Reviews (10)

Gorgeous Patterns
Got the book as a gift and I'm in love with so many of the patterns. I cannot wait to get started on the hooded baby blanket--it's definitely going to be my go-to baby shower pattern. Super fun book, super smart patterns--definitely a winner.

fun knitting
This knitting book reminded me of the Mason-Dixon book or the Yarn Harlot's Knitting Rules.It is fun stories with some decent patterns thrown in.There are a few I will definately be doing soon like the lacey table runner in linen.It is not a "learn to knit book" but once you have the basics it would work for beginners to intermediate.Tracy Ulmann will have you laughing and relating to her yarn obsession.

An excellent addition to your knitting library!!
I love "Knit 2 Together". It's a wonderful combination of Mel Clark's beautiful patterns and advice and Tracey Ullman's sense of humor.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Patterns    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (10)

I love, but a word of caution
I love this book, and love the idea of finally being able to make a sweater that fits! But a word of caution to other visual learners out there- this books contains very few illustrations and pictures. Most of the information you are supposed to gain is hidden away in fairly lengthy (in my opinion) descriptions. So if you are a visual learner, be prepared to read carefully, try the instructions, frog your work and re-try.
Must have for every knitters library
I find the book very easy to follow and understand.If you want to avoid sewing all those pieces together, this is the book for you.Not all the sweaters from the top down have to be raglans, this has everything you need to know to knit just about anything from the top down.

Great help for new and old knitters
This reissue of an out-of-print book is a real boon to both new and old knitters. It provides freedom from strict adherence to patterns and guidance for designing your own sweaters, skirts, and other garments. This book is perfect for those who love to knit and hate to purl! It's a 'must have' for knitters who are into or beyond the stitch 'n' bitch phase of the craft. I bought several for my students and for friends for gifts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Needlework - Knitting    3. Reference   

Reviews (22)

If you own volume 2, read this first!
I purchased Volume 2 first and found this a bit of a let down, even though there are some very nice patterns in it. I had already experimented with the moebius form and I'm into freeform so find Cat's techniques and ideas inspirational, but I could also have lived without this particular volume, especially with international postage on it! That said, if you have never ever played with a moebius, or find the instructions on the web too confusing, this is for you! Her instructions are brilliant, so that even a novice knitter can follow them easily. And I certainly learnt an awful lot about knitting and following patterns, and self-discipline ( rueful grin).

too much like the second
I bought the second book before I bought this one, so obviously almost all of it was redundant. I would recommend buying the second and skipping the first.The second has many more ideas, whereas the first one has only one thing to contribute really.

A Treasury of Magical Knitting
A lovely little book, and a challenge for the intermediate to experienced knitter.The instructions were well-written and my first project came out as expected.Cat Bordhi's second book is on my Christmas list! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Needlework - Knitting    4. Patterns   

Reviews (20)

Some mistakes not the fault of the author.
Sometimes not being able to work a pattern doesn't mean the book has a mistake. For instance, p.139 "Butterfly" does not have different numbers of stitches on each row. Notice that "Embossed Hearts" on the same page ends each row differently worded than does "Butterfly." If not read carefully, "Butterfly" would seem to say do the repeat as many times as required, then knit #. But it says to "end last rep k#." So the last repeat of each row ends with a different number of knit stitches than the other repeats in the row. I counted it out and it works.
Great Resource
This book, like the others in the 'edge' series, is a must-have for any knitter's library.

Coffee table AND knitting book
I like the book because it is like a scrap book of all kinds of edges you can make, but cannot remember when you are planning your next project. I often look in the book just to see the beautiful pictures. I like the layout with the changing of colors every time she changes her technic. Nicky Epstein is very good to give ideas and inspirations to other knitters.
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Subjects:  1. Borders, Ornamental (Decorativ    2. Borders, Ornamental (Decorative arts)    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. General    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Knitting    8. Needlework - Knitting    9. Patterns    10. BG-MIND & BODY - BG-HEALTH    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (2)

Highly Recommend this Book!!!
I just received this book in the mail and it is beautiful. If you know a knitter or someone who aspires to learn knitting (although this is not a "how-to" book for those who can't knit), or just want to buy a great inspirational book, I can't recommend this book enough!! It is a beautiful, inspiring book. It has quotes, photos and stories of organizations that knit for others---orphans, refugees, preemies, animal shelter pets, and a host of other highly inspiring organizations. I discovered that knitting for peace and for others is a part of our heritage and pure Americana. I commend the author for this beautiful, inspiring, well-written book. I plan on buying several for holiday gifts. If I could rate it higher than 5 stars, I would!
so inspiring yet simple
I can't say enough good things about this book. It is full of information and inspiring stories. It also has some great historical anecdotes. In addition, it's gorgeous!!
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Subjects:  1. Charity    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    8. Patterns    9. Philanthropy & Charity    10. Reference    11. Social aspects    12. Crafts & Hobbies / General    13. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (67)

