MrsStro's Full Review: Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book
I co-manage a knitting studio, so I see many knitting books up close & personal. This book is my hands-down favorite.
* The Basics: It covers the most rudimentary basics: how to knit (several variations including American, Continental, etc.), purl, cast on & bind off. It covers several methods for casting on depending upon what you are making. The same goes for binding off. It covers many different ways to increase & decrease, so that you can really tailor the look of the item you are creating. It has "tools of the trade" and what they are used for. It also has information on yarn weights & fibers.
* Glossary & Abbreviations: It covers all of the most common abbreviations & terms (comprising *several* pages of the book...this is a thorough compilation!). I come across many abbreviations & terms in the patterns I see both in my work in the shop, as well as in my work as the education coordinator, and I have yet to find an abbreviation that I wasn't familiar with that this book didn't cover!
* Stitch Library: This book has a whole section devoted to stitch patterns: lacework, ribbing, basic texture, cables, etc. For this alone, the book is worth it.
* Construction: It offers basic instruction on seaming, finishing and pockets.
* Patterns: There are a few vintage patterns in the back of the book as well.
* Modular Knitting: This is my absolute favorite section! This has about 10 different styles of a basic sweater. Then on the next several pages, it allows you to "mix-and-match" taking the collar of one, the sleeve of another, etc. to create a garment meeting your individual tastes. They offer sizes beginning with children's sizes (size 4 is the smallest), up to men's extra large.
It doesn't really cover hats or socks, but does discuss working in the round on double pointed needles, and gives you the information you need in order to create items like that.
To me, this is a knitting "textbook"...it just covers it all. It has all the best parts of many of the books out there today, but all in one handy reference.
The book is large, so you can't fit it into your knitting bag, but they do have the companion "Quick Reference Guide".
Even though I am no longer a novice knitter, I find myself referring to it often: for the terms, for the stitch library, for the modular knitting, and the section on design.
The book comes from Vogue, a trusted name in fiberarts. The book is approximately 300 pages, and retails for almost $40.
With input from more than 50 leading specialists, no other book covers the field so comprehensively. Need guidance on yarns, needles, tools, basic tec...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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