My biggest pet peeve about the patterns was that some of the best were crochet not knitting (and I don't crochet) and also that the author says what brand of yarn to use, but doesn't list the exact colors to duplicate it, and doesn't list the weight if you want to use a different brand.
   But the real reason I took this book back to Barnes & Noble & got a refund was because of her obnoxious writing style. The author states how wonderful her own patterns are, which might be forgiveable. But most of the "story" portion is how such and such celebrity confided in her, or credits her with learning to knit, or invited her to a wedding shower, or how this piece is in this movie, or that piece is worn by that star, etc.
   This book is as pretentious as Hollywood and just not worth the money.



2. I'm pretty new to the whole knitting thing, so when I got this book I was so excited to read about all these wonderful and very useful knitting tips that, frankly, don't exist all those other knitting books. I learned a lot by just reading Mother of Purl, which by the way, I happen to think is very well written with a witty sense of humor. Edith Eig is famous and let's us have a peek into her store, some really beautiful patterns, and the crazy celebrity world that everyone seems to be so fascinated with! Personally, I'm delighted to own Mother of Purl and make it a permanent part of my knitting book collection.



3. I do NOT recommend this book. The beginning is great for beginner knitters, but the patterns--YUCK! What HORRIBLE yarn selection! And the patterns...atrocious!



4. I'm so happy I decided to check this out from my public library prior to spending cold hard cash on it. While the instructions were good and visually oriented, I couldn't stand the author. She celebrity name-drops at every opportunity, and I really could care less which big name confided her pregnancy to the author prior to letting the public know! This was supposed to be a knitting book, not a gossip rag.



5. Check it out of the library if you really want to look thru it. The author comes off as self-important and obnoxious. She is almost sure no one would have learned how to knit if it weren't for her and that she has the only yarn shop to carry good quality stock. I expected the name dropping, it is in Hollywood and all, but she goes on and on. She takes credit as the very first person to ever have a baby blanket making shower---that's been going on for years and that same concept is what is used for the Linus project and any other number of charity groups. The patterns are kind of on the unattractive side but I did like the cashmere wrap, that is cute. I wonder who her editor was because that person did not do Edith any favors.

3 comments about The Learn to Knit a Sweater Book (#1258).

1. This book has some wonderful sweater styles for all knitters regardless of experience. The patterns are easy to follow and work up quickly using Lion brand yarns (the best variety in my estimation). It's important to be successful on your first project or face losing all interest in ever knitting again. This book definitely got me hooked on knitting! I intend to make all the sweaters in the book.



2. I just taught myself to knit about a month ago, so I am a very beginning knitter. This book is great for someone at my skill level -- the patterns are simple without looking it, and they use Lion Brand yarn, which in my experience is easy to find, reasonably priced, and of high quality. Even if you don't know how to knit yet, there is reasonably detailed information in the front of the book with illustrations that teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, increase, decrease, and bind off. They only include one method for casting on (which is not the one I use) and one for binding off, but you can always supplement this with information from another book or from the net.

   The projects in this book are attractive and wearable, and the patterns are easy to understand. There are 6 (not 9) projects in this book -- the three additional projects really only consist of assembling a sweater on the purl side. The projects are as follows:

   1. "World's Easiest Cardigan" -- A belted, unshaped cardigan done in garter stitch using Homespun yarn (I am working on this one now)
   2. "Hug Me Sweater" -- A loose-fitting, roll-neck sweater in double knit stockinette using Imagine yarn (assembled either on the knit side or the purl side)
   3. "Quick Cardigan" -- A three-quarter sleeve ribbed cardigan using Wool-Ease Thick and Quick (assembled on either the ribbed side or the pebbled side). This is going to be my next project.
   4. "Stripe it Rich Sweater" -- A striped sweater in three colors done in stockinette using Wool-Ease
   5. "Perfect Pullover" -- A V-neck ribbed pullover using Wool-Ease Thick and Quick (assembled either on the ribbed side or the pebbled side)
   6. "Challenge Sweater" -- a striped, roll-neck sweater using Imagine, Chenille Sensations, Jiffy, and Homespun. In my opinion, this is the only ugly pattern in the book.

