Knitting Book Corner

I love books! All kinds of books! My motto is that there is more than one way to tell a story or more specifically, to talk about knitting and therefore you will need several books on the subject in order to delve deeper and move to a new level of understanding and finesse.

For these reasons, we want to share with you our knitting book library. We will add our reviews of knitting books as we feel inspired. If you need a little bit of inspiration, consider thumbing through a book....a knitting book! Take a look at our selection below!

Please contact us if you have a book that you would like us to review! Thank you!

"Folk Shawls : 25 Knitting Patterns and Tales from Around the World"
by Cheryl Oberle

Just when I thought that I didn't need one more book of shawls, I happened on "Folk Shawls" by Cheryl Oberle. Well, I still didn't actually "need" another book, but could not resist buying this one. I backed into a really good rationalization which still makes sense to me.

"Folk Shawls" has twenty-five patterns that have been taken from around the world. Each pattern is preceded by a story relating to the shawl and its origins. The patterns run from relatively easy to complex, with instructions in writing and graphed, which is very much appreciated by this knitter. While I have not made any of the shawls yet (you know I've already bought yarn for a few ...), I have read through some of the patterns and at times have consulted the graph if I am unsure of the written instructions or vice versa. The dual explanation is a real plus.

I particularly like the materials information that accompanies each project. Ms. Oberle identifies the yarn she used and gives all necessary information about it (composition, yardage, etc) so that you can readily substitute. Further, the pictures of the shawls are excellent, allowing you to both see the pattern and how the shawl looks when worn. I found the pictures useful in choosing a shawl to make for my mother for her birthday.

I really did not find a downside to this book. I expect to breeze through easy and mid-level patterns and to be challenged by the difficult ones. Either way, this is a good addition to my knitting library, with the purchase falling under the adage, "you can never have too many knitting books."

~Review by Phyllis Jacks

"Knit One, Felt Too: Discover the Magic of Knitted Felt With 25 Easy Patterns"
by Kathleen Taylor

This book takes a new felter through the entire process of knitting and felting in an easy-to-understand and straight forward manner. The first chapter explains the importance of each step taken during the felting process, with the needed emphasis on swatching and trial runs. There are guidelines that assist the would-be felter in trouble-shooting for various problems and in turning mistakes into advantages. This first chapter is an invaluable tool, filled with illustrations, creative ideas and sage advice.

The book's following chapters are devoted to specific subjects: Bags, Hats, Footware, Gifts - all get their unique time in the spotlight. Each gets its own chapter and each chapter has a range, beginning with easy and simple and progressing in sophistication. The knitting patterns are easy to understand and the patterns are well laid out in an order that takes the knitter through the process without overwhelming him/her. By starting with a simpler one, the knitter/felter would easily be empowered to go on to the more interesting and challenging ones and build a stash of felted items. The pictures for each project are full page, clear, beautifully produced and varied enough, in style, to appeal to many different tastes.

Ms. Taylor's writing style is approachable and full of positive reinforcement. She profiles other fiber artist' work and efforts and,like any talented author, gives credit where credit is due. There is a useful section in the back describing and illustrating knitting terms that serves as a great resource for new knitters and serves to remind intermediate knitters of terminology.

I ordered this book through Amazon and had to wait for its arrival since it was back-ordered. It was worth the wait! It is a wonderful addition to any knitter's library.
~Review by Phyllis Howe, www.knittingandhowe.com

"Knitting Without Tears" (Basic Techniques and Easy-to-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes)
by Elizabeth Zimmermann

This book is not your typical glossy, full of color photos knitting book; this book is more like a primer and contains real substance. Elizabeth shares her expertise in the form of timeless tips and tricks and always with wonderful attitude! Take a moment to learn from an expert!

"Knitting Without Tears" gave me the confidence to tackle a sweater project. She gives practical advice on how to make sure that sweater you have put so much time into and sunk so much money into will fit YOU. What a concept!

Knitting in the round is the way to go! Elizabeth is a huge proponent of knitting in the round on circular needles. She avoids having to do the Purl stitch as much as she can. Why? Knitting in the round is easy and fast. None of this knit one row, purl next row business. You just knit and knit and knit...it's an efficient way to knit! Why sew side seams when you can knit in the round?

"Knitting Without Tears" also contains many patterns including patterns for ski sweaters, jackets for babies, hats, socks, slippers, mittens and more! And with each pattern Elizabeth shares her opinions and insights on how best to knit a particular garment. Reading this book is much like sitting and knitting with your grandmother who has years and years of experience to share. You may or may not like her advice but it nevertheless gets you to think about the process. Here's a quote from the late Elizabeth Zimmermann: "Knit on with confidence and hope, through all crisis." ~Review by HelloKnitty Staff, Virginia

"The Knit Stitch" Inspiration & Instruction
by Sally Melville

Sally Melville books are wonderful! They are targeted to a beginner audience but also is a great book to have as a reference in your knitting book library because of the detail she provides on the basics of knitting.

"The Knit Stitch" contains a wealth of information from detailed knitting instructions with good play-by-play pictures to how to care for your precious knitwear. One of things I really love about this book are the little tips and tricks that are found on the sidebar on most of the pages. Things like, "Oops I forgot a decrease on a previous row, what should I do?"

All of the introductory knitting basics are provided in a very easily understandable format, including:

• various methods for casting on,
• the knit, garter and stockinette stitch,
• how to best weave in those pesky tails,
• how to do increases and decreases,
• how to best pick up stitches on an edge,
• how to seam different types of edges, e.g., garter edges, shaped edges ,
• how to tighten a bind off edge,
• how to decide what type of needle to use, e.g., wood, plastic, metal.

Sally also shares a bit of her philosophy on knitting. She explains that knitting is a right side of the brain activity -- it is an act of doing something creative that provides us all a bit a respite from a world that demands much from us.

"The Knit Stitch" also contains patterns for scarves, hats, ponchos and sweaters. And within each project, as they become more complex, she explains the skills needed to accomplish the project. How perfect!

The Knit Stitch is a wonderful, comprehensive book. I highly recommend this one in every knitter's library.
~Review by HelloKnitty Staff, Virginia

"Stitch 'n Bitch" (The Knitter's Handbook)
by Debbie Stoller

Stitch 'n Bitch is the quintessential knitting book for this new generation of knitters. Debbie Stoller 's vision of creating a modern knitting book that captures the lingu franca of the millennial knitter is truly a work of art. From the vintage photos of knitters to the cute liittle stitch cartoons -- and not to mention the off-the-cuff campy writing style, this book is entertaining.

Now enough about the looks of the book. What about content -- does the handbook deliver the goods? Simply put -- a resounding yes! It is a great reference guide. Instructions on the knitting basics are provided as well as, instructions to finish your knitted piece. It is a soup to nuts kind of book that contains info on multi-colored knitting, how tos on cable knitting, tassels, I-cord, pom-poms and even some basic crochet stitches. In addition, there is a section on knitting resources that includes useful websites, book recommendations and magazines. And finally, SnB contains a collection of patterns from knitter girls from around the country. There are beginner's patterns, cute patterns (the kitty hat is my favorite) and some classic designs, such as the umbilical cord baby hat and the big sack sweater. I give this book a thumbs up. And, the price is right, too!
~Review by HelloKnitty Staff, Virginia

Search Amazon.com for other knitting books!

Just type in the word 'knitting' and press the GO button!