5 comments about At Knit's End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much.

1. How delightful!! I tucked the book in my knitting bag to read in spots were knitting is not deemed appropriate - but those are the very spots where laughing out loud is not deemed appropriate either. I promptly decided I needed to spend less time in such places.
   
   It is so very humanly funny, that I had to share it with my mother - who doesn't knit at all. She loved it too. As a matter of fact, I never got it back...



2. This is a great little book... I decided to bend the corners of each quote that I liked. Needless to say, most of the pages have a little corner turned down. I recommed this book.



3. Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is not only a talented knitter but a gifted writer as well. I have 4 of her books and want to get them all eventually. It's great to have a knitter I can relate to. She has a super way of expressing herself. This is a gem of a book, and I recommend it, yes I do! Get it for yourself or for a friend who knits. I first read one of her books from the public library, then I was hooked. I usually read them in bed while my husband's sleeping, trying not to wake him, while I'm snickering away. I've even read parts of her books to him. After living with me (a knitter) for so long, he gets her humor too. Wonderful book.



4. This author never ceases to enthrall me with her true life experiences as a knitter.
   If you knit (at all) you will 'see yourself' in her observations too.
   The only problem is I can't read the book. laugh and knit at the same time.
   However all knitters should rest their hands periodically, and reading this book
   and sipping a cup of coffee is my prescription for rest!



5. One of my best friends bought this book for me when my husband was very ill in the hospital. I'm a knitting addict and this book was not only hysterical, but really lifted my spirits! It's a book you can't wait to read & will make you smile and laugh! You feel like someone else really understands your world as a knitter! Hilarious! I just loved every page of it! Stephanie has amazing wit! You'll love this book - it's a must, must read for anyone who loves to knit, read and laugh!!

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

1. 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!



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. One more time Cat Bordhi takes knitting to a new level. With her new looks at how to construct sock gussets she has changed the way socks have always been made. The book is written for many levels of knitters and the more adventuresome can use these ideas for a jumping off point for endless possibilities for making socks for everyone from babies to men. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn how to make socks with these new methods. I can't wait for book II!



5. I had knit several typical sock patterns with success, and I loved the finished product, but the sock bug had not hit me. I found typical patterns to be kind of boring and I also had a little bit of trouble with consistency in the sizing.
   
   Cat's patterns are wonderful and extremely well written. I love her new increases (though the mother/grandmother stitch hint did nothing for me) and the master patterns and numbers are excellent. I will use this book forever and probably never get tired of it.
   
   I used to think socks were boring and took a long time. Now with Cat's patterns, I realize how captivating and quick socks can be!

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 Weekend Knitting: 50 Unique Projects and Ideas.

1. I made the hand warmers and the chunky scarf, both fairly easy but fun patterns. The pictures are nice and the other tidbits, like recipes and ideas, are quite enjoyable. Overall, one of the knitting books I would keep rather than borrow from a friend.



2. 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!



3. 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!!



4. 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!



5. 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.

No comments about Teach Yourself VISUALLY Sock Knitting (Teach Yourself VISUALLY Consumer).

5 comments about DomiKNITrix: Whip Your Knitting Into Shape.

1. I have been knitting for many years, and every so often someone asks me for a book that can get the beginner going in the right direction. I am not a pattern person, but i do like good visual instructions. This book has that in spades. The first half of this book gives you clear and precise instructions (the long tail cast on has never been better shown) in basic techniques, and does so with a wit that is often missing in knitting books. pair this with any title from Elizabeth Zimmerman, and you are good to go.



2. i checked this book out of the library, and did not want to bring it back! well...i did the right thing, and returned it, so i had to order one on amazon!
   anyways...this book is not only filled with cute/kinky things to knit, but it is the most clearly written instruction book that i have ever read!
   it is HARD to write down how to do a specific knitting stitch, especially the more complicated ones, but this book not only has clear photo illustrations, but easy to follow directions as well!
   i have been knitting since kindergarten, and i am so happy that knitting has finally started to emerge outside the box!
   if i can master knitting the Little Red Riding Hoodie, then i will never have to buy an overpriced hoodie again! :)
   other very cute/kinky projects include "spank me" pillows and a knitted winter hat with devil horns :)



3. I purchased this book with some hesitation, as there was only one pattern I was interested that wasn't similar to something I already had. I found the instructions poorly written and confusing, and had to re-knit the Mohawk multiple times due to the poor instructions. While the corrections to the published errors helped (check it before you begin any project, as there are entire lines omitted from some patterns, reversed instructions ie purl instead of knit and so on.)The directions were still unclear. Half the patterns the book have significant errors, and one pattern is (deliberatly) omitted entirely. And even the web page you can find this missing pattern at has errors!!! Now I wish pretty in punk had been instock instead of this piece of garbage. You always expect any pattern book to have a few errors, but the amount in this book is unacceptable.



4. Finally a book that has no errors, and where patterns are written clearly and consise. Awesome. I hope Jennifer Stafford writes another book!
   Buy this book!



5. I would never have touched this if I hadn't been able to thumb through it in a bookstore first, but I did--and hey! It's FUN. It's also a GOOD BOOK. The whole Goth theme of the layout and the haunted, shadowy models is clever, even if it's not to your taste. The author is clearly very talented; her grasp of design is stunning, way over my head.
   
