A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns [Paperback]

Barbara G. Walker (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The three volumes comprising Walker's knitting treasuries, published in 1968-72 by Scribner, have long been out of print. They have recently been reissued by Schoolhouse Press and should be seriously considered for purchase by large public libraries and textile collections.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Schoolhouse Pr (June 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0942018176
• ISBN-13: 978-0942018172
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #30,663 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Barbara G. Walker, author of The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets, The Woman's Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects, and many other books, is a member of the Morris Museum Mineralogical Society and the Trailside Mineral Club of the New Jersey Earth Science Association.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

73 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Belongs on every knitter's bookshelf, June 8, 2002

By 

JLind555 - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns (Paperback)

Barbara Walker outdid her own classic reference book in the "Second Treasury". It's cram-jammed, chock-a-block with patterns that make your fingers itch to get hold of some yarn and let your creativity run wild. Unlike the reader in Arlington, WA, I would never categorize this book as a "professional reference"; it's a must for anyone who likes to knit, from novice to expert. The genius of Barbara Walker's knitting books is her crystal-clear instructions and explanations; she makes it easy for anyone to follow. Many of the designs in the "Second Treasury" are quite simple and any beginner could do them with no trouble; once you develop more skill and experience, you can move on to some of the harder patterns. There are enough designs in this book to satisfy the rankest novice or the most experienced pro. I also found the black/white photographs very helpful in showing the design details much more clearly than color photos would. (In fact, some knitters make the mistake of combining too many pattern stitches with too many colors in one garment, and ruining the effect.) Like the first "Treasury", the "Second Treasury" is very well organized into different pattern groups, and includes some new groups such as mosaic patterns, which are really quite simple but the color effect is stunning. Both "Treasury" books are invaluable references that will provide enough inspiration for a lifetime of enjoying this craft.

45 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For all knitters, May 12, 2000

By 

S. E. Simmons "midwestjarhead" (Colfax, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns (Paperback)

The Second Treasury is, if anything, even better than the First. Barbara Walker's directions are clear, she gives many helpful hints, and there are photographs of each knitted swatch. The stitch patterns range from simple (but lovely) knit and purl variations to designs that will challenge the most expert.

If you have gone beyond following the directions in knitting magazines, and would like to start designing your own sweaters, this is a book you should definitely own.

The section on cables is particularly stunning--if you are looking for ideas for Arans, this is a worthwhile investment.

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb collection of knitting patterns, August 5, 2005

By 

Gillian Buchanan "Classical Music Editor at B... (London, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns (Paperback)

This book is more than just a collection of knitting stitch patterns. The Introduction is an essential read as it contains many helpful hints and tips, and the introductions to each section and accompanying text describing each of the patterns also contain a lot of valuable information.

I do have concerns about the two Dura Europos patterns - these are probably not originally knitted but made using a technique known as sprang. However it's an interesting interpretation and Ms Walker's knitting pattern versions are worth attempting as the end result is attractive and coherent.

Unfortunately some of the colour photographs are not very pleasing to look at but they were taken in the 1970s so the colour combinations and yarns chosen reflect that. However the black and white photographs of the stitches are extremely clear and provide good detail, showing every stitch of the patterns.

I regard this wonderful collection of patterns as an essential, whether it's for designing and making your own garments or as a reference tool in deciphering a mistake or a printed pattern which is not clear. Browsing through it to look at the different stitches and choose different ways of working some of them is as interesting as actually knitting the designs.