Reviews (2)

Glorious is a good word
Kaffe Fassett has taken inspiration for his patterns from the world around him, walls, roofs, food, the sky, you name it he's considered it for one of his patterns. Glorious Knits
Book arrived in condition as stated and within a week of being ordered.I couldn't have been more pleased. Also, had several e-mails back and forth concerning another matter and Allen couldn't have been more gracious.I wouldn't hesitate to order from them again. ... Read more

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

Reviews (27)

huge disappointment
There isnt anything very creative about this book..I have seen corset type patterns, seen cuchion covers ( try Mason-Dixon knitting for a nicer one) I have seen wrist warmers.
Opens your mind to all the possibilities...
This book has a ton of great ideas, but even better, it has a ton of ideas for ideas.If you are even remotely creative, you'll take the ideas from this book and knit them into your own innovations.
knit purl
Great book!Beautiful to just look at and the projects are funky and exciting.Instructions are a bit tricky, so you need to read carefully. ... 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)

Read for a good understanding of what Fair Isle knitting is
If you are a fairly experienced knitter and can create the garment basics (i.e. figure your gauge and cast on accordingly), it is indispensible.If you need a pattern with directions (e.g. cast on x number of stitches on size y needles), this book does not supply that.It gives guidelines for garments, just not full patterns.What it does supply is a fabulous history of this knitting art form, explanations of how it developed and how it was used.Lots of great pictures.The third part of the book is dedicated to patterns in graph form, which is just the way I like it, personally.I've enjoyed browsing through it and putting my creativity to the challenge of creating what I want to make.If it ever gets cold down here in Texas, that vest made of Harris tweed wool will be great.Luckily, I knit for the knitting more than for the finished product.

great historical book and supplement to other FI books
This is a great older reprint for Fair Isle knitters. There seems to be more historical detail than some of the other fair isle books (Starmore and Feitelson).Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Design - Textile & Costume    4. Fair Isle    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. Scotland    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

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

Reviews (53)

Best First Knitting Book
I would highly recommend this for new knitters. It does not assume you know anything.This was one of my first (helpful) knitting books when I picked up needles.The descriptions are easy to understand - pictures are great.I refer back to this for stich definitions often.Maggie's strongest attribute is her ability to put a learner at ease - this is not necessarily an easy hobby to lean all by yourself.If you are new to knitting- BUY THIS BOOK and a also pick up a kid's leaning to knit book. The pair will be invaluable.

absolutely great
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book.I actually read it front to back although I did not follow by knitting samples like the book recommends.With knitting books I have found that different writing styles are the key to whether or not you understand the written instructions, techniques, and tips.Maggie Righetti is clear and very understandable.I have almost finished my first project from the patterns in the back of the book (the shawl) and it has improved my speed and confidence.

Excellent reference & common sense knitting book
This is the book I recommend to every new knitter - full of practical information, advice and humor. I treasure my copy! ... Read more

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

Reviews (39)

Good follow up
Stitch 'N Bitch Nation is definitely a follow up book.If you're a first time knitter I wouldn't recommend this being your first knitting book, as there are better resources out there (such as the first in the series, Stitch 'N Bitch).
Not Quite What I Expected
Parts of this book are really great but most of the patterns are not for anyone over age 20!!!

A nice follow-up to "Stitch 'n Bitch"
The patterns in this book are really interesting.They range from everything to cabled belts to baby booties to light sweaters.This isn't as informative as the original "Stitch 'n Bitch" book, but if you have mastered the basics, it is a good starting point for ideas.Plus, it has tried and true tips and tricks from knitters accross the nation. ... Read more

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

Reviews (4)

Corrections from Publisher
I saw this book at the store & really liked the patterns, but when I read the other reviews, it said that there were a number of typos.I asked the publisher for its corrections, and the publisher's email is as follows (I hope this helps readers out!):
Beautiful Ideas - Full of Mistakes
A beautifully photographed book of afgans for beginning to advanced knitters.How discouraging can it be to start a project, and realize things just don't "add up".If you are a knitter, you know what I mean.
Beautiful patterns, needs better editor
I love this book.The patterns are beautiful and easy to follow, the pictures are stunning, and I expect to get a lot of use out of it in the coming years.Read more

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

Reviews (2)

Classic with Bohus, Twined knitting, and Shetland Lace
This book covers some of the most coveted styles of international knitting, from Shetland lace, to imitating Bohus Scandinavian-style pattern knitting. Sections include Shetland lace, Catalan decorative lace for doilies, Fair Isle, Two-End Twined knitting (Sweden), Aran Knitting, Socks in Shetland pattern, Japanese knitting, Faeroe knitting, tam 'o shanters, and more. Great book, a classic.

