Every Monday I will throw out a post on Beginning Basics. When you are new to knitting there is so much to know and most of it takes so much time. I spent much of first two years knitting just searching and researching everything out there from the best needles to where to find cheap patterns. So while this week's post might be old news for you stay tuned for something new each week. I'm sure you'll pick up a few pointers here wether you're a total greenhorn or a master knitter.
I have over 100 knitting books in my library. It's disgusting and overwhelming. I haven't even mentioned all the pattern brochures and magazines. The book hoarding started out innocently
enough. I was new to the craft and wanted to learn more and get inspired more. I was living overseas and my family and husband were always gone... so I bought books... and more books. I'd say out of all the patterns I've knit only between 20 to 25% came from a book or magazine I owned. So really, you don't need books and books of patterns to knit interesting things. I admit, some books are just damn beautiful to look at. I have a guilty pleasure knitting book called
Poetry in Stitches. It's a pricey gem but my eyes dance whenever I open it. Will I ever knit anything in this book, probably not.
Other books I own are like treasured resources for techniques, information and basic patterns. Most fall in between these two categories of books... they're ok but really, I could probably do without them. So to prevent you from going broke here are a few beginner books and reviews.
Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitters Handbook by Debbie Stroller
Stroller has created quite a needlecraft empire with the release of this first book in 2004. She has authored many books on knitting and crocheting. Still, this basic first book is one I turn to on a regular basis. It is written like a traditional text book, starting at the basics with some history then step by step it takes you through knitting simple items. Each chapter teaches you a skill or two and then gives you an assignment item to knit. Perfect for a do it yourself learner. Also, lots of great illustrations on how to knit the stitches. Lots of patterns are within the covers and many are very hip and modern, the kind of stuff any 8 to 28 year old would love.
One Skein: 30 Quick Projects to Knit or Crochet by Leigh Radford
I picked up this gem at Harrods in London, of all places. This was another impulse beginner knitting book that actually has paid off! I've done several patterns in this book and it was a pattern from these pages that I knit that finally broke me out of my year long dish cloth obsession. This is a good book to grow with. Some patterns are quite basic while others will challenge you a bit. Either way they are fast and great for knitters with ADD. This book comes with instructions on some different knitting techniques.
One-Skein Wonders: 101 Yarn Shop Favorites by Judith Durant
This is a series of books with tons of quick knitting projects for any occasion. Again, these projects are designed to give you a small challenge with a quick turn around... great when you are struggling for motivation.
Knit Fix: Problem Solving for Knitters by Lisa Kartus
Every knitter needs an 'Oh Shit' book. Gotta have one because it happens to all of us. This is just one of many on the market. I like to recommend this one because of it's layout and it's spiral bound, great for on the go!
Well there are just a few starter books for ya. Sure, there are many more out there and some folks will say others are better. These are just the ones that work for me. I've also found that through my travels around the world and through various parts of the US most knitters have an affiliation with at least one of the titles. So, tell me, what are your favorite beginner books?
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