Customer Reviews:
Thanks to Barbara G Walker, I can knit!.......2007-03-10
Although I learned the basics many years ago, I have always been a very mediocre knitter. I have never attempted lace, cables, or multi color patterns, and aside from a few children's sweaters and simple socks, I have never completed a major handknitting project.
This book has been sitting on my bookshelf for several years now, but I never seemed to have the time or nerve to begin. Finally determined to master the craft, a few weeks ago I obtained a few pounds of yarn, a pair of short #8 needles, and I finally began to work my way through. I have just finished square 21, the gorgeous 'Florentine Frieze', and I can feel my skills and confidence improve with each square. The knit-purl combination, slip stitch and mosaic patterned squares have each turned out beautifully and I am eager to get to twisted stitch paterns, cables, and lace. There is even a square to teach short-rowing.
My goal is to finish this afghan over the next two or three months. By then I believe I'll have the skills to complete any project, including a number of one of a kind sweaters that I plan to design and knit with the aid of Knitware software, this book, and/or Ms Walker's other stitch treasuries, all of which are indispensible to any serious knitting student's library.
Enjoyable easy steps.......2006-11-13
I have knit five of the squares since receiving the book, and am enjoying trying new stitch patterns on such small do-able squares which remove the drudgery of having to create a whole garment.
There is good explanation of how to do various techniques such as slip stitching, joining new colours etc. However, I did not find the book's instruction very clear on how to actually knit the basic knit/purl stitches, how to control the tension, how to hold the needles etc. For that, I had to turn to the internet where there are various free instructional videos demonstrating the Continental technique used in this book.
I expect to be pleased with my finished afghan, but as I will not be learning any shaping techniques (decreasing/increasing) I do not feel that I will be confident to knit a garment right away after completing this book.
wonderful way to improve knitting skills.......2005-10-20
I'm enjoying working the squares, because they are so portable with instructions that are easy to follow. I am very glad I made this purchase, because learning these skills will allow me to knit those sweaters I'm dreaming of. Here's a tip: Wooden needles don't show up on the xray of airport security, so I was able to knit on the plane from LA to Orlando. Great way to pass the time.
Techniques & More.......2005-09-06
I love this "how to" book! This is a comprehensive study in many stitches, techniques, and explanations of the various aspects of knitting. The ease of transporting your work as you knit each square is a plus as well.
It's a wonderful teaching tool for beginners, but just as great for intermediate knitters. There is something to learn with just about every square, and when you finish, you've got an afghan!
I highly recommend Learn to Knit Afghan Book by Barbara Walker, as her illlustrations and directions are clear and very easy to follow.
Lace and Cables and much else for new knitters.......2004-01-17
When I was young and Richard Nixon was in the White House...I knew how to knit and purl and that was about it. I had never done a project. I had made a rather dinky scarf, but that was about the extent of it. Somebody else had to cast on and bind off for me.
Almost 30 years ago, I saw Barbara Walker's book and immediately purchased it. Then I got the yarn. I worked through all the squares in a few months--I could have gone quicker but was also going to graduate school, had an infant. Not only was the afghan beautiful, but Walker's notes were so helpful and abundant that I had no trouble whatsoever. Walker really helps you to learn to identify the sundry scenarios that yarn on the needle can create and also to demystify it.
I emerged from the experience and went on to knit fisherman sweaters, lacy christening gowns, and was able to take on any pattern I encountered.
Walker's book is somewhat like going to university and then to graduate school in knitting: I really can't think of any technique that she did not explain.
It's a great first project since it will teach you everything you need to know to do almost any knitting project. I felt as if I had been awarded a Ph.D. in knitting by the time I completed the afghan. It's enormously gratifying to move from little knowledge to creating cables and lace in a matter of weeks.
Since then, I've made several more Learn to Knit afghans in many different colours. I have used Walker's other knitting pattern books to substitute squares when I've wanted more of a challenge.
Other great aspects of this project are its portability; the immediate satisfaction of completing a square and looking at the results, and its beauty. You can use as many colors as you like, or you can limit yourself to two colors.
