A Passion for Knitting : Step-by-Step Illustrated Techniques, Easy Contemporary Patterns, and Essential Resources for Becoming Part of the World of Knitting [Paperback]

Nancy Thomas (Author), Ilana Rabinowitz (Author), Melanie Falick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2002

The World of Knitting Right at Your Fingertips

More than a how-to book, A Passion for Knitting goes beyond teaching the craft and introduces readers to the culture of knitting. In Part I, you'll find fully illustrated instructions for learning stitches and mastering technique, presented with unprecedented clarity. They're so simple that you really can learn without a teacher. With this book in hand -- and no prior experience -- you will be able to knit a gorgeous sweater, scarf, or throw.

Next, Part II welcomes new knitters to the worldwide knitting community, exploring the myriad benefits this popular craft has to offer. This section, unique among all other guides, invites readers to

Tap into the power of knitting as a means of reducing stress and expressing creativity

Meet the design "gurus" and other stars of the knitting world

Discover opportunities for fellowship and networking with other knitters in clubs, conventions, and unique cultural fiber tours to countries ranging from England to Peru

Use their knitting skills to meaningfully support charities

Learn about the fashion trends in knitting from Trisha Malcolm, editor in chief of Vogue Knitting

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Going beyond the standard how-to, this two-part book authoritatively covers both the basics and the culture of knitting, appealing to novices and experts alike. The book is well organized and thorough, generally fulfilling the authors' mission to help people learn the craft without a teacher. After explaining the knit, purl and rib stitches, the text offers patterns for a variety of scarves, sweaters, socks, strip throws, baby blankets-and even a cell phone holder. The instructions, while clear and explicit, betray a commercial tie-in: one of the authors is marketing director of the company that makes the recommended brand of yarn. Knitting has obvious artistic and social appeal, note the authors in the collection of essays that constitute Part II. In fact, they claim, there's psychological evidence that casting on and cabling contributes to the knitter's overall well-being by helping to reduce stress. This section also brims with such useful information as sizing guidelines, suggested reading lists, Web sites, and fairs and festivals. 16 pages of color photos, 50 line drawings.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Nancy J. Thomas is editorial director at Lion Brand Yarn Company, the former editor of Vogue Knitting and Knitter's Magazine, the founding editor of Family Circle Knitting, and author of a nationally syndicated column called "The NeedleWorks." Nancy also coauthored Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book. She has appeared on television, including the Today show, to promote knitting and has hosted hand-knitting fashion shows around the country.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Touchstone; Original edition (October 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 068487069X
• ISBN-13: 978-0684870694
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #995,830 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a good book for a beginner, but assumes intermediate skills, January 25, 2003

By 

Hoatzin1 "hoatzin1" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Passion for Knitting : Step-by-Step Illustrated Techniques, Easy Contemporary Patterns, and Essential Resources for Becoming Part of the World of Knitting (Paperback)

There is a lot of info on yarns in this book which is good for someone who cannot go to a yarn store to see and touch the yarns there. The illustrations are clear for beginners to learn how to knit and there is a great section on making your first sweater. There is also a good section on finishing, however, this section could have used more illustrations for beginners to learn finishing techniques. The patterns in this book are nice and even contemporary: pair of socks, cardigans, rolled-neck and cable pullovers, scarfs, hat with tassel, luxury shawl, and throws, but would not wow anyone looking for more fashionable items.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A passion indeed!, January 13, 2003

By 

Kimberly M. Fairchild - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Passion for Knitting : Step-by-Step Illustrated Techniques, Easy Contemporary Patterns, and Essential Resources for Becoming Part of the World of Knitting (Paperback)

I just started knitting and this book has been an excellent resource. I've learned terms, stitches, patterns, and all sorts of history. The projects are cute and fun and well explained. The book has tons of information that makes complicated steps easy. This is an excellent book for beginners!!

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One man's passion for knitting satisfied, January 9, 2003

By 

"schuyler_martinson" (Alpharetta, Georgia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Passion for Knitting : Step-by-Step Illustrated Techniques, Easy Contemporary Patterns, and Essential Resources for Becoming Part of the World of Knitting (Paperback)

This book will take you a long way if your passion is knitting. Part "learn to knit", part "develop skills", part history book, and most importantly for me, a guide to the rest of the knitting world, including knitting for charitable purposes and the whole world of online knitters and resources.

That the authors have a real passion for knitting is obvious and they are great knitting "missionaries". They are never pushy, but if you have any interest in knitting and this book doesn't get you fired up, nothing will.

It's a great resource that covers a whole lot of territory well. If I could only have one book on knitting, I think this would be it.