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Knitting New Year

January 09, 2008 · Craftsy (Mine)

Some_girls_2010
My New Year's daisies have just about had it...but they're still hanging on and cheering up my living room. Flowers (well, simple flowers) are such a cheap thrill, don't you think?

This year, my beautiful friend Jenny gave me what has to rank in the top 5 best Christmas presents ever: knitting lessons. In my quest to be a Renaissance crafter and know how to do most everything crafty-wise functionally well, I requested this present...and she even made me little knitted coupons:

Some_girls_2014_2
Isn't that the sweetest present?

She is a top-notch teacher, and our lessons commenced last week. I already casted off on my "first real scarf", and gave it to Josiah, who kindly loves it (it is full of little bunches and bumps and things I'm pretty certain that most first scarves are full of).
After that, I started a second scarf for my sister's birthday (which was yesterday, by the way...along with her twin brother's) and I was really pleased with the way it turned out...the color alone is very beautiful.
It's narrow, and soft, and all the things I look for in a scarf myself (and you can't see here, because I had already packaged it up to give to her):

Some_girls_2012
Some_girls_2013
I really loved how it looked...like a nubby rosette. It was a hit, too!
She loved it.

Happy Wednesday, dear applets.

PS: Do any of you knitters out there have any amazing book recommendations for beginners, or in general? I'd love to hear about them!

Comments (80)

Well done! I remember when i was about 8 years old and my mum bought me my first book on knitting... it was a ladybird book, and it taught me how to knit a tie, and a dress for my doll, and an adorable blue purse for all my coins.

The book is a intage ladybird book, and i dont think its on sale anymore, my mum still has it but if you would love to borrow it i could post it over :) haha, enjoy knitting and continue to show us your creations!

xo

the curious rabbit · January 09, 2008 at 01:49 PM

I really enjoy the book Domiknitrix and find inspiration from Fitted Knits (although I have yet to try a pattern from this one).

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9781581808537&itm=1

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9781581808728&itm=2

Ann · January 09, 2008 at 01:50 PM

Yeah...another knitter! I have a ton of knitting books but the one that I would recommend is The Knitters Book of Yarn. It really teaches you about all of the different yarns (what they are, how they are made, the pros and cons) and that knowledge can be very helpful when matching up yarns and projects. Someone has probably already mentioned it as it appears to be all the rage right now in the knitting blogosphere. There are some cute patterns in it but for me the real joy is in all the juicy details about the yarn. I heart yarn.

NerdGirl · January 09, 2008 at 01:55 PM

Beautiful flowers! I just love that you use that lovely teapot as a vase.

Cedar · January 09, 2008 at 01:56 PM

I like all of the Stitch N Bitch books - lots of diagrams and finished project pics for inspiration :)

sara Johnston · January 09, 2008 at 01:59 PM

I learned how to knit with the Stitch N Bitch Handbook. I highly recommend it. And you should get yourself signed up on Ravelry.com. A fabulous site for a knitter or crocheter.

Emily · January 09, 2008 at 02:21 PM

Yay for knitting!! I taught myself to knit from the Stitch N Bitch books. Another handy one to have is the Knitting Answer book. Every question you will ever have is in this teeny book. Last Minute Handknit Gifts (or something similar) has lots of simple yet adorable projects.

Melanie · January 09, 2008 at 02:22 PM

Elizabeth Zimmerman's books are essential! However, with your style and aestthetic I think it absolutely imperative that you take a peek at Rowan Vintage Knits...not only are there some nice patterns, there are some gorgeous fashion pics as well (^_^)

s. elizabeth · January 09, 2008 at 02:22 PM

Knitting! Isn't it great learning new crafts? I used to work in a craft store and I made it my goal to try every craft. Knitting was never my strong area, but I do love crocheting. I like how you packaged the scarf into a rosette shape. It's lovely.

Marie · January 09, 2008 at 02:23 PM

Congratulations on learning to knit! And especially on getting over the first hurdle: accepting that your first scarf will be full of bunches and bumps as all first scarves are.

What kind of yarn did you use for your sister's scarf? (If you post more knitting projects, you'll discover that other knitters out there will have this burning question!)

