Stitch 'n Bitch Superstar Knitting: Go Beyond the Basics [Paperback]

Debbie Stoller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2010

Knitters: It's time to take it to the next level. And who better than Debbie Stoller to show you how. The expert knitter and gifted, edgy author who introduced knitting to a new generation with her New York Times bestseller, Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook, now shows her readers how to do more—lots more.

Stitch 'n Bitch Superstar Knitting is the only knitter's handbook to teach the full array of advanced knitting techniques and skills, such as double-knitting, knitting lace, complicated color work, beading, and more. Writing with the clarity that makes her such an effective teacher, and the attitude that got her dubbed "knitting superstar" (San Francisco Chronicle), Stoller explains how to "knit by the numbers;" get creative with stripes; embellish with crochet, beading, and I-cords; how to make cable patterns; and how to use color forms. There's also a whole section on DIY—which gives a tutorial on creating your own knitting patterns.

And then the brilliant icing on the cake—41 cool, funky, and fabulous patterns from Debbie and the Stitch 'n Bitch community: a fluttery Rococco Shawl, Cap Sleeve Lattice Sweater, Jackie-O sequined cardigan, Empire Strikes Back dress, the adorable Button It children's sweater with changeable animal patches. Plus sexy stockings, stylish handbags, blankets, scarves, and more, all photographed in full-color.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

It’s a definitive publishing brand now, growing from workshops and knitting groups to a great (and funky) series called Stitch ’n Bitch. Once again, author-editor Stoller and her contributing designers hit the knitting needles with élan and nerve, basing the 41 patterns on the assumption that readers have mastered knitting and purling, and increasing and decreasing. This newest volume is definitely geared to the experienced stitcher, although brave knitters will be able to follow the up-front directions and illustrations for cables, bobbles, laces, intarsia, steeks, and, yes, even how to design it yourself. Instructions are detailed, with much colloquial language; the latter actual begins with chapter titles (for instance, Lace: The Final Frontier) and continues throughout. The designs, unfortunately, are not labeled in terms of ease/difficulty; plus many only capture one or two sizes. Yet the how-to’s are rich, featuring each contributor’s story as well as prefatory prose about the item’s creation. With abundant photographs, illustrations, and charts, knitters can choose among a sea-and-surf sweater, a fertility blanket, and a Coco Chanel–like cardigan with sequins. --Barbara Jacobs

From the Back Cover

Take your knitting to the next level! Learn intarsia knitting in a single sitting. Work Fair Isle with a smile.  Knit lace with grace, and don’t freak when it’s time to steek. Plus cable, double knitting, beading, embroidery, how to work short rows, and useful cast-ons, bind-offs, increases and decreases.

Debbie Stoller’s easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions lead you through 20 advanced techniques, and you’ll discover how to create your very own patterns for different kinds of sweaters, including drop shoulder, raglan sleeve, circular yoke, and even the notorious set-in sleeve.

After that, get your knit on with 41 gorgeous, inspired patterns that make use of all your newfound skills.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 356 pages
• Publisher: Workman Publishing Company; Original edition (November 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761135979
• ISBN-13: 978-0761135975
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.8 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #99,719 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Debbie Stoller is the bestselling author of the Stitch'n Bitch series of knitting books and calendars. She comes from a long line of Dutch knitters, has a Ph.D. from Yale in the psychology of women, and is the editor-in-chief of Bust magazine. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 68 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally! November 9, 2010

By M. Gibson

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I preordered this book a really long time ago and then worried that since I'd waited so I might be disappointed when it finally got here. It was definitely worth the wait.
There are three parts to this book - Part 1: the stitches, Part 2: How to create your own patterns and part 3: the patterns.
The first two parts are awesome. 164 pages of detailed instructions, pictures and diagrams. Short rows, cables, colorwork, lace, a selection of cast-ons, buttonholes, decreases, increases, steeks, adding beads ... it's all in here, and more. The reading is easy and the concepts are clearly explained (at least the sections I've read so far).
I'm also very pleased that there's a section on creating your own patterns. As a knitter I'm pretty fearless, but I'm a wuss when it comes to designing my own patterns. It seems so complicated and usually I can find an already existing pattern for what I want to make, anyway. But now maybe I can finally make a sweater to fit my tall, skinny husband who has long arms.
The first stitch n bitch book gave a lot of young new knitters (like me) great instructions and patterns for things we would actually want to wear. This book does the same thing for advanced techniques. Cables are cool but those bulky aran fishermen sweaters might not be for everyone. The patterns in this book are fantastic. There are only a couple I'm not crazy about - it's not that I don't like them, I just don't like them as much as some of the other patterns in the book. There are 41 patterns for adults and children (and 1 dog coat) - sweaters, cardigans, shrugs, socks, hats, blankets, bags, scarves ... even a couple of dresses and skirts. The only trouble is deciding which to knit first. I've read through a few of the patterns I'm likely to start soon and the instructions seem clear, and there are charts and pattern notes where required.
Great book if you're new to these advanced techniques or if you're an old pro.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, Well-Organized, and Easy to Read and Understand November 11, 2010

By K. Lacis-Huff

Format:Paperback

Debbie has the gift of writing clear, easy to understand (and humorous!) instructions even when the technique may be an advanced one--I'm now knitting cables without a cable needle! The original patterns in the book are fresh and interesting with beautiful photographs. There is a wide selection of projects covering a variety of the techniques highlighted in the book. There is also a large section in the book on creating your own knitting designs--again, presented in an easy-to-follow writing style.

I'm relatively new to knitting and didn't know about Debbie Stoller and her books. I was lucky enough to meet her at a recent book signing and knitting class to promote this latest in her series--I've found a new favorite knitting guru! The book is a user-friendly joy to read, and I have already been using it as a resource as I navigate my way through my latest project.

I can't imagine any knitter being disappointed in this book. Highly recommended.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great guide for beginning and experienced knitters November 23, 2010

By JELGeo

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have to say, I have all of Debbie Stoller's books and I think this one may be the best yet. The layout is great and the explanations are clear as always. The design tips are great and the patterns fit the book. Would recommend even for experienced knitters.