Weekend Knitting: 50 Unique Projects and Ideas

by Melanie Falick

Book Overview

When Weekend Knitting was first published in hardcover in 2003, a modern generation of knitters was just starting to discover this "hot new hobby." Since then, knitting has grown wildly popular and Melanie Falick's book has gone on to become a knitting classic and a huge bestseller. Now available in paperback, Weekend Knitting brings together unique, innovative, and still-fresh projects for beginning and more-experienced knitters, many of which can...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 158479769X
• ISBN13: 9781584797692
• Release Date: March 2009
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 1.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 8.6" x 9.5"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Somewhat dated

The projects in here are shorter ones, though I would never be able to finish one in a weekend. The projects are a bit dated but easily updated as they are wonderfully articulate. Great for intermediate knitters.

The picture of the book is misleading.

The picture posted is misleading. This is the latest edition of this book. I received an older version. I bought this book twice. Both times it had the picture of the latest edition. Both times I received the previous edition.

You'll Be Amazed

This book is filled with easy weekend knits that cover the gamut. Sometimes with these sorts of books there are a load of scarves, gloves, socks and hats. Not with this book. It has simple sweaters, ponchos, and home wears (and of course some gloves, socks, and hats). Most of the patterns are also timeless classics. The instructions are easy to read and follow (even for a novice). The book has lovely pictures that show you the end product from many different angles. The descriptions of non-standard stitches are amazingly clear. You'll find yourself referencing this book whenever you need a quick gift.

A beautiful book full of good patterns

This book is full of patterns for beautiful objects, including wearables such as shawls and scarves, home decor items, and other whimsical items such as miniature sweater egg cozies (I think they'd make good Christmas ornaments) and a complete barnyard of finger puppets. But this book is more than patterns -- there are also ideas for creating a relaxing weekend, including recipes for butter cookies, decadent hot chocolate, movie ideas, and ways to soothe tired hands. The photographs are beautiful and really contribute to the book's serene and restful theme. Some of the other reviewers have noted that this is not a book for beginners, and many of the patterns do require an intermediate skill level. But several, including a couple of the sweaters, scarves, and other objects, are easily doable for beginning knitters. Yes, most of them will take more than a weekend to make. But the finished objects are worth it, so even if you are a beginner, just save the more intermediate projects until you are up to trying them out!

Unique projects

When it comes to knitting books, it's hard to compile a unique collection of patterns. The appeal of this book is that it contains some *new* ideas and projects. For example, instead of a usual washcloth, it has a pattern for a flower-shaped one. And where else will you find a pattern for an egg cozy? Other projects include two blankets, lace insert for a pillow case, argyle slippers (very cute), chair cushions, a knit chair seat (who would have thought?), toss pillow cover, two different bags and an accessory case, backgammon and checkers boards, a few scarves, a shawl and a poncho, pullovers for men, women and children, a cropped cardigan, mittens, gloves, and socks, lovely hat with ear flaps for a child, a knit doll, and finger puppets. Did you get all that? Instructions are written clearly and completely, and each project is accompanied by great photographs and charts, if necessary. Interspersed throughout the book are other little tidbits, like how to make perfect soft-boiled eggs, hot chocolate and tea, how to give hand massage to knitters, suggestions for movies and books, and how to compile a gift basket for your favorite knitter. Lots of techniques are used in the book: chart reading, lace, intarsia, double knitting, cables, stripes, shaping, but no project is too advanced for a beginner knitter looking for a bit of a challenge. Overall, great book that stands out from the rest by having unique projects. P.S. There is no "learn to knit" section in this book.

Fun and inspiring knitting

When I read some of the reviews for this book, I had second thoughts about purchasing it. I am so glad that I did. Looking through the book at the photographs and the patterns is an inspiration. I have only tried out a few of the patterns (Union square poncho, Lopi lace scarf, and the chunky knit mittens) and had no problems. What I also enjoyed in addition to the patterns and photos were the bits of information, such as the recipes, books with knitting, etc. If this is your first pattern book, don't be surprised if you need to use a reference book. I have been knitting for 5+ years and still need to use a reference book at times. This is a fun book and I would recommend this to knitters of all levels of experience.

the perfect knitting book

i adore this book. i'm a relatively experienced knitter and i've had no problems with any of the patterns so far. i've knit several of the flower washcloths, some turtleneck egg cozies, the super mittens, the felted stash accessories bag, and am currently in the midst of knitting the union square poncho. and i'll probably use this excellent book for many of the other patterns. i think the instructions are quite clear, especially the notes included in each pattern that explain any difficult parts of the project. also, as many other reviewers have noted, the pictures are quite beautiful. it's the perfect book for us younger(ish) knitters who want simple and hip (but not too hip) patterns--with a great range in level of difficulty--that inspire us to knit more.