Product Description
Learn to knit using a circle loom. This book includes instructions for using knitting looms and ten projects.
Book Description
Warm your heart as well as your soles with these soft, cozy, playful designer socks. Complete sock knitting lessons are presented along with 12 designs for women, ranging from classic to fanciful.
Customer Reviews:
Learn to Knit Socks Review.......2007-10-05
This is more of a pamphlet than a book, but the instructions are excellent and better than an actual book I had previously purchased. This is easy to carry with your sock project. Received quickly. I love knitting socks!
Learn To Knit Socks.......2007-07-26
Great book, I just couldn't understand how to make the heel and the gusset, but I followed the step by step instructions, and now I have my first pair of knitted socks! I'm so thrilled.
Made knitting socks much easier than I thought they'd be.......2007-07-18
What a great book! I like how simple and straightforward the instructions are. I always preferred crochet to knitting for speed, but my first sock went pretty quickly, and I'm looking forward to picking out some more yarn and making another pair.
I think it would also be easy to teach someone how to knit socks using this book.
The only problems I had bookwise were knowing when to quit adding onto the length of the basic sock (include the heel in the measurement of the length of the foot), and was that the pattern for 7 1/2, which I didn't know until after I bought it. I have size 8 1/2 - 9 feet.
Short of that, it's a great instruction book, at a great price for my budget. My thanks to Ms. Eckman!
Makes sock knitting easy!.......2007-04-19
This book takes the mystery out of knitting socks; the instructions are clear and easy to follow. The patterns are cute, and are easily altered once the basics are mastered
Great book.......2006-11-23
I love to knit, and learned to knit socks from this book. I found the instructions easy to follow. I love it so much I have to buy a second copy because I lost the first:-(
Book Description
Learning to knit can be enormous fun for five-to-ten-year-olds--especially when helped along by animal characters whose antics make each lesson a delight.
Customer Reviews:
The best knitting book!!!!!.......2007-08-05
I am a ten year old and I have been knitting for 3 years. I think this book is great for beginners and advanced knitters. The directions are simple and helpful and makes knitting super easy. Belive me, this book is #1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good for adults too.......2007-08-01
I am a beginning knitter and I found this book very helpful or at least in having looked at it. I am anxious to try some of the projects. The pictures and explanations were excellent.
Great book with a few caveats .......2007-04-10
I got this book as an adult beginning knitter (I had made a scarf before picking up this book) to help teach my 7 YO daughter to knit when she decided she wanted to. It has been extremely helpful. The diagrams and instructions for beginning stitches and such techniques as casting on and binding off are quite honestly the best I've seen so far. The explanation of how to make a slip stitch in particular I found clearer and easier to follow than anything I had seen in an adult book.
The projects also are attractive, well-photographed, and are actually the sort of thing kids might want to make. The very first project, the flag, became a series of flags with letters on it to make her name for her room. She's not quite to the final project, a felt-lined purse, but she's looking forward to it. The other projects are stuffed animals and fabric books - cute in a kid-friendly way, not too precious or 'boring'. Plus they are QUICK - kids won't get bored spending three weeks on a giant scarf or anything like that.
A few small caveats - they do all the projects on size 6 needles, which is AWFULLY small for beginners. We did ours on size 8 instead - it makes the projects a little larger, but so far we have not run out of yarn, so it doesn't seem to matter, and it's a lot easier for me to see what she has done, especially when something has gone wrong.
They also do all the projects on 'double-knitting yarn'. I had no idea what that was (remember I'm a beginner too), nor could I find it at the local craft store. I finally went with worsted-weight yarn as that looked about the same from the pictures in the book. I later found that double knitting yarn refers to the weight, and is about halfway between sport weight and worsted weight, so my choice of worsted seems to have been ok.
Finally, and this is a little detail, I certainly never would have thought of it. The first project is a little flag, and it is important to have the yarn end in a particular corner. My daughter did it twice getting it to end in the wrong corner. Finally we realized that it was not clear whether to count the row of cast-on stitches as a row or not and so she was always one row off, putting her yarn in the opposite corner of where it should have ended. Not a mistake a more experienced knitter would make, but one that could have been a little clearer in this book for kid learners.