Finally a book that really taught me to knit
Over the last 10 years I have tried every "learn to knit" book out there and none have been all that helpful to me. I got this book and I finally was able to figure it out. She really has a relaxed way of teaching that makes it easy to learn. I knew I did not want to knit scarves and this book is loaded with "beginners first projects" that are easy to do, teach pattern reading and are not scarves. I made each of my daughters a poncho and everywhere they go they get compliments and they were my first two projects. I am now getting all of her books and will use these to teach my own daughters how to knit.

Great for beginners
I'm a beginner teaching myself to knit through books and Sally Melville's "The Knit Stitch" is a fabulous resource. Her explanations are clear and easy to understand. I've looked at a lot of "how-to" knitting books and this is the one I like the best. If you're starting from scratch without a mentor, then you can't go wrong with this book.

great patterns and teaching, organization clumsy
I love this book!This is probably the best book ever to teach knitting.It takes the reader step-by-step through the basics to teach a person not just how to blindly follow a patterns, but also gives the technical understanding behind the stitches and patterns.The patterns are delightful for any level knitter.The only problem is that it seems Sally assumes one will read the book assiduously from beginning to end, and create each project as it appears in the book, thus building upon each new learned technique.I am too impatient to do so.Thus, when I just jumped right in and started in the middle of the book with a pattern I liked, I found myself filling all over the book trying to find the various techniques she mentions in the pattern.Good thing her index is very accurate. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - General    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework   

Reviews (36)

Great little knitting aid!!
This is the best and handiest help book around for both new and experienced knitters.I use it often and am buying two for my daughters.

The Perfect Knitter Companion
The book is small enough to keep with you in your knitting essential bag.The wire bound is plastic and sturdy as are the pages, a heavy cardstock.Vicki Square has authored a book that is like having a knitting instructor at your side.The verbage and the pictures are perfectly easily to understand.

The Knitter's Companion
This is a very good reference, especially for the beginner.I have found it very helpful.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Sweaters    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Editorial Review

Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne are the rock stars of the knitting community--fans flock to their popular blog (masondixonknitting.com) for a daily dose of knitting genius, tips, and humor. In their first book, Read more

Reviews (48)

the opposite of what i presumed
This is a wonderful book. It provides a new way of looking at knitting - and the writing is hilarious, and very, very wise.Do not be deceived by the title. The sensibility is very sophisticated. If you think more Bau Haus and Mondrian rather than cutsey quilts you will get my drift. THe house items are elegant and understated - except for the ones that are - WOW! A wonderful surprise for me. What got me to this book was the buzz, not the title.
not cute at all
0 stars if there were such a thing
Love this one
I love this book. Nice pictures and easy to follow directions for the advanced beginner that I am ...Thebaby kimono and log cabin are just a few projects I plan to hopefullystart.. Lots if nice ideas for knitting things for the house if you are like me and do not want to attmept sweatersthat probably will not fit me... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Patterns    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Subjects:  1. Art Needlework    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Needlework - Lace & Tatting    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Lace   

Reviews (22)

hilarious, irreverant, a great gift and a fantastic read for beginning knitters...
i consider this book a splurge, or a great gift to get a knitting friend - especially a beginner. it answers some of the OTHER questions you may have about knitting that aren't technical, such as...
Humorously Helpful!
There's nothing I like better than truly helpful lists and hints unless it is those same lists and hints dished up with a generous sense of humor.Stephanie had me laughing and reading out loud to my daughter-in-law and constantly exclaiming: "look at this!" while we drove to the yarn store for more supplies.So if you want a handy dandy list of typical head sizes or typical foot lengths (the kind of valuable info provided) topped off with WHO wears WHAT hats and WHY, you will love this book.The basics are addressed here, along with some fine points and finer observations that will have you consulting this book again and again.And if you want to relax and really enjoy your knitting - or your stash or your knitting thoughts (guilt-free) - get this book just to read for fun.It works either way.

Fun book for the knitter in you
I have only been knitting for 1 1/2 years, and I tend to be a rectangle knitter (scarves, afghans, etc.). This book makes me laugh and want to try new things. If you enjoy knitting, you'll enjoy Stephanie's unique look at all things yarn-ish. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. General    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Humor    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. HUMOR / General   

Reviews (6)

Knitting Around
This is an excellent book which provides a comfortable balance between fairly detailed knitting instructions and very interesting biographical information (in anecdote form) from the author, Elizabeth Zimmerman.

