Product Description

Customer Reviews (20)

Chic, Beautiful, Modern
I ordered this book with some trepidation, because top-down knitting sometimes suffers in fitting finesse.Granted, I am basing this review on the book's photo-styling, because I haven't actually knit any of these patterns yet, but I want to knit a really high proportion of them!The styling is chic and classic/modern, which is good because the gauge of these patterns will demand a good amount of knitting time, and if "modern" meant "super-trendy" it would not be worth the effort.If you want quick projects, this will not be the pattern book for you, but if you like the idea of boutique-worthy clothes coming off your knitting needles, you'll be happy with this purchase.

Definitely a keeper
Even if I never make any of the items in this book, the top-down, tailored techniques will keep me coming back.Bravo!

Disappointing
I was SO looking forward to this book. I love Barbara Walker's knitting from the top, it's how I knit all my sweaters now. Unfortunately, this is not that book. It's full of dresses and things I'll never wear, let alone knit. I got the book, flipped through it, put it down and just haven't picked it up again. Very disappointing. I wish I could have seen it before I ordered it; I would have saved my money. For a better "inspired by Barbara Walker" book, get Custom Knits instead.

Great Knitting Book!
I'm so used to knitting from the bottom up that it takes a great knitting book like this one to get me to even think about knitting from the top down.The book has a great section on technique and patterns for every taste and level.

I'm not one to usually notice dresses but this book has some of the nicest dress patterns I've ever seen in a knitting book.The Soho Smocked Dress is in a stunning red and is perfect for the petite figure. The pattern, however, goes up to size 2X-Large and I love that big women can choose what patterns that want to wear.Sometimes knitting books only go up to size 38 or 40.You couldn't squeeze me into that.I also love Jill's Dress.It has a classic look with great trim.It calls for a combination of silk, wool, cotton and viscose yarn.Yummy.It, too, goes up to 2X.

By far, my favorite pattern in this book is the Keffiyeh Wrap based on traditional Arab headdresses.It's colored a bright cobal blue with a loden background.It's knit with alpaca and silk.I bet that feels great on the skin.It's size makes it perfect for a small shawl or scarf.

I highly recommend this book so that knitters can learn a new way to approach patterns.There is a wonderful selection of patterns to choose from and this would be a great book to learn the top-down techniqe of knitting.

Beautiful garment designs & useful techniques, well-presented!
I was really excited to get my hands on this book, as I think that the techniques of Barbara Walker are extremely useful for any knitter to familiarize him/herself with. In addition to explaining these useful techniques, Ms. McGowan has designed a collection of chic clothes and accessories that any woman would love to wear. She has a great eye for the details and simple embellishments that can be achieved with knitting, and it's a gorgeous book, filled with wonderful tips on how to customize the pieces to one's own tastes. And it really does have something for everyone. In fact, upon receiving the book, I showed it to several of my knitter friends and everyone oohed and aahed over the different designs. It's a book I'm glad is part of my pattern-book collection. ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Crafts ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

No Illustrations, Small Book, Exercises are Interesting
If you are a knitter, the content of this book is definitely interesting.Published in 1846 (hence in the public domain, at least in the US), it consists of 54 topics, about half of which are stitch patterns (12 for "chair covers"), a third of which are garments for adults and babies, and a number of household items.All instructions are written words, there are no knitting abbreviations and only one illustration. Many of the stitch pattern names are not in common use today (e.g. Nun's Pattern or Viennoise Pattern) and some projects will take you back in time(e.g. Knitted Penwiper or Corkscrew Muffatees).

I would think this book would be of most use to an experienced knitter, and hard to use for a beginner, given that it assumes the reader already knows how to knit, and the lack of illustrations (except for Dodo Press's goofy cover with dismembered head).Some of the knitting terminology is not in use today, and I am not sure if the "pin" (needle) sizes are the same as we use now, so the determined knitter may have to do some web research to help interpret the instructions at times.In particular, in the many patterns where every other row is "seamed", I suspect that means to purl, but don't know for sure.

Disclaimer: Four stars for interesting and curious knitting content in this book, but no stars for the Dodo Press edition because I have not seen it; my review is from the Project Gutenberg version.Since no book preview is provided in this listing (at this writing), you can get an idea of this book's content by looking at other previews available on the web or at the free kindle version. This is a modest small book:The original printing was about 130 pages, but with only 14 lines of text per page (or less, depending on headings and white space; I do not know how this edition has laid out the content).

PLEASE INCLUDE A PAGE OR TWO OF THE BOOK YOU ARE SELLING.
The purpose of obtaining a SAMPLE of this book is to see what the content is like.To NOT include that is not helpful to the buyer.All that you can see is a rough index, that does NOT include content of any part of the book.Remove a page or two of the index and put in one or two pages of the book itself for an appropriate review of the book.
THANK YOU. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (10)

Aran Knitting: New and Expanded Edition
A wonderful updated version of a classic.Starmore writes instructions with clarity, including instructions for designing your own sweater, and making a sweater that fits!

A Must-Have for Your Knitting Library
I'm so happy that this book has been re-released.It's a classic and is the best book there is on Aran Knitting.Not only does this book give the history or Aran along with pictures of selected museum pieces, it has a glossary of stitches and wonderful patterns for the knitter.

I have the original book and there is not much difference between this one and the originally published version.Therefore, if you have the original, I wouldn't bother getting this one.However,if you don't have the original one, this is a must-have for the knitter's library.

There is a glossary of stitches with careful instructions, charted, of how to knit each stitch.This helps the knitter when making something in this book or an Aran pattern from another pattern book.The patterns are beautiful and my favorites are the child's Killeany cardigan, the Galway Hat and the Irish Moss cardigan for either men or women.There isn't a pattern in this book that I don't like.I want to knit everything in it.

