I thought that I’d go for an easy book this week. I wanted one that I could skim through and move on. What can I say – I’m still in summer vacation mode.
What did I decide about Knitting Beyond Scarves: Thumbs down!
The back cover says it all: Take Your Knitting to the Next Level. Actually the book starts out with all the basics – casting on, the knit stitch, and binding off. The book is packed with simple info for a knitter who wants to go “beyond the scarf”. The illustrations are very clear and easy-to-follow. The explanations are well-written and organized in a logical step-by-step fashion. For the $19.95 cost, you could learn a ton from this book.
OK – now that I’ve told you what I like about the book. Now for the down side. I love Melissa Leapman – her books, her designs and her bubbly personality. The designs featured in this book are either too simple, ho-hum or really not great. The one design I do like is the striped hat below. It’s adorable. Some of the skirts in the circular knitting and increase and decrease sections miss the mark in many ways. The purple A-line skirt in a novelty yarn doesn’t do it for me. The sweaters and accessories wouldn’t “wow” most knitters I know. I was surprised that the book was published in 2006. I thought at first glance that it might have been published in the 80’s or 90’s.
For someone who wants to learn new techniques and have a “go-to” book to help them along the way, this book is perfect. I feel like it’s not one that I would use and it should have a new home and get off my shelf!
nancyjthomas 