Would I recommend this book? You bet, in fact, I already have. The quick, attractive projects and the wonderful instructions more than make up for the for points where we had some confusion. There is always some confusion when beginning to learn a new skill after all. I wouldn't have gone into as much detail as I did on this if it wasn't that I thought it might help other readers of this book.
Highly recommended, but best for a child who has a more experienced adult around to help them with the few points that might be confusing.
An excellent learner's guide for the very young........2007-02-03
Parents of five-to-ten-year-olds will find this an excellent basic guide to knitting which pairs very easy directions and kid-friendly patterns with lesson plans. Kids learn knitting in stages, with many fun projects to test new skills - and will also learn special techniques from sewing up seams to placing buttons. An excellent learner's guide for the very young.
Book Description
Creative Arts Crafts' Learn to Knit helps readers learn the most popular needle craft in today's market! This centuries-old craft is suddenly popular again with a new generation of crafters. Knitters young and old, new and experienced have found knitting to be a rewarding, creative hobby and a great way to enjoy leisure time. Learn to Knit is the perfect guide for the beginner. Starting with the basics of casting on and simple stitches, readers will quickly move up to shaping garments and creating finished pieces, from charming scarves to fashionable sweaters. - Over 100 color photographs highlight instructions and show finished projects - Shows more than 13 basic knitting techniques in step-by-step photographs with concise instructions - Includes 11 increasingly difficult projects so that readers can build up skills as they make progress through the book - Presents a whole range of delightful items, including a simple baby's scarf and hat in soft pastels, a striped children's cardigan, and a set of smart knitted cushions in soft creams and grays - Comprehensive index - Resource Guide
Customer Reviews:
Nice book.......2007-02-12
The patterns are cute..not the usual basic things that no one would ever use or wear. I bought this through and amazon reseller, so considered it a great buy for the price. Not a book I would pay full price for since I have other basic books,however. Good photography .
Book Description
With its simple, clear illustrations, beautiful color photography and energetic style, Knitting renews the ultimate traditional pastime for today's generation. The book comes complete with everything you need to knit right now, and teaches you how to knit a long skinny scarf, a cozy hat and more.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book for Starting and Teaching to Knit.......2007-04-06
I run a knitting circle at a continuation high school where the students learn to knit and then donate the products they make to local homeless shelters for community service hours (toward either probation or graduation). I have personally researched hundreds of "Learn to Knit" style books and this one is by far the VERY best. The illustrations and instructions are excellent, concise and clear. The students have been able to use the book both with me in front of them but then also at home on their own. Many homeless people in our neighborhood are warmer (in large part) because of this book. :-)
Nice kit, but didn't really work for me..........2007-01-28
I had a severe case of user error with this book.
The kit was very nice, the supplies were great, and the book had very nice illustrations. But it kept jumping around from getting started stitches to how to hold the needles, then back to actually knitting and I just couldn't follow it. I never got past casting on and I tore up a BUNCH of yarn.
Just like there are Elvis people and then there are Beatle people, I think there are crochet people and knitting people. I just happen to be a crochet person. If you are looking for a craft and are unsure, I would recommend trying this kit out and if it doesn't work out, don't despair, look for crochet and see if you do better with that.
highly recommend!.......2007-01-24
I do not have experience with sewing, knitting, crocheting, etc. I received this book as a gift and noticed immediately that the instructions are so simply stated and the pictures are clear. I was planning to start slowly, expecting to have lots of trouble, however, after my first week I had already created the coin purse and was well on my way to completing a 5 foot scarf. I have looked through MANY other knitting books for other project ideas and have not found a single one that explains how to knit nearly as well as this book.
This is THE book to learn the nasics of knitting........2007-01-19
I am 30 years old and have been wanting to learn to knit for a couple of years now. I even went to a knitting class but still came home feeling confused and frustrated. I also had another learn to knit book that I had some trouble with too. I purchased this book and within a short time I had cast on and was knitting and purling! I feel I learn visually and the diagrams and instructions are simple and very clear. I can go as slow as I need to. This book is wonderful for anyone (man,woman or child) that wants to knit.