   I would have given this book 5 stars, but the sizing seems too large to me. The title says "Sizes Small to 3X," but since all the sweaters are sized to fit loose, they will probably be too big for a person like me, who usually wears an XS. The finished bust of the Homespun cardigan, for instance, is 40". That's way too big to be a size small, in my opinion. I have tried to compensate for this by using smaller needles, and it seems to be working. Also, the patterns for the Hug Me sweater and the Challenge sweater do not include size small at all. They also do not include any sizes larger than XL, although they are supposed to be loose-fitting. So if you wear anything other than Small, Medium, or Large, you are going to have to make some adjustments.




3. I found the patterns and instructions easy to understand and easy to follow. This is a very good book for those of us who really only have the basic skills needed to knit, yet want to make useful and pretty beginner projects. If you don't like ( or can't find) Lion's Brand yarn, you can substitute other yarns, as long as you make sure the guage you knit at is the same as ditrected in the instructions. Very helpful info all around in this book A+

3 comments about Big Knitting.

1. Sophie Britten's BIG KNITTING: QUICK AND EASY DESIGNS WITH CHUNKY YARNS AND FAT NEEDLES presents nearly twenty designs for beginners and experienced knitters alike which rely on the latest colorful yarns and the largest knitting needles available. Sophie Britten is an experienced knitting teacher and knitwear designer, so her designs are original and her directions quite clear.



2. I was so excited to get this book and bought up all the yarn for the projects. I got stuck on the cardigan took it to my knitting teacher we both tired 2 times and the pattern just wasn't right. Big bummer. I don't want ro invest the time for the other patterns!



3. This book is fine if you are looking for very similar patterns. All of the patterns are usuable and easy to follow, but none are very exciting. The book definitely gets kudos for having easy and fast to knit patterns, but not many are what I would call very attractive. Perhaps I was expecting too much.

No comments about Blankets and Throws to Knit: Patterns and Piecing Instructions for 100 Knitted Squares.

5 comments about Family Circle: Easy Sweaters.

1. There are only a handful of crochet patterns in this book. The bulk of the patterns are for knitters. However, there are some very nice things in here.



2. I love several of the patterns in this book. I would describe myself as a knitting novice but still found myself very comfortable with most of the patterns.

   The book actually breaks down the sweater into categories such as "beginner" or "intermediate" which I've found very useful. I've limited myself to beginner sweaters so far. The other nice thing about this book is that it gives the complete information for the yarn that is used. This makes substituting very easy since the yarns used tend to be on the pricey side. I am making a sweater from this book right now and it would have cost me $$$ to use the yarn listed but I was able to substitue for only a quarter of the cost...

   One thing to note, most of the patterns are for knitters. If you are looking for a book of crocheted sweaters I would recomend that you keep looking. I found only four crochet patterns and only two of them were at the beginner level.

   There are patterns for women, men and kids. I actually found a pattern that my DH likes as well. The patterns are very stylish and as a 20-something I liked almost all of them.

   The only thing that kept me from giving this book five stars is the small number of crocheted patterns. I find the title to be a bit deceptive.




3. Thankfully I got this from the library (I try not to buy a book unless I've checked it out a few times first).
   
   I'm giving this book 3 stars because even though the knitting patterns might be great (I don't know, I don't knit) they really should just make it a knitting book and get it over with. The subtitle states "50 Knit and Crochet Projects" but what they really meant to say is "46 Knit Projects and 4 Crochet Ones Thrown In There So We Could Get Crocheters To Buy The Book". I'm not kidding, there were a total of FOUR crochet sweaters in the entire book (I counted). Of the four crochet projects, two are very similar in look (big, open holes, simple sweaters). Another is a granny square sweater that's nice looking and the fourth is a really nice sweater I might try to make so I might get something out of it after all. Still, if I had paid for this book I'd be mighty ticked off.
   
   I also think that if you are having a book with knitting and crochet, you should have an easy way to find one or the other. An index would be nice, or have the crochet in one section, knit in another. Instead, all the sweaters are listed under their themes (Easy Does It, Tropical Coolers, etc) with knit on one page, crochet on the next, knit on the next 20, etc.
   
