Reviews (2)

Great ideas for mixing yarns
The book has some great ideas, both specific and general, for mixing small-ish quantities of different yarns. Some patterns call for several skeins of a given yarn, which might not fit everyone's "stash" profile; but I found many projects so appealing that I'd augment what I already have with new yarn I'd buy, just to create the piece. Definitely has a unique place in my knitting book library!

yarn stash review
very good book to have - esp if you have a large stash of yarn.Most designs are appealing and can't be found in other sources ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - General    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Patterns    8. Yarn   

Reviews (17)

Great Resource for Knitters of all Skill Levels
I've been knitting for several years and would like to think of myself as pretty far beyond the beginner stage. Even as a more experienced knitter, this book is a wonderful resource. Because it provides such great basic patterns, it is a great starting point for those who wish to bring their own designs and ideas to life but are too unmotivated to do all the math to figure out the number of stitches and shaping from scratch. I'd recommend it to knitters of all skill levels because the patterns are versitle and easy to read and use.

If you want to expand your ability on knitting sweaters . . .
I'm a basic beginner who has followed a few sweater patterns and now want to branch out to knit without a pattern or changing one.This book help me to understand how this can be done.I've taken the instructions and developed a few patterns of my own and it worked.
Great sweater patterns!
Lots of options, lots of styles, and easy-to-read directions - a real plus for an advanced beginner like me.Can't wait to get busy and get knitting! ... Read more

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

Reviews (2)

Basic with a little twist
I love that the designs are simple, but have little details that make them special like a picot edge or a simple cable.I have already made the hat and booties and loved them.Yarn is easily substituted.My only negative comment is that the patterns indicate to knit everything flat and then seam, including the hat and stuffed animals.Some things are better done in the round, but it is easily remedied by someone with a little knowledge of knitting in the round.I would think this would be an awesome book for a beginner.

Absolutely awesome!
I never write reviews, but this book is spectacular.Every baby pattern in great. Buy with confidence ... Read more

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

Reviews (11)

EXCELLENT BOOK FOR KNITTERS AND CROCHETER'S!!!
This book has it all, I was Pleasantly surprised when I purchased this book, at the Ease in Instructions, for both Knitting and Crochet Patterns, especially the crochet Lace, cables, and intricate patterns that only existed for knitters once. Here they are shown side-by-side, one column in the knitted instructions and one column in crochet. It is a verywell put together book, with MANY GREAT PATTERNS!! WELL WORTH THE PRICE!!! GREAT BOOK!!!

No, it isn't
This is just a book of crochet patterns that mimic knit stitches and there are plenty of other more interesting crochet pattern books than this one on which to spend your money.

Misleading Title
I bought this book because I believed the title. I thought the book would explain how to convert a knit pattern into a crochet pattern so you'd have the same size/gauge and a similar weight fabric. Instead, I was given a lot of crochet patterns that imitated the look of knit stitches but were of very different fabric weight. If you want a lot of new crochet patterns (albeit not very exciting ones), this is a good book for you. But if you're truly looking for a method by which you can crochet something using a knit pattern, this book is not helpful at all. On the other hand, the book does include some helpful hints on yarn substitutions and correlations between crochet hook and knitting needle sizes. After buying this book I realized that if I want a fabric that looks and drapes like knitted fabric, I'd have to learn to knit--something I had not been successful at, because I am so used to crocheting. So I decided I'd teach myself to knit my OWN way, carrying the yarn in my left hand and weilding the right knitting needle as if it were a hook, rather than manipulating the yarn around the needle, the way most "how-to" books instruct (after I taught myself this "new" method, I found out it is Continental Style knitting--as opposed to the more common British or American style). Now that I can knit and am very familiar with the construction of knit vs crochet stitches, I understand that you can't really duplicate the drape and weight of knitted fabric using a crochet hook, and this book is a waste of money if that's what you're hoping to do. ... Read more

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

Reviews (21)

Great book on shawls
Love this book !!The author is a lovely model, and I appreciate the beautiful shawls in the book.There's a bit of history as well.Easy to complicated projects.I love that there are photos of every single project.