The book is also beautifully laid out with wonderful photographs and careful instructions.Go for it!

Go slowly
This book is very detailed and challenging.Go slow when you knit it and stop the minute you are tired.Note: The yarn prescribed is hard to get.An order I put in with Virtual Yarns, the seller notified me they were out of the color and didn't know when they would get some.HOwever, I will find a suitable substitute, and it is interesting about how the whole Aran knitting world got started.

So excited!
I am so thankful Alice Starmore decided to reprint Aran Knitting! Her patterns are absolutely beautiful and timeless. The history section at the beginning of the book is quite interesting too. I will be starting the Irish Moss sweater in November and I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Gorgeous MUST HAVE BOOK for your Knitting Library
Beautiful designs, knitting history, clear charts, and eye-candy photos.Ahhhh.I love this book!I've wanted a copy for a while but the original editions were priced like gold bricks.I am perfectly happy with the updated version of the book and the price made it impossible to pass up.

The only thing I found annoying was Alice Starmore's shameless promotion of herself and her yarn.(There are no guides for yarn substitutes.)She often refers to "my yarn" and touts the greatness and timeless popularity of her patterns.It seemed inappropriate.The work speaks for itself.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in Aran knitting and in owning some of the loveliest patterns out there.I am sure these sweaters, shawls, and hats can be knitted up beautifully in any number of yarns...but if you want "my yarn" by Alice, there is an ad that will direct you to the exclusive online dealer.HAPPY KNITTING!
... Read more

Product Description
The New York Times bestselling sensation that's "Steel Magnolias set in Manhattan" (USA Today)-now in paperback.

Juggling the demands of her yarn shop and single-handedly raising a teenage daughter has made Georgia Walker grateful for her Friday Night Knitting Club. Her friends are happy to escape their lives too, even for just a few hours. But when Georgia's ex suddenly reappears, demanding a role in their daughter's life, her whole world is shattered.

Luckily, Georgia's friends are there, sharing their own tales of intimacy, heartbreak, and miracle making. And when the unthinkable happens, these women will discover that what they've created isn't just a knitting club: it's a sisterhood. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (342)

Trite and insipid
I listened to the audio version of this book from audible because it was picked by my book club. I did think the idea was cute, and to be fair, there is some fairly well-done character development in Georgia and Anita, but that's about all the positive news for this book. The other characters are basically caricatures. The plot is a (bad) Lifetime movie that doesn't even get to the point until 2/3 of the way through the book. When the point is made, it's so overdramatic and trite that it made me groan out loud. I don't want to spoil it, but some of the things that medically happen to a main character are very unrealistic--no "top doctor" would do what a "top doctor" in this book does to manage a patient with an acute emergency situation. The writing is mediocre and riddled with cliches. The first few chapters are a total backstory dump. SHOW us, don't TELL us!

Don't waste your time. If you want a feel-good chick flick fluff writer who at least makes you laugh with her wit, try Jill Mansell.

The Friday Night Knitting Club
A Great story about women for women. Its about the type of friendships that we all need for good times and not so good times.

passion knitter
Book was received in great shape.
Just love "browsing" thru used books and can always find
one particularly which has to do with knitting.

Horrifically Bad.
How this appalling excuse for a novel fooled its way on to the NYT Best Seller List baffles me. I guess legions of half-literate bored housewives eat this tripe up. The language is uninspired, the writing nearly unpalatable, and the plot so contrived that if this weren't for an office bookclub, I would've tossed it in the garbage. I understand the need for chick lit, the need for airy, light reading--none of that is what Jacob's delivers. Instead we have a cheesy Sex and the City knockoff that embodies everything literature should reject: embarrassingly self-indulgent prose, one-dimensional characters with no semblance of real women or men, and a ridiculous perpetuation of American Dream fairytale stereotypes--that dowdy single moms have a chance at that prince charming if they wait long enough, that aging widows may yet love again. Sure, that might happen, but we have enough rom coms and Disney films that are done well than to bog down impressionable, listless minds with something sugared, empty, and devoid of substance.

Cheesy, predictable, and not worth the paper it was printed on. Save your money for something worth while.

A fun read. Who wouldn't want to be in a club like that?
The Friday Night Knitting Club is a fun slice-of-life story about a handful of New York women (and a few men on the peripheral) whose paths intersect around a knitting shop and the club the regulars keep on Friday nights. The camaraderie of the group is believable and enviable though the story itself drifts toward melodrama on occasion. This is especially true at the end where it seems most of the characters receive tied-with-a-bow happy endings. Too unrealistic.

A fun read, nevertheless. Below is an exchanged between the main character and a passing priest. It sums up what I believe to be one of the book's more powerful themes.

"No, no, that's not what I mean at all. Praying isn't a form of divine insurance. It's just a way of communicating, just a way of opening your heart."
"By that definition, an honest conversation with anyone is a form of praying."
The priest tapped his nose. "You're right on there, Georgia Walker." ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (119)

Best Book for all skill levels
If you knit, buy this book.It's a wonderful reference book.I have many instruction books, this is hands-down the best.Wonderful illustrations.

Best knitting book out there.
If you are only going to buy one knitting book, this is the book to buy.It gives step by step instructions with pictures on hundreds of knitting techniques from basic cast on to fair isle knitting.There are also stitch diagrams, something that is very helpful if you knit from designs you like.

Great reference book
It's a great book, I already learned a bunch of new ways to increase stitches, the pictures help a lot.

Knitting Textbook
This book is a 'required' text for a intensive knitting 'boot camp' that I'm taking to improve my skills.There are chapters on cast ons, bind-offs, finishing techniques, a small stitch dictionary and a section on designing and graph reading.It's an excellent reference tool.If you're looking for a book of patterns, however, this is NOT the book for you.