   I'm sure it's a lovely book for beginning knitters, I just think they should take out the four token crochet patterns and focus on knitting instead of trying to play both fields.



4. Good variety of patterns and styles for whole the family. Directions are clear for those of us,who are not advanced knitters.



5. Whether a design strikes you as interesting is a matter of taste, so it's hard to pass judgement, but I was disappointed when the book arrived. I bought it because I have some old issues of the Family Circle Easy Knitting magazine and liked the patterns, but I thought this book contained the dullest ones. The majority seem to have an oversized fit, dropped shoulders, and/or knit with bulky yarn, three features that I don't like. They also use colors I don't care for, but that's easy to change.
   
   I was set to send it back when I took a second look and decided there were a few things I could see myself wearing, and there were a few things I could see other people wearing. The shaping is simple. There are patterns for children and men as well as women.
   
   Overall a good beginner/unchallenging intermediate book, just not exciting or innovative. Vogue's Very Easy Knits is more interesting, but also a notch more difficult.

No comments about Simply Shetland 4: At Tomales Bay.

5 comments about Knit: A Personal Handbook (Nelson's Personal Handbook).

1. I bought this book because it was getting such rave reviews.
   The book is portable and has a nice cover picture, the cover is hard with an elastic strap to hold it closed so it won't get bent up when thrown into your bag.
   I was disappointed that it didn't have pages to keep track of completed knitting projects. There is a calendar and graph paper and a page to keep track of needle inventory.
   I already own the Knitters Companion that contains everything in this book and more so The Knit; Personal Handbook is just excess baggage.



2. I was looking for a place to journal my completed projects, and this little book proved to be just the ticket. The trouble with using an ordinary journal for knitting is that it quickly 'outgrows' it's cover when you add yarn labels at yarn samples to it. I found that this journal has extra space around it's spiral type binding, and has a built in elastic to hold it shut. The needle inventory, quick patterns, tips, etc. are just an added bonus for me. My only wish is that it was a little bigger, to accomodate more projects.



3. I picked this up as an impulse purchase and am really pleased!
   
   First of all, it's just lovely. The cover design is very attractive. The binding is "o rings" and they are concealed by the hard cover- important, because you don't want them caught in your precious yarn! There is a wee plastic zip bag inside which I've found to be perfect for stitch markers and finishing needles, both of which I'm always misplacing.
   
   The knitting needle inventory is amazing. I've never seen one so complete and that is what drew me to this book. It covers every size I've ever seen- from 6-0 (.75 mm!) all the way up to size 50! It also allows you to track the length of those needles, as well as dpn's and circ's.
   
   There are sections to keep note of your favorite yarn sources, favorite patterns, and a small calendar with space to note dates for yourself (perfect to keep you on track with that blanket you're knitting for your grandma's birthday) as well as major yarn events.
   
   All the sections are divided by pocketed dividers with space to write. Perfect for that napkin that you brainstormed that pattern on- at least until you put it in the next section!
   
   The next section is all graph paper- perfect for designing your own pattern or merely keeping your thoughts in line. For some reason, doing gauge conversions on graph paper really helps me keep my math in order.
   
   The last section is extremely useful for everyone- new and experienced knitters alike. A pattern for an "Emergency Rolled-Brim Hat" that was clearly written by someone who really understands the knitting mind. The introduction says, "...when you need a last-minute gift; when you're faced with a long car ride; when you're itching to knit but dont have time to focus on starting a complicated project." There's also space for you to write down what yarn you used and who you gave a hat to... so you don't accidently give the same gift twice.
   
   Following that is a section on Estimating Yarn Requirements and it covers all projects- socks, hats, sweaters, what-have-you. Followed by standard body measurements, standard yarn weights, and a very cool page on finding yarn if you're travelling overseas.
   
   Finally, there's a knitting needle gauge & ruler in both US & Metric sizes. One less thing to get tangled in my yarn!
   
   I recommend this journal highly. Give it to your favorite knitter and it will be a favorite gift, or give it to yourself!



