Knitting School: A Complete Course
Although the title suggests that readers seeking a full knitting tutorial will be able to use this as a master guide, its true purpose lies in its presentation of a variety of knitting techniques for intermediate to advanced knitters and designers. The instructions begin with the basics-casting on, knitting and purling-but the lack of any text other than straight directions may actually confuse and discourage beginners. The volume jumps rather haphazardly from the tools needed (though beginning knitters won't require as many as are listed) to how to design a sweater, before moving on to shaping and complicated stitches (including the little-used tubular stitch), which may baffle novices. However, the clear illustrations are helpful in other areas, such as the comprehensive sections on piecing sleeves, collars, wristbands, hems, edgings, buttonholes, pockets and mending. Basic but worthwhile instructions on embroidery, special stitches and a few small projects, such as gloves, baby booties and socks, are also handy, but instructions on knitting shoulder pads and pleats seem to have come from another century, when knitters had no resources except yarn and needles. While the full-color drawings are very clear, it's too bad that there are no photographs depicting, for example, a correctly completed stitch. Somewhere between a knitting encyclopedia and a beginner's handbook, this volume falls a bit short on both accounts, but it should greatly benefit knitting devotees who want a few techniques at their fingertips when designing sweaters.Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.