Wife LOVES it!!
My wife has been knitting for over 35 years and has many books on the subject.She especially enjoys this one due to the fact that there is so much subject matter and history on the author herself and her personal life.I'd recommend it to any husband whose wife is a "knitting nut" like mine!!

Timeless classic by a classy lady.
Although I first learned to knit in the 70's, I re-learned a couple years ago after a 25 year sabatical.After numerous scarves and dishcloths, the search began for good knitting books.That's when I "found" Elizabeth Zimmermann.This is my favorite of all her books.It has knitting lessons, projects, and her autobiography (digressions, she calls them) which makes for a fascinating read. I love that she asks knitters to THINK, not just follow a pattern row-by-row.I am presently knitting the pi-r-square shawl - it's great that I can take it to work on anywhere, and don't have to bring the directions. She says "you can do this...or try this..." and lets me make the project my own while giving me the confidence to do it!
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Knitting   

Reviews (215)

Not your Mom's DIY Book!
I just started knitting a week ago, and already I am confidently making my first piece of clothing.This book not only gives great, easy to follow instructions, but also great patterns and is humorous and easy to read.I almost forgot I was reading an instructional book!The author is just so funny and cute, you're bound to love her.If you can only afford one knitting book as a newbie, make it this one.

Great Beginner's How To!
This book is a great one to pick up if you are a beginner and are looking to get started, or are already familiar with some knitting basics and are hoping to advance the complexity of your knitting projects.Learn how to fix common knitting mistakes and try out some cute patterns.

Wonderful Resource
I learned to knit when I was a little girl, under my mother's instruction.I remember thinking it was hard, painful, and totally not worth my time.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (25)

Pretty book
This is a great little book of knitting ideas.The photos are beautiful and the instructions are understandable.It is a great price for a gift for your favorite knitter!

Beautiful one skein interesting projects
I love this book of small one-skein knitted projects.I've knit the adorable baby hat, the felted clutch purse, the cable footies, and I have my eyes on making the felted bowls, the baby petal bib, and the spiral rib bag.The instructions are clear and easy to follow.This has become one of my favorite knitting books ever, since I love small projects that are beautiful and don't bore me before they are done and become abandoned to closet corners.I also love the pictures in this beautiful book; I'm inspired just looking at the lovely yarns.By the way, the baby hat is lovely done in Rowan wool cotton.
Great small projects!
I never take on blankets or anything overly large because I need instant gratification.This book is it.The projects are small and even though the yarn is expensive, you can find substitutions.The projects are cute and fun and you can see pictures of most of them on other people's blogs!This is a popular one.If you have enough interest to read the reviews, it is definately worth buying. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Crocheting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    10. Crochet   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Knitting    5. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    6. LITERATURE - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB   

Reviews (5)

Unique and enthusiastically recommended
Donna Druchunas is an expert knitwear designer whose work has been showcased in Family Circle, Easy Knitting, Interweave Knits, PieceWork, Knitter's, INKnitter's, and Fiber Focus magazines. In "Arctic Lace: Knitted Projects And Stories Inspired By Alaska's Native Knitters", Donna has created a 192-page, single-volume workshop on knitting and designing lace with an Inuit flair. In addition to the fifteen individual "user friendly" projects provided with careful step-by-step instructions, "Arctic Lace" is enhanced with 171 b/w photographs, 91 b/w illustrations, 28 tables, 11 sidebars, an extensive bibliography, and a comprehensive index. These projects are adaptable to any yarn and demonstrate to even the most novice needlecrafter just how to make the most of luxury fibers. There is even extensive background information on the natural history of musk oxen, conservation efforts, and the fiber quality and use of their fur which is the source of Qiviut (or musk ox down), felt by many to be the world's warmest, lightest-weight fiber and a mainstay of Alaska's native knitters. "Arctic Lace" is a unique and enthusiastically recommended addition to any dedicated needlecrafter's reference collection.

Beautiful book on lace and the arctic knitters of Alaska
This book has everything going for it--terrific instruction about knitting lace, amazing information about the arctic musk ox--the rare animal that produces the softest most beautiful yarn around--and stories about the native alaskan knitters who developed their own system for producing gorgeous knitted lace projects based on traditional art and imagery.

Not Your Typical Knitting Book
ARCTIC LACE is not your typical knitting book.Not only does it provide an array of native alaskan designs for every knitting level, it also offers easy to follow tutorials with templates for designing your own unique lace projects.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Needlework - Lace & Tatting    7. Alaska    8. Crafts & Hobbies / General   

Reviews (20)

A Treasury of Knitting Patterns
I have owned the "Charted Knitting Designs, a Third Treasury" for a number of years now.I am slowly adding the rest of Barbar G. Walkers' "Treasury of Knitting" books to my library.Each one of these books is a must have and worth every penny spent on them.
Don't worry!
I don't have anything more to add to the positive reviews of this book; it is amazing.I just want to say that if the price is giving you pause, don't worry, it is WELL worth it!Make room on your shelf!

