Knitting in Plain English 
asked by ronmiller on November 11, 2006 8:12 AM
Whether you've been handling knitting needles for years, or just thinking about picking them up, Knitting in Plain English should be your bible. Drawing on twenty years of experience as "the knitting lady" in various yarn stores, Maggie Righetti provides sound instructions for beginners and sensible solutions for experienced knitters. Topics and techniques include:Picking a pattern that's right for you, determining gauge, how to knit and purl plus instructions for fifteen additional pattern stitches, how to make invisible increases and decreases, five different methods of buttonholing, how to short-row for a perfect fit, working with more than one color of yarn, how to weave invisible seams, picking up dropped stitches, how to hand-wash and block your finished garment, plus much, much more.From equipping your knitting bag to knitting a sweater, Maggie Righetti explains it all simply and clearly. Each technique is illustrated with easy-to-follow, step-by-step drawings. Complete with a detailed glossary of knitting terms and six learning patterns on which to practice, Knitting in Plain English is an invaluable sourcebook no knitter will outgrow.
Reviews
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I just paid $1.00 for this book, and overpaid. The book seems limited to what the author likes to do, not what you may choose to do.
For instance:
1. Kitchner for Stockinette is fully explained, but far from the best I've seen. For Garter, only the warning that ii is more complicated, and one illustration, but no written instructions. For Ribbing, just the warning that it's too hard for her.
2. There is no mention of steeks, not even in the glossary. Even if the book doesn't cover the subject, it should be included in any list of knitting terms.
3. The original owner of the book had written a question about measuring guage swatches on or off the needles. After reading the author's section on guage, I'm not surprised. Her swatching method leaves much to be desired, and in spite of several warnings about measuring not only the swatch but the work in progress several times to be sure the guage stays even throughout the garment, it was not explained that the swatch should be blocked as the finished garment will before being measured. Remember that size 6 sweater that became a 15 when washed and blocked? If only you'd blocked the swatch first.
THese are just three of the shortcomings I spotted in a quick review. I doubt I'll even explore the book farther, but at least I didn't pay full price. All in all, a great disappointment, even at $1.00, and perhaps not deserving of even the one star minimum rating.
For instance:
1. Kitchner for Stockinette is fully explained, but far from the best I've seen. For Garter, only the warning that ii is more complicated, and one illustration, but no written instructions. For Ribbing, just the warning that it's too hard for her.
2. There is no mention of steeks, not even in the glossary. Even if the book doesn't cover the subject, it should be included in any list of knitting terms.
3. The original owner of the book had written a question about measuring guage swatches on or off the needles. After reading the author's section on guage, I'm not surprised. Her swatching method leaves much to be desired, and in spite of several warnings about measuring not only the swatch but the work in progress several times to be sure the guage stays even throughout the garment, it was not explained that the swatch should be blocked as the finished garment will before being measured. Remember that size 6 sweater that became a 15 when washed and blocked? If only you'd blocked the swatch first.
THese are just three of the shortcomings I spotted in a quick review. I doubt I'll even explore the book farther, but at least I didn't pay full price. All in all, a great disappointment, even at $1.00, and perhaps not deserving of even the one star minimum rating.
reviewed by anton584 on November 26, 2006 8:54 AM
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I would highly recommend this for new knitters. It does not assume you know anything. This was one of my first (helpful) knitting books when I picked up needles. The descriptions are easy to understand - pictures are great. I refer back to this for stich definitions often. Maggie's strongest attribute is her ability to put a learner at ease - this is not necessarily an easy hobby to lean all by yourself. If you are new to knitting- BUY THIS BOOK and a also pick up a kid's leaning to knit book. The pair will be invaluable.
reviewed by carrots on November 26, 2006 10:23 PM