The Gift Knitter: Knitting Chunky for Babies with Four Legs and Two [Paperback]

Tara Jon Manning (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 7, 2004

For little ones with four legs or two, here is a wonderful new collection of playful patterns-both classic and modern-that are fun, simple, and quick to knit. These adorable little creations, designed by Tara Jon Manning, all use chunky, luscious yarns so that even the most basic pattern looks great-in no time. With easy-to-follow instructions, a detailed glossary of knitting tips and supply sources, this book has everything to make these designs as easy as knit one, purl two.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

What does it take to fashion a simple newborn gift--other than time? To needleworker Manning (Men in Knits, 2003, Mindful Knitting, 2004), it's a classic shape and big gauges that turn a great-intentioned task into a quick, much-loved gift for baby humans and dogs. After all, either boredom or competing priorities dictate whether to put aside a knitting project. More than 20 items are showcased, each with different sizes, gauges, measurements, materials, directions, and illustrations. Although not rated by difficulty, projects are clearly designed to be quickly finished, whether it's a pawprints cardigan and snake-cable pullover or a puppy pullover and luck-of-the-Irish blanket. Even more adorable are the amateur models like Italian greyhound Audrey and Brooklyn-born Nora. Appended are knitting terms and abbreviations, tips, sources and further reading, resources and materials, and a who's who. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Tara Jon Manning holds a Master of Arts Degree in Apparel & Textile Design and Fiber Arts. Her design work can be seen in knitting magazines, books, and the collections of major yarn companies. A Crafts Yarn Council of America Certified Knitting Instructor, Tara teaches from her private studio and is also the author of Men in Knits.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade (September 7, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425198103
• ISBN-13: 978-0425198100
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 7.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,630,758 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

ABOUT TARA

A knitter since age eight, Tara Jon Manning is author of five books and contributing designer and author to knitting magazines, books, and yarn companies. She has been exploring the use of knitting and handwork as a form of contemplative practice and the role of spirituality in art and craft in her own life and work. Tara holds a BFA with an emphasis in Drawing and Painting and a Masters Degree in Textile and Apparel Design with an emphasis in Fiber Arts. Tara is enjoying a reconnection with her love of painting, and currently delving into the world of music, playing her Fender Stratocaster whenever she can, and exploring the realm of singer/songwriter. She writes frequently for craft and lifestyle magazine. Tara and her family live in Boulder, Colorado.

Tara's published books include:

Nature Babies: Natural Knits and Organic Crafts for Moms, Babies and a Better World (Potter Craft) is Tara's most recent release focusing on integrating craft, organic, recycled and tactile materials into the lives of babies and those who love them.

Mindful Knitting (Tuttle Publishing)- and exploration of the links between handwork and mindfulness meditation, self exploration and generosity all through the work of our hands. One of the premier titles in the "knitting and spirituality" genre.

Compassionate Knitting (Tuttle Publishing) - more mindful knitting projects relating to the concept of "Heaven, Earth and Knitter." A beautiful collection and continuation of the themes found in Mindful Knitting.

Men in Knits (Interweave Press) - a perennial knitter's favorite, and possibly THE best book on knitting for men!

The Gift Knitter (Berkley Books)- innovative, cute and quick gift projects for babies with two legs (yup, puppies!) and babies (people puppies).

For more information about Tara, her books, knitting patterns, writing and annual Mindful Knitting Retreats, please visit:
Website: http://www.tarahandknitting.com
Blog: http://earthskyknitter.wordpress.com/

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Same dog coat, over and over again, December 12, 2004

By 

glamarama (San Francisco Bay Area) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gift Knitter: Knitting Chunky for Babies with Four Legs and Two (Paperback)

The patterns are cute and very simple for a beginning to mid-level knitter attempting to move beyond scarves and hats, but there are basically 3 or 4 basic patterns reproduced with different frills over and over again. Especially true for the dog patterns - there are no sweaters, just the same coat pattern made in different gauges and with different trim. Still a nice book and I will use it, especially for baby patterns, but a few more unique styles for the 4 leggers would have been nice.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not good at all, May 17, 2006

By 

A. Jenkins "Antimental" (Arkansas, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Gift Knitter: Knitting Chunky for Babies with Four Legs and Two (Paperback)

As the previous reviewer stated, it is the same dog coat over and over and it is not even that good of a design. The same can be said for the baby clothes too. I'm glad I got it used and cheap. The toys are cute, but the rest of the book isn't good at all.