Book Review
What I really like about Stitch ‘n Bitch Nation is that every
part of it is useful to knitters of every experience level. It is
very comprehensive and jam-packed with everything you want and need
to know about the knitting process. A color photo accompanies every
project, so you have a good visual of what the final product should
look like. The first chapter, I Knit It My Way (How to make any
knitting pattern work with your yarn, your gauge, (making sure the
final product fits) your body, and your style) could be a refresher
course for some but a beginner lesson and a step toward successful
knitting for others. The author takes you step-by-step through a
couple of patterns so you know how to read them and work with the
instructions so the final products turn out like they are supposed
to. There are also tips sections called Show Me Your Tips, in this
chapter and throughout the book to explain additional knitting processes
that may be confusing or difficult (i.e. using the magic formula
to space increases and decreases evenly along a diagonal and tips
for working with circular needles and how to dye yarn with kool-aid).
In the next chapter there are patterns for a wide variety of knitted
projects (Scarves, Hats, Mittens, Sweaters, Ponchos, Sexy Summer
Knits (sweaters, tank tops, stockings, miniskirt/shirt), Legs, Bags
and Beyond (slippers, handwarmers, belt), Babies, Dogs, Cats (pants,
sweaters, hat, booties, cat toys), Gifts and more (cell phone and
tea cozies, rock star dolls, fuzzy dice and steering wheel cover,
pillows). The selection of projects is so varied and unique that
most likely something along the lines of whatever knitters are looking
for will be present in this book. Also present throughout the book
are sections on knitting groups called Stitch ‘n Bitch Across
the Nation so you can read about what other people are doing when
they get together including projects, charitable work and how they
got organized. It is really interesting to read and you may even
see some of yourself in what you are reading about other groups
that have formed. It may also help decide what your group can do
or what direction it will take.
The next chapter called The Knitty-Gritty (A Refresher Course)
is exactly that, an illustrated step by step explanation of knitting
techniques (stitches) to visually take you through casting on your
stitches, knitting, binding off, increasing, sewing side seams,
fringe, pom poms and Cable and Fair Isle styles just to name a few.
This chapter is very helpful for beginners as well as more experienced
knitters because even if there is just one technique or stitch you
don’t know how to do it is worthwhile reading. Also helpful
are the sections in the final chapter called Resources (Yarn Stores
and Yarn Suppliers around the world so wherever you are you know
where you can go to get help and supplies to successfully complete
your knitting project(s). And just because this book is too good
to be true for bonus information and help, there is a Knitting Notes
section for you to write in. |
