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Title: The Knit Stitch (The Knitting Experience, Book 1) by Sally Melville, Alexis Xenakis, Xrx Press ISBN: 1-893762-13-0 Publisher: XRX Books Pub. Date: 15 October, 2002 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.78 (37 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Pleasing Patterns, Left-Handed Instructions
Comment: This is the book I picked up to learn how to knit and it shows how tempting and addictive knitting can be. "The Knitting Experience" has a nice selection of attractive, contemporary patterns. I'm a lefty, so I'm always looking for clear left-handed instructions. I had to flip back and forth between the pages with instructions for righties & lefties, but it wasn't too difficult to figure out. I'd give the lefty knitting instructions a four out of five for simplicity.
For those who are trying to learn how to knit, your first few rows of knitting will be very loose-- that doesn't mean you're doing it wrong. I kept pulling out my stitches & starting over, because I thought I wasn't knitting correctly. Just keep going & you'll see your project take shape. Also, try to incorporate any excessive slack yarn between your needles into your stitches; if you're not stitching to the end of a row, a big loop of yarn may end up in the middle of your project.
I'm not a fan of the asymetrical hems featured on some of the sweaters and vests, but the scarves are easy and fun. I've made about four of the patterns so far & am getting ready to knit the fabulous "Einstein coat". This book features luxurious yarns that prompted me to try working with a yarn other than acrylic. Now I love novelty yarns. Thanks Sally Melville!
Rating: 5
Summary: am going to have to purchase another one soon,,,,,,
Comment: I was given this book as a gift about a year ago,, (and have been knitting just a bit over a year,,,)
after litterally reading this book cover to cover, I have FINALLY had the confidence to start a few of the bigger projects such as a sweater ,etc. ( up until this time I had done all my work in knitting classes but had very little confidence to take anything on my own)
OK, ,,,, I thought,,,I will try the "famous" Einstein coat since someone in my LYS had made one up and I tried it on,,and it was WONDERFUL!
now I am on my 3rd Einstein coat, and going on 4. ( different lengths and for different people, even a newborn baby) its the easiest thing ever,,,( and MOST flattering also,,,,)
My next project will be the short summer topper that is called the " mostly opaque sweater,",,( really cute , simple , trendy and again, very flattering.... going to bet I will get as many great comments on this as I do on my Einsten sweaters/coat.
What I like about her book is that she REALLY does TEACH knitting,,,in this book are the most clear and consise directions I have ever seen,,,all photographed, ( not drawn)
there is an entire section on " Oops,,something is wrong!"
This helps me greatly as this craft would soon become frustrating if I didnt know how to fix a mistake!
Its great to learn in a shop with someone holding your hand,but I dont think one REALLY learns unless they learn to fix mistakes by yourself,,,
That alone gave my confidence level a huge boost!
Now I can see clearly if I make a mistake and not feel like I must wait a full week to get help in class!
so,,,I am more apt to pick up those needles and get going!
Since knitting has become a minor obsession with me, I have ordered many books as well as looked at many in the library,,
Sally Melville has done a LOT to promote the craft and the love of the craft!
You DO feel like you have a coach rooting for you!
I also own some E. Zimmerman books, and am LEARING to be an intuitive and " thinking " knitter, thanks to reading the works of both of these authors.
I found that there are project in this book for everyone in the family ( that are simple and tasteful, or fun and funky,,,,YOU choose the yarn)
Another project( that will be a gift for my husband) is a great V- necked cardigan that is the garter and slip stitch combinations,,,classic and good looking,,,and its a flattering pattern that draws the eye veritically.
like I said,,,there is something for everyone in the family,,
even a baby bunting.
Its the cutest thing ever.
THE best thing I have learned in this book that I have seen in NO OTHER book to date yet, is the "crochet cast on",,,,,,,,
never seen this in ANY other book even the "knitting bibles"( I really searched that out to see if I could find this elsewhere)
this cast on alone is worth its weight in gold.
( E Zimmerman has some other ideas but it involves taking the knitting needles off and doing some trickier sewing,,, easy, but this is way easier)
Learing this cast on ALONE, is well worth the price of the book and will be the cast on of my choice for many projects to come.
The reason I may need yet another book is that this book is getting very dog eared and has a few coffee stains on it from constant use. ( yes, I know, I should be more careful,)
I highly recommend this book,,,I know that it did one great thing for me,,,it gave me the confidence to create garments that I can do on my own, and,,,dont look like knitting 101.
Oh,the compliments I recieve on the Einstein coat/jacket/sweater!
will be making this again and again,,,no matter what level of experience I attain,,,,,I will always love some tried and true patterns,,,,,
thanks Sally,,,,for such a great book!
there are some of us that need that measure of confidence.
( and thanks for the great patterns,,,,,,) with the Sally Melville series , the Elizabeth Zimmerman books, and a the Vogue knitting " bible,,"(and a book on varieties of stitches,,,),I truly do not think you need much more than this in your knitting library.
Rating: 5
Summary: Terrific for beginners and beyond terrific for everyone else
Comment: This book takes the knitting stitch through the paces through wonderful garments that are fun and easy to knit in one piece with good techniques for finishing and developing the shape of the garment. I have made many of these sweaters in different fibers--and the sweaters look as good as can be, while they were a blast to knit.
Sally's book is easy to follow and makes you just want to grab your needles and go.
Sadly, the Purl book is not as great as this piece. But, then again, it is hard to top perfection.
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Title: The Knitting Experience: The Purl Stitch (Knitting Experience Series, Book 2) by Sally Melville, Alexis Xenakis ISBN: 1893762149 Publisher: XRX Books Pub. Date: 01 October, 2003 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
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Title: Stitch 'N Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook by Debbie Stoller ISBN: 0761128182 Publisher: Workman Publishing Company Pub. Date: October, 2003 List Price(USD): $13.95 |
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Title: The Knitters Book of Finishing Techniques by Nancie M. Wiseman ISBN: 156477452X Publisher: Martingale & Co Inc Pub. Date: October, 2002 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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Title: Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book by Vogue Knitting Magazine Editors ISBN: 193154316X Publisher: Sixth & Spring Books Pub. Date: 28 August, 2002 List Price(USD): $38.95 |
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Title: The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges by Ann Budd ISBN: 1931499047 Publisher: Interweave Press Pub. Date: July, 2002 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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