69 of 69 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I LEARNED TO KNIT WITH THIS BOOK!, December 15, 2004
This review is from: Teen Knitting Club: Chill Out and Knit (Spiral-bound)
This book is absolutely amazing! Don't let the word "TEEN" in the title discourage you; I am well past my teenage years and I love this book. The patterns are hip, yet timeless. After about 2 hours of skimming through this book and making swatches with a few of the techniques I read about, I decided to make a scarf. It is the first pattern in this book-a basic garter-stitch (plain knit) scarf, however, I changed the size of it because I wanted to make it longer and skinnier. I used super thick yarn and huge bamboo (I read bamboo was the best and easiest for beginners because the yarn stays put) needles in size 19, and completed the scarf in about 3 hours!!! I couldn't believe I turned string into an actual object!
All the directions for each pattern are written out instead of abbreviated, which is easier for beginners. However, there is a glossary of terms and abbreviations in the back of the book so you can learn some abbreviations. The entire book is in color, with gorgeous pictures. The patterns list the yarns that are used, but also lists alternative yarns to use, so it is easy to figure out how to make the same project with thinner or thicker yarns as well as different material yarns. They also show you that you can use another brand with the same weight and gage if you wish to make the exact pattern but don't want to use the yarn they suggest. Also, Every project has a list on the right side that tells you the page numbers of the techniques you will need to know for that particular project.
The book lists the following:
yarn descriptions
dissection of a yarn label
needle conversion chart
accessories you will need
how to hold needles and yarn
shows color pictures of different types of stitches
top 10 problems and how to fix it
stitches and techniques
tips on how to make your own knitting project scrapbook
ideas for knitting for charity
sources
2 blank "notes" pages
The projects include (each category has several projects):
scarves (male & female designs), hats (male & female designs), bags (small & big), ponchos, tank tops, shell-neck tops, sweaters, cardigans, and one-day-projects (such as headband, doo-rag for your head, choker, blankets).
I just completed the Drop-Stitch Scarf (2nd project). I used my own yarn that wasn't listed along with thinner needles. The Raggy Bag is going to be my next project (Right now I'm working on another project from a different book).
This book shows you how to make all the necessary stitches and techniques needed for a beginner. It teaches you:
gages
slip knot
cast on
knit
purl
stockinette
reverse stockinette
increasing (it shows 1 way to increase-Stitch N Bitch shows 3)
decreasing (it shows 1 way to increase-Stitch N Bitch shows 3)
binding off
joining yarn
weaving in ends
blocking
seaming-the mattress stitch
I only found a few things that were left out from this book. Like many books, it assumes you know how to rib just because you know how to knit and purl. Yes, they show you how to knit and purl (ribbing is knit than purl in the same row), but I had a hard time figuring out where to move my yarn from knit to purl when making a rib. I learned from a website on the internet. (Just incase anyone would like to know; if you want to start with a knit stitch...knit the first stitch, then bring the yarn over between the two needle points-towards yourself, then purl, then bring the yarn back--between and over the two needle points-away from you-to knit...and so on. The next row, purl where you knit and knit where you purled the previous row...and so on.) It also only shows you one way to change yarn or change colors. There are other ways that aren't listed, such as fraying and wetting wool ends and rubbing them together(felting), fraying and sewing (with needle and thread) the ends up and inside each yarn end and then together.
Overall (to make such a long post short), I feel this book is great for beginners and intermediates as well. The book is clear, concise, and colorful. The layout is simple and not confusing at all. The binder is spiral so you can lay the book flat and the page stays put. It describes the stitches and techniques in full detail with color pictures. The patterns are hip, yet timeless. This book shows you that you can use different yarns other than what the pattern calls for and most important of all, the patterns are easy. Most of the patterns show you pictures of different steps to the project along the way. This book has all you need to know to knit as a beginner, but I would definitely also get Stitch N Bitch to complement this book. Stitch N Bitch has more information, but the patterns in Teen Knitting Club are more clear, understandable, and slightly easier. I feel it is best to start with at least 2 books so you can compare notes...and stitches.
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34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Super book - Not given enough credit!, September 21, 2004
This review is from: Teen Knitting Club: Chill Out and Knit (Spiral-bound)
Was considering this book, but very unsure, due to the sparse description. Saw it at the local bookstore and WOW - what a good book for any age knitter. These are very nice patterns and do not look homemade. What is best about this book, is that it encourages the user to substitute yarns. As I am a "by the pattern knitter," and I feel that I cannot knit properly unless I have the exact materials, I think that this book will be a big help in breaking me of this habit and getting me to be a bit more creative in my knitting. Super book, I hope many people discover it and that it sells well!
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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
GREAT BEGINNER BOOK, NOT JUST FOR TEENS!, October 7, 2004
This review is from: Teen Knitting Club: Chill Out and Knit (Spiral-bound)
I had read that many of the good beginner books are geared toward teens and that is the truth when it comes to this one. This is a great book for teens and 20-somethings or a young mom and daughter who want to learn knitting together. It explains all of the basics and gives color photos of stitch patterns and project patterns. It explains what size needles to use with the different weights of yarn. I love that it gives you the top ten problems you may encounter and how to resolve them. It also includes an abbreviation list in the back.
There are great specific patterns for teens and 20-somethings in this book. There are so many great beginner patterns it is hard to choose between them. Patterns include: a great easy poncho; a couple cute, simple purses; a lot of nice scarves and hats: a very simple friendship blanket. Each pattern tells you what materials and skills you need to have, what yarn they used in the picture, and simple instructions IN PLAIN OLD ENGLISH, NOT ABBREVIATIONS. It also has a 1-day projects section with 3 patterns. I love that you don't have to buy a pattern book with this one because there are so many great patterns included.
If you are a teen or 20-something looking for a book that teaches you to knit through simple techniques (IN PLAIN ENGLISH) with great easy patterns you can not go wrong with this book. I would recommend it to anyone learning to knit that has gotten frustrated with the other beginner books out there.
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