Customer Reviews

A Second Treasury of Magical Knitting

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is the first knitting book I've bought which my husband wants to read. He made the paper Moebius model with me and that got him hooked. So here I am trying to knit my first Moebius scarf while he keeps walking off with the book because he wants to read about all the Moebius things Cat Bordhi has come up with. Lucky the knitting is so easy after getting past the first round or I'd have to chase him to get my book back!

Yesterday he came home from work late looking sheepish (no this is not a joke) with his hands behind his back holding something. He handed me three skeins of Manos yarn for knitting three Moebius baskets. Believe me this is very funny because normally I have to hide my yarn purchases from him.

If you buy this book just follow the directions step by step for the cast on and first round. I really had no idea what I was doing since it didn't seem like it could work but her directions are very very clear and complete and if you put your faith in them they will get you right into Moebious-land!

Not only that but this book is so beautiful to look at and read!

This is a mixed review. For me, the negatives and positive aspects of this book are about even, with, perhaps, the edge going to the negatives. I found the writing to be my prime irritant. It's both condescending and fatuous to the point where I stopped reading in order to objectively review the projects. There's been a lot of buzz about the Moebius Cast On, this is what finally motivated me to buy this book. I was stunned to realize that this "special" cast on is nothing more than the invisible cast on worked with the circular needle's coil serving as the waste "yarn". My irritation stemmed in part from the fact that I used this technique for casting on a moebius scarf when this scarf first appeared on the web as a free pattern back in 1995 or 1996. The invisible cast on is in Mary Thomas's Knitting Book which was first published in the 1930s. Finally, Ms Bordhi gives credit to no one. Not to the originator of using a moebius as a knitted entity(Elizabeth Zimmermann) or to the originator of the moebius knitted from the center out.

On the positive side, Ms Bodhi has taken the knitted moebius and created some highly innovative and amusing items. Add a thumb trick to a long moebius strip and presto a basket or a bag. Add additional thumb tricks and some twists and Ms Bodhi creates a compartmented "Knitter's Bowl", which is without a doubt the highlight of this book. Some of the projects are obvious page fillers, too many cat beds & bags. The Jester hats & bags, I would not consider knitting. However, I haven't studied these patterns thoroughly and they might contain a useful new idea. The wallet, needle sheath, & scarf are obviously aimed at the more hesitant knitter.

The illustrations and pattern directions, I find adequate to good.

Whether to buy this book or not is a very idiosyncratic decision. If the word "wondrous", used to describe a piece of knitting grates like fingernails scraped on the blackboard, proceed with caution. Or if "follow the train tracks" or "leaping frogs", reminds you irritatingly of kindergarten--ditto. If you look at the book's projects, and one says "Knit Me" then buy.

If you want truly unique, this is the book for you! Cat has outdone herself in this book. I couldn't put down the first book of Magical Knitting and this one is even better. Cat beds and baskets, just to name a few. Her instructions are so easy to follow, it's as if she is in the room with you, chatting away while you make these gorgeous, unique objects of art. Her style of Moebius is absolutely addictive and so easy. It is not like any other moebius instruction. The long, one needle cast on is so easy, the results truly beautiful gifts you can be proud to give. I have made so many scarves and am working on the beds, boots and baskets. You will love this book if you are looking for something different.
Also check out Cat's Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles. It is the greatest! No more fighting with double points to make gorgeous socks. I had to buy an extra copy for my friend who kept borrowing mine!

Again, interesting patterns, but the author is just as annoying in this book as in her other ones. Because of this it is frustrating to go through the book at times. There are those who think Elizabeth Zimmermann was somewhat smug--this woman makes her look positively humble!

Some of the patterns are variations (lots of cat beds, which may or may not be to your taste, or worth knitting, and several sling bags), so they seemed more like "filler". The "knitter's bowl" is the best pattern, and would make an interesting desk organizer or a really cool gift basket, or portable nightstand for a guest. The "tentacle hat" is definitely a novelty item, and something you might wear to the SF Bay-to-Breakers race, or some other fun run.

So, buy the book, but go in with a friend, or buy and donate it to your library. I think this book is somewhat better than the first treasury, since if you have to choose between the two, it does have the basic the basic moebius instructions also.

I was pre-warned about the "chit chat" that takes place in the book. There are many paragraphs were nothing is said. I was more interested in the patterns and techinques than the chit chat. The patterns are awesome and very interesting. For anyone who is not an advanced knitter - this book is still worth the money... getting started is the hardest part. I also want to recommend the Turbo needles that are suggested - they are worth the money also.

I accidentally purchased this volume before the first one, having already played around with the Moebius. Its brilliant, and I've made and felted 2 of the projects already, with a couple more started - so its good value for money! Its very easy to understand, plenty of photos for technique, and her writing style is easy to read, so this is not too hard for the novice, like myself, who likes a challenge. Best of all, its good fun. 10/10

You've just got to see this new book! In all my 35 years of knitting and crocheting I have never, and I mean never, seen anything like it. It's like a knitting tornado has picked me up and carried me off.

I'm knitting up a slew of these Mossy Moebius Baskets for my grandkids for Easter, and one extra big one for myself just to have around to throw things into. My cats keep looking over my shoulder, giving me the squinty-eye, saying Meow! When are ya goin ta start knittin me one a them cat beds in that thar book?

You've just got to see this fine book for yourself. Right now I'm pondering whether to do the Knitters Bowl with all the pouches for me next or listen to my cats. Those cats will probably jump right in the knitters bowl if I don't make them a bed first, so guess that's what I'd best do.

I just received this book today and all I can say is WOW! I reviewed her other books, and love all of them. This one is fabulous with the cat beds, purses and knitting needle cases and bowls. Well worth the money, you won't regret this purchase and if you don't have the first treasury then you NEED to pick it up as well.

I attended one of Cat's classes recently and when I arrived home I began to read her Magical Knitting books. In class we were all spellbound by this woman's spirit and cleverness and also her cheerful sense of humor! Her writing is very much the same. She is very easy to learn from, a true teacher in my view. She made everyone feel comfortable and was so supportive. In her books and in her class she explains things several different ways to help everyone understand. She is very patient too. Her designs are outstanding. I highly recommend her books and her classes! I am having great fun with the knitting she taught.

I am a new knitter. After taking a class on the Mobius method, and getting into Cat Bordhi's fun and quirky head, it will be very boring for me to pick-up any of my other started projects. I have this and the first book, and was able to create many quick christmas presents that were a hit. Cat has found many ways that have simplified so many of the knitting methods, I am now able to transfer her methods to other knitting book patterns that I was afraid to try. I highly recommend trying these 2 books, you won't believe how how fun and strange it is, and knitting will never be the same for you.