Speed Knitting: 24 Quick and Easy Projects (Paperback)

~ (Author), Randy Stratton (Illustrator), Sheri Giblin (Photographer)
Key Phrases: stockinette stitch, garter stitch, purl side, Scissors Yarn (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Beginning knitters can quickly get discouraged with the length of time it takes to complete even the simplest knitting projects, abandoning their first efforts long before they get a handle on the skill of knitting. Percival provides fast projects for the impatient knitter by choosing simple patterns requiring big yarn and large needles. Knitting terminology is minimal (Percival omitted standard pattern abbreviations in the directions), and explanations of supplies and techniques are short and basic. Time estimates are missing from the projects. Many projects, such as the blanket and sweaters, are speedy compared to your typical sweater or blanket pattern, but they still take time. Because the projects are simple, a paragraph on how yarn choice influences the wow-factor of your finished project might have been useful. This is a good pattern book for impatient knitters and beginning knitters (who have the basics down) because they will be encouraged to continue improving their skills by how quickly they can finish these projects. Jennifer Palmer
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Description

For those with lots of ambition but just a little bit of time, Speed Knitting pulls together 24 stunning projects that take from a few hours to a weekend at most. Whether it's a chic capelet or adorable baby booties, these cozy and stylish patterns make the most of big needles and cuddly, chunky yarns, so busy knitters can make the most of their valuable time. There's a pattern here for every skill level—and for every occasion. The Toddler Tank Dress makes an adorable shower gift; the Men's Crew Neck Sweater is the perfect surprise for dear old dad; and the Button-up Pillow Cover is an easy-to-achieve housewarming present. With the help of simple diagrams, gorgeous photos of each finished project, a comprehensive techniques section, and straightforward language throughout (none of those confusing abbreviations), Speed Knitting makes it a pleasure to whip up warm and woolly masterpieces.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 132 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (September 21, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811852458
• ISBN-13: 978-0811852456
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 7.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #156,446 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Speedy, It's True!! Makes an Amateur Feel Lik a Pro!, January 16, 2007

By	H. R. Dickerson "HerbyD" (Waterford, VA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have only been knitting a year or less - I taught myself using a few good books. One of the most important lessons I have learned is that it's not always easy to find simple to use and understand patterns that actually work the way their intended (i.e., without having to adapt the pattern). This book is a dream to use!!! Very clear instructions with notes on how you can adapt them for various needs.

I made the hooded scarf/mittens for my sister for Christmas. I consider myself an amateur since I'm self-taught and have only been knitting 8 months or so. And that's while running a business and raising little kids - so I haven't had a lot of time to practice. But I made the hooded scarf in less than a week! Considering I switched yarn twice (didn't like the first two choices), that amazed me. Had I trusted the yarn recommendations in the first place (i.e., to use a super-bulky weight for the project), I wouldn't have had a problem! Even my 7-year old said, "Mom, I can't believe how fast you're knitting that!" I couldn't believe it myself! The instructions were perfect. The only mistake I made was in not trusting them completely. I thought the hood was coming out too short so I added a few rows. That made the neck & shoulder area a bit long. It still worked out fine, but it would have been more perfect if I'd followed the instructions exactly (including the notes on adapting it).

Now I am knitting the baby afghan from Ms. Percival's & Ms. Stratton's book and it is going just as smoothly. My only complaint is with the yarn I selected - it is too fluffy to show off the pattern as much as I'd like (and because I try to knit while walking my dogs which often leads to mistakes!).

In a nutshell, if you're a knitter like me - love to knit but want to do it all with only a little time to do it - this is the perfect book for you! It will make you feel like you're actually a decent knitter. And being able to actually finish a few projects makes knitting much more fun! The patterns and instructions are well-layed out and worry free. Just trust them and it will work out better than you could have imagined!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great beginner projects!, September 24, 2007

By	lipnikki81 (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This book is great for those who have mastered the basics of knit and purl and are looking to take on a new challege, but still intimidated by more complex patterns. All of the projects call for a chunkier yarn, so the projects move quickly and keep you motivated, and the directions are clear and easy to follow. For more experienced knitters this book is full of quick projects that you can put together last-minute for gifts.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 stars is more accurate, October 24, 2007

By	A. Newell (Alabama) - See all my reviews

If I could give this 4.5 stars, I would. It's not perfect, but it is a great book. One of the problems I have with it is that some of the yarns are difficult to find. Unfortunately, there are no yarn stores near me, so I rely on the knitting section at the craft store. It is difficult to find natural fibers, and a lot of the projects require quite a bit of yarn. I've also had trouble finding the correct size circular needles at the craft store, but can usually get by on something "close". Also, I am an advanced-beginner to intermediate knitter, and I could use more description/illustration of some of the more difficult techniques presented in the book.

That said, I think most intermediate knitters would find most of these projects within their ability to complete. There is a wide variety of items, beyond your simple scarves and baby hats (shrugs, capelets, things for the home, pets, kids, etc). The large, full-color photos of completed items are inspirational and very much appreciated. For the most part, the instructions are clear and accurate and the items can be completed pretty quickly. I've had fun creating them and look forward to more when I get a chance to go to a yarn store. Several of the items from this book will be showing up in holiday gifts :) All in all, a GREAT book.