Hip to Knit: 18 Contemporary Projects for Today's Knitter

Rating:
Summary: A great book of basic patterns
Review: This is not a learn-to-knit book, but a perfect choice for a new knitter's first book of patterns. Even as a more experienced knitter, I was thrilled to find a book full of items I would love to make for myself and my friends. The projects start out very simple and gradually get more complex, but nothing beyond an advanced beginner level. Techniques and tips are presented throughout the book in sidebars next to relevant projects, and a small section in the back of the book covers some more basic techniques.

I really like the way the projects are presented. Each item is nicely photographed so you can clearly see what you will be making. In addition, there are close-ups of the yarn used. Often swatches of other yarns which you might try are shown as well. Throughout, you are given suggestions to encourage you to make your own variations on the patterns. The instructions and schematics are also clear and precise.

The "18 contemporary projects for today's knitter" are a striped scarf, a seed stitch scarf, a felted tote bag, a small purse, a basic cap (knit on straight needles), a funky chunky hat (also knit flat), a ribbed stocking cap (knit on circular and double-point needles), striped socks, mittens (both a pattern for flat knitting and one for circular knitting), a ribbed tank top in ribbon yarn, a sleeveless funnel-neck top, a drop-shoulder rolled-neck pullover, a round-neck cardigan, a v-neck pullover vest, a hooded zip-front sweatshirt, a v-neck cabled sweater in either a pullover or cardigan version, a shaped turtleneck with 3/4-length sleeves, and a knee-length coat with patch pockets and collar.

A wonderful collection of all the essential patterns you want to knit!