KNITTING BIBLE
THIS BOOK USEFUL FOR ANYONE WHO IS A BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE OR EXPERT KNITTER.

I BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR MY GRANDDAUGHTER WHO JUST STARTED KNITTING. IT HAS HELPED HER TO READ KNITTING PATTERNS, UNDERSTAND KNITTING GAUGES AND LEARN ABOUT THE TOOLS OF THE TRADE.

RECENTLY, I USED IT FOR MAKING POCKETS IN A CARDIGAN THAT DIDN'T INCLUDE POCKETS.IT HAS GREAT STITCH PATTERNS AND HAVE USED IT TO DESIGN MY OWN SWEATERS.

I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. ... Read more

Product Description

Do you love to knit -- and hate to purl? Have you ever started a sweater without enough yarn from the same dye lot to finish it? When you cast on, do you end up with a tail of yarn that's maddeningly too long or too short? Elizabeth Zimmermann comes to the rescue with clever solutions tofrustrating problems and step-by-step instructions for brilliant, timeless designs.

In Knitting Without Tears, you'll find elegant designs for:

Product Description
Create gorgeous sweaters, bags, afghans, and toys just by knitting the simplest of shapes—a square!
 
No one forgets the sweet victory of completing their first knitted block, but most of us quickly move on to more complex constructions, only making swatches for guage. In this comprehensive volume, celebrated designer and innovator Nicky Epstein reimagines the humble block with 150 new patterns and masterfully demonstrates how to mix, match, and easily combine them into stunning one-of-a-kind garments and accessories.
 
Inside you will find:

• 150 original block patterns, from simple textures to embossed pictorials, intricate lace to cables, colorwork, double knit, and more, all with Nicky’s signature wit, verve, and style.
• More than ten exclusive project designs that will make you say “I can’t believe that is made out of blocks!”
• Detailed guidance for creating exciting pieces out of block knitting, without using increases or decreases.
• Exclusive cut-and-paste project design pages. Simply cut out the printed blocks and arrange them to help create your own masterpieces.

Product Description
Whether you’re just picking up knitting needles for the first time or you’ve been knitting for years, Knitting For Dummies, 2^nd Edition, will be your pattern for knitting success. Have you always wanted to knit, but are just not sure how or where to start? Have you been knitting for years and want to perfect your stitches? As a beginner you will learn…

• the tools of the trade
• the basics
• how to read a pattern
• the fundamentals
• basic stitches
• techniques no knitter should be without
• what to do when you make a common mistake
• tips for knitting in the round
• how to knit some easy projects

More advanced? Try your needles at stripes, cables, twists, lace, Fair Isle, intarsia, and full garments. Knitting For Dummies, 2^nd Edition, will not only enhance the skills you already have, it’ll teach you new ones, from expert knitters who will guide you every step of the way. You’ll be on your way to knitting a new wardrobe in no time! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (92)

Wish I read it
I was way too excited when I bought this for my iPad and didn't see the little sentence about 6 yes 6 videos. I had higher expectations for more videos then that, I could have Googled or looked up You Tube videos for free instead of buying :( oh well, learned my lesson.

Knitting
A must have for those who are interested in learning someting new. Also, a must for the new crafter.

knitting for dummies review
Excellent book.Excellent resource.Best book I bought this year.A must have for novice knitters.

Color photos of the stitches would be more helpful.
This book is a great primer but I found myself getting confused by the stitch pictures. The color pictures in the insert are of finished projects. I would prefer color pictures of the different knit styles. Otherwise I think the book serves its purpose

Kindle A/V edition missing photos of projects
The videos are very helpful; but I can't find the "color insert", mentioned in nearly every project, containing photos of the finished items. I feel this is a grave omission. How can one decide which projects to make, or tell if it is being constructed correctly without the photos? The publisher should offer a free "upgrade" edition. ... Read more

Product Description
Every avid knitterhas faced this dilemma: deep into a project at midnight, just trying to finish one more row, and, then . . . oh no, a dropped stitch three rows back! Help! If only there was a 24-hour hotline to answer every question a knitter might encounter. Well, now there is, with The Knitting Answer Book . The expert authors, Margaret Radcliffe and Edie Eckman, leave no question unanswered, no quandry unaddressed. Each book contains detailed, illustrated answers to literally hundreds of questions, from the common to the more unusual:

• Are certain needles better for certain yarns?
• What if I dropped a stitch several rows back?
• Why do my edges tend to curl up?
• Can you use a different weight yarn than the pattern calls for?
• What can I do to keep my yarns from tangling up?
• Oops, I see my ribbing is way too tight. Now what?

Covering the whole range of situations a beginner is likely to face, along with the problems that may arise for those working more advanced patterns, this Answer Book will help knitters and crocheters of all levels. Each book is packaged in a small, take-along trim size, in a friendly-to-use Q&A format, and belongs in the bag of every knitter. Available 24/7, The Knitting Answer Book is always open, ready for yarn lovers to browse and consult to their heart’s content. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (145)

helpful
This was a very helpful little book.had a lot of info that helped we knit a baby sweater

Small book
This book had a lot of information but I found it hard to handle in its bound form.It would have been easier to refer to if it were spiral bound.
It is a very small book but full of information.

Knitting Answer Book
This book has everything you might need to know about knitting.It is written in a question-answer format and has detailed illustrations.I like it because it goes into more detail than the how-to knit-book I am using. It's a perfect size to keep in my knitting bag.I recommend it to anyone who is learning how to knit.

Not for beginners
While this book probably covers every question you may have, it does not have very many illustrations.In other words this book is not for the visual learner like me.Many of the answers, I have not idea without a picture illustration what she is talking about.
I would say that it is a must have if you are an experienced knitter that understands what without the visual to complement the written explanation.

