Kate Haxell

There is s good variety of stitches and the section of borders is really strong, but there the organization of the stitches is lacking. Beyond the three large sections - basic stitches, motifs, and edgings & trims - there is no numbering, no grouping by stitch height or complexity, or no grouping by texture. However the "getting started" section is very clear and the inclusion of both charts and written instructions is very nice. The couple of stitches I've tried from the book have turned show more out well. show less

Learning to knit is easy if you have a friend or family member to patiently show you the stitches and help you through those first few items. Those of us who learn on our own, need a book that takes some time to explain the beginnings. First Knits starts with the equipment you need, how to hold the yarn and then a series of workshops. In the first workshop you learn the basic cast on, knit stitch, counting rows and stitches, and many more basics (14 in all). In this area of the book you will show more only need to knit. There are five projects just for these basic lessons, a scarf, booties, hat, backpack, and a pillow.

The book then takes the reader to the next step with knit and purl and then eight patterns using the skills learned in this workshop. Although for beginners, there are several in this section that I would like to knit. There is a really cute heart pillow with button on appliqués, a stuffed rabbit, a pom-pom scarf , matching hat, mittens, handbag, a lacy shawl, and a kimono jacket.

The last is the workshop for using several colors, with patterns for a beach bag, socks using two needles, a striped “throw” or afghan, and a baby jacket.

There are cover flaps that open up and on the underside of both the front and back are stitch guides, which I think is a nice touch. show less

It looked like a nice book, but I had an issue with the tiny font, and the photographs were not the most helpful. The information is not encyclopedic (to be fair, it does not claim to be so) and I was enjoying it while reading.
Because I was reading several books on sewing at the same time, I had others to compare it to in real time, and I usually preferred the others.

An interesting book of methods and ideas. Interesting ways of using decorative elements into knitting with a focus on furnishings also occasional accessories.