collection of knitting styles/techniques from all over
I really enjoyed this book. it can be read for knowledge or to learn how to do the techniques. The history of the different styles is given as well as the how-tos from fair isle to tvaandsstickning(that's how it is reallyspelled) to shetland lace. It is a great into to different ways to knit. Iwould recomend it to anyone who wants to expand their base ofknowledge(sorry if I sound like a teacher). ... Read more

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

Reviews (9)

knitting for animal lovers!
I'm a knitting veterinarian, and I got this book to make a couple of toys for my young kids - but my boss saw me working on a pig, and asked me to make some animals for the office. I told him I'd get to it after I finish the ones for my kids. Well. So far the kids have had me make each one a pig (I have 3 kids, so that's 3 pigs), and two ducks, and I'm working on a sheep. This is a great book. I consider myself a beginning knitter with advanced beginner to early intermediate skill. I have knitted one sweater in my life, and it was for a 2 yr old. I have made one small baby blanket, and several scarves, and that is about it. Oh, and one small 2 yr old sized jumper-dress. So, you know, I'm no Nancy Needles! But the patterns are pretty well written and easy to do, nothing fancy. If I can do it, so can you. The one thing I wish is that the number of rows always added up the way the author says they should (you know: work 2 rows, then work 8 more for a total of 10, then work 3 more for a total of 12, wait, um, no...) but it really doesn't matter, because it is always clear if you need to be knitting or purling, and what's one row extra if you're making a sheep anyway??

absolutely wonderful
this little book is a goldmine for knitters. the patterns are straightforward and extremely easy to follow and do not require even the most elementary knitter to think twice. the book is full of wonderful toys that any child - or silly adult! - would be happy to have. I've knitted a few of the toys and I already know that this book will be a treasure I'll hold onto my entire life.

This book proves beautiful patterns don't have to be difficult!
I love this book. There is so much variety. Trust me, this book will not end up sitting in the bookshelf and forgotten. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Knitting    5. Stuffed Animals    6. Toymaking - General    7. Knitting    8. Soft toys   

Reviews (7)

MUST HAVE BOOK FOR FAIR ISLE KNITTERS
This book is a must have, well worth the price. First it takes you through the history of Fair Isle and The Shetland Islands so beautifully you feel like you are there, or wish you were!The next chapter has a good selection of easy to follow charts. They go from basic through to complex, which you can mix and match for your own unique designs. Then she discusses colour schemes; each jumper has a photo of the scenery that inspired the colours, to bring you inspiration. Next are techniques. She has simple diagrams that are easy to understand, showing all the techniques you need to knit fairisle. Her instructions were so simple I have now decided to knit on 4 needles! I have also learnt continental style knitting, as this technique is a much easier way of Fairisle knitting. Other techniques include steeks (making cardigans by knitting in round); knitting up stitches, corrugated ribbing, stranded knitting and lots more. Then there are 14 of her divine patterns to knit. The last section is design she walks you through instructions of knitting your own cap, tammy and gansey. I wouldn't part with my copy for all the tea in china!

An Essential Reference
This stellar book manages to answer every question I ever had about Fair Isles Knitting, as well as a whole host of questions I hadn't even realized I should have been asking.Profusely illustrated with breathtaking color photographs, this book fills me with the mad inspiration to create every single time I open it.The charted designs are abundant and varied, the technical information is incomparable, and Starmore does an excellent job of making this highly detailed and specialized form of knitting accessible to beginners and experienced knitters alike.If you want to expand your knowledge of stranded multicolor knitting, this book is a MUST HAVE.

A must for knitters
If you own ONE book on colorwork, this might just be the best choice. While Starmore deals with Fair Isle style knitting only, the techniques are useful for all kinds of knitting design.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fair Isle    4. Handicraft    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. Scotland    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (4)

Even Beginning Knitters Can Do It
This is an absolutely marvelous book, and not only for intermediate to advanced knitters as advertised.I learned to knit last Christmas and have already completed the sweater pictured in the upper left corner of the cover and, while it was a bit of a challenge, it came out beautifully.The individual sections in this book cover different techniques for applying beadwork to knitting - each with very clear, easy to read, detailed instructions.Also, those of you who already sew or embroider will find some patterns with basic knitting techniques with the beadwork sewn or embroidered onto the finished project.The projects range from simple to very challenging, from scarves to hats to sweaters, from minimal beading to complex bead designs.What fun!

