Sharon Turner (1)Recensioner

Fast and easy way to learn.

350 stitch patterns, edgings, and more

I bought this book specifically to give me inspiration when I want to change up the texture of my knitting when following other patterns (I apparently hate following a pattern exactly!). The large photographs with knitting charts will do the job perfectly for me, and I like the size of the book. I'm fairly new to knitting, but from flipping through, it seems like every combination I've ever come across is represented, or else the basic building blocks are here.

This book does not have the very basic starting instructions for knitting. It goes right into the patterns, assuming that the reader already knows the basics. However, the back of the book does have a list of abbreviations and chart symbols, which I'm grateful for. But usually, I just google whatever I'm not sure about and look at several explanations and videos anyway, so for me, including the basics would be redundant (and I don't trust just one source anyway for those).

I like that between the table of contents and the stitch encyclopedia itself, Turner has created a guide to each set of stitches with an explanation about what these stitches are and tips about using them - for example, in Section 3, Bobbles and Textured Stitches, she explains how they can be used and how to measure the amount of yarn needed.

There are ten different sections, more or less arranged by complexity. The corners of the pages are color-coded to help flip to the right section easily. However, inside each section, the stitches are also arranged by complexity (near as I can tell), and not alphabetically. This is one negative to the book - there's no alphabetical listing of the stitches, so you have to either flip through page by page or scan the table of contents if there's a specific one you want to refer to, but don't know where to find it.

Finally, a few Amazon reviews suggest that not all the written instructions are without error, so be careful when following them. The charts are correct, though, so perhaps double check the written instructions against them.

I think these patterns are way cute, but the mother of my future grandchildren thinks they are too "granola." Whatever.

Excellent resource!½

A great book for beginners. Some of the best visual and written descriptions I have come across. I highly recommend this book.

Types of patterns: Armwarmer (1); Hat (3); Belt (2); Jumper (1); Mittens (1); Phone/MP3 player cosy (1); Shrug (1); Skirt (3); legwarmers (1); Hair Ornament (1); Bag (4); scarf (4); headband (1); wristband (1); socks (1); sleevelress top (1); kerchief (1)

Number of Patterns: 27

Split of patterns: Teen Girls

Size Range:lists s-xl for one of the jumpers (32-41 inches) most are one size fits most

Colour/Black & White: Colour photos throughout and most have a lot of detail, how to knit as sketches and coloured too.

Schematics: yes

Target Audience: beginner to early intermediate teen girls is the target

How to knit guide: Yes

Experimental/Classical/Modern : tries for classical but also tries for stereotyping, so people mightn't try crossover stuff or experimenting.

Comments: it's for teens so it's not really my audience, it's also for beginners so again not really me. However there's probably something lurking here for everyone. The stereotyping (with a quiz to determine what "type" you are) is going to date it. Some of the patterns don't look all that practical and I know that's not all that relevant with a teen but mittens with a string while skateboarding looks like suicide to me and the legwarmers don't look like they'd stay up for ballet so I'm inclined to tend towards cynicism rather than acceptance. Still it's not a bad book from it's type.

Buy/Borrow: I'd say it's one that people would probably grow out of fairly soon, even if the how to knit is extensive (pages 3-80 of 165 pages including index) so it's probably a borrow rather than buy

Where found: Coming to a Dublin City Public Library near you soon

good coverage of basic knitting and small projects to practice on
aimed at young adults

Great reference book, full of close-up color pictures

This is really a great book for those wanting to learn how to knit. Everything is laid out in wonderful color photographs step-by-step. This really is an instruction manual and not really full of patterns. I do think if you are wanting to learn how to knit and know very little, this is definitely the book for you.½

A new edition of one of the top knitting primers on the market
"Teach Yourself VISUALLY Knitting" has been one of the top knitting primers on the market since its publication five years ago. Now, updated with brand-new patterns, even more helpful photos, and expanded coverage of knitting techniques, "Teach Yourself VISUALLY Knitting, " 2nd Edition, is the go-to knitting book for crafters who learn faster by seeing and doing than by wading through tedious instruction books.

You'll get visual guidance on the basic knit and purl stitches and advance to bobbles, cables, lace, and fancy color work. Photo by photo and stitch by stitch, you'll learn how to knit socks, hats, mittens, sweaters, and more. Concise two-page lessons show you all the steps to a skill and are ideal for quick review Detailed color photos demonstrate each step, and helpful tips provide additional guidance Other titles by Turner: "Knitting VISUAL Quick Tips" and "Teach Yourself VISUALLY Knitting Design"

Packed with step-by-step instructions and fun, innovative patterns, "Teach Yourself VISUALLY Knitting, " 2nd Edition, will have you creating masterpieces in no time!½