4. I was a little hesitant about buying this journal because of a user review that said that it did not have any space for notes about finished projects. The publisher's summary said that it did, but the user said that it didn't. I went ahead and ordered it to figure out this little enigma. As it turns out, the user was commenting on the fact that there are no standard ruled pages to write on. The publisher expects users to write on the graph paper. That is why the graph paper section is so large -- basically everything about your finished projects goes in that section, not just graphs. Really, I think that's ideal. I didn't design my own graphs for all of my projects, but for one project in particular I made several graphs. It's ideal to be able to take several pages to put the graphs in right next to the photos and notes. That is the main reason that I prefer this book over most knitting journals that don't have any graph pages. Finally I can store away those charts that have been lying around on loose leaf paper for the past year!
   
   I also love the knitting needle inventory. I have accumulated many needles at this point and everytime I start a new project I can't remember what I already have and what I don't. The inventory page even lets me keep an organized record of what lengths I have in each size. It records straight, double pointed, and circular needles. The favorite yarn sources is also very helpful, I'm always forgetting which websites have the best deals on which yarns. The knitting holidays section turned out to be exciting because I found out that there's actually a big knitting event in my sister's town. It also includes note lines for each month that I can use to pencil in relatives birthdays, etc. There are also four folder pouches and a zippered plastic pouch to store miscellaneous items.
   
   The graph section already mentioned has a line up the outside for a title, then a small line for a date and another for a number. Other than that, there is just the graph design. I think I'll stop in at a craft store to get some corner braces to neatly place photos on some of the pages. That section is the majority of the book.
   
   Then there's some basic knitting info: abbreviations, pattern for an all-sizes rolled brim hat, estimated yarn requirements chart for various standard projects (hats, throws, sweaters, etc), standards for body measurements & gauges, a knitting needle gauge and ruler. I also love the elastic band that keeps the book neat and together after you've stuffed it.
   
   Incidently, this is sort of a companion to the Weekend Knitting book, which I also highly recommend. The journal has some photos from that book.



5. This is a very attractive journal. If you want something ready to fill in, then I highly recommend it. But I found that it had some things I wouldn't use...and other things missing that I needed. So, I decided on a custom-made journal for recording all my knitting notes, projects and patterns. What I came up with was purchasing a mini-binder (5-1/2 x 8 size) and then ordering binder accessories from Day-Planner. (Or you can choose Day Timer, if you prefer.) I purchased clear top-loading page protectors, business card holders, and graph paper. When I have a project/pattern to preserve, I type it up nice & neat and stick it (folded down to size) in the page protector. Can also add a photo on the backside. I put yarn shop business cards in their designated holders. And the graph paper is for both handwritten notes and doodling designs. There are lots of other binder accessories to choose from: address book, calendar, etc. I also decorate the outside of my binder with knitting stickers...especially love the one called "Knitting is Knotty"!!! :-)

5 comments about Irresistible Knits: Sweaters for Men, Women, and Teens.

1. The book is nicely produced, a high quality paperback made in China. Photos of the sweaters are fairly clear, with only some emphasis on poses of the models that obscure the sweaters here and there. The instructions seem clear also. The patterns call for Paton's or Naturally yarns, fairly inexpensive although Paton's is difficult to find in the US -- try a Canadian resource like Ram Wools in Winnipeg. The fault I found in this book is simply that I found most of the sweaters unappealing. The cover title and photos led me to believe that I would find more stylish sweaters than I did. I purchased based on one of the cabled sweaters I saw in an ad for the book -- only to find on seeing a full-size photo that the sweater is much too juvenile for me. Hence my disappointment, although the sweaters are all quite nice for teenagers or young adults. But then, most of the sweaters seem ordinary, things you can find in any simple knitting book or things that you could actually create yourself without needing any book/instructions at all. The patterns are arranged by season, and the more interesting sweaters are in the winter section. Those for spring and summer are typical, tiny cotton sweaters without much inspiration. A plus is that the sweaters are sized for adults and teens. In a season when we are seeing a good number of knitting books being published, this book may not be able to compete with those that are more stylish -- on the other hand, this is a very good book for the advanced beginner looking for a little challenge.



