Rating: 
Summary: GREAT book!
Review: I've never taken the time to write a review of a book but I'm so thrilled with this one I just couldn't keep quiet. I was not intending to buy a knitting book on a recent fiber stash-enrichment expedition but once I saw the title I had to pick up the book and leaf through it and I was instantly hooked (?or perhaps 'needled'!). I have to admit I haven't tried anything from it requiring a precise gauge yet but I thoroughly enjoy the instuctions and information and, as others have stated, hip--and tongue-in-cheek--approach! Sure there's some patterns I won't try, but there's lots I'm itching to get started on. The instructions I've followed so far have been quite complete--plus the illustrations are excellent. I've had to struggle with writing a few instructions myself and can *really* appreciate how the steps were made so concise and descriptive. Plus you opened my eyes to a whole new world of S'nB groups. Thank you Debbie! (now, could you do a crochet book too that's equally as cool?)
Rating:
Summary: Great and fun for a new knitter!
Review: WONDERFUL WONDERFUL WONDERFUL!! As someone who had never so much as knit one stitch, I was wary about teaching myself from a book. But I purchased this a month ago, and am LOVING IT! The book is a fun read - I laughed out loud a few times. What I really like about this book, is that she gives you actual items you can make with what you know 'so far'. So, after learning just to cast on, knit, change colours, bind off, I am now making a funky scarf. And after a couple more chapters, there's another project, etc. I purchased Knitting for Dummies at the same time, and while I do refer to that at times (much more detailed I think), I find it to be very boring. I only look at it if I'm stumped from the S n' B book, which happens very rarely. The patterns are sooo cool, I can't wait to advance to making the items featured. Today a scarf, tomorrow a cell phone cozy!! The history of knitting, how to correct errors, great photos, and how to form your own Stitch n' Bitch group are just a few more reasons why this book rocks. I'd definitely recommend it for a newbie like me, and anyone who is interested in learning knitting the fun way!
Rating:
Summary: Stitchin' Baby Finds her Momma!
Review: About a month ago I decided that I was going to teach myself to knit. I'm 23 years old and not quite the domestic type (although I sure can cook one mean microwave pizza ;) I had tried crochet once... and failed. I dabble in a little cross stitch, but I don't really like it. This wasn't the first book I picked up. I got Knitting for Dummies from my bookshelf (I had ordered it by accident when on my crocheting craze) and started with a pair of needles and some crappy acrylic yarn. As soon as I started to cast on I knew I was hooked. I had a hobby that I not only loved, but that I could take anywhere. Knitting for Dummies was great, but a few concepts left me scratching my head. I did it just as instructed (I think) but didn't get the right result. I saw Stitch n' Bitch at my local book store and scooped it up. (it was the word "bitch" in the title, I won't lie). Are you familiar with the "ah-ha" experience? Its the moment that you look at something that you've looked at before, and, just like a cartoon, that little lightbulb over your head turns on. This book is full of the "ah-ha". And its a joy to read! Debbie Stoller leads you into this hobby using stories from her younger days, raised by Dutch women who had to knit to keep their families clothed. She also recounts what it was like "coming out" to the world as a femiist knitter. And then she explains why those two things (feminism and knitting) go together so well. And the final tickle that this book gives are the patterns. No dorky baby blankets or tired dishrags here! (There is a baby blanket, and its beautiful!) No, My husband flipped through the color insert of the 40 patterns and actually asked me to knit up two different things for him! Now mind you, three weeks ago I couldn't take my knitting needles out without him rolling his eyes and groaning. If this book can convince my husband that knitting is not just for old ladies, I think it can convince anyone. Give it a try, new knitter or pro knitter, this book is fun and (I think) indispensible.
Rating: 
Summary: Pun Intended
Review: Stroller uses nearly every knitting pun imaginable, but it makes for a fun (but sometimes hokey) read. She covers a good deal of ground in her handbook, and the patterns provided definately back up the "lessons" in the book. I was surprised by her relatively quick address of Intarsia and Fair Isle, whilst excluding any mention of Entrelac. At times, I found the illustrations a bit unclear, but on the whole, I think this is a fun and focused primer for the beginning knitter -- as well as a great pattern source for the experienced. Stroller also highlights computer programs and internet options available to knitters. This would be a perfect gift (along with some yarn and needles) for that friend who wants to learn how to knit.
Rating:
Summary: Best Knitting Book I Own!
Review: So I'll admit it doesn't have much competition, but this is easily the best knitting book I own. The patterns are all cute, and the instructions are helpful to someone like me who knows only the basics. I particularly liked the segments on the history of knitting and Stoller's personal knitting-related experiences. It's a cute book just to pick up & look through, even if you aren't planning on doing any knitting. One glance will tell you that a lot of work went into the planning & production of this book, and that it was all top-notch!
Rating:
Summary: No bitching here
Review: I'm a new knitter and I have found this book to be wonderful. I have made several of the projects - the instructions are easy to follow. I enjoyed the history the author includes and her little puns. I also think it is a great reference book as well. Several times I have referred to it in order to understand something in a pattern or how to fix a problem I was having knitting. I'm glad I have this as a resource.