Folk Shawls
I have read this book cover to cover, and can't hardly wait to start a project from it.The shawls are beautiful and unique.If you don't like samo, samo patterns this is the book for you.

My current favorite
I love this book! Each pattern has a short history of the country the pattern comes from. All the shawls are modeled by the author. It helps give a perspective of sizes and lengths. A wide variety of patterns and yarns really fascinate me. Informative and fun! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Fashion    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Patterns    7. Shawls    8. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games   

Reviews (16)

Not the book forlace knitting novices!
This is the most beautiful book I've seen on lace but not matter how hard I tried, I could not follow the charts.It is an inspiration but if a beginner tries this, it's a bit of a disappointment.
Extremely pleased!
Contrary to what others have said, I knit my first "real" lace shawl from this book - the Faux Russian Stole. I found the pattern very easy to follow so long as you pay attention. I am planning on knitting at least two other projects from this book, I love it so much! As for errata, it's wise to check for mistakes in ANY knitting book before you begin. Since I work in the book industry, I know that the pattern may be perfect when it goes to the printer, but errors sometimes occur and are out of the control of the designer in most cases.
The very BEST lace knitting reference book
I have this book and am currently knitting two shawls from the book--Shetland Tea Shawl and Frost Flowers & Leaves.I am really enjoying knitting lace and have found this particular book to be very inspiring and a big help also.If you love to knit lace, you must own this book!! ... Read more

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

Reviews (6)

Don't be too hard on Lion Yarn
This is a very well put together book with clear instructions and good illustrations. It outlines the Prayer Shawl Ministry and builds on the basic patterns available on websites. To their credit, some of the patterns are available free from the Lion Yarn website.
Save Your Money - You Don't Need It
Everything you need is at the Prayer Shawl Ministry web site. I bought the book and visited the website by shawlministry.com amazingly similar but the book is by Lion Brand Yarn and Leisure Arts Publishing - the web site is by two women freely spreading God's love.

Knitter's Delight
The book is what I hoped it would be - it has provided different and very nice patterns for the shawls. I'm glad I have it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - General    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Crocheting    6. Needlework - Knitting   

Reviews (1)

Nice dog knitting book.
I just got this book in the mail today, and I can't wait to try a few patterns.Most of the patterns are for dog sweaters, but there are a few other nice things to knit, too.I would call myself an average knitter (I've been knitting for a long time, but I usually don't bother with very intricate or complicated knitting), and this book looks great for me.Other dog knitting books I have looked at have sweaters that look too complicated to be bothered with.That or they're making more dog patterns now that are too cutesy.This book has projects that are attractive, for the most part gender-neutral, and could be done in a weekend.If you're looking to knit something special for your four-legged best friend, I recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dogs    2. Dogs - General    3. Equipment and supplies    4. Knitting    5. Patterns    6. Pets    7. Sweaters    8. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (17)

Will use again!
I recently knit the Swallowtail Shawl, and found the pattern to be clear, simple, and easy to memorize.I will definitely go back to this book again.
Nice ideas -- bad editing
As a newcomer to knitting, I found several starter-level pieces in this book -- all very unusual and well designed.Or so it appeared....I ended up having to carry the book into my local yarn shop for help deciphering a pattern -- only to find that the pattern really was incomplete.Several steps and notations had been left out, making it confusing for the experienced knitters in the shop that day, and damn near impossible for a newbie to figure out.
More than a scarf
so many ways to knit and wear something other than a scarf ... 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. Shawls    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (9)

greetings from knit care review
this book is cute and entertaining - not the best book if you're looking for lots of brand new designs.I liked the mix of recipes with the knitting patterns.Many of these designs can be found in other sources, but the book is a nice addition to a knitting library.

