Knitter's Lib: Learn to Knit, Crochet, and Free Yourself from Pattern Dependency

by Lena Maikon

Book Overview

Seasoned knitters know: the sassiest garments are often the easiest to stitch -as long as you understand why and what you're doing. In KNITTER'S LIB, handmade knit designer Lena Maikon applies her... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1580086950
• ISBN13: 9781580086950
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: Ten Speed Press
• Length: 174 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.5" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

great for crocheters

It's too bad about the knitting title on this book, because I think a lot of knitters will be unsatisfied with it and a lot of crocheters will miss it. As a beginning crocheter, I skipped all the knitting stuff but learned a ton from the crochet parts. She explains the theory of how things are formed in crochet (stitch size, proportions, shaping things like that), which I found very helpful. She also explains how to get different effects, in a general way so that they can be applied to anything. And she goes through a few patterns and explains WHY things are done a certain way. I found this very informative. I don't have the attention span to actually make something from a pattern, so being able to apply the concepts in this book to wing it when I make my own stuff is extremely valuable to me. Don't know about the knitting part, but I definitely recommend this one for crocheters.

On the contrary--the patterns are lovely!

While I agree with the other reviewers that the book's message--"free yourself from pattern dependency"--is incongruent with the many patterns in the book (the author does address design elements in one of the chapters) and that this is mostly a crochet pattern book--I count 10 crochet, 8 knit/crochet (crocheted edgings, necks and waistbands mostly), and 2 knit patterns--the book is not without its merits! First of, the patterns are lovely! Most are pretty, happy and colorful (not garish), and simple enough to tackle especially for a knitter like me who is just learning to crochet and would like to learn how to incorporate crochet and knitting together. The author teaches you--through doing her patterns--how, why, and where to add crochet when it is part of knitting. Second, the author walks you through each pattern and explains why and what you are doing. She writes well and gives you clear step-by-step directions. Her patterns are in the spirit of Stitch 'n Bitch though her patterns and color choices are prettier. Her designs remind me also of Joelle Hoverson's Last Minute Knitted Gifts. Yes, the patterns are simple and happy, mostly accessories, which I love! For a beginner crocheter, this is exactly what I need to start on--something small yet beautiful enough to inspire me. Some of my favorite patterns are: the Beach Bandanna, 1920's Cloche Hat (pretty), Kremlin Beret (original), Fargo-with-a-Kiss-Hat (fun), Bow-Wow Cowl, Hippie Bikini Top, Lara's Muff, All-Organic Tote Bag, and His and Her Clogs. (I'm not too crazy about the scarfs--they are not very pretty or original in my opinion.) So while the title may not be the best one for this book, I give Knitter's Lib 5 stars for its lovely crochet/knit and crochet patterns.

Enlightenment!!!

This is the book I have been looking for for years! Not only does it provide a comprehensive lesson on basic knitting and crocheting stitches but it explains the reasons why stitches are used. This witty author takes a realistic approach to creating while also being unique! Thankyou! Vikki Drummond PS - The Sub-title of the book had me half sold!