Rating: 
Summary: tries too hard and yet not hard enough.
Review: I bought this on a visit to the States - luckily, not on line, as I would not have been able to return it. Some of the background information she gives is interesting, but I don't need instruction as I have been knitting since I was a little girl. (Why do all the new books have instruction - why can't some of them be made with experienced knitters in mind?) I also don't need to be told knitting is hip - my knitting has always been stylish and cool, thanks a lot. I resent her way of writing, it has sexist tinges and tries too hard to be "hip" and funny.... at the expense of the grannies out there. As for the patterns, a couple of the cardies and sweaters looked good, but I wasn't convinced by the rest - I so don't need patterns for wrist warmers, scarves, whatever. Lots of wasted space talking about the pattern creators, plus the pattern writing was erratic. I also got the impression that there were inconsistencies, but was not bothered to test that..... Anyway, I recommend Hip to Knit for beginners who need to be told it's hip..... nice bunch of very detailed patterns. Yarn Girls' book is quite good too. LAter, go for Very easy very Vogue, Vogue Knitting on the Go - Chunky Knits. If you want to knit stuff for the home, try Hand Knits for the Home, and Simple Knits with a twist - both full of lovely stuff. And for the non-beginners, Jan Frost Jackets, wow....
Rating:
Summary: A great book for the young (or young at heart) knitter.
Review: I LOVED this book. Ever since learning to knit, I have really only made baby things--since most knitting books with projects sized for adults are usually sort of old-fashioned and out-of-style for my taste. And to me, goofy-looking things are better pulled off by little kids than grownups, so.... Try as I might, I really couldn't find a book that had anything that I would want to make and actually WEAR MYSELF. Then I happened to pick up this book and leaf through it. Very cool, very "alternative" patterns (for instance, a scarf with a pattern for an alien head that can be viewed behind the striped pattern from a distance--an "illusion" scarf). Now, that is not to say that I like ALL of the patterns, or find all of them useful. The knit wrist-bands? Not for me. And the patterns for the baby blanket and baby hat aren't really anything new or special. But some very cool womens' sweaters of various styles (one with skull and crossbones, some with bell-sleeves, cowl necks, tanks, etc.), one nice pattern for a guys' sweater that I think my husband actually wouldn't be embarrassed to wear in public, and other, funky things like a cool little knit backpack, striped stockings, a knit bikini (don't know if I'm brave enough for that one, though), and funny pet items--a cat bed, and a dog sweater.... And included are some items to sew, like a circular and straight-needle caddy, and a knitting bag. I think that this knitting book is so fun, and so unique that it's a great addition to anybody's knitting library. Especially if, say, you'd like to make things for yourself or a favorite teen or twenty-something you know. I haven't found anything else like it and, especially for the price, I don't think that it can be beaten. And an additonal little item I liked--they use a VARIETY of different yarns. Most are brown sheep (if I remember correctly), but it's not like most books in which the author has endorsed a certain brand of yarn (usually grossly expensive) that is recommended for use in every single pattern.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: This book is AMAZING. It is the best knitting book I own, by far. I have probably read it cover-to-cover at least 5 times. The patterns cover a wide scope, from sweaters to bags to baby items to cute little things that would make great quick gifts. I already knew the very basics (knit, purl, cast on, bind off) before I got this book, but, judging from the clear way it explains everything else, I think it would be a good resource for the absolute beginning. It taught me decreasing, increasing, intarsia, knitting in the round, and finishing techniques. It also has a good bit of interesting knitting history in it, and helpful sections about reading patterns, etc. I highly recommend this to all, whether they want to learn to knit, or already know and want to expand their knowledge and pattern repetoire.
Rating: 
Summary: Indispensable for the Beginner!
Review: I had a friend show me the basic knit and purl stitches about a year ago -- she even cast on the stitches for me! So I consider this book to be my tutor on all things knitting. I picked it up in a bookstore about three months ago and started my first project, the beautiful baby blanket pattern. Since then, I have turned knitting into an enterprise -- I'm starting to sell some of my projects, I've started a knitting group at my neighborhood coffee shop, and everyone I know is getting handmade gifts that I'm knitting! My assessment of this book is that it is ideal for the beginner. The book very clearly takes you through all the stitches and techniques step by step, with helpful illustrations, and it also provides lots of resources for yarn, patterns and supplies. And, beyond beginning, it makes a good reference when you're working on other projects. If you're an experienced knitter, it's probably not the book for you, because many of the patterns ARE basic (as noted by the reader from CA below who didn't like the scarf patterns). But I will tell you, my sister-in-law simply ADORES her baby blanket that I lovingly made from this book as my first project! It looks like the heirloom I intended it to be! I now consider myself a fairly experienced knitter, and I owe it mostly to this book. I will offer a word of caution, though...I'm currently working on one of the more complex patterns, the "Little Black Top," and I'm finding that the instructions could be more explicit. Especially since this book seems to be aimed at newer knitters, too much is left to the knitter's intuition (like which decrease stitch you should use, etc.). But overall, I'd say it's a really good resource for new knitters.
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