Book Review
What I really like overall about The Cool Girl’s Guide to
Knitting is the fun whimsical flavor to it. The author has a tongue
in cheek attitude in this book because she exposes the lighter side
of knitting with interesting articles such as Knitting and Dating
(Follow these (7) rules and your purls may get you a diamond) and
20 mistakes that every knitter should make (i.e. Knit one sleeve
longer than the other). Her sense of humor and attitude also come
through in the fun and interesting quotes and satirical cartoons
about knitting that are included in this book. My favorite quote
(and inspiration) is “Remember: every great garment begins
with a first stitch and the making is as much fun as the wearing.”
(p. 50).
On the more serious side The Cool Girl’s Guide to Knitting
is a great resource for beginner knitters as well as experienced
ones because it contains everything from the basics of knitting
in Part Two - What you need … and what to do with it to 20
funky patterns to which you can apply your knitting skills. And
if you are really interested in knitting there is an overview of
knitting practices in history (to present day) as well as around
the world in Part One – Knit then … and now. It is interesting
to see the path knitting has taken and how it has become so popular.
Especially useful is the information on the purpose of and how to
begin a knitting group.
The instructions for the projects in The Cool Girl’s Guide
to Knitting are clearly written for the most part and with the help
of the extensive abbreviation list included the steps to complete
the projects are easy to follow. It is also helpful to have page
references made to techniques previously explained in another part
of the book when it is required for a project (i.e. attaching tassels
for the Tasselled Garter Stitch Scarf). The only thing I didn’t
like about some of the instructions is the combination of the list
of equipment, materials, tension and finished size for the Tasselled
garter stitch scarf and Garter stitch scarf. The individual applications
of the equipment, materials, tension and finished sizes become apparent
when you read the separate instructions for the projects but it
could have been a bit clearer separating the pertinent information
for both the projects under only the combined heading and introduction
for garter stitch scarves. I did like the included statement the
author included about the garter stitch scarves being a good beginner
project.
I really like that the last two projects in the book are for storing
your knitting tools and materials. The Yarn Tool Bag and the Needle
Udder are not only useful but attractive storage options for keeping
your yarn and knitting needles organized, they would also make unique
gifts for the knitting enthusiast. |