2. This is a wonderful book. There are VERY inspiring patterns in this book. I look forward to making several of the sweaters for myself-- a first!!
   This is a great book younger knitters who are looking for hip sweater styles.
   I really enjoyed this book

   Happy Knitting,
   
   Nanette




3. I like this book because the styles relate to the seasons and the photographs make me feel as though I'm really outside, breathing the fresh air. This of course encourages me to get back to knitting and trying out these patterns. The photos also give a close-up detail of the stitches, which is very helpful. A real treat is the men's styles featured of which 'gryphon' and 'wishbone' are very handsome and well suited to any age group. Although some of the models are young, several patterns would be very suitable for women in their forties or older--such
   as 'mariner', 'salish','kells' and 'twister'. This is an excellent book for a beginner or someone who likes a challenge but isn't ready to completely design their own. Bravo Kirsten Cowan!



4. These sweaters are beautiful, and the directions are clear and easy to understand. I had a question about one pattern, and the author personally responded to my email. I love this book, and I highly recommend it.



5. The very first sweater I tried from this book has HUGE numbers of typos, and there is no errata sheet available. The instructions are fairly clunky in their layout, and after finishing this sweater I will most likely toss this book away. I understand that proofreaders won't catch everything, but many of the errors could have been caught through simple addition (i.e. if we begin with "y" number of stitches, by casting off "x" number will there be enough stitches for the next step, or shouldn't the number of inches required for the large by necessity be LARGER than the number of inches for the small?) The errors would have been so easy to catch--this book is sloppy and not worth buying.

No comments about Knit and Stitch for Beginners: 25 Fun & Easy Projects.

5 comments about Aran Knitting.

1. This is a beautiful book. It's "COFFEE TABLE" beautiful. The history of Aran knitting, and the photographt are gorgeous.
   
   The sweaters that Alice Starmore designed are wonderful. The mens sweaters are timeless, but the women's sweaters are a bit dated. This could be easily remidied by adjusting the fit of the sweater while using the stitches that are part of the original design.
   
   Alice Starmore has a number of nice stitch patterns in the book that are also listed in numerous other knitting stitch books (The Big Book of Knitting, The Harmony Guide to Knitting Stitches Vol. 1 and 2, Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Knitting, Charted Knitting Designs by Barbara G. Walker, The Complete Book of Knitting by Barbara Abbey, to name a few). There are a couple of Celtic cable patterns that are more intriguing, but is it worth buying the book for $100+ just to have access to those few stitches?
   
   So, to sum it up. I would definitely give this book 5 stars on overall first impression, even on the sweater patterns and charts, but as far as the stitches within the book - about 4 stars, there are many other books out there with more comprehensive patterns. Buy the book if you want the history, the sweater patterns, but if you're looking for a good book on Aran Knit Stitches, try a stitch encyclopedia book and come up with your own designs.



2. Excellent in every way!! The crown jewel of aran knitting books!!



3. Wow, I would like to order the Hebridean yarn from Alice Starmore for the following project, but she says that one needs a copy of Aran Knitting for the instructions. I don't really feel like paying hundreds of dollars for the book (no knitting book is worth that much, no matter how much I hold Alice Starmore in esteem!) Can anyone who has this book help me with the instructions to this shawl (below) - my email is [...]:
   
   ST CIARAN
   
   St Ciaran is worked in Hebridean 3 Ply on 4.5mm needles with a tension of 21 sts and 28 rows to 10cm measured over St.St. Revised width and length measurements are shown in the detail.
   Available in any colour of Hebridean 3 Ply.



4. Not only are the photographs and the settings breathtaking, but Alice Starmore designs are classics. Each pattern gives you detailed directions and includes a rating guide for easy, intermediate and expert knitters.
   Yes, some of the yarns are no longer available - but using the gauge given, you should have no trouble finding a yarn to substitute.
   It's the details that count - the pleasing arrangement of the stitch sections and the saddles on some of the sweaters.
   If you ever get an opportunity to grab this book at a reasonable price, do not hesitate.



5. I just picked up a copy of this book at my library for free!