Rating: 
Summary: Excellent, Must-have Reference for Knitters
Review: There are very, very few knitting books that I acutally buy, as I am a person that knits without patterns, and usually make my own designs. Hence, there are very few knitting books that I can honestly recommend and actually own myself. So I'll cut to the chase and put it this way: if the house was on fire and I was told I could grab one knitting book, it'd be my Montose Stanley. That's a very strong recommendation that I'd like to back up. There isn't one single question that you have about knitting that would not be covered in this book. It is unparalled for its historical coverage of knitting through the centuries and fascinating bits about knitting in different cultures, it's easy to follow diagrams, and it's seemingly endless bits of useful information. With all knitting books, I suggest you take it home from your library first. But if you are past beginner and feel that you need to build a knitting library, this book is the one for you. Unfortunately, it is not as well known as some of the other books that are carried in book clubs, such as the almost useless Big Book of Knitting, which has techniques but then no diagrams or instructions, or the Ultimate Guide To Knitting which is a very lovely book to look at, but doesn't deserve the title "Ultimate" by any silly-putty stretch of the imagination because it includes very few techniques, tricks, or tips. This modestly wonderful book has languished unknown because so many people would see the much more flashier, newer books and grab them instead. This was written long before our current knitting revival, but still remains the most comprehensive book on the market. I thank the good Lord above the Memphis library was across from the knitting shop, or I'd never have seen it. I promptly went out and bought it. I use it more than any other book I own, aside from the Knitter's Handy Guide. The best way to describe its format is that it is written very close to a textbook--it includes the diagram immediately after the descriptive text. If I ever took a full-fledged course on knitting, I wouldn't be surprised if this was the one book everyone would be required to buy, hands down. If you are a newbie, then I suggest you pass on this for the time being and buy the Idiot's Guide to Knitting and Chrochet, another must have, esp for the beginner, and for the person the beginner will someday teach in the future. But put it on your wish list, and when you start wondering how to make a cheveron go to the left or the right, or why men in the Andes knit more than the women, or another perhaps easier way to make a loop while knitting, then this is the book for you.
Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive is right
Review: This book covers everything, and I do mean everything, about knitting - from every kind of cast-on imaginable, to any finishing technique you might think of employing (and several you probably wouldn't). Most techniques are illustrated, and the illustrations are very clear and helpful. The notations regarding which situations are appropriate for which technique are particularly useful. For instance she shows several different cast-ons for one particular fabric, with discussion of why some are better or worse - for that particular pattern. It had never occured to me before then to learn several different cast-ons for different applications. The historical and specialty knitting techinique instructions are also fascinating, and not something I've seen elsewhere. A better index might help the book to be even more useful, but the set up and table of contents are logical enough that I've never actually had a problem finding what I'm looking for. It's right on my shelf next to Vogue Knitting, and frankly I tend to use this one more.
Rating:
Summary: Everything You'll Ever Need
Review: This book is an excellent source for any level knitter! I checked it out of the library last year and quickly taught myself to knit, as well as learn some indespensable information on techniques, history and supplies. I recommend it to everyone who knits or who wants to. It is a must-have addition to any knitter's library.
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