Big Fish, Little Fish: QuickKnits for Kids and Grown-Ups (A MinnowKnits Book) [Hardcover]

Jil Eaton (Author)

Book Description

Minnies is a delectable new collection of 20 chic, speedy knits from internationally acclaimed designer Jil Eaton that provides fun, easy projects that Mom can complete in just one weekend! Eaton's fresh, whimsical confections for babies and toddlers whip up quickly enough for beginners but allow for the personal touch of an experienced knitter. Designs include a christening outfit, layette, rompers, hats, booties, and more. With the portability, versatility, and simplicity of these projects, even new moms can find time to make more than one! Special features include:

• Charming photos by award-winning children's photographer Nina Fuller
• Learn-to-knit section great for beginners and anyone returning to the craft
• Tips on equipment, knitting-to-fit, finishing, and caring for garments

Editorial Reviews

Review

"If you loved Jil Eaton's charming MinnowKnits and MinnowKnits, Too, you will be delighted with Big Fish, Little Fish. The timing is perfect for this collection of classic yet offbeat hand-knits, sized for everyone from six to sixty! Once again, Jil has created simple silhouettes with a detailed touch... a must for every knitter's bookshelf." Trisha Malcolm, Editor, Vogue Knitting International. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Chic Styling . . . Glorious Colors . . . Simple Knits

"In Big Fish, Little Fish, Jil Eaton gives in to her scores of fans and presents wonderful patterns for sweaters, plus accessories for the entire family, from toddlers to grown-ups."--Melanie Falick, Interweave Knits

"A must for every knitter's bookshelf."--Trisha Malcolm, Vogue Knitting International

Jil Eaton, the internationally acclaimed knitwear designer and bestselling author, presents nineteen delightful and delicious knits for everyone in the family. These irresistible, yet easy-to-complete projects range from sporty outerwear to oh-so-sophisticated party wear. Whether you are an experienced knitter or a beginner, Big Fish, Little Fish will keep your fingers busy and set your imagination spinning!

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809224305
• ISBN-13: 978-0809224302
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,862,812 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful publication with easy-to-follow instructions., January 18, 2001

By 

Meredith Hunnibell - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Big Fish, Little Fish: QuickKnits for Kids and Grown-Ups (A MinnowKnits Book) (Hardcover)

I bought this book sight unseen because I got so much out of Jil Eaton's previous two books. I assumed this would be more of the same, but I have to say that I felt it was a bit of a stretch and it doesn't quite measure up to the previous books in terms of the patterns offered. While there are still some very nice patterns in here (most of which are VERY easy to make), I felt there was less variety here than in the other two books both in style and knitting techniques. This book is mostly garter and stockinette stitch (which is just fabulous for beginners who want easy to knit projects that look great!).

I also was a bit disappointed in adult patterns. (I couldn't find any that I want to knit.) They are larger versions of the children's items but just don't look like they work as well on adults.

There are still nice items to be knit in here, and if this is your first Jil Eaton purchase, you'll surely be pleased, but if you're looking for more of the same from the previous books, you might find (as I did), that this book falls short. I didn't see a single item in this book that made me want to grab my knitting bag, although I'm still working on items from the previous books that I've just "gotta knit."

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally - Jil Eaton patterns in grown-up sizes!, December 11, 2000

By 

Carol S. (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Big Fish, Little Fish: QuickKnits for Kids and Grown-Ups (A MinnowKnits Book) (Hardcover)

I'm a big fan of Jil Eaton's two Minnowknits books and have made many of her patterns for my son and other children of whom I'm fond. So I was absolutely delighted to see that her latest book includes two sets of sizes: one for kids and one for adults. As usual, the patterns are simple, use larger needles and yarns (no 7 st per inch gauges here!)and are fun, fun, fun. Bright colors, hip but not too trendy styles, interesting yarns (including, for example, chenille, Wensleydale longwool, and some of the new microfiber yarns) and fast knits. I made one of the patterns already and had no trouble following the directions - they are simple and clear. Experienced knitters might find these patterns a bit too simple if they are looking for a challenge or like complicated colorwork or patterned stitchwork, but these patterns are perfect for the beginner, those who haven't knitted in years, or the time-crunched. More, Ms. Eaton, more!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good collection, December 24, 2001

By 

Y. Leventhal (Oak Hill, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Big Fish, Little Fish: QuickKnits for Kids and Grown-Ups (A MinnowKnits Book) (Hardcover)

I own all of Jil Eaton's books. I consider this one a particularly good collection for those looking for basic children's and adult pattterns, such as socks, mitterns, (fabulous) hats, neck warmers, vests (v-neck or zippered), or plain crew neck sweaters. Plus, most (maybe all) of the patterns can be done in worsted weight yarn. Unlike Minnies, which uses many expensive designer yarn (to be dry-clean no less) for baby outfits, Big Fish Little Fish patterns can be done with any worsted yarn. So while I enjoyed making outfits from Jil Eaton's previous Minnowknits books, I like Big Fish Little Fish for its "wholesomeness". After you buy this book, you no longer need to buy individual patterns for socks, mitterns, basic sweaters and vests. I highly recommend this book.