Stitch 'N Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook

Rating:
Summary: Ooops, I'm kntting again
Review: For better or worse, I'm knitting again thanks to this book. This is a problem for those around me since I now have no time for them. If they leave me alone for long enough, maybe I'll reward them with a sweater.

See, it all started with this book. It was an impulse buy really. I saw it and thought that it would be fun to learn to do more than just make the scarves that my grandmother taught me when I was 7. So I brought it home and put it on my bookshelf. It sat there for about a year before I got the courage to try a project. Now I'm hooked and I get the shakes if my needles aren't in my hands.

Seriously, this book is a lot of fun. Debbie Stoller is an amzingly witty writer who explains everything clearly and in a fun way- this isn't one of those dry, boring how-to books. I've gone from knowing one stitch and being able to make scarves that tend to widen into capes to being able to make most of the projects in this book in just a couple of months. Best of all, friends and family are actually able to identify what I made them- it took the guesswork right out of my end results!

The instructions and diagrams are very clear and easy to understand. The information is well-written and filled with wit and useful hints to better your technique. The selection of patterns to put your skills to work draw upon the hip urban lifestyle for inspiration- scaves, hats, sweaters, cell phone cosies. It's knitwear you would actually wear and not ball up in the back of your closet to be pulled out for holidays and family reunions. They are all cute and funky, and the pattern's creators give their history and inspiration for each project.

I highly recommend this to anyone learning to knit or wanting to learn- but beware, you may soon find yourself in a knitting frenzy.

Rating:
Summary: Lot's of fun
Review: This is a great book. One of my favorite things about it are the stories and history of knitting. I began knitting in college and just started again about a year ago. I am now teaching my sons how to knit, and my younger son wants to try several of the patterns in this book.

Rating:
Summary: Title is off-putting, but the book is helpful and fun
Review: I have to agree with the reviewers who said the title is a bit offensive. Funny, yes. True, maybe. But I have young children and I am not ready to explain what it means.

I checked this book out from the library and it is on my Amazon.com wish list. I like the patterns, and the instructions and history of knitting are all helpful.

I'm working on the tote bag pattern now. I'm so slow it will take me months to finish, but it looks good so far!

Rating:
Summary: bad title
Review: I would like to own this book, but the title is not appropriate for me to have in my home.

Rating:
Summary: Must own it
Review: My sister gave this to me and I loved it! After many failed attempts at learning to knit, I finally am a knitter. The instructions were clear and concise and the patterns fabulous. It opened up a whole new world of creative enjoyment! I highly recommend this even if you have been unsuccessful at knitting in the past. This book makes it fun and easy to learn!

Rating:
Summary: Great for newbie knitters and veterans
Review: I had learned to knit a little at summer camp when I was ten years old, but eventually forgot everything. But a few months ago I really wanted to pick it up again. I had asked for several books for Christmas, but did not receive Stitch 'N Bitch. However, i had heard great things about it, so i picked it up for myself. Wow! Debbie Stoller really knows what she's doing, but the book is written in a very down to earth way and is easy to understand. I am now almost done with my first scarf, and i can't weait to try something else from the book. The projects are all creative and unique, the instructions are detailed enough to give information, but not confusing. I definitely recommend it for anyone!

Rating:
Summary: IDEAL book for new knitters, and for experienced ones too!
Review: The patterns and ideas in here are great, even the very simple ones. But what is really special about Debbie Stoller's books is her writing style. So often, when instructions are written in an overly technical tone, part of my brain just flies out my ear. Debbie's almost conversational directions prevent that. It's just like having a friend next to you, talking you through learning a new skill. She kinda eggs you on to try more and more complicated things.

My friends who are experienced knitters got a kick out of it too- the projects are not going to really challenge them, but they are great ideas for gifts or just y'know, knitting it for the hell of it (a pattern doesn't HAVE to have you biting your nails in frustration to be worth making). The technique of Illusion Knitting is also shown and that's something I haven't seen in any other beginner books. This particular pattern (Alien Illusion Scarf) will be fun as well as instructive to both the newbie and know-it-all.

I see that Amazon is offering both Stitch'n'Bitch and Stitch'n'Bitch Nation together for a lower price... you could do a lot worse! Once you have number one you'll want the next one so just jump in!