As for books, I'll second the Stitch N Bitch recommendation. Good instructions and funny writing. If you're looking for good video tutorials, I highly recommend knittinghelp.com. She's amazing.

kelly · January 09, 2008 at 02:24 PM

The knitted coupons are absolutely adorable.

I also think the Stitch 'n Bitch books are wonderful for explaining basics, and are very good at explaining common pitfalls in beginning knitting.

If you're looking for instruction on how to do a special technique (binding off, increasing, etc), there's a wonderful site that has videos of each technique (www.knittinghelp.com)

Welcome to the wonderful world of knitting and yarn obsession. :)

Kate · January 09, 2008 at 02:28 PM

Ooo! I am learning to knit, too! I got The Knit Book for a Christmas present from my sis-in-law, and it comes with a DVD which has been quite helpful. I am looking forward to getting some one-on-one lessons from my hubby's grandmother, soon, though.

This videos on this site are also great: http://www.knittinghelp.com/

Allison · January 09, 2008 at 02:36 PM

The latest knitting book that I really like is the Fitted Knits book. The directions are clear and easy to follow - and the things I have made from it have all turned out really nicely.

chantal · January 09, 2008 at 02:37 PM

I would also recommend the Stitch-n-Bitch books. I learned by reading that and looking up how to videos on YouTube. Knitting is a blast.

Amby · January 09, 2008 at 02:37 PM

I would also recommend the Stitch-n-Bitch books. I learned by reading that and looking up how to videos on YouTube. Knitting is a blast.

Amby · January 09, 2008 at 02:37 PM

Heh.. welcome to the dark side. Soon you'll have yarn falling out of the closets, from under the bed, and out of the cookie jar just like the rest of us. I love Melanie Fallick's books (handknit holidays, weekend knitting) for inspiration and beautiful photos.. but I learned from the Stitch n' Bitch books like a lot of the other commenters. I also love Glampyre's site & patterns (she of the "Fitted Knits" book & mini-sweater fame)as she has a rather old world (puffy sleeves, umpire waists) look that would go with your style. Enjoy!

Mouse · January 09, 2008 at 02:39 PM

Hi Emily:
I love scarves and shawls, and had just received from amazon 2 wonderful books, they are: Vogue knitting on the go: crocheted scarves and crocheted scarves 2. Today they have a 20% off, ($10.36)I highly recommend them, you will love those designs.

See you,
Armida

Armida · January 09, 2008 at 02:42 PM

I'm another fan of Debbie Stoller's Stitch 'N Bitch book. I learned to knit from a few different sources (the web, books, friends), but the Stitch 'N Bitch book was easy to follow and had a couple of tips that I hadn't learned from anywhere else. There's some fun patterns in it too!

whitneybee · January 09, 2008 at 02:52 PM

Congratulations! Knitting is such a fantastic craft to learn. There seems no end to the techniques you can learn and refine. Elizabeth Zimmermann books are really amazing! I think you'll find them inspiring, but maybe they're not the best learn-to-knit books. Still, buy Knitting Without Tears asap.

Daphne · January 09, 2008 at 02:55 PM

I put a vote in for the Stich 'n Bitch handbook. I used that book to teach myself to knit. Start looking now for things to store your yarn stash in!!

amy · January 09, 2008 at 02:55 PM

Ditto the Stitch n' Bitch books, as well as nearly any Debbie Bliss book.

april_rose · January 09, 2008 at 02:58 PM

Yay knitting! I like the SnB books because they have troubleshooting and lots of handy info but once you have the hang of it Elizabeth Zimmerman's your girl.

amy · January 09, 2008 at 03:18 PM

Yay for knitting. I have to echo the love for EZ and Stitch'n'Bitch. However, Last Minute Knitted Gifts is beautiful and has projects the beginning knitter could make.

*karen · January 09, 2008 at 03:22 PM

You are off to an excellent start! There are so many great ones, but after learning to knit and purl from a friend I basically taught myself everything else from Stoller's Stitch n Bitch, and Pam Allen's Knitting for Dummies (it's very well written, lots of diagrams, the whole bit).

nova · January 09, 2008 at 03:24 PM

I learned how to knit from the Stich N Bitch book, which was great and full of a million useful diagrams and illustrations. From there, move straight on to Rowan- they are the best!! Yarns and patterns are fabulous, and best of all you can find quite a bit of Rowan on ebay.... I think that given your look you would really like Rowan. www.knitrowan.com is where to find out more about them.