Fabulous for kids and adults learning to knit!.......2007-01-15
I LOVE THIS BOOK! I am an adult and this is one of the best learning to knit books I have seen and it made some great things for my little ones. Can't wait to teach them. If you want a similar book that goes a little deeper, try Melanie Falick's Kids Knitting! It is hands down the best and includes some more difficult projects that take you beyond knit and purl, including a great sweater! Another kid book that's not just for the kids! Happy knitting!
Book Description
•Great price
•15 funky patterns teach knitting skills incrementally
•Knitting encourages girls to share and learn from other girls—making it an excellent empowerment tool
•Partner Web site provides forum for teen knitters
KnitGrrl is an upbeat introduction to knitting, from basic materials, tools, and stitches, to fifteen easy projects designed specifically for teens and tweens. An iPod cozy, a ponytail wool beanie, cat toys, text-messaging mittens, starry leg warmers, and ten more great patterns. The organization of the book builds skills incrementally, so friends can learn and share together. Tips on organizing knitting-related items such as stitch markers and hand salve, make this the ultimate BKFF (Best Knitting Friends Forever) guidebook.
Customer Reviews:
Learn to Knit.......2007-03-17
At first I thought the title 'Knitgrrl' was a misspelling, and I don't quite understand it. The instructions are clear, but the young person needs adult help. The choice of patterns is great. It would be good if it came with a set of needles and some yarn to start off the beginner knitter.
The Perfect Primer!!.......2007-01-13
Having just recently 'graduated' from making scarves and just about anything else square or rectangular that didn't require patterns or gauge concerns, i was feeling a bit intimidated and confused over some knitting basics. i have a generous assortment of knitting books, and some are more helpful than others. this is one of the best ones.
i find these instructions to be extremely friendly and clearly expressed. the pictures are clear and accurate. and finally a book that shows and describes that mysterious process of weaving in ends!! this book covers all the basics - yarn fibers, yarn labels, gauge, color chart, needles, etc. and includes a cute and fun 'quiz' which i got a kick out of.
there are great tips throughout the book, colorful photos of the patterns, cute drawings, a nice section on felting (fulling), and even a wonderful recipe for homemade hand salve!
the patterns are defined well by the subtitle of the book "fun and funky". it could be argued that they may be most appealing to the younger crowd, but i think a beginner knitter (or a former knitter in need of a refresher course) would be pleased with the selection. who couldn't use a hat, handbag, scarf/stole, or pair of leg warmers? on top of that and several other items, there's a cool pattern for 'text messaging mittens' that feature thumb panels you can flip off. and dont forget your cat! - you can whip up some cat toys using the adorable wonton and eggroll patterns.
this is a fun book offering very helpful instructions for your foundation in knitting. you will find the cool, beginner-friendly patterns will not only help you learn the basics, but you will also find that they become items that you will use for yourself or as gifts for friends/family/felines.
happy knitting!
Knitting fun.......2006-11-10
Thoroughly enjoyed the layout and excellent photos of the projects and the other interesting items included in the book
Winter Knitting.......2006-05-30
Shannon Okey is a designer and loves knitting. She features yarns you can find in stores or online and has plenty of resources for new knitters. Fun items in this book include a kitty dim sum (fill with cat nip) for your cats and ideas for knitting parties. Each book stands alone with all the information you need to get started. So, whether you start with the first or second book, there is enough information to finish all the projects.
For winter, there are unique text-messaging mittens that will be appreciated by anyone who loves to be outdoors and answering their phone in the cold. Also helpful for iPods and would be a great gift along with the music player cozy that works as ear muffs and a CD holder.
Love to ice skate? There is a pattern for leg warmers complete with embroidery, French knot and straight stitch. This book also includes a recipe for homemade hand cream. Knitgrrl has 15 fun projects to try and seems to focus on winter hats, scarves and purses. Knitgrrl 2 has a fun summer theme. Both seem essential!