Beautiful book
Very inspirational...I love looking thru this one, it's full of beautiful pictures.
not worth the money
worthless -- seems like the author wrote the book so she could talk all about herself -- who cares about her favorite CD.....and for maybe one pattern worth knitting, the book is certainly not worth spending money on. ... Read more

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

Reviews (3)

Creative Curiosity
Creativity: check -wonderful ideas: check - eye catching: check - little crazy: check!While I think Epstein is BRILLIANT - this book was not particularly one of my favorites.Many of the patterns were a bit too far off the "normal" scale for daily use - but could be modified. I wasn't sure of the intended audience - some of the bags look too childish but seemed intended for adults.Several petterns were creatively spectacular, but just too over the top.Did not anyone learn from Bjork's tragic swan dress?

Epstein is brilliant!
This book goes above and beyond the typical "knit a bag" books that are out there.It's as if an artist let you in on her secrets.Some of the bags are a little goofy in design, but the ones that are fabulous (Wisteria, Jacobian, etc.) are well worth the price of the book.Wherever I go, people say, "What a fabulous bag!" - Thanks Nicky!!!I want to own every one of her books!

Great Designs, Skimpy Instructions
This book has fun, whimsical designs for some very unusual felted bags.I knitted the Wisteria bag first and it was pretty straightforward, as most of the decoration is in the form of knitted flowers and leaves attached to the completed bag.I am not exactly a novice knitter and I found the instructions to be too skimpy, sometimes ambiguous, and sometimes wrong.You can find corrections on the internet and hopefully they are included in subsequent printings.I then knitted Tropicana which is intarsia, although the picture is partly done in duplicate stitch.Do not use the Jamieson yarn called for in the book and provided in kits, as it does not felt well at all.The owner of my local knit shop did some bags in this yarn and it pilled and sagged.I used Cascade 220 and mine felted very nicely.There were a few errors in the Tropicana instructions as well, and these are not all covered in the errata.Even so the bags are very different and are good for learning new skills without worrying about fit.Also, felting is great for hiding the occasional small mistake. ... Read more

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

Features

• Illustrated

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

Reviews (2)

A range of bag projects use traditional and novelty yarns
Eva Wiechmann's PURSENALITY PLUS: 20 NEW FELTED BAGSshows how to knit and few felt bags. There are over ten styles encouraging a range of looks and materials plus patterns for add-ons such as a cell phone holder or eyeglasses case. Projects on big needles explore both traditional and novelty yarns and accompany large-size clear color photos of finished results with tips on pockets, embellishments and more.

Lots of Fun designs!
I was really disappointed in her first book.The first book had very basic patterns that I felt I could have figured out without a pattern book.They also had that quirky homemade look.THis book is much more chic and interesting.The construction techniques, colors, shapes, and hardware on all the purses in this book are wonderful.I can't wait to get my needles out and try some of the designs in this book.I also can't decide which one to do first.The designs are not too quirky, yet not boring either, with a good range of shapes, and patterns.Also there are great ideas for using chains, buttons and other hardware on the purse. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Felting    5. Handbags    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Needlework - General    8. Needlework - Knitting    9. Tote bags    10. Knitting   

Reviews (67)

Loved it
This book is great.The directions are simple and easy to follow.The projects are items that are chic and easy to make.You will start a project and finish it because the projects are practical for for beginners.It is a great first book.Two cautions- larger sized women may need to adjust patterns, the easy patterns are fast because many are chunky.
the yarn girls' guide to simple knits.
This is an excellent book for one who is fairly new to the knitting craft.I like the simple patterns and the easy to read instructions and tips.I've got the knitting bug and can't seem to stitch fast enough.I need patterns that are easy enough so that I can be sure of a successful outcome as I become more experienced.