Knitting Answer Book
Anything you would ever want to know about knitting is in this little book. Very handy to keep in your knitting bag for quick reference.I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Do you learn faster by seeing and doing than by wading through tedious instructions? Then get yourself some yarn and needles and get knitting! Teach Yourself VISUALLYKnitting shows you the basics--photo by photo and stitch by stitch. You begin with the essential knit and purl stitches and advance to bobbles, cables, lace, and fancy color work. With fun, innovative patterns from top knitting designer Sharon Turner, you'll be creating masterpieces in no time!

Concise two-page lessons show you all the steps to a skill and are ideal for quick review
* Each skill or techniqueis defined and described
* Detailed color photos demonstrate each step
* Step-by-step instructions accompany each photo
* Helpful tips provide additional guidance ... Read more

Customer Reviews (95)

The best!
This is literally the best book to teach yourself to knit! I have several and I wish I had bought this one first. You can't beat it for the money.

Teach Yourself VISUALLY Knitting
This book is fantastic for learning how to do the simple and more difficult elements of knitting. the pictures are fantastic and captioned for easy interpretation. I myself am and intermediate knitter and was looking for some more difficult tequniques of knitting, which were displayed in this book in a way which made it very easy for me to follow whilst i was knitting along. I would highly recommend this book to any new or not so new knitter. I myself had it recommended to me through a knitting website. Very helpful book.

Perfect book for Beginners
I have just started teaching myself to knit and love this book.I am very much a visual person and this is a perfect visual aid.
Highly Recommend

Great Book for A Newbie
The last time I knit anything I think I was in the 7th grade, and we learned how to knit a scarf.That was more than 30 years ago, and when I decided to try again, I researched a lot of books.I picked this one up and knew immediately that this was the right place to start.I am literally working my way page by page, trying out each technique and creating samples (from low-cost yarn) while practicing each and every stitch.There have been only two occasions when I was having trouble understanding how to do a stitch, and I found a great resource on YouTube.If you can't quite "get" what is written, check out "The Knit Witch" videos on YouTube.There are a lot of videos on knitting, but Knit Witch has great lighting, a good contrasting background, big needles, and a person describing the stitch who is the perfect voice and knitter to do this.So combining those videos with this book (and they are not related)has helped me zip through some surprisingly difficult stitch patterns.I've been very proud of myself when I follow the instructions and then see an amazing pattern emerge from my knitting needles.I'm still a beginner, but I'm up to cable stitches, after having worked my way through all the basic knit and purl stitches, and some of the fancier ones.I can do some interesting cast-ons, and can bind off knitwise, purlwise, in pattern and with a crochet hook, and I didn't know how to do ANY of that before I picked up this book.I'd give it six stars if I could.

What a book!
As a beginning knitter I am so thrilled with Sharon's easy to follow knitting tutorial.I used to think that books wouldn't be able to guide me through my knitting but I don't believe that anymore.The first pattern I picked out to follow was beyond clear and before I knew it I was celebrating the results! I can see that Sharon's book will make the complicated- easy and help my knitting aspirations come true! ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Crafts ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Flawed Beauty...
"Providence has, in a remarkable manner, adapted woman's tastes and propensities to the station she was designed to occupy in the scale of being. Tender and affectionate, it is her highest bliss to minister to the wants, the convenience, or the pleasure of those she loves; and hence,her inventive powers have been,in all ages, called into early and active exercise, in the fabrication of those articles calculated to accomplish those desirable ends. Amongst these, Useful and Ornamental Needlework, Knitting, and Netting, occupy a distinguished place, and are capable of being made, not only sources of personal gratification, but of high moral benefit, and the means of developing in surpassing loveliness and grace, some of the highest and noblest feelings of the soul."
.
.
So begins "The Ladies' Work-Table Book Containing Clear and Practical Instructions in Plain and Fancy Needlework, Embroidery, Knitting, Netting and Crochet."

Written in 1844, "The Ladies' Work-Table Book" is one of the more irritating Kindle reproductions.One expects a lack of images, but you don't expect ever quotation mark (') to be replaced with three question marks (???).

That said, once you get past these problems, the book is interesting enough: covering knitting, tatting, crochet, and needlework, both plain and fancy (embroidery).

Here's the TOC:

CHAPTER I.
Materials And Implements For Working ... 17

CHAPTER II.
Plain Needlework--Explanation or Stitches ... 28

CHAPTER HI.
Plain Needlework--Instructions In The Preparation Of Body Linen... 37

CHAPTER IV.
Plain Needlework--Instructions In The Preparation Of House Linen ...54

CHAPTER V.
Plain Needlework--Miscellaneous Instructions ... 59

CHAPTER VI.
Fancy Needlework--Explanation Of Stitches ... 63

CHAPTER VII.
Fancy Needlework--Explanation Of Patterns ... 71

CHAPTER VIII.
Fancy Needlework--Instructions in Embroidery ... 79

CHAPTER XI.
Fancy Needlework--Preparation Of Frames ... 82

CHAPTER X.
Fancy Needlework--Application Of Fancy Needle to Special Needlework to Useful Purposes... 88

CHAPTER XI.
Fancy Needlework--Special Instructions ... 91

CHAPTER XII.
Knitting--Explanation Of Stitches ...97

CHAPTER XIII.
Knitting--Examples In Knitting ... 111

CHAPTER XIV.
Netting--Explanation Of Stitches ...125

CHAPTER XV.
Netting--Examples In Netting ...135

CHAPTER XVI.
Crochet--Explanation Of The Principal Stitches In Crochet Work ...142

CHAPTER XVII.
Crochet---examples In Crochet ...148

CHAPTER XVIII.
Tatting--Explanation or Stitches ... 153

CHAPTER XIX.
Concluding Remarks 155


Unfortunately with or without drawings the instructions are over my head.But if you were skilled enough I think you could image what the author(s) were talking about.