Absolutely Georgous book!
A must have!I'm a relatively new knitter (but daring and will try even an advanced pattern!) and this book is absolutely beautiful.I am considering putting down a current project just so I can try one of these patterns! Fabulous marriage of knitting and beadwork!
Jane Davis discusses the techniques of bead embroidery, beaded fringe, beadwork applique, beading over slipstitch, beaded knitting, and bead knitting (different from beaded knitting), then presents 30 patterns for sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves, and bags. These aren't cutesy/trendy projects, either. You'll be making heirloom-quality beauties! A difficulty rating is assigned to each project (easy, intermediate, challenging). Most of the projects fall into the 'intermediate' category. You don't need to be an expert at either knitting or beading, but you should have some knitting experience before attempting the projects. Instructions for multiple sizes are available for the sweaters, but not for the other patterns. There's a glossary of potentially unfamiliar terms and a list of abbreviations, but otherwise the author assumes the reader has a knowledge of basic techniques. The photography and diagrams are flawless. The instructions are crystal clear. The author even tells you what yarns she used so you can duplicate the knitting. She's less specific about beads and doesn't list sources. I absolutely love this book! I highly recommend it to anyone with a combined passion for knitting and beading. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. Architecture - ARCHITECTURE TRD PB    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (10)

For that Something Special for Someone Special
I love to knit.My gift to new babies is a Christmas stocking.I think of it as a special blessing of this childs new life.While knitting on it I am thinking about all the love this child is going to have and the hopes for the child's future.This book has so many ideas.Everyone a winner.I can't wait to knit all of the stockings in the book.

A Great Project Book
I bought this book on clearance at a local craft store.So far I have only done the miniatures in the book (a mini-mitten and mini-stocking done on size 2 and 3 double-pointed needles and super thin yarn) which have been rewarding my patience for learning a new skill (double-pointed needles) by knitting up rather quickly (and attractively).
A stocking for everyone
For years I have knitted Christmas stockings for friends and finally resorted to designing my own patterns because most of the patterns I found were ultimately ugly and clumsy.This book, however, contains unique patterns that will please any taste.I always like to put names on my stockings, so a little pattern editing is necessary, but otherwise the designs are excellent.The yarns range from bulky to fingering weight, and the designs range from nordic-inspired to Victorian to a dog's stocking.Certainly the best Christmas stocking patterns I have found. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas stockings    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Patterns    8. Seasonal    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    10. Family & Health   

Reviews (18)

an enchanting book for all ages!
I purchased this book for2 precious princesses of mine that love their Barbie dolls.
Great Book
This book is full of great patterns for Barbie. It also really made me laugh. I am not a Barbie collector or enthusiest. I just got it to knit my daughter some pretty Barbie clothes. Each outfit has a description for it as if it were a very exspensive designer piece being bought out of a catalog. I read the whole book as a work of fiction and as a good pattern book.

Knit versus crochet.
I prefer the Crochet For Barbie book. Keep mindful that Barbie bodies thru the years do require slight attire fit-adjustments.Still, pattern errors in this Knit book caused me to wonder if Nicky's book success (she is Barbie's authorized needlecraft fashion maker) caused publr/mfr to seek quick profits without testing their knit-to-crochet pattern translation software. Admittedly, the fashions are all great and it is nice to finish a chic project in an eye-blink. Needlecrafters will appreciate Crochet/Knit For Barbie books patterns working up pro-style, also quickly teaching beginners cro-knit skills for human attire and accys. Experienced needlecrafters' detail modifications can result in gorgeous outfit variations. Learning your yarn-usage with their common needle sizes makes catching errors nearly automatic (mine is .5"/k and .25"/sc for sport yarn and cotton no. 5 respectively). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Barbie dolls    2. Clothing    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Doll clothes    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Knitting    8. Miniatures    9. Needlework - Knitting    10. Patterns    11. Toymaking - General    12. CRAFTS & HOBBIES - Crafts/Hobb TRD HC    13. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (1)

Excellent, Informative Book and an Enjoyable Read
I just purchased this book for my knitting book collection as it seems you can never have enough books on knitting!I would compare it with Stitch N Bitch as it is a good way for a beginner to learn how to knit and the wit in it is really funny.
Read more

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

Reviews (17)

Exquisite
The published description doesn't do justice to the projects and materials.Great for the experienced knitter.

Exquisite
This is a wonderful book-nice photography. I can't wait to get started on some of the projects, howerver, I'm having a hard time finding some of the yarns listed.

