Knitting in America

Rating:
Summary: A "have to have" book for knitting lovers!
Review: An inspiration book for all knitters, it is great to have so many great stories about knitters in a book. Even if you are a beginner knitter you would enjoy this book.

Rating:
Summary: pretty pictures, not very useful
Review: At first glance this is a terrific book. It features American knitters from all over the country -- very fun to see pictures of some of the designers and learn about them. There are also about 40 designs, some classic and some that are pretty out there. The photography is divine.

Unfortunately, this book hasn't stood the test of time well for me. I tend to prefer knitting books that I refer to over and over again. This book lacks the quality of being a good reference for either technique or designing. I doubt that I look at more than once every six months.

Bottom line -- if you can find a copy for a good price, a nice second tier addition to a knitting library. But if the budget is tight, there are many equally beautiful and much more useful books on the market.

Rating:
Summary: I love this book!
Review: Knitting in America is a joy to open! From page one to the end, each picture, description, technique and style is thrilling to explore. Melanie Falick did a fantastic job researching this book. Anyone who loves history, literature, geography, photography, America, color, texture or knitting will treasure this compilation! Choose Knitting in America over all others if there can be only one: You will not be disappointed!

Rating:
Summary: For knitters who like inspiration and challenge
Review: Melanie Falick takes us on an amazing tour of some of the most influential people and places involved in American knitting. Melanie's wonderful profiles of knitwear designers, spinners, dyers, and breeders of fiber-producing animals and plants are accompanied by Chris Hartlove's spectacular photography. The photos are in natural settings, natural lighting and of natural people - mainly the designers themselves or their family and friends.

The patterns go from slightly challenging to extremely challenging. But they will be worth the time and effort spent making them -- they are either so classic that they will never go out of style or so artful that they transcend fashion trends. They are mainly for women, but some are unisex and a few are for children. They are also mainly sweaters, but there are a couple shawls and handful of mittens.

The lives and accomplishments of those profiled are truly inspiring. You will want to knit, spin, dye, design, or even raise some sheep!

Rating:
Summary: beautiful, awe inspiring and a feast for the eyes
Review: Ms. Falick clearly has a love for knitting. It is evident from the vibrant cover onward in her presentation of the colors, textures and visions of this country's most dynamic group of designers. In her homage to the special beauty, nostalgia and value of handmade craft she captures the unique inspirations of these knitters and breaks down the stereotype of the gray-haired grandmother as knitter. Her photographer Chris Hartlove captures at once the rich colors and textures of yarn in settings which give the reader further insights into these designers and their muses. It is a visual feast for the eyes which continues to instill in me a desire to work with yarn and experience the muse for myself

Rating:
Summary: pretty pictures, not very useful
Review: This book has beautiful pictures. Its emphasis is mainly on knitting artists in America. It tells their stories, and showcases some beautiful work. BUT... it is not a very useful book. I would say that patterns only take up about a quarter of this book. There are some very special patterns, but I would rather take this one out of the library. If you want to pay for inspiration, this is the book for you. If you want to get busy and knit, this is not a necessary purchase.

Rating:
Summary: Every time you open this book you learn something new.
Review: This book is outstanding, not only for knitters, but for anyone interested in American heritage. I have read this book from the perspective of a knitter and a spinner, and everytime I read it I feel that I am with a comfortable friend. This book makes me proud to be part of such a longstanding tradition as knitting and excites me to find people who just need a little help to start them knitting. I have yet to find another book that so full of ideas, both for projects and for a way of life.

Rating:
Summary: A book about creativity, talent, and pioneering women.
Review: This book is without a doubt a treasure for knitting lovers, but it may miss its wider audience. Knitting in America is for any reader interested in the nature of creativity, talent, and pioneering women. More than once my jaw dropped as I read about the accomplishments of these renaissance women, many of whom are our country's leading knitters in addition to being superlative achievers in other realms. Knitting in America should be on the list of "role model" books to inspire young girls. I also recommend the book to those who are working to advance their own creativity. The gorgeous knitting patterns are a bonus