You can find this book WITH drawings at GoogleBooks.The full version doesn't have tons of drawings though.But worth a look.

Pam T~
pageinhistory

Another Book without Pictures
Okay guys, it's just not possible to have a crochet or knitting book without pictures.Also noticed some of the automated formatting did not copy over well.There are a lot of ????? found throughout the text - indicating either the "..." marks or some other type did not convert properly.Needs to redone. ... Read more

Product Description
One of the reasons knitting and colorwork master Melissa Leapman first learned to knit was her wish to make one special project—a sweater using Fair Isle technique. Now, for the first time, she brings her passion for advanced color knitting to knitters who want to knit with any and every color of yarn they can wrap around their needles.
 
Conquer classic stranded knitting, “draw” images in yarn using intarsia, and make two projects in one with reversible double knitting. Leapman’s clear instruction proves that knitting with multiple colors may appear more complex, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. She includes the quickest, easiest, and most intuitive methods for each technique, using knowledge honed over years of color knitting workshops with knitters from across the country.
 
Once you’ve learned the basics, practice your new skills by creating projects for yourself, your friends, and everyone on your gift list. Each chapter includes a handful of sample projects to get you started, a Designer Workshop that teaches you important concepts in every designer’s toolbox, and a pattern treasury of unique patterns to apply to projects of your own creation—more than 50 patterns and 12 projects in all.
 
Throughout, Leapman’s helpful collection of how-tos, diagrams, tips, and hints (including a refresher course in color theory to help you choose the perfect color combinations) makes Mastering Color Knitting the book you’ll turn to for information and inspiration time and time again. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (51)

Great Book for Beginning Loomers
This is actually the 2nd time I am buying this book, as I seemed to have missed placed the first copy.This is so worth buying again!This is my bible for loom knitting.I only knit in the winter, so I need a refreasher every time.This book helps me to see exactly what stitches to use to get the best out of your design and yarn.It's truly a must buy for those that are new to the craft.It was the first book on bought on subject, and the book I used the most.

Loom Knitting Primer
I found this to be an excellent book for beginners to loom knitting. Clear instructions and pictures to help you get started. Good variety of projects to try.

Loom Knitting Primer: A Beginner's Guide to Knitting on a Loom, with over 30 Fun Projects
This book is an excellent resource for beginners or for the more experienced loom knitter.Isela is definately a pro at loom knitting. I purchased several books over the last month and found this book to be the most detailed of all of them. Isela has numerous video clips on the Internet showing her techniques which has made my learning experience to loom knitting successful. Including a DVD with Loom Knitting Primer: A Beginner's Guide to Knitting on a Loom, with over 30 Fun Projects or any other books on loom knitting would prove to be a great benefit to the customers who purchase this genre.

Disappointed
The projects are so dated, and the instructions are no better than the instructions that come with the loom's package.

Knifty knitter primer
This is a really terriffic book. I had bought the Knifty Knitter and was lost and frustrated while trying to create my own patterns.The book explains all, clearly and with excellent illustrations. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (79)

Knitting socks
Excellent resource for knitting socks!Pictures and explanations are clear and concise, easy to reference.Would recommend this book for beginners and those who already have knowledge and need ideas for putting together some excellent socks!

I love this book
Ann Budd does a nice job of laying out the sock architecture. My copy falls open to kitchner stitch! :D

beginning sock knitters
Great book for beginners and all sock knitters.It is a must as a reference book as are all of Ann Budd's books.

An excellent book
This book is my go to book for knitting socks.The photography is excellent and really depicts each stage encountered while knitting socks.It gives lots of variety of style and yarn types.Lots and lots of color photos and clear and precise instruction.I love this book!

The Best Basic Book I've Found
If you'd like to learn how to knit socks the traditional 4-needle method, this is the book for you.The instructions are clearly written with good photos to accompany them.Socks in this book are knitted from the cuff down to the toe.One of the best things about this book is that it gives instructions for knitting socks from many different weights of yarn, making it flexible for whatever yarn inspires you.Once you have the basics down, there are also instructions for many variations in cuff designs if you are looking for something fancier.But, a bit of a warining- sock knitting can be addictive! ... Read more

Product Description
Hungry for new knitting techniques?Try knitting brioche!

Knitting Brioche is the first and only knitting book devoted exclusively to brioche stitch, a knitting technique that creates a double-sided fabric. This complete guide will take you from your first brioche stitches to your first (or hundredth) project, and even to designing with brioche stitch, if you desire. Whether you?re new to brioche knitting or experienced at ?brioching,? author Nancy Marchant provides the information and inspiration you need.

Inside Knitting Brioche, you?ll find:

• Detailed instructions and step-by-step photos that will guide you through all of the techniques you?ll need for brioche knitting.
• A stitch dictionary including 60 beautiful stitch patterns with many multicolor options.
• 25 patterns for garments and accessories, all made with brioche stitches, some combined with other design elements including cables, lace, intarsia and more!

Customer Reviews (17)

almost impossible, not worth buying
I bought this book because of the cover.BIG MISTAKE!These instructions are unclear, there aren't pictures for everything so you're stuck searching the web for CLEARER instructions or tutorials which are also hard to understand!I knit in Continental style and none of the videos posted are helpful!I contacted the author and she was no help either.

Knitting Brioche
I ordered the book Knitting Brioche by Nancy Marchant a couple of weeks ago.This morning was the first time I have been able to actually sit down and look at the book.. Knitting Brioche is available from all the usual sources (Amazon etc)The author also has her own website that shows various stitch patterns.

My first introduction to the Brioche stitch was an Eileen Fisher cardigan that I bought several years ago.The stitch pattern intrigued me.It looked like a ribbed stitch but it wasn't. This led me to try a pattern for a cowl that I found on the internet.The instructions seemed straight forward but the results were not anything like the picture.I ripped it out several times and just gave up.