Great for designing your own
I've just discovered Elizabeth Zimmerman and the idea of designing my own sweaters etc. She recommended this book, and I must say it has a fabulous range of patterns with easy-to-follow instructions. I am partway through knitting a shawl and didn't like the border design of the pattern I am working to, so I am going to substitute a pattern from Barbara Walker's book. She states how many stitches are needed for each repeat of every design, making it really easy to substitute what you like. This book looks old-fashioned, with black-and-white illustrations, but the information provided is first rate. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Knitting   

Reviews (50)

Puzzled
I was going to rate this book with 5 stars.The illustrations are fine with me, and I like the step-by-step instructions.I like not having to make 5 afghans in order to learn 4 techniques.BUT, I think there are some typos, and I can't find a single website that will allow me to report the typos or to see if anyone else has reported the typos.Since I'm a beginning knitter, I really need some way of checking on the accuracy of the information

Find a Grandma that will show you howto knit
Save your money, save your time, save your mind, this book is to frustrating to be of use to the total begginer. I was so confused I was almost in tears. Find some nice grandmother type to sit and show you how to knit-just like the way it was done years ago. This book is waaay to confusing. I regret buying it....

It's okay
I am in no way shape or form a competent knitter. Once I get the stitches on the needle I can do a great garter stich and a killer Stockinette stitch. Unfortunately I start with a scarf and finish with an afghan. So I bought this book. I absolutely couldn't figure out the instructions on how to cast-on. I ended up going to a co-worker who could knit and asked her to teach me how to cast-on which I can do like a pro now. When I showed her the dummies instruction She didn't understand how you were supposed to do the movements in the book holding the yarn in both hands. (The way she showed me is the same needle movement but holding both ends of the yarn in the same hand.) I also couldn't figure out their instructions on how to do a seed stitch I end up with double the stitches I started with. Now I have learned somethings from this book like how to read stitches in a finished garment how to read my own work and figure out what is the wrong side and what is the right side. So it has its place in my life right now but I don't understand all their instructions. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Patterns    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (2)

Excellent source of needed info....
I am both dyslexic and left handed -- and after many years of false starts at learning to knit, I finally found a very patient woman at the local yarn store who stuck it out with me until all the left, right, back, front, yarn-in-back, yarn-in-front basics took hold.
A boon for beginners
If you're a relatively new knitter without a seasoned 24 x 7 knitterly support staff at your disposal, this is the book for you. It will save you hours of grief and help you identify and fix many mistakes without frogging your project all the way back to zero.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (13)

Amazing!!
Only a mathematical genius like Debbie New could come up with the wonderful and amazing options for knitting in new ways. Also fabu is the gallery of work by Ms New. I am working on a scribble lace garment using 6# fishing line and a heavy thick/thin wool (similar to Point 5 by Colinette). I think it will be amazing when complete. I spend hours looking over this book, imagining my next project.

Not for beginners
This book was beyond my expectations. I've been a knitter for over 30 years now, but I never thought one could knit such pieces. They are works of art more than knitted pieces. This book is a joy to look at, over and over and over again. It helps thinking outside the box and that there is more to knitting as one would believe. Great book!

An essential book for thinking knitters
Debbie New is the most innovative knitter since Elizabeth Zimmerman, and Unexpected Knitting is a book that provides inspiration and new directions (literally! she designs at all angles) to even experienced needlers.New has an organic sense of her projects;she knows her materials and is willing to experiment.She has the gift also of being able to explain clearly, in words and in charts, exactly how she has produced her groundbreaking designs.Not all her designs or techniques will appeal to all knitters, but there is some new insight to be gained in every project she describes, and everyone will find something wonderful among the sweaters, jackets, and art pieces beautifully displayed and explained in this volume.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Knitting    4. Needlework - Knitting    5. Patterns    6. Sweaters   

Reviews (17)

Purl Stitch
Not quite as good as the first book in the series, but I'm glad to own it.

not as good as book 1
As a new knitter, I bought Sally's first book based on the reviews, and I loved it.The instructions and illustrations were excellent, and the patterns that could be made with just the knit stitch were mostly very nice, and usable. Something I could see myself making and wearing.
KNITTER BEWARE
Knitter beware.Pages with MISTAKES 19, 23, 104, 137, 148, 158, 169....maybe more.I love the patterns in this book.So, I decided I'd knit my husband the Classic cardigan.I knit quite a bit, this was my first sweater and was glad to find a book with what seemed to be clear instructions.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Patterns    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting