Customer Reviews

Debbie Bliss Knitting Workbook

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you want to learn to knit, this is not the book for you.
I gave this book 4 stars because I had heard about it being a great book for learning to knit. I bought it for myself for the Debbie Bliss' patterns and also to check it out first before I gave it to a friend as a first knitting book. I decided that it wasn't thorough enough in the learn-to-knit area so I sent her "How to Knit" instead. I always enjoy Debbie Bliss' patterns, she can make something so simple look so wonderful.
I have learned some new techniques from this book. I am looking forward to trying out some of the patterns.

I found many projects I wanted to make in this book. So far, I have made the beanie hat, baby top with seed stitch trim, child's smock and beaded mocassins. Generally, I found the instructions easy to follow. The baby designs are adorable. THe only project I had some trouble with were the mocassins. The beads were too small to slip onto the yarn and knit the way the instructions called for so I just sewed them on afterwards (which is how some of the beads were supposed to be done anyway.) The smock pattern took some getting used to and I wrote out the pattern rows on individual note cards so I could flip them over and know which row I had to do next. I would recommend this book to new and experienced knitters.

I am not a color knitter so I appreciate the emphasis this book places on texture. As a novice, I found the stitch glossary informative but I don't think you could learn to knit w/ just this book. All the patterns specify her special yarn, but at the back of the book there was a glossary that gave weight information. The baby/child patterns are adorable (simple cap, seater, cable cardigan) and do-able and there is a beutiful texture sampler afghan that I am excited to try. This book is a staple in my knitting library.

Like all of Debbie Bliss' books, the Workbook takes you through a variety of projects to concentrate on different techniques. Every project is simply gorgeous, and takes you from simpler/beginner projects to more advanced/difficult ones. You'll find things for children, for yourself, and for your home.

You might be tempted to teach yourself from this book, but I would recommend starting with "How to Knit" instead, which provides an excellent step-by-step course for new knitters. After you have worked through the basics, pick this up to help you perfect advanced techniques and embellishments. Speaking of embellishments, the chapter on embroidery is great! My favorite project is the embroidered jacket, made with denim yarn. I can't wait to make it!

As always, Debbie Bliss provides clear instructions, beautiful photographs, and inspiration for knitters of all skill levels. She also gives useful advice on making up and caring for knitwear, which are critical to having your work look it's best for years to come.

One caution to anyone interested in making plus-size garments: the women's patterns are designed in sizes 32-38 (roughly x-small through large), so you may have to adapt patterns if you wish to make other sizes.