Rating: 
Summary: Great Basics!
Review: As a novice knitter, I found this book to be right on target with my abilities and interests. Many knitting books that I've seen have had one or two patterns that I would consider trying, but this book has about a dozen that I can't wait to get started on! Contains simple directions for basics and some variations (swirl pattern mittens that could be made as tube socks, for example). The directions include the weight of the yarn so that you can substitute what you find locally, you don't need to buy specific (expensive!) yarn to do these projects. Directions are clear and concise, easy to follow. Plenty of clear photographs of finished items, charts, etc. Also has plenty of "tips" on how to do certain techniques (like sock heels) and extras for finishing your items. If you're looking for a book that has great basic patterns as well as projects using more advanced techniques, this book will fit the bill!!
Rating: 
Summary: Worth it!
Review: I hate buying knitting books! You spend 20 bucks on an entire book because you're in love with 1 or 2 patterns. This book was different. I did buy it for 1 or 2 patterns, but have made a bunch of them now. The patterns are not at all difficult, and are easy to vary a little with color or size so not all projects look the same. They are also pretty easily personalized. I use this book as a way to use up my leftover yarn from other projects, and it works out great! I especially love the mushroom cap and mittens. There is a nice balance between single color patterns and multi-color patterns; easy and difficult; small needle/thin yarn and bulky with big needles. You use this if you are a beginner, and still find a challenge in it when you are experienced. I've had to photocopy some of the pages to keep in my knitting bags because, like most knitters I usually have 4-5 projects going at once. 2 or 3 of them are from this book! Plus, I used the book so much it's getting a little worn. Don't be hesitant to invest in this book, because the variety of patterns will keep you going back to it again and again.
Rating:
Summary: Worth it!
Review: I hate buying knitting books! You spend 20 bucks on an entire book because you're in love with 1 or 2 patterns. This book was different. I did buy it for 1 or 2 patterns, but have made a bunch of them now. The patterns are not at all difficult, and are easy to vary a little with color or size so not all projects look the same. They are also pretty easily personalized. I use this book as a way to use up my leftover yarn from other projects, and it works out great! I especially love the mushroom cap and mittens. There is a nice balance between single color patterns and multi-color patterns; easy and difficult; small needle/thin yarn and bulky with big needles. You use this if you are a beginner, and still find a challenge in it when you are experienced. I've had to photocopy some of the pages to keep in my knitting bags because, like most knitters I usually have 4-5 projects going at once. 2 or 3 of them are from this book! Plus, I used the book so much it's getting a little worn. Don't be hesitant to invest in this book, because the variety of patterns will keep you going back to it again and again.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book--Something for Everyone on Your List
Review: I really like this book. There are projects that even children can knit, as well as challenges for the experienced knitter. This book was written as much to showcase the skill of the spinners as to show off the designs. They are not "primitive" designs, as one reviewer called them, but rather on the classic/practical side. As in actually worn by people to keep warm--imagine that! Since most of them are in natural yarn colors for the most part, it is easy to see why someone who is used to the latest "big bucks" manmade yarns often featured in most of the magazines these days might not like them. The book does offer guidance on substituting commercial yarns for these designs, so you can use whatever you like, and the designs will look quite differently. IMHO, the only difference between Vogue Knits and other patterns out there is the fact that it says Vogue, and that the yarns almost always cost a bundle. This book is great for anyone who doesn't like knitting huge projects such as sweaters and afghans, which seem to take forever. Many of the projects in this book work up quickly and are quite portable, making them great for traveling or waiting. Buy it!
Rating:
Summary: homespun happiness
Review: If you are a handspinner of wool yarns, this book is an invaluable resource. Many patterns written for use with commercial yarns simply don't work with handspun. The patterns in this little book are classic, adaptable, and well suited to the special characteristics of hand made yarns, which tend to be less elastic and "drapey" than factory products. They also work well when knitted oversize and then felted. I refer to Homespun Handknit frequently, and the family mitten pattern is one I've made in homespun dozens of times, always with excellent results.
Rating:
Summary: Lovely, practical designs
Review: One of my favorite knitting books. It has practical, classic designs which are interesting, though simple enough for a beginner. I find the projects to be truly "portable" ie, not just small enough to tuck into your bag and carry with you, but uncomplicated enough to take out and knit a few rows waiting in line at the supermarket or the bank. Great source for small gifts that can be made up in a short time as the occasion demands.
Rating:
Summary: Great for knitters and designers
Review: This book contains basic directions for tams, other hats, gloves, mittens, socks, and scarves. I made my first hat from the "Basic Mohair Tam" pattern in this book, and it was gorgeous. There's also a design for a ski-mask sort of item, and patterns for them are hard to find! Designers can overlay their ideas for color or texture on these simple shapes very easily. This book was written to inspire, not to overwhelm. I think this book belongs in the library (or knitting bag) of every knitter who wants to knit any of these items. If you only knit sweaters or afghans, this book is not for you.
Rating:
Summary: Bang for the Buck for Beginners
Review: This book is great because the projects are simple, useful, classic, and practical. Beginner knitters can tackle many of the projects, but there are plenty of complicated designs to keep more advanced knitters busy. The designs are classics that won't go out of style, which is important for a knitting book. I've also found that I've been inspired by the projects in this book to experiment with new methods and yarns. The photos are also very nice and very helpful in choosing a design. The finished products will appeal almost anyone; I've also made a lot of gifts using this book!
Rating:
Summary: Great Book--Something for Everyone on Your List
Review: This is a nice book with pretty simple patterns, good for a beginner. The projects look a little primitive compared to a book by say Vogue, but that's fine for some of us. Happy Knitting!
Rating:
Summary: Decent book
Review: This is a nice book with pretty simple patterns, good for a beginner. The projects look a little primitive compared to a book by say Vogue, but that's fine for some of us. Happy Knitting!
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