   The real surprise for me was the technique section: I was bowled over by the instruction segments and the clever way they were incorporated into the projects as sequential "lessons." My one whine would be that there weren't enough sequential pictures of the gnarliest techniques--damned Kitchener grafting!--and there is an occasional leap forward that leaves the reader in the dust. This is the curse of any technical writer, who already knows what she means and forgets that we are puddling along in her wake, bewildered. It was infrequent, however, and as jaded and crabby as I am, I learned things.
   
   I'd have to agree with some of the previous reviews concerning the usual percentage of thuds--ye gods, another knitted necklace! Do they haunt me? And the star pillow, and yes, the mohawk hat, and the totally uninspired droopy handbag. However, to tell the truth, I loved the little "Bite Me" Valentine hearts--they carried the day. The Red Riding Hoodie is the jewel of the book, worth the price of admission on its own--a beautiful design. The Lone Wolf sweater is very handsome, with or without wolf--interesting cuffs, for example, which is nice. The zipper vest and the City Coat are also very attractive although the City Coat would rival a Burberry in cost for those of us who are not yarn-subsidized. Another thing that makes this book likeable is that most of these things are not limited to the nubile, elfin or wraithlike, either by size or by design. A few, yes. But the creativity backed with solid design is a very pleasant combination. In my opinion, this woman is actually what another loopy designer only thinks she is. I've actually leafed through it a few times just to enjoy the whole presentation, and I'm stacking up Bite Me pillows for Valentine's Day. Put it this way: if she writes another book, I'll probably buy it sight unseen.

5 comments about Felt to Stitch: Creative Felting for Textile Artists.

1. This is simply a beautiful book. Lots of wonderful techniques, eye candy photography. One of the best felting book out there IMHO



2. I learned a lot about how to felt correctly. I have made some beautiful pieces as a result of this book. I love some of the work featured in this book. The 3-D pieces are amazing. I would love to learn how to do that.



3. Loved every page. This book showed me how to create and embellish felt in new and creative ways. There are detailed instructions and methods on how to use different fibres, dyes, techniques, colours, threads and other embellishments. Highly recommended for students, teachers and art makers.



4. This told me much more than I needed to know. I suppose it's a good guide if you want to start from scratch and actually MAKE felt and dye it yourself, but if you want to buy the needles, core and roving and make some interesting projects, this is not the book for you. The section on needle-felting is a very small part of the book.



5. Goog overall coverage of all the basics of felting mixed in with some unique pattern ideas.

5 comments about A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns.

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



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns offers the same clear photos and helpful text as A Treasury of Knitting Patterns. If you prefer charted patterns, this would probably not be your first choice, but that issue aside, this book is a great reference for knitting patterns.



5. This volume is an invaluable tool for anyone wanting to incorporate new design features into their knitting.

5 comments about The Knitting Experience: Book 2: The Purl Stitch (Knitting Experience Series).

1. A good book for beginners to intermediate. Lots of good directions.
   
   Some nice patterns. The patterns are very spelled out. Easy to follow.



2. When The Purl Stitch came out I bought it right away. I was eager to try something new.Reading the book is as important to me as trying the patterns. The examples are challenging and fun to wear.



3. Although The Purl Stitch, by Sally Melville, is a straightforward knitting book giving, clear concise instructions, throughout the book there is a spirit of fun and playfulness. The teaching method is to present several basic techniques in a chapter and provide knitted items (usually sweaters) that use these techniques. Each pattern is introduced with a short description of how or why the author came upon the pattern and a photo of the garment. And unlike many of the current "coffee table" type knitting books filled with beautiful though sometimes deceptive photography, the lion's share of the pictures here are devoted to demonstrating technique and displaying finished garments. In either the left or right hand border of the page the author lists the pattern "Vitals" which include: size and type of needle; swatch requirements; yarn amounts; sizing; level of pattern difficulty; type of fit and; knitting notions required for garment completion. This simple device allows you to see at a glance what you'll need to complete a garment. In addition to photos of the item, you'll also see a schematic of the garment with its final measurements. At the end of each chapter the specific techniques which are the chapter's focus are demonstrated via photography and text. All in all this seems like a very smart way to teach knitting.
   
   Much has been said in these reviews about the patterns and, I agree that many of them are pretty standard classics. I must admit, however, that they are the type of casual sweaters I enjoy knitting, wearing and giving as gifts. Also I feel pretty comfortable making yarn substitutions with such basic patterns and like many knitters, I have a considerably yarn stash to play with.
   
   I learned to knit many years ago and have been knitting seriously for the past 12 years. Through this book I've discovered many new techniques and have gotten a better understanding of ones I've been using for a long time. Through her patterns and instructions Ms. Melville introduces you to the adventure of knitting and it's easy to understand why she's named this series The Knitting Experience. This is a knitting book to have in your library, no question.



4. Both books, "The Knitting Experience: The Knit Stitch and the next one with the same title, except it is for The Purl Stitch, are the quintessential books for anyone who wants to learn either or both stitches. This is to get the knitting of the ground with the right attitude and the right tips, at the right time! I have been knitting for many years, both with a machine and by hand (which is still my favorite way of doing it!!) but both books had some tips for me that I never knew or thought of! If any book can do that to an somewhat experienced knitter, do you know what it will do for a novice? Even the patterns that both books contain are such that you can sit down and DO them as soon as you open the books!!



5. The book is very helpful for a beginning knitter with pictures and simple steps to learn the stitches. The seller packaged the book very well and it arrived promptly with Book 1.

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!!