Cables: The Basics
I am a guy who crochets, and until recently had a very basic knowledge of knitting. Then I somehow got acquainted with and found my passion in Aran designs. This book and another by Janet Szabo; Aran Sweater Design are at the very top of my list for their content. Janet's written instructions give me the sense that she is sitting here in front of me showing me in step by step detail how to accomplish various cable stitches with the greatest clarity I've seen. There are countless things that I didn't expect, such as correcting cables that have been knit the wrong direction and other helpful tips/techniques. There are a growing number of guys who are involved in the needle arts community, and I, for one, am grateful for this book as I learn, step by step, to create cabled knits that I can be proud of. --Amazon.com. . . and I'm terrible with books. This one has a chart system that is very, very clear. Each of the hundreds of cables is illustrated and set off with its own chart (in black & white). The chart system is easy to understand quickly. Many of the cables are simple and traditional, but Szabo has also included some more intricate ones with celtic-looking knots and braids. A number of these she created herself, and what's more, she describes in some detail how the reader can create her or his own cables.  Near the front is a glossary of dozens of individual cable stitches, with precise instructions on how to create them. These become a reference for the charts used throughout the book.  If there is any difficulty with this book it is that the stitch glossary is at the front, removed from the individual cable charts. I could not imagine a reasonable way to avoid this arrangement, and anyway it was at most a minor annoyance, since most of the stitches are relatively easy to learn. For the most complicated ones I just photocopied the stitch page and kept it with the chart page. The result was definitely worth the effort.  I can only say that the subtitle "Volume One: the Basics" fills me with expectation.  As for skill level, I think that anyone who knows how to knit and purl with some comfort can readily master most of the cables in this book. After all, cables usually have the happy feature of looking harder than they are. --Amazon.com