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Rating:  Summary: Clearly written, targeted towards advanced beginners... Review: As a beginner knitter, I was excited to see that this book also functions as a mini-reference guide to some of the basic knitting stitches. However, after I started my first project, I had to refer back to "Knitting for Dummies", which has clearer instructions in knitting techniques. So, if this is your first venture into knitting, I would recommend that you puchase this book in conjunction with another, in-depth reference guide. Having said that, I give a hearty "thumbs-up" to the clarity of the instructions for a given project. I am working on a pair of booties, and have been able to follow the instructions well enough to learn techniques for yarnovers (a method for making eyelets) as well as i-cords. My only other disappointment was with the breadth and practicality of some of the projects. There are a number of patterns for sweaters (a little too challenging for this beginner!) and toys, but I was looking for some good "heirloom" projects for a newborn niece - I had to settle for the baby booties and hat, for which there are only two or three patterns in the book. Overall, a good choice!
Rating:  Summary: Good for beginners and lovers of less fussy baby clothes Review: I am a fairly new knitter. This book is a good place to start. The designs are not as "fussy" as so many other pattern books. ( bought a couple of Zoe Mellor books and find them way too "busy" for my taste). My only complaint is that some of the yarn choices are quite pricey. Also, the care instructions for the basketweave blanket are incorrect. That yarn is handwash, not machine-wash. If you are like me, you are way too busy with a newborn to be carefully hand-washing out blankets that get dirty constantly.
Rating:  Summary: Fabulous Review: I loved this book--i always wanted to learn how to knit but it seemed that most books started out with assumption i knew what a cable needle was or that i could already produce a perfect seed stitch. well--i couldnt. i have been an avid crocheter for years but never could get the hang of knitting.
then, i got pregnant. i love crochet but it doesnt have that soft, stretchy drapable feel that knitting does...so i decided to give it another whirl. i found this book that starts at a very basic level (garter stitch patterns with no shaping) and adds complexities as you move through the book--introducing shaping, new stitches, color changing, knitting in the round and cables by the end of the book. i have already made several projects from the book and love them all. and, as one other reviewer noted, there are some fancy yarns used in the book but you can easily substitute different yarns for most of them and once you get the hang of it, it will become no big deal at all.
the illustrations are clear and the directions are wordy to avoid the over-abbreviations found in other books that leave you flipping back to the front cover to remember what k1p2 means again. eventually, they start abbreviating the simpler stitches as you move forward but this is an excellent ease-in to knitting--i highly recommend.
Rating:  Summary: Cute baby styles Review: In my opinion, there are both pros and cons to this particular knitting book (as with any, I suppose). First, this is full of several, really adorable baby styles--and even if you're a beginner, the instructions are easy to follow. For the same reason, experienced knitters might find this book a little simplistic. But, being relatively new to knitting myself, the patterns in this book were the ones with which I first tackled several techniques that had seemed daunting before: circular knitting with double-pointed needles, intarsia patterns, and fair-isle knitting. I have made several cute things for my nieces; a little hat with ear-flaps, mittens connected by a cord, the MOST adorable (and practical) booties I have ever seen a pattern for (the "stay-on booties"), a little roll-edge sweater with a heart on the chest, a snowflake nordic pullover... There are others I still want to try, like a felted wool diaper bag, the "mommy" sweater, etc. As well as some patterns I'll likely just pass up and never use. Another good aspect is that nearly all of the patterns are written for several sizes--newborn through toddler. That said, there are also some not-so-good things about this book. Some of the things I was VERY glad I tried first with cheap, practice yarns. I found myself modifying some aspects of the patterns to improve upon them with other techniques I had already learned (via "Knitting for Dummies"). Don't get me wrong--you can get by with ONLY this book if you want to; the patterns are simple enough that if you're looking to make a simple baby blanket for a baby shower or something (there are several patterns) and you've never knitted before, you can manage. But for extra "expert" touches, another reference is a good thing. Another bad point: rather than naming gauge yarns (e.g. worsted, dk, sport weight, etc.) they list the SPECIFIC yarns they used on each pattern--and they're not exactly run-of-the-mill. This is a bit of a bugger if you want to use a different brand, or material of yarn. I got around this without too much problem; looking at basic weight (e.g. 50g = 150yds) and material used (knowing that cotton yarn is going to weigh more per yard than wool yarn) and using gauge swatches to make sure it would turn out okay, I experimented with wool blends, cotton, and others with success. So step with slight caution, but I would buy this book again having used several of the patterns inside it already. I will add, too, that the things I have made were received with great delight by friends and family.
Rating:  Summary: Now this is a beginner book! Review: Teaching from scratch and moving on one project at a time! Instead of making useless squares, they become wearable garments and blankets instantly. It's a good idea like someone else said to use cheap practice yarn in case you do make a mistake. But don't get discouraged, this is the BEST beginner book hands down. Work through as slowly as you need to, but stick with it, you'll be expert in no time!
Rating:  Summary: I'm glad the library had this Review: There are a couple of really cute things in here, but the directions were too wordy and long. And 100% cashmere for a baby blanket? Not in my world, at least. Not enough originality to the patterns.
I went to the library and checked out the book. I copied a couple of patterns I might attempt (I loved the baby aran sweater). I just didn't think it was a worthwhile addition to my personal knitting library.
Rating:  Summary: Inspired Projects for Baby Review: This book gives lots of inspiration for those looking to knit for baby.
The patterns are easy to follow even for the knitting novice. These are considered heirloom projects so most of the yarn called for requires wool or cashmere because of there durabilty. You can easily substitute lower quality yarn if you desire, use your imagination.
The toys and diaper bag patterns are a nice addition to the book. I have made several of the bears for friends so far and they love them!
Rating:  Summary: great book for making gifts for loved ones Review: This book is very well done for anyone new to knitting. It's instructions are easy to follow and so detailed that is would be hard to make any major mistakes with these patterns. The suggested use of cottons and wools make for beautiful, practical items of clothing for baby. Some of the suggested yarns are too pricey for me, but it is easy to substitute a more reasonably priced yarn and still achieve excellent results. I've made the mommy sweater, 7 baby washcloths, the gorgeous felted diaper bag, and will make a little teddy bear and then the little rolled collar sweater next. I just can't put this book down. I've never had a pattern book that had so many appealing patterns.
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