Knitgrrl: Learn to Knit with 15 Fun and Funky Patterns [Paperback]

Shannon Okey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2005

• Great price point—just 9.95 American dollars!


• 15 funky patterns teach knitting
skills incrementally


• Knitting encourages girls to share and
learn from other girls—making it an
excellent empowerment tool


• Partner Web site provides forum for
teen knitters


Tired of hearing about who's dating who and what Alyssa wore to the last party? Get those teens and tweens started on some practical life skills and girl empowerment! KnitGrrl is an upbeat introduction to knitting, from basic materials, tools, and stitches, to fifteen easy projects designed specifically for teens and tweens. Lower the number of trips to the mall with patterns for an iPod cozy, a ponytail wool beanie, cat toys, text-messaging mittens, starry leg warmers, and ten more great patterns. The organization of the book builds skills incrementally, so friends can learn and share together. Tips on organizing knitting groups, plus quizzes and DIY projects for fun knitting-related items such as stitch markers and hand salve, make this the ultimate BKFF (Best Knitting Friends Forever) guidebook.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-10–A lively, teen-friendly book with all the basics, plenty of additional information, and appealing color photos and illustrations. Some knitting experience would serve crafters well, although the introduction is encouraging to newcomers. Topics include reading a yarn label, colors, needles and other tools, reading patterns, mistakes, and more. Various hues are used for the large typeface headings, and individual creativity is encouraged for projects. A few DIY inserts are interspersed throughout, such as a page on hosting a knitting party. Items to make include a faux fur stole, a ponytail roll-brim hat, leg warmers, and a lacy double-diamond scarf. All are accompanied by a color photo of a teen model and the completed garment. Back matter includes lists of yarn companies, online knitting and craft resources, magazines, books, online organizations, and Meet the Designers (readers can ask questions directly, online).–Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Gr. 5-8. The title clues girls in that this book is shooting for a hip audience, and the text delivers. Everything works here, from the design to the enticing projects: hats and scarves, leg warmers, and purses among them. Okey adds plenty of extra teen-worthy extras, such as a bag with a place for an iPod, and "text-messaging mittens," gloves with a thumb tip that can be flipped, the easier to press tiny buttons. The bright pages feature graphic-novel-style illustrations and plenty of color. Instructions are clearly written and aided by sharp color photographs. More advanced techniques, such as felting and embroidery, are also introduced. There are even suggestions for having a knitting party. The back matter is particularly good; it includes ideas about where to go for help or inspiration: books, magazines, and Web sites, such as www.knitgrrl.com. Not your mother's knitting book. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Watson Guptill Publications (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823026183
• ISBN-13: 978-0823026180
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.3 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #793,748 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #52 in Books > Teens > Sports & Hobbies > Arts & Crafts

More About the Author

Shannon Okey is a designer and the author, co-author or editor of many fiber arts-related books, including Knitgrrl, Knitgrrl 2, The Knitgrrl Guide to Professional Knitwear Design, Spin to Knit, Felt Frenzy, Crochet Style, Just Socks, Just Gifts, AlterNation, The Pillow Book, How to Knit in the Woods, the second edition of Knitting For Dummies and Alt Fiber. She is currently working on a number of new publishing projects.

Okey is the former editor of UK-based monthly knitting magazine Yarn Forward, and also wrote a column for knit.1 magazine. She owns Knitgrrl Studio, a workshop/studio space in Cleveland, has appeared on several crafty TV shows, including Knitty Gritty, Uncommon Threads, Crafters Coast To Coast and Knitting Daily TV. She teaches all over the world. (You've never had fun til you've tried to teach drop spindle spinning on a cruise ship that's lurching from side to side!)

For the latest news on Shannon and her books, check out her Knitgrrl website which includes her teaching and events schedule, as well as information on upcoming projects.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Ask target audience!, November 4, 2005

By 

L. B. Redmond "gingermom" (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Knitgrrl: Learn to Knit with 15 Fun and Funky Patterns (Paperback)

When I first looked at this book I thought, yeah, it's okay, but I've seen the same kind of thing done better - in Melanie Falick's book, for instance, and some of the hipper "Learn to Knit" magazines now available, not to mention "Stitch 'n Bitch" by Debbie Stoller. It's well done, with clear instructions and photos, but I expected to see edgier patterns, more like those you see in the online knitting mag "knitty." Also there is one omission that jumped out at me - the author mentions embroidering with duplicate stitch but gives no instructions for the technique.

HOWEVER, having said that, I must admit that the target audience loves the book! My 17, 15 and 12 year old daughters keep it close at hand when they are knitting and refer to it again and again. That's really the test, isn't it? When asked to explain they told me they find "Stitch 'n Bitch" a little intimidating - too adult and too much information - whereas this book seems to answer all their questions in their language, and they love the illustrations. It speaks to them. So there you have it - my rating is lower than theirs would be, but they're the ones it was written for!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Primer!!, January 12, 2007

By 

J. kingman (new england) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Knitgrrl: Learn to Knit with 15 Fun and Funky Patterns (Paperback)

Having just recently 'graduated' from making scarves and just about anything else square or rectangular that didn't require patterns or gauge concerns, i was feeling a bit intimidated and confused over some knitting basics. i have a generous assortment of knitting books, and some are more helpful than others. this is one of the best ones.

i find these instructions to be extremely friendly and clearly expressed. the pictures are clear and accurate. and finally a book that shows and describes that mysterious process of weaving in ends!! this book covers all the basics - yarn fibers, yarn labels, gauge, color chart, needles, etc. and includes a cute and fun 'quiz' which i got a kick out of.

there are great tips throughout the book, colorful photos of the patterns, cute drawings, a nice section on felting (fulling), and even a wonderful recipe for homemade hand salve!

the patterns are defined well by the subtitle of the book "fun and funky". it could be argued that they may be most appealing to the younger crowd, but i think a beginner knitter (or a former knitter in need of a refresher course) would be pleased with the selection. who couldn't use a hat, handbag, scarf/stole, or pair of leg warmers? on top of that and several other items, there's a cool pattern for 'text messaging mittens' that feature thumb panels you can flip off. and dont forget your cat! - you can whip up some cat toys using the adorable wonton and eggroll patterns.

this is a fun book offering very helpful instructions for your foundation in knitting. you will find the cool, beginner-friendly patterns will not only help you learn the basics, but you will also find that they become items that you will use for yourself or as gifts for friends/family/felines.

happy knitting!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Winter Knitting, May 29, 2006

By 

Rebecca Johnson "The Rebecca Review" (Washington State) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Knitgrrl: Learn to Knit with 15 Fun and Funky Patterns (Paperback)

Shannon Okey is a designer and loves knitting. She features yarns you can find in stores or online and has plenty of resources for new knitters. Fun items in this book include a kitty dim sum (fill with cat nip) for your cats and ideas for knitting parties. Each book stands alone with all the information you need to get started. So, whether you start with the first or second book, there is enough information to finish all the projects.

For winter, there are unique text-messaging mittens that will be appreciated by anyone who loves to be outdoors and answering their phone in the cold. Also helpful for iPods and would be a great gift along with the music player cozy that works as ear muffs and a CD holder.

Love to ice skate? There is a pattern for leg warmers complete with embroidery, French knot and straight stitch. This book also includes a recipe for homemade hand cream. Knitgrrl has 15 fun projects to try and seems to focus on winter hats, scarves and purses. Knitgrrl 2 has a fun summer theme. Both seem essential!

~The Rebecca Review