~The Rebecca Review
Fun!.......2006-02-07
Shannon Okey, Knitgrrl (Watson-Guptill, 2005)
I have to admit, the whole riot grrl thing bugged me. Not because of what they stood for, which was admirable enough, but because of the blatant abuse of the English language. So the title Knitgrrl pretty much prejudiced me before I'd cracked the cover. Once I did, though, the hesitation vanished pretty quickly.
This is an easy-to-follow, fast read that takes the reader through the basics of knitting (probably a bit too fast for a complete neophyte, but perfect for someone like me, who knitted decades ago and needs a quick refresher course), then turns said reader loose into fifteen projects ranging from the most basic to things that will be pieces of cake for experienced knitters, but will challenge those who are still on the novice level. A very good book both for beginners and for those getting back into knitting after a long time away. *** ½
Book Description
• High-quality look in a low-price book! • Spring and summer styles keep teens knitting year-round •Follow-up to top-selling KnitGrrl
Used to be that springtime meant putting aside knitting and other cold-weather pursuits. No more. For KnitGrrls everywhere, warmer temperatures mean it's time to slather on the sunblock and pack the beach bag with needles, yarn—and KnitGrrl2. From choosing yarn and holding needles, it's a few short steps to making Ooh-La-La Flip-Flops, Blossom Headbands, Beach-Read Book Covers, and Cabana Beach Bags, plus twelve other fun-in-the-sun essentials. All projects are presented with easy-to-follow photos and directions. Knit Grrls will be thrilled to the tips of their needle-brandishing fingers with such extras as a quiz on finding their best colors and do-it-yourself projects on making needle holders and knitting journals. And where else can teens and tweens learn how to custom-dye yarn with Kool-Aid? Only in KnitGrrl2. —sure to be the hottest beach book of the year!
Customer Reviews:
A worthy successor........2006-06-29
Shannon Okey, Knitgrrl 2 (Watson-Guptill, 2006)
Shannon Okey's back with another book of patterns like you've never seen before. Readers of Okey's first book (titled, not surprisingly, Knitgrrl) will recognize the general layout here-- how-to tips with clear illustrations, silly, endearing artwork, and of course, the patterns. While the book starts out feeling like a retread-- the patterns at the beginning will be in-your-sleep kinds of things for those who went through the first book-- don't let your guard down. By the time you get to the patterns at the back of the book, you will be challenged unless you are a seasoned veteran-- and you may be challenged anyway, even if you are.
Good, solid stuff, just like the first book. If you liked one, you'll like the other. *** ½
Knitgrrls Rock!.......2006-06-02
For those of you who loved Shannon Okey's first book, Knitgrrl, you're in luck--Shannon recently released a sequel, Knitgrrl 2, just as full of fun, acessible patterns as the first--if you weren't familiar with Knitgrrl, then now you've got two great books you can add to your library.
Both books have fantastic how-two information, which use pictures instead of just drawings, to teach the basics. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. The original book is full of fun, easy patterns that teach basic skills like scarves and wristlets--a cool i-pod purse and leg warmers--there's even a basic introduction to lace.
In Knitgrrl 2, the patterns continue to be fun without being at all repetitive--there's a great belt (and I can attest that knitted belts are very popular with the 2 kids classes I teach) and a sideways knit cardigan by Kristi Porter knit in Noro, that I'm sure will have lots of "grown up" knitters running for their needles. (Kristi's a frequent contributor to Knitty.com and the creator of the new FrankenKnits.com site.) Knitgrrl 2, also has a beautiful knit, beaded necklace, and an adorable cropped tank top. Both books are sprinkled with helpful tips and ideas, and are full of fun illustrations by Kathleen Jacques.
Beach-Read Book Covers and Friendship Bracelets.......2006-05-30
Shannon Okey's knitting books are wildly fun and have unique ideas I've never seen in any other knitting books. The patterns are especially creative and functional, like the Beauty-to-go-Bag or the Striped Pencil Purse. I used her ideas about picking up stitches on the edge to actually sew two pieces of a hat together with excellent results.