The book is contains everything you need to know on how to knit the Brioche stitch.This is the one stitch that I have never been able to knit.I searched the internet and never could find any really good tutorials that could explain how to do the stitch.

This book is perfect answer on how to do these stitches ( yes. there are actual many versions of this stitch who knew!)

The book starts with a history of Brioche Knitting and then goes into modern Brioche knitting.It also includes the stitch terminology and abbreviations and most importantly the charting symbols.The pages are color coded by section.The basics are light green, the stitchionary is light blue and the projects are on white paper.I've never seen this done before. Great idea!

There are two areas in knitting Brioche - one color or more than one color and the book introduces each separate sections.

Each section covers casting on, binding off, how to calculate gauge, increases / decreases , cabling and crossing stitches and fixing mistakes and recovering dropped stitches.Wow!This is over 80 pages just on this.Very detailed, great pictures would very good explanations. She even includes how to do it both right handed and left handed.

The stitchionary contains over 90 different stitches.Each one contains a color picture of the front and back of a swatch.The stitch is explained both by works and on a chart using symbols.At the end of the section, she includes the design aspect of the stitch for incorporating into patterns and even a discussion on form, color and texture.

The last section contains 25 different projects ranging from hats to , wristlets,boot cuffs,scarves, vests sweaters and cardigans for both older children, men and women.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how to knit Brioche or increase their knowledge.All levels of knitters can learn something from this book.

Brioche is addicting!
Once you have tried even the simplest few rows of knitting brioche, you'll be addicted. You'll also be amazed, perplexed, and sometimes you'll be cussing a blue streak, but you won't be able to walk away from it. I've been knitting for decades, but this brioche thing is unlike anything I've ever attempted.

The book is beautifully illustrated with full-color pictures; arrows point to the stitch being discussed in the technique, and all shots are fairly close up. Each technique is described in terms of when the technique might be useful (e.g., "great if you want a firmer fabric") and other hints, such as using a smaller needle than what you might usually use with a particular yarn. A full set of symbols are provided, and there are mini-diagrams for each technique to show which row has what, and whether it's a right-side or wrong-side row. The book starts with basic techniques, moves to move complicated techniques, and ends with 25 patterns which are much too difficult for me to attempt just yet. The book says it has an appendix, but I'm unable to find the appendix in my copy.

I disagree with the directive to start with one color. Luckily, I started with one solid color and one variegated color, and the differing colors was the only thing that helped me to "read" the stitches.

Luckily, the author's web site [...] has a few simpler (and free!) patterns, and a few very short video tutorials. The author is also amazingly prompt and responsive to e-mail inquiries.

To me, this book's biggest weakness is that there is virtually no instruction on how to fix mistakes. There are a few brief paragraphs suggesting that the key is pulling out one column of knitting but since there is little text description and no photos whatsoever, I end up pulling out entire rows because, after about 50 attempts (no exaggeration!) I am still unable to figure out how to rip out just one column. I am hoping that an accompanying dvd will be created to enhance this book's usefulness. I've never needed a tutorial for knitting, but I sure could use one for brioche!

If you want to knit something exceptionally warm, beautiful and unusual, buy this book and learn brioche from the master!

Very informative book!Great detail!
I have only had a chance to skim through the book but it appears that it will be very informative and has a lot of great detail!

Beautiful Book
This book tells you everything you need to know to begin brioche knitting, and there's lots and lots of information to keep you entertained and knitting for a long time. The explanations are clear and the pictures are beautiful. I recently took a workshop on brioche knitting and this book is just what I need to keep going. I'd recommend this book to anyone. Brioche knitting has opened up a whole new set of options for my knitting. ... Read more

Product Description
Think you're too young? Think you're too old? Author Melanie Falick teaches kids of all ages how to knit with fifteen easy projects, from bouncy beanbags to a rolled-edge sweater. Using straightforward language, step-by-step instructions, and bright candy-colored illustrations, beginners learn the basics, including finer knitting, casting on and binding in the round and shaping.Phototgraphs feature finished projects modeled by a delightful case of young knitters.Best of all, kids get to have fun creating things they can actually use—bookmarks, backpacks, bracelets, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (62)

knitting
this book may have step by step stuff in it but they are very hard to do. i would not buy this book again.

The book I began with
I am a late bloomer when it comes to knitting.I wanted to learn (at 50) and thought a kid's knitting book was an easy to approach to try.First off though, this is not just for children.As an adult, I love the whole feel of this book.It holds your hand and gives you encouragement along with easy instructions to get you started.I started by making squares for a blanket and at 14 now, I'm getting nearer to my goal.After looking at many 'kid's' knitting books through our library system, I appreciate this one even more for it's warmth, lovely photos, directions, interesting info on yarn, and the cute kids' faces (not over the edge teen photos).All of thislends an appeal that will endure.

Great beginner book for kids and adults
I'm a new knitter and this book is great - my 7 year old daughter loves it too. Really cute projects and very easy to understand.

If only it were longer!
I recieved this book along with a pair of needles and a skein of yarn for Christmas when I was about ten.I'm fifteen now and still love to reference it, all the instructions are simplified and made super easy.I had been trying to rib for a year before I finally looked in this book, and understood it after only reading the instructions once!The photography also has a whimsical quality to it with more rural settings and bright colors.I highly recommend this book!

Delivered what was promised!
It delivered what it promised. My wife used it to help teach a granddaughter and she just raved about it! Our granddaughter just turned six and she joined in the reading as well as the knitting! All in all a pleasant experience for both; heartily reccommended. ... Read more

Product Description
At times, a single, perfect color is just what a new knitting project needs. But more often than not, the creative knitter envisions exciting color palettes that make her handmade hat unique or add special meaning to a gift for a loved one. Adding fabulous color combinations to a handknit item can be as simple as working with multicolor yarn or as intricate as applying the technical concepts of knitting intarsia.

