Excellent teaching book, didn't know there was so many different ways of ending your project

I bought this book because I agree that most what makes or breaks most hand-knit items is the finishing. So I tried a new "tubular" cast-on technique offered by Wiseman as the "most professional, beautiful, elegant" cast-on possible. The only drawbacks she identifies for it are that it takes more yarn and more time. Well, I'm all about taking more yarn and more time to get it right. So I closely, carefully followed the instructions, did everything right (which I knew because the "discard" piece of contrast-color yarn I started with pulled cleanly out of the tube) and I ended up with a RUFFLED edge that flares out away from the hips. And not in a good way. Gah. Why didn't I just stick with the old dependable long-tail cast-on I've used for 20 years?

I keep this book handy anytime I'm finishing a garment. The pictures are great, and instructions are very clear. If you're planning on knitting a sweater/garment, I highly recommend this book.

Borrowed this book from a friend when I was having trouble sewing up some sweater seams. Had to buy one for myself almost immediately because I want it in my (limited) library of knitting references. It covers several useful techniques with clear explanations, pros & cons for each, and wonderful pictures that help explain anything the words might have missed. Futhermore, the spiral binding lets it lay flat so you can concentrate on the information rather than what you need to run and get to keep the pages open. I don't buy every knitting book I see, but this one's worth the shelf space.