Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Knitting (Leisure Arts #15914) (Donna Kooler's Series) (Paperback)

~ Kooler Designs Studio (Author), Leisure Arts (Author), Donna Kooler (Author) "BASIC SKILLS OF KNITTING-casting on, knitting and purling, binding off-are basic because they are the heart of knitting..." (more)
Key Phrases: insert the working needle, reverse knitting, reverse stockinette ground, Fair Isle, Dark Green, Dark Red (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Leisure Arts Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Knitting Definitely not your grandmother's knitting book. Thanks to Hollywood's newfound obsession and updated, stylish designs, a whole new generation has caught on to the art of knitting. For those just starting out or veteran knitters, expert Donna Kooler's newest, Encyclopedia of Knitting, will get those needles clicking. This comprehensive guide covers all the basics, from the history of knitting, tools, and materials, to how-to instructions for 164 stitches and stitch patterns, with tons of photos and diagrams to show the way. Includes instructions for both right-handed and left-handed knitters, with narrative directions and symbols to make learning easier. Contemporary projects by today's top knitting designers are suitable for a variety of experience levels and include a man's vest, a baby's dress, and decorative pillows. If the runaway success of her two previous Encyclopedia* volumes is any indication (and we certainly think so!), this one has 'bestseller' written all over it.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Leisure Arts, Inc. (February 2, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574862839
• ISBN-13: 978-1574862836
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #236,538 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #55 in

  Books > Reference > Encyclopedias > Gardening

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great pattern reference book......, February 9, 2005

By	Dianne Foster "Di" (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

Donna Kooler has done it again. Like her Encyclopedia of Crochet, the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF KNITTING is a must-have resource for your knitting-crocheting library. EN is divided into three major sections: 1/ history and other basic information; 2/ a few dozen knitting projects (scarves, pullover, hat or two, beautiful pullover shawl in kaleidoscopic pattern, a toy or two, dog jackets, socks); 3/ `Knitting Pattern Gallery'.

The Knitting Pattern Gallery shows pages and pages of various pattern swatches with instructions on how to make each of them. I find making a swatch a really good thing to do before I become immersed (and embroiled) in a larger project. Some of these patterns are quite complicated and definitely beyond the skills at hand of the new knitter. Others are doable. If you are working on a complex pattern and want a little guidance, Kooler's books are handy to have nearby. I refer to them all the time. Sometimes you just need to see a stitch up close to determine whether or not you can tackle it. ***** for patterns; **** for projects

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good for general info but project pattern full of errors, July 13, 2004

By	"malonebegley" (Charlottesville, VA) - See all my reviews

While this book may be a good general reference, be careful when starting any of its projects. I tried to make the "elegant beaded scarf" and found the pattern so full of errors (in some cases the stitches in a row just didn't add up!) that I had to get out some graph paper and redesign the beading. Luckily, the scarf came out beautifully, but it was a frustrating experience. I'm not going to risk trying the other patterns in the book - I don't want to waste expensive yarn.

28 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fun Knitter's Encyclopedia with great projects!, February 21, 2004

By	Sheri Smith (Spin2Knit in E. Tennessee) - See all my reviews

What I especially like about this knitting book is that it shows a variety of techniques from basics to entrelac, from beading to fair isle, from felting/fulling to beautiful lace work... along with a nice stitch dictionary. 22 projects by well known knitters included in the large sized, substantial book. Definitely worth the retail price! And it'd make a great gift for yourself... or for any knitter--beginning to experienced.
I'll be knitting the a few of the patterns from it very soon: the fulled baby mary janes, the fulled hat, and the fulled sheep with my handspun yarns.

Buy it! You won't regret it.
That's my humble experienced knitter's opinion and I'm stickin' to it!