Knitting teacher and author Margaret Radcliffe presents a world of color techniques in a single comprehensive reference that knitters will consult every time two or more yarn colors are in play. Stitchers of every ability — from the determined beginner in need of clear instructions to the experienced crafter ready to take on a new challenge — will benefit from the color-combining methods and handy tips and secrets revealed in The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques.

Multicolor knitting techniques are explained with step-by-step illustrations and photographs accompanied by instructive text. Complete chapters on stripes, stitch effects, knitting with multicolor yarns, stranded knitting, and intarsia cover the general theory and how-to behind each method as well as creative solutions for handling tangled yarn, estimating yarn quantities of each color, handling all those ends, and stunning finishing techniques. An additional chapter describes less common techniques such as helix, shadow, mosaic, and modular knitting.

Whether the goal is a softly striped throw in nursery pastels, a pair of cozy socks in team colors, or a sophisticated cashmere wrap in a jewellike pattern, The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques has all the answers for adventurous knitters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

well presented information
This book has some amazing ideas in easy to follow instructions. I am now understanding the genre and am starting to make up my own patterns.

KNITTING HEAVEN DETERMINED TO LEARN
A LOCAL OWNER OF A YARN SHOP TOLD ME I WAS NOT READY FOR WHAT I WANTED TO KNIT; I HAVE ALWAYS CHALLENGED MYSELF, I WAS ON MY OWN IN MY QUEST TO LEARN HOW TO KNIT THE SHAWL THAT I WANTED, HAD TO KNIT.I LEARNED THE STRANDING TECHNIQUE, THINKING THAT I WAS DOING A GOOD JOB WITH MY PATTERN.MY SHAWL HAD ALL THESE STRANDS GOING ACROSS IT, I DID NOT LIKE THE MESS... I PUT IT DOWN AND AFTER A YEAR, JUST RECENTLY PICKED IT BACK UP. I CUT IT UP AND STARTED OVER FROM SCRATCH.

I CHECKED OUT ABOUT 15 LIBRARY BOOKS IN MY SEARCH TO LEARN INTARSIA KNITTING...I DEVOURED EVERY LIBRARY BOOK I COULD ON COLOR TECHNIQUE.MARGARETS BOOK "THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO COLOR KNITTING TECHNIQUES" IS THE BOOK I HELD ONTO AND RETURNED ALL THE REST.I LEARNED IF STRAND KNITTING YOU SHOULD ONLY SPAN ABOUT 2 STITCHES. I LEARNED THE SHAWL PATTERN I WAS USING NEEDED TO BE DONE WITH THE INTARSIA TECHNIQUE.THIS BOOK IS BY FAR THE BEST THAT I HAVE RAN ACROSS.THE INSTRUCTIONS AND COLOR PICTURES ARE VERY INFORMATIVE AND HELPFUL.

I AM USING YARN FROM WALMART, FOR MY LEARNING CURVE. MARGARET RADCLIFFE'S BOOK HAS TAUGHT ME HOW TO COMPLETE THE SHAWL. I AM NOW 50% FINISHED WITH MY SHAWL, AND VERY HAPPY WITH MY RESULTS.MY BOYFRIEND BOUGHT THE YARN FOR THE ORIGINAL PROJECT; HE HAS SINCE LEFT THIS EARTH.NOW I CAN USE THE MORE EXPENSIVE YARN HE BOUGHT FOR ME AND NOT BE AFRAID OF MESSING IT ALL UP... I WILL HAVE TWO SHAWLS AND I OWE MY DETERMINATION AND THIS BOOK FOR THE LESSON LEARNED.

Do not buy kindle version
Even on kindle for Mac (which CAN read color), the publishers, in their infinite wisdom (and greed?) are selling a book that is useless in black and white.

At least they could have given me a warning that even the Mac version is NOT in color, then I might have not wasted my money!

Awesome~!
I'm a new knitter and I found this book easy to understand; somethings I found a bit difficult, but I think it's because I'm pretty new to knitting.It has wonderful pictures and clear instructions. I'm glad I bought it! It was truly inspirational!

an essential resource for knitters
A comprehensive resource for the use of multiple colors of yarn in a single project.Everything is here. This book is a must for any knitter. ... Read more

Product Description
Surrender to the allure of knits inspired by the immortals we all love to fear. If you adore Twilight, True Blood, or The Vampire Diaries, this collection of 28 imaginative and beautiful projects is sure to captivate. 
 
   • Black capes are so 1897, instead get stylish with the dead sexy Sidhe Shrug.
   • Unleash your inner shapeshifter with the Werewolf Hat.
   • Keep warm while holding hands with your vampire by wearing these Bellisima Mittens.
   • Around humans? Use the Blood Bottle Cozies to disguise your beverage.
 
Whether you are wandering the Carpathian Mountains or the bayous of Louisiana, these smoldering projects—for knitters of all levels—will keep you well protected, no matter what you attract. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Repeating Pages Really Annoying!Fun Patterns...
I want a copy without repeating pages!I may return the one I have, which is incredibly disappointing!!!The publisher (or whomever made the mistake) really needs to step up and get this problem fixed.I would have rated it higher had the book been printed properly.The book has otherwise beautiful photos and some fun patterns mixed with vampire lore and "facts" which made the text more entertaining than simply 'another pattern book.'Again, I'd REALLY like a copy that has all the patterns in it PLEASE!I hope there is a way for Amazon or the publisher to let us know when the problem is fixed so we can trade in our books.There were no reviews when I purchased this book, so I had no way of knowing before hand.Thank you!