A Wonderful Book
Exquisite Little Knits is a truly inspiring book, after looking over a copy I had to buy it. The projects are well written, easy to understand and the pictures are very well done. I only wish I had enough time to make more of them. There is a lot of variety, projects for many different interests and skill levels. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Patterns    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    9. HOME REFERENCE - HOUSE PLANS TRD PB    10. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Subjects:  1. Calendar    2. Calendars & Diaries    3. Needlework - Knitting    4. Non-Classifiable    5. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (14)

Good book for knitting baby sweaters!
Well use of yarn (Debbie Bliss) to make the final sweater look high quality and attractive on the babies in the photos.
A variety of classic-looking projects
I really admire that this book doesn't try to cram in a "how to knit" chapter in the very beginning.Those hurried instructions never do justice to someone who's never knitted.Therefore, don't buy this book hoping that it will contain a chapter teaching you how to knit, because it doesn't.After two pages devoted to general knitting considerations, the patterns begin.Unlike Debbie Bliss's "Quick baby knits", which features mainly long-sleeved sweaters, this book has a variety of projects including hats, a scarf, blankets, a vest, sweaters (of course), pants, booties, a stuffed toy, three little dresses, and a little bag.Patterns look simple, classic, elegant, not too gaudy, and the skills used include cables, Fair Isle, beads, stripes, and embroidery.My impression of the projects is that they are for an intermediate knitter.Items presented are for newborn-3 year olds, and most can be used for either boys or girls.

Recycled
She does beautiful baby clothes, traditional and delicate. But the pictures are more enchanting than the garments themselves. They are recycled, a habit with her. I love the pictures, but maybe I should frame and hang them instead of try to make them. It seems to me she should stop putting out books with overly similar patterns and fix the issues she's having with her instructions. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's clothing    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Infants' clothing    7. Knitting    8. Needlework - Knitting    9. Patterns    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (3)

My favorite knitting book!
I have been wanting to knit bed time items for a long time. When I first heard about this book I knew I had to have it. The design and the beautiful pictures make it my very favorite knitting book to look at. I am almost done knitting the bathrobe in the cover. I love the fact that the items are so easy to make and yet very pretty. I want to make almost everything in this book. The main yarn used is ROWAN Cashsoft which is a little pricy but worth your money. Cashsoft is truly the softest yarn I have work with and it is very elastic and cosy. My only two suggestions for this book are: 1- Sizes go up to 5 years old (I wish it went up to 8 years old) I had to modify the pattern to create a bigger size for my daugther. And 2- This book does not have schematics. I can't believe they missed that. Nowadays, this is almost a requirement in all knitting patterns.
And So To Bed
"And So To Bed " is a wonderful book to look at.With the combination of photos and illustration, a truly whimsical outlook is provided.However , the practicality of its text makes it a great book to use.Beautifully designed yet often simple children's clothes, toys and blankets have clear and explicit instructions.I love it!

Very cute
I like her first book, "Handknits for Kids", better - but it's still very cute.I can't imagine spending the time to knit a kid a robe that is never worn outside.So... I plan to modify one of the robe patterns & make it a regular sweater.If you love to knit blankets, (not me) this book has some gorgeous patterns.Some really cute toys, too - I love the owl!Definately worth a look if you are a Lucinda Guy fan. ... Read more

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

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

Reviews (3)

Most cost-efficient resource for "do it all yourself"
Excellent resource for color work. And I mean color work as in knitting, embroidery, tapestry, mosaic. Doubles as all of that! This was my first book by Kaffe. Now I own a half dozen of them. And love them all.

Incredible resource
My mother got me started knitting when I was five years old.Admittedly my first scarves were trapezoidal marvels as I lost or split stitches, but I've enjoyed the hobby ever since.Kaffe Fassett's book of designs is an incredible resource.Not only are there useful designs for the knitter, but needlepoint, cross-stitch and other enthusiasts of handwork will also find wonderful ideas for their artwork.I used a pattern of flowers taken from the book to design a decorative band for the front of an otherwise very plain swing coat sweater, and I have yarn now for a similar sweater using another, broader floral pattern for the lower edge of another garment.Really, if you're tired of the routine, this book--an eye pleaser just as something to look at--will give you tons of ideas for your own designs.

Colorwork on steroids, a valuable reference for handknitters
Kaffe Fassett is an artist using textiles (knits, quilts, needlepoint) and paint. His style is to use a sort of ornamentation-on-steroids, a wild profusion of color and pattern to create a wash of color with pattern that looks logical in its confusion. His work never fails to amaze me. If you liked his earlier knit books, this Pattern Library is a really valuable addition. Instead of sweater patterns, this book has detailed charts of the designs and hints on how to knit them (such as the popular round Persian Poppy pattern that you can knit using a "magic ball" or random strands of yarn tied into a giant raggedy ball that yields fascinating results.) For those who design their own vests, pullovers, jumpers and coats, this is a really valuable reference book. Personally, I'd just use it to knit pillows and not even worry about creating a garment with the patterns. Plenty of color photos, detailed shots and a nice printing job, too. Highly recommended for knitters who love colorwork. ... Read more

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