Stitch 'N Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook (Paperback)

by Debbie Stoller (Author)
Key Phrases: sew seams, summer stuff, border patt, Bitch Patterns, Getting Knitty, Fancy Things (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
"The percentage of women under forty-five who knit or crochet has doubled since 1996," says Stoller (The BUST Guide to the New Girl Order), co-founder of the Stitch 'n Bitch circle in New York, and this slightly offensive, sassy guide-which could easily have been subtitled 'The Bad Girls' Guide to Knitting'-will undoubtedly appeal to this new generation of knitters. Starting with the basics, Stoller explains how to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off, all the steps needed to make a simple Ribbed-for-Her-Pleasure Scarf or a pair of Pippi Kneestockings. Easy-to-decipher diagrams and droll section headings ("Knit Happens," "Oops, I Knit It Again") ease readers through these first steps and will give most the confidence to tackle larger projects-like Cricket's Technicolor Cozy or Meema's Felted Marsupial Tote-designed by Stitch 'n Bitchers in Stoller's group and other knitters she admires. What makes this guide exceptional, however, is its chapter on the "Wonderful World of Knitters," which details how to start your own Stitch 'n Bitch circle and plug into the virtual knitting communities on the Web. Informative, colorful and full of attitude, this book is the perfect primer for 20- and 30-somethings looking to take on this hip "new" hobby.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist
This sassy-looking book offers a little bit of everything. Yes, practical matters are addressed, e.g., learning the stitches, "tools of the trade," and types of yarns, and, yes, there is information that's difficult to find in other places, such as advice about how to start your own knitting group or find free knitting programs online. But it is Stoller's commentary about knitting, its history, and why young women are knitting again that gets the book off to a rip-roaring start. Complementing the narrative sections are vintage pictures, family photos, and funky illustrations. The projects have a hip sensibility (bags, sweaters, a poncho), as do the chapter headings: "Oops, I Knit It Again" for the section on fixing knitting mistakes. A color inset shows the projects off; the illustrations with the instructions are black-and-white versions of the same photos. There's plenty here for beginners and skilled veterans alike. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Workman Publishing Company (September 3, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761128182
• ISBN-13: 978-0761128182
• Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 9 x 8.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (277 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,317 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #15 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Knitting
  #34 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Needlecrafts
  #84 in	Books > Entertainment > Puzzles & Games

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

135 of 140 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for old and new knitters!, October 18, 2003

By A Customer

Debbie Stoller outdid herself on this one! Not only is this book fun to read, it has all the basics you will need to learn to knit and complete all the projects in the book, and it includes ideas on how to branch out and learn more about knitting. The stories Stoller has included are inspiring, sentimental and a great history lesson, it is just like reading the magazine edited by this wonderful author. The 40!! projects are fun, creative and a flash of something new. There is something for everyone - beginning, intermediate and advanced to the most conservative knitters and some for the flamboyant. If you are a new knitter the skills you will pick up and take away with you after reading and practising on the projects will be valuable for everything you make in the future. You definately did a great job Stoller, I give my props to you and cannot wait to see what the future will bring for knitting - here's hoping for more amazing books like this!

107 of 117 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Almost Naughty Guide To The Fascinating World Of Knitting-Everything from Choosing Yarn To Choosing A Man!, November 9, 2005

By	Peter V. Cannice "Peter Vincent Cannice of Sc... (Scottsdale, Arizona USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For an Italian guy who grew up surrounded by Mom and Grandma knitting, reading Stitch 'N Bitch was totally interesting to read. I purchased 2 copies as gifts for the upcoming holidays. Just for fun, I started to read the introduction of the book. Before I knew it, I found myself interested enough in it to fisnish reading it in one sitting. It was too late to start wrapping, so I headed to bed with a sort of giggle in my voice. No-I didn't feel like one of the girls. Instead, I found great information about everything from the newest types of knitting to ways in which an individual could start a knitting group.

I can tell you, very honestly, that it's not a typical book for a typical guy to read. However, I DO feel that they should market this great little book to anyone who ever was surrounded or affected by knitting. For anyone who is even thinking about started to knit, this book is intended for you. Knitting is, once again, becoming more popular than ever.

When I was growing up, as a young boy in an Italian area in New York, every Saturday my Mother, Grandmother and Aunts would travel to one or more fabric stores to find the best deals on yarn and supplies. Knitting was a part of all of our lives. It was not uncommon to walk into our house on a Saturday evening and find my Mom and Grandmom and 5 other women-all finding a special place in the living room where they could knit and converse.

My Grandmother was my very best friend. When she passed away, my Mom and Dad were in charge of their Estate and asked me to give them a list of everything that I wanted from Grandmas home.
When I talked to them I told them that I already had everything I wanted-it was the great memories that I had with her and my Grandfather. I did, however, ask for one or two of her afghans and her knitting box. They were surprised at my request as I didn't want for anything more than the memories we had shared and some of her finely knitted afgans. And when they arrived, during the cold winter weather in Iowa, I was elated and reminded of what a great life I had with her and what an awesome crocheter and knitter she was.

I guess my story might be different than some other reviewers. I'm certain that I didn't include all of the many great details of this incredible book on knitting. Perhaps that will entise you, even more, to purchase a book that even a man found to be interesting and full of pizzaz.

Stitch 'N Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook is an amazing book that takes knitting to a level that one would never expect. You'll be transported deeply into the fascinating relationships that can take place when one knitter interacts with another. It doesn't matter whether you're a novice or a professional as all knitters have a couple of things in common-they are determined to create a great finished product and they enjoy good gossip.

You'll find all the necessary tools of the trade for your new knitting project. The book literally covers much more than I expected-everything from types of yarn to use to chatting with other knitters on the Internet. I enjoyed reading it and I felt so strongly about it that I wanted to put together some sort of review. And I pray that at least part of this review was helpful to you.

Warm Regards and Happy Knitting!

[...]

120 of 139 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Knitting Book I Own!, November 5, 2003

By	Leeann (Birmingham, MI, USA) - See all my reviews

So I'll admit it doesn't have much competition, but this is easily the best knitting book I own. The patterns are all cute, and the instructions are helpful to someone like me who knows only the basics. I particularly liked the segments on the history of knitting and Stoller's personal knitting-related experiences. It's a cute book just to pick up & look through, even if you aren't planning on doing any knitting. One glance will tell you that a lot of work went into the planning & production of this book, and that it was all top-notch!