Simply Marvelous
As I type this, I am wearing the "Sexy Summer Tank" that I finished last night. It fits well and looks great.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Patterns    7. Sweaters    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (68)

The Name is Right
This is the ultimate knitting book.I am a fairly advanced knitter, and this book helped me get there- I can make beautiful invisible seams now, which makes a sweater look 'handmade' instead of 'homemade', if you get what I mean!Finishing techniques are what makes an item look sleek and beautiful, and this book is the place to learn those techniques.

Needs a better index!
Lots of information here, but it really needs a better index.
Master Knitting Program Must-have
I am currently enrolled in the TKGA (The Knitting Guild Association)Master Hand Knitting Program.This is a three level course in which you as a student provide samples of different knitting techniques, as well as written reports on different subjects involving the fine art of knitting.Even though I have been knitting for over 45 years, there were many questions I needed answered.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    7. LITERATURE - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB   

Reviews (1)

Lovely, vintage-inspired projects
Rowan fans will recognize from the cover, that, yes, this book does contain some repeat projects from past issues of Rowan. Not to worry - there are plenty of new projects in here as well, plenty to make owning the book worthwhile, in my opinion. All the styles are soft and feminine with a vintage mood. The three chapters, "Out and About," "Home Comforts," and "Little Extras" include a variety of blouses, sweaters, wraps, and accessories as well as a few home decor items. The garments are sized up to a 38-40" bust measurement. Atkinson offers some lovely and unique items, such as a lacy hooded shrug with a beaded edging and jewelry crocheted in metallic yarn with beads crocheted in. Many of the items are beautifully accented with knit-in beads, ribbons, buttons, lace edgings, and crocheted flowers.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Crocheting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Crochet    7. Knitting   

Reviews (56)

First from the library, then I bought a copy
This book respects the individual knitter and how he/she knits! It didn't tell me to keep making swatches until I fit into a set-by-someone else gauge.Rather, the instructions are to first make a swatch with MY chosen yarn and needles, then from there, find the right column in the charts to make the size I wanted to end up with. It works for me!!
Awesome Book!
I really like this book! It's a step above the normal patterns so you get to design your project but it's not like you have to make up your pattern. This book gives instructions for making each kind of knitted items in different sizes and gauges. This is a must have book!

Good reference book
I feel this book has great potential and will be a good resource for me. I'm a relatively new knitter so the charts are a bit overwhelming. However, I did refer to it while knitting my first pair of socks and found the directions for making the gusset were superior to my Ann Norling directions. So, I'm anxious to take a deep breath and give it a try as I think I'm really going to like the results. I'm going to try a hat as my first project. The trick is to photocopy the pages of the pattern and highlight the sizes throughout the pattern so you don't get mixed up. The patterns are all very nice and basic and would appeal to everyone. ... Read more

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

Reviews (5)

Fabulous and Funky!
What an incredible book!Inspirational, lovely, fun, and energetic!!!This is a great book for those who know how to spin and who are ready to challenge themselves to think "outside the box".Lexi Boeger features not only interesting techniques, but gorgeous pictures that you will want to look at again and again.She self-publishes this book, therefore, the cost is higher, but worth every penny!This is by far my favorite fiber-related book in my collection!!!

Book is not as big as it appears
Okay, the content of the book is great, but I'm not sure it is worth the $40 retail price tag.I'm very glad it is discounted here on Amazon, or I might feel rather upset about the book.
Creative
This book has wonderful insperation and ideas. If you want something more structured look for something else. Boeger makes the reader use their own creativity and knowlage. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Hand spinning    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Knitting    5. Reference    6. Spinning    7. Textile crafts    8. Yarn   

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

Reviews (1)

Simple, fast, and pretty patterns
I learned to knit with the help of Percival's Knitting Pretty, so I have a soft spot for her books. I bought Speed Knitting yesterday because so many of the patterns looked practical, easy-to-follow, and fun. I haven't started knitting yet, but I've ordered the yarn to make the little girl tank dress.
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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