The book cover and beach bag are perfect summery projects and you could even make the Ooh-la-la Flip Flops that use a size 8 needle and a skein of Crystal Palace Splash.
Knitgrrl 2 follows Knitgrrl 1 with 16 new patterns. There is information on knitting history that was rather enlightening. Should you knit a sweater for your boyfriend? Read this book to find out.
~The Rebecca Review
5 Flags from Euro-Reviews: Top Teen Knitting Book!.......2006-05-22
Shannon Okey's approach in making knitting something hip and trendy and attracting the interest of young adults definitely worked! I read through this book before actually knitting the projects although I could hardly resist making them. If it wasn't for the fact that I was out of yarn...
After also reading the Stitch-n-Bitch book by Debbie Stoller, I conclude that the Stitch-n-Bitch book mentions the same things but the Knitgrrl books just puts it in a more interesting way for teens as they are not interested in reading through a lot of text, in plain black and white with no funny illustrations. Knitgrrl 2 covers not only basic techniques but it really goes in dept for a Young Adult book.. It even has a special chapter about Beading, which I found very interesting as I've heard so much about this new technique and most regular knitting books don't include information on this yet. The page about dying your yarn was really interesting as well.
As for the projects, they are great! Not long afghans or big sweaters(just a small top and a poncho) but small projects to start with like a head band, a make-up bag, book covers, a shawl (ofcourse) and many more summer projects. The color transition in her projects made the projects even more inviting to knit them.
There were illustrations throughout the book (by Kathleen Jacques) which I found really beautiful and hip. Kids love cats or dogs so they'll surely look or even stare at these lovely illustrations.
The trendy small summer projects together with the easy approach make this book the perfect beginner's guide for any soon-to-be-intermediate-knitter. You really don't have to be a teen to thoroughly enjoy this book and learn from it!
-reviewed by Eveline for http://euroreviews.r8.org
Book Description
Easy step-by-step picture method teaches all the basics of knitting in just a few hours. Easy-to-follow lessons and projects.
Customer Reviews:
Practical learning.......2000-03-14
For many years I tried unsuccessfully to learn to knit. Then I found Ms. Walker's Learn to Knit Afghan Book in a craft book club. The method she teaches holds the yarn the European way, which keeps the learner from having to throw the yarn with the right hand, risking dropped stitches. The format of the book gives large pictures of each pattern with explicit and well-defined instructions. The pattern difficulty graduates from simple to amazingly difficult, each pattern making its own afghan square. My son still has the afghan I made with this book 20 years ago, and I want to make one for me now to review these stitches. However, I loaned my copy and the borrower got carried away with it. Now, that's a wonderful book--worth taking! (or giving or receiving)
Books:
- Learning to Weave, Revised Edition
- Loom Knitting Primer: A Beginner's Guide to Knitting on a Loom, with over 30 Fun Projects
- Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 5)
- Machine Quilting Made Easy
- Making Mosaics: Designs, Techniques & Projects
- Making Polymer Clay Beads: Step-by-Step Techniques for Creating Beautiful Ornamental Beads
- Making Polymer Clay Beads: Step-by-Step Techniques for Creating Beautiful Ornamental Beads
- Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Unleashed
- Milady's Standard Textbook for Professional Estheticians
- New Complete Guide to Sewing (Readers Digest)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- The European Economy since 1945: Coordinated Capitalism and Beyond
- Hortica: Color Cyclopedia of Garden Flora and Indoor Plants
- Creativity Rules: a Writer's Workbook
- Getting To Know The South Pacific
- History: Fiction or Science
- Love, Lies and Liquor
- La'Au Hawaii: Traditional Hawaiian Uses of Plants
- Building Public Trust: The Future of Corporate Reporting
- Beyond the Bottom Line: Advanced Financial Management in Business
- The Pieces from Berlin
General
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
A Treasury of Knitting Patterns
A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns
Knitting from the Top
Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop
Knitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-to-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes (Knitting Without Tears SL 466)