Disappointing
I don't like to leave negative reviews but I have to say that
1) I was really exited when I found out about this book
2) I was totally disappointed when I had a look at the patterns.

The book has all the right wording to attract a vampire lover like myself however I do not feel that the look of the patterns and choice of yarns reflect what I expected vampires to look like. It is too 'run of the mill'.

The patterns are nice enough, don't get me wrong, but not what I'd go for if I went for a vampire look. The photography is lovely but still not vampirish enough. A bolder statement in design is needed to really hit the vampire mark.

So I am hoping that a 2/5 is not too harsh, just below the middle. But I was really disappointed when I flicked through the pages (online). I almost would have bought the book on the description. Brilliant copywriting!

I'd like to be kept informed if there is ever an update on these patterns.

Awesome Book!
I was a little skeptical about this book since I am a newer knitter but it is written with patterns at all skill levels.The pictures are beautiful & the names of the pieces are very creative! I believe next year I will try to do the cover sweater for my sister, a HUGE vampire diaries & twilight fan! Over all a very good knitting book for anyone with an interest in vampires & knitting. I am very pleased with this purchase.

Cutesy stuff, mostly for teens
I thought the layout of this book was very creative, but the patterns lack creativity.These are very simple patterns that are not fitted or really shaped at all.The patterns are mostly simple squares and triangles put together in tried and true ways that are pretty easy.The layout of the book makes the patterns interesting, not the patterns themselves.I do like the colorwork in the book though, lots of paw prints, and red yarn to simulate blood.
If you are looking for patterns to wear such as creative sweaters then you may want to look elsewhere, but if you like accessories then you may like what the author has to offer.

Be careful!!
This is one I'd buy in a brick and mortar. I see someone else has already run into the 'repeat pages' part.Every single copy in a local bookstore I went to had that problem.So there's a huge printing error.Apparently it's only some printings and not all of them--most people reviewing here are A-ok!But definitely check!

As for patterns, they're cute but nothing really earthshattering to me.They're nice, and run the range between kitschy and romantic froufrou. ... Read more

Product Description
Toss Lily into your project bag and bring her stitching savvy, troubleshooting techniques, and no-frills know-how wherever your knitting takes you!

Are you one of the thousands of Lily Chin converts who swear by her legendary Tips & Tricks classes? Or are you an avid knitter in search of a portable, accessible technique guide?

Knitters of every level will love Lily Chin's Knitting Tips & Tricks for its simple solutions to everyday knitting problems. Covering everything from knitting standards and conventions to working with various types of yarns to fixing stitch mistakes, Lily's book is a comprehensive distillation of her decades of experience, and by the end of it she will have answered knitting questions that you didn't even know you had.  ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Tips & Tricks
This book is well worth the $$.There are many "tips and tricks and shortcuts" that were new to me even after many years of knitting.

VERY GOOD RESOURCE
This book is excellent for those who are new or inexperienced knitters.At first I thought I wasn't going to find many new tips/techniques for the experienced knitter but the more I read the more I found. The section on joining as you go is helpful and very interesting. I would buy the book again just for the tip about how to solve running out of yarn on a long tail cast on.When you have cast on a hundred stitches (or more) and are a few stitches short,you don't want to have to start over! Three cheers for Lily Chin!

wonderful!
This is a great little book to have in your knitting bag for those times when you can't knit for whatever reason but still have the yearning.This has such wonderful tips and tricks that allow you to learn about a technique or a reason behind it.Very easy to read and it feels as if Lily is speaking directly to you, not to millions of readers!AWESOME!

Great bed time reading
I love this little book. It's broken down into short topics and for me, it's an even split between techniques I know and new *better* ways of doing things. When I'm too tired to knit, I read a tip or trick before bed. It's an easy book to slip into your knitting bag. I'm getting one for my daughter, as a first year college student she'll want the answers fast and clearly illustrated at whatever time of night she decides to knit, :-)

Lily Chin's Tips & Tricks
Great book for troubleshooting.Well organized and clear.Even experienced knitters will find new ways of doing things and creative approaches to problem solving and problem avoidance! ... Read more

Product Description
"Smart novels about starting over don't get any better than this sweet treat."
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Funny and sparkling--a profoundly moving study of motherhood and true love."
--Ruth Rendell

For every woman who has ever dreamed of starting over, or being a better mother, or just knitting a really nice scarf . . .

Jo Mackenzie needs a fresh start. Newly widowed with two young sons and a perilous bank balance, she leaves the bustle of London to take over her beloved Gran's wool shop in her sleepy seaside hometown. There, she finds unexpected comfort in a "Stitch and Bitch" knitting group that meets every week to trade gossip and, occasionally, a new stitch. When a new man enters Jo's life, the knitting club has even more trouble confining the conversation to knit one, purl two. The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club is an uplifting, winning tale about the healing power of friendship and new beginnings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (71)

I loved this book
I loved this book.I eventually bought the sequel and loved it too.The knitting was pretty much spot on as followed in the book and I liked the story line about the people too.

Take care - you could be knitting twice
Take care fellow crafty people you could be repeating yourself.This book is also available under the title "Divas don't knit".I find it very annoying of Amazon not to warn readers that the same book has more than one title.I liked the book (and the sequel Needles and Pearls) - good light reading and the portrayal of both the children and how mums cope to be touching without being too sentemental or cute.A little predictable but that's the nature of the genre.

Title is gimmick
Not interesting. Used knitting as a theme but in actuality sort of a chick flick rattling. I found it too self centered and boring. However, there could be a following of this type of genre.

Quick read
This book is a quick read when you just want to relax but not think too much.

I never got the book
I don't remember ordering this book. It never arrived so that's OK. It looks like the type of book I wold like and I will try to order it now. ... Read more