Jessica Hougen · January 09, 2008 at 03:25 PM

Debbie Bliss " How to Knit " is an excellent one to start with. Best of Luck !

Cele · January 09, 2008 at 03:35 PM

The Book of Yarn, Fitted Knits, Rowan Vintage Knits (makes me drool) and check out http://www.kimhargreaves.co.uk/.

You will gain much inspiration from her anthropologie style knits.

Heather · January 09, 2008 at 03:42 PM

HOW FUN!!! Well, I only have tips if you wish to crochet... Crochet is one thing I love... But, knitting.. hmmmmmm.... You really have to talk to one of my pals, Sonya...She is amazing! She has tutorials and such...

http://www.knitsonya.com/

She will guide you for certain!! although, you seem to be doing pretty darned amazing!! You have twin siblings??? How fun!!

xoxo

A Fanciful Twist · January 09, 2008 at 03:57 PM

I second the Debbie Bliss recommendation. Beautiful patterns and really starts with the basics.

Catherine · January 09, 2008 at 03:59 PM

Welcome to our side of the pond. When I began learning the Encyclopedia of Knitting by Donna Kooler was rather helpful, and also maybe the Vogue Stitionary. Once I had the stitches down I was able to make an assortment of scarves and then reading patterns in books and online became rather easy. And then along came the challenge of making lace, and then sweaters, and socks, hats, gloves and an assortment of everyday things.
I hope you enjoy your new craft as much as I have.
Perhaps you should think about signing up for Ravelry. The bank of patterns in there alone is enough to make one's head swim.
P.S. Stitch and bitch didn't exist when I began knitting, but it's rather informative and gives some good general tips.

Christa Z. · January 09, 2008 at 03:59 PM

How fun! What a lovely present, both of them!

Elizebeth · January 09, 2008 at 04:11 PM

Not very fashionable, but the best all round reference I have found is "Knitting in Plain English" by Maggie Righetti. Once you get your feet wet I bet you would love "Knitting Beyond the Edge" by Nicki Epstein.

Melissa · January 09, 2008 at 04:15 PM

I really like One Skein Wonders as it is full of tons of projects made from, you guessed it, one skein of yarn, perfect for gifts and for when you have to have some really expensive yarn but can only afford once skein.

Lisa · January 09, 2008 at 04:22 PM

If you haven't checked out KnittingHelp.com I highly recommend it.

Jessica · January 09, 2008 at 04:28 PM

Renaissance crafter...I like that SOOO much better than Jack of all trades! :p I'm adopting that one. I just need to get better at a few things..like knitting..which I am stuck at the level of scarves with. Woohoo.

Muralimanohar · January 09, 2008 at 04:34 PM

Hi Emily - can you post us a picture of the Mod Poppy gift you were crafting for a gift? I would love to see the finished product.

alexis · January 09, 2008 at 05:21 PM

i am a flighty sort of knitter, but I do have favorite books. did someone already suggest Last Minute Knitted Gifts? I love it, as I am especially fond of speedy knitting projects (plus it is beautifully photographed). Loop D Loop is another great knitting book-- incidentally, they sell patterns on their website too and my favorite one (which I somehow think you might like too) is the Lace Leaf Scarf:
http://www.loop-d-loop.com/productspages/scarves/lls.html
which is a quick knit that comes out lovely and has a very, very easy lace pattern in it that makes a girl feel very fancy and accomplished (without making her cry).

nancy · January 09, 2008 at 05:41 PM

Hullo,
Don't be afriad of circular needles- they rock really hard. Also, when scarved get dull, don't be afraid of hats. Knitting hats is the most fun, in my opinion. If there is a quaint knitting shop near you, be sure to take advantage of being able to go in and get advice.

