The Knitting Experience Book 1: The Knit Stitch, Inspiration & Instruction [Paperback]

Sally Melville (Author), Alexis Xenakis (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2002

This primer uses clear, step-by-step instructions to teach the basics of knitting. Beginners will learn to master the techniques that are needed before starting a project and learn which choices result in successful garments. A natural progression of skills is taught, and each skill is punctuated by a knitting project, enabling first-time knitters to create simple scarves and sweaters. Patterns are presented in an accessible format, with text, photographs, and line drawings to offer advice, anticipate difficulties, and provide rescue techniques.

Product Details

• Paperback: 162 pages
• Publisher: XRX Books (November 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1893762130
• ISBN-13: 978-1893762138
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 9.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (106 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #36,527 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Sally Melville teaches knitting and is the author of Sally Melville Styles: A Unique and Elegant Approach to Your Yarn Collection and The Knitting Experience: Book 1: The Knit Stitch. She lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

282 of 287 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glorious garter stitch for new and veteran knitters alike, February 5, 2003

By 

Carol Peterson Hennekens (Colorado Springs, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Knitting Experience Book 1: The Knit Stitch, Inspiration & Instruction (Paperback)

I ordered this book sight unseen based on the strength of Sally's previous book - Styles. I couldn't be more delighted with what the came in the mail. The Knitting Experience may not cover everything about knitting. It's all about the knit stitch - nothing about purls (until the next book). So what's in the book---
1. A preface teaching the novice the basics - holding the needles, casting on, etc.
2. Chapter one has several simple scarves and a triangular poncho - sized for adults and children
3. Chapter two introduces knitting in the round with a mini-skirt, leggings, and a cap. Also a flat knit cap and mittens.
4. Chapter three features a jacket and vest knit from side to side.
5. Chapter four features the "star" of the book - the Einstein coat which is knit in panels going different directions (very cool!). Sally offers the coat in sizes from infant to large mens. There's also a purse and a bunting pattern.
6. Chapter five features features several variations of a summer weight pullover with styling ranging from modest to sexy.
7. Chapter six introduces the skill of slip stitch using the same stitch pattern in a mix of pullovers and cardigans for both children and adults.
Fully half of the book is devoted to teaching skills - big sections at the beginning and end of the book and smaller sections in each chapter. Sally offers an encylopedia of wisdom - often with a sense of humor. Her list of 10 most significant knitting discoveries is terrific.
Bottom-line - run, do not walk, to Amazon.com or whoever has this book in stock and get a copy of your own.

57 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book taught me to knit!, January 22, 2003

By 

"beki_flaherty" (Carlsbad, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Knitting Experience Book 1: The Knit Stitch, Inspiration & Instruction (Paperback)

It was a rainy December day in Northern California when I stepped into a yarn shop to avoid being drenched. I couldn't believe the beautiful yarns I saw. It wasn't like a trip to Woolsworth with Grandma when I was a kid! After feeling almost every ball of yarn in the store, I knew I just had to start knitting. But how? I remember a very funky chain stitch with a crochet hook when I was 7 years old...

I asked the sales consultant to recommend a good basic instructional manual to teach me to knit. She recommended "The Knit Stitch".

In the past 4 weeks, I have knitted Joel's scarf, the flat knit hat, a couple of basic scarves using luxurious yarns, and am now feeling confident enough to try the ruana!

I have never knitted before. The only knitter I know lives over 400 miles away. This book has taught me to relax, enjoy the simple things, appreciate some hot chai, and learn what satisfaction can be derived from such pleasures.

Thanks Sally! Can't wait for book #2!

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You NEED this book!, June 11, 2003

By 

"kittybooks" (WA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Knitting Experience Book 1: The Knit Stitch, Inspiration & Instruction (Paperback)

Whether you are brand new to knitting or have been knitting for 30 years, you will find something in this book to love. I've only had the book since the second printing came out in March and I've already knit several of the projects in it (and want to knit more!)Excellent close-up color pictures of every technique described; beautiful, fashionable projects that anyone would love to wear or give as a gift. Every project in the book is made all with only knit stitches. Sally has managed to design projects that are simple enough for a beginner, but interesting enough for a seasoned knitter to enjoy making. She also presents some wonderful ideas about knitting in her 'knitting meditation' breaks between the chapters. I would add this book to my list of must have knitting books. If you want to start knitting, start with this book. I am recommending it to all of my beginning knitting students. If you've been knitting forever, you will have a hard time deciding which project to knit first. Go ahead, knit them all. I know I will!