Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This is, by far, the most comprehensive knitting skill building book I have ever seen. I am a knitting instructor who has been knitting for 30 years and I knit at an expert level and I design my own sweaters. I own approximately 300 knitting books and I have purchased just about every skill building book out there, including the predecessor to this one. The improvements that have been made in this edition are significant and are worth the upgrade. This could literally be the only knitting book in your library and it will get you from beginning knitter to expert. You will learn everything, and I mean everything you need to know to become a great knitter. This book starts with the very basics and brings you right through to expert knitting. The only thing that is not in here is "couture knitting" but that is a niche market and if you get to that point, you can buy Catherine Lowe's "Ravell'd Sleeve" online for $40. (That's another book that's worth the price if you get to that level). Here is the layout of this hard-cover coffee table sized book's color coded chapters ( there are extensive well done diagrams and photos in every chapter) 1. Yarns and Supplies - Explanation of types of yarns including definitions of fibers, yarn twist/structure, weights, gauge, needle size, an ounces vs weights table and care of the yarn. 10 pages elucidating the various styles of needles, best uses for each kind, and knitting and crochet needle size chart and many photos and explanations of all of the other gadgets and tools needed in knitting. 2. Basic Techniques: The Structure of Knitting (shows clear examples of what a knit stitch looks like and what a purl stitch looks like - very important basic skill needed so that you can "read" your knitting. Holding Yarn and Needles, Casting On, The Basic Knit stitch, Basic Stitch Patterns, Joining Yarns, Increases, Decreases, Binding Off. This is all in 37 pages of nice diagrams with explanations. There are some additions from the previous version of this book. 3. Cables: Introduction to Cables, Types of Cables, Understanding Cable Symbols, Reading Cable Charts, Cable Stitches and Symbols, Cabling Without a Cable Needle ( which is probably my all-time favorite technique and an absolute time saver if you are making cables). 4. Color Knitting: Stranding Knitting (ie. fair isle and the like - there are examples of the many kinds of stranded knitting) Intarsia, Bobbins, Charts, Horizontal Stripes , Vertical Stripes, Slip Stitches, Mosaic Knitting, Short-Row Color Knitting, Plaid Knitting. (I am in a fair isle group on Facebook and there are many people who are new to stranded knitting who have many questions that can easily be answered in this chapter). 5. Lace; Introduction to Lace, Yarn Overs, Decreases, Reading Lace Charts, Shaping in Lace, Lace Borders and Edgings, Blocking Lace, Correcting Mistakes in Lace Knitting 6. Circular Knitting: Knitting in the Round, Circular Needles, Double - Pointed Needles, Two Circular Needles, Magic Loop, Jogless Join ( how to make color changes in the round without a "jog" in the color), Steeking, Moebius Knitting 7. Directional Knitting: Entrelac, How to Knit Entrelac in the Round, Modular Knitting, Bias Knitting, Center-Out Knitting, Center-Out Squares, Center-Out Circles, Center-Out Geometric Shapes, Center-Out Stars 8. Advanced Techniques: Brioche Knitting, Double Knitting, Tucks, Loop Stitch, Elongated and Drop Stitches, Felting 9. Understanding Instructions: Understanding Garment Knitting Instructions, Schematics, Gauge, Gauge Swatch for Knitting in the Round, Counting Rows, Knitting Abbreviations Explained, Crochet Abbreviations Explained, knitting Terminology, Symbols, Unusual and Alternative Symbols 10. Correcting Errors 11. Finishing: Introduction to Blocking, Blocking Materials, Blocking, Seaming, Grafting or Kitchener Stitch, Picking Up Stitches, sewing in a Sleeve, Attaching Separate Pieces and Hemming 12. Designing Sweaters: 73 pages in this chapter because you need this kind of comprehensive material Introduction to Designing Sweaters, The Conceptual Process, Planning Yarn Amounts, Body Measurements, Using the Vogue Knitting Design Worksheet, Vogue Knitting Design Worksheet, Ribbing, Body Shaping, Armhole Shaping, Raglan Armhole Shaping, Neck and Shoulder Shaping, Sleeve Shaping, Set-In Cap Shaping, Raglan Cap Shaping, Cardigan Shaping, Dart Shaping, Short Row Shaping, Circular Design, Selvages, Neckbands, Collars, Plackets, Buttonholes, Bands Borders and Edges, Crochet Edges, Hems, Patch Pockets, Inset Pockets, Pleats and Tucks, Gathers Ruching and Flares, Finishing Touches, Shoulder Pads, Using Elastic, Buttons, Zippers, Linings 13. Designing Shawls: Introduction to Shawls, Designing Shawls, Square and Rectangular Shawls, Shetland Construction, Triangular Shawls, Circular and Half-Circular Shawls, Crescent and Short-Row Shaped Shawls, Faroese Shawl Construction, Nupps and Beads, Ruanas 14. Designing Accessories: Caps and Hats, Anatomy of a Hat, Types f Hats, Designing Hats (including schematics for measuring head), Blocking Hats, Mittens and Gloves, Anatomy of Mittens and Gloves, Measuring the Hand for Mittens and Gloves, Making Fingerless Gloves and Mittens, Mittens, Gloves, Socks and Stockings, Anatomy of a Sock, Designing Socks, Cuff-Down Socks, Toe-Up Socks, Toes and Heels, Knitting Knee-High and Over the Knee Socks, blocking and caring for Socks 15. Embellishments: Embroidery, Knitting With Beads, Knitting With Sequins, Additions **I bought this book at a pre-release price of $27. I would be willing to pay $40 for it all day long. I am not benefiting from providing this review, I just believe strongly in sharing my knitting skills with other knitters and I feel strongly that this is the absolute best knitting reference I've ever seen