Knitting Pretty - Simple Instructions For 30 Fabulous Projects Review

by Kris Percival

Overall 5.00 of 5 view all 2 reviews

mhew
Clifton, NJ

Want to learn to knit? This is the book for you!

a woman, Every day computer user, experienced parent, a busy person, fiction reader, a fan of quick, page turning books, married

Pros

great for first-timer, all-in-one basic knitting reference, for knitting "dummies

OCT

2008

Some years ago, I was on a mission to teach myself how to knit. The first thing I did, before buying the book, was get all the knitting materials I needed. I went on an auction website and bid on a large knitting lot of different types and sized needles and other do-dads I had no idea how to use. I had a basic idea of how to knit, but I had no idea of the other stitches involved. I also did not realize that it takes more than just a pair of the right sized straight knitting needles to knit almost anything other than a scarf. I am also the type who will try to find how-to instructions online for free before going out to buy a book. I found plenty of knitting patterns, but, oh my! It was another language to me, I just could not decipher all of the abbreviations, and when I did find the translations, I didn't know what they meant!

Knitting Pretty To The Rescue!
I soon realized I would not be able to figure out how to knit on my own. I found myself at the nearest Barnes & Noble and began my search there. There were plenty of knitting books, but none of them had the basic instructions I needed to get started from, well, "duh".

Finally, I picked up this book called, Knitting Pretty - Simple Instructions For 30 Fabulous Projects. I skeptically flipped through the book. I was delighted to find that, not only were the pattern instructions in plain English, the book also had step by step, illustrated instructions for every basic stitch. And, on the back, there was the lovely "knitting abbreviations" glossary!

My Personal, Self-Taught, Knitting Experience
I started out with the very basic knitted bookmark pattern. This is the perfect first project for anyone who needs to learn from scratch. I soon learned that I didn't even know how to handle the needles properly and hold the yarn at the same time. I was very slow at first. It felt awkward, but, with practice and determination, I was soon casting on and weaving the basic stockinette stitch! Later on, I challenged myself with the hats and mittens projects. At first, my projects were less than perfect.

Eventually, I began to venture outside of the projects within the book and explored those once intimidating patterns I have seen on the internet. I could now decipher the abbreviations! To this day, I still need Knitting Pretty at my side for reference. It has been my knitting life-saver. I don't think I can ever part with it!

Last edited on Oct 16, 2008

Knitting Pretty - Simple Instructions For 30 Fabulous Projects is recommended by mhew

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Comments about mhew’s Review

Cool review. Haven't knitted in years. Crocheting was always quicker for me.

Great review and I've bookmarked it for the day when I ever decide to venture farther with knitting. I love the picture--cute hat and girl!

Very interesting review! I love how you kept at it to teach yourself how to knit. I'm a self-taught quilter and crocheter and skills do improve with practice. I've done a little knitting which was easier to get the hang of because I was already into crochet. I'm thinking of knitting an afghan for practice, but I can't figure how to get so many stitches cast onto one needle. I need to research some more I guess. :)