Caitlyn · January 09, 2008 at 05:42 PM

knitting for peace has some sweet ideas and shares charities that accept handmade knitted items. i've never made it past the scarf and patch-blanket stage though. :)

lani · January 09, 2008 at 05:42 PM

"Knitted Little Luxuries" has some fairly simple projects. I've completed my first pattern from this book. The photos are so lovely! I highly recommend it, even just to flip through! :)

Smanatha · January 09, 2008 at 05:43 PM

ScarfStyle is my favorite and http://www.knitty.com is also amazing.

Cece · January 09, 2008 at 05:52 PM

oh, I'm so terribly jealous! I have wanted to learn to knit for a year or two now! My boyfriend's mum started to teach me, but that was just before we'd moved, and I've forgotten it all now. I look at the neat stitches on the needles in a tin in the office and wonder how on earth I did it.

sarah · January 09, 2008 at 06:09 PM

Cheap grocery store flowers are the ultimate low budget thrill indeed! Especially the iconic daisy (my personal favorite).

Good luck with the knittin'.

brigette b · January 09, 2008 at 06:14 PM

Well, I'm probably the 25th person to recommend the stitch 'n' bitch books, but I really do. I taught myself to knit mostly from the original stich 'n' bitch.

I also want to recommend knittinghelp.com which has a video of pretty much every knitting stitch/technique, which is great if your friend can't make it over to show you something specific ;)

If you find yourself really getting into it, I also recommend ravelry.com which is an amazing community type site for knitters and crocheters and is a great source for endless amount of patterns- many of them free! You can also use it to keep track of projects you've made and would like to make, etc ;) There are also a ton of friendly and helpful people out on the site's message boards. Who knows, maybe I'll see you around someday? ;)

Anyway, sorry for this novel of a comment, but best of luck with the knitting! And I must say that two scarves already is very impressive!

Natch · January 09, 2008 at 07:02 PM

Lucky you!! I just bought a sewing machine and would love sewing lessons. Sometimes the best gifts are physical things but someone else's time and talent!

Du Buh Du Designs · January 09, 2008 at 07:37 PM

I meant "arent"!

Du Buh Du Designs · January 09, 2008 at 07:38 PM

What a clever christmas gift...presented beautifully too! Lucky you!

stitchingsurgeon · January 09, 2008 at 07:52 PM

I would recommend getting a reference book to have on hand...because once you start working on patterns, you'll inevitably be working on something at 1:30am when you come across an abbreviation for a decrease you don't know (or can't remember) how to do, and it's not always polite to call ones knitting friends in the middle of the night! :)

The one I turn to most is an older edition of "Teach Yourself Visually Knitting and Crocheting", which is now only available used. It's shown here: http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Yourself-VISUALLY-Knitting-Crocheting/dp/0764569147/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199927856&sr=8-4

A newer book that is essentially the same because it's created by the same family that did the one I have is "Maran Illustrated Knitting and Crocheting", shown here: http://www.amazon.com/Maran-Illustrated-Knitting-Crocheting/dp/1592008623/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199928501&sr=1-1

But the Teach Yourself Visually company also has a new version of a knitting guide which also looks pretty good: http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-VISUAL-Yourself-VISUALLY-Consumer/dp/0470077824/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199928806&sr=8-2

With a good guide for knitting techniques, you can tackle any kind of pattern book you want! :)

Carol Ann · January 09, 2008 at 08:39 PM

that was awesome.

janet · January 09, 2008 at 09:00 PM

Yay! Hearing about a new knitter always puts a smile on my face :-)

I taught myself to knit using Knitting for Dummies, but my favorite knitting books are by Elizabeth Zimmermann.

Marcia · January 09, 2008 at 09:58 PM

I really enjoy having the Stitch and Bitch book, lots of tips, hints, patterns. It is a good book to have:)

Patricia · January 09, 2008 at 10:09 PM

Congratualtions! Though the books I am recommending are not necessarily for beginners, I believe that you are an excellent craftswoman and will be ready to tackle more challenging projects in the near future. Two of my favorites are Nicky Epstein's Knitted Flowers and Alterknits by Leigh Radford. Both books contain very charming, beautiful, and inspiring projects.

Shawna Palomino · January 09, 2008 at 10:38 PM

Admittedly I've been knitting for years, but my theory is that once you know how to knit and purl, you can work out pretty much anything else. Most knitting books are relatively self explanatory and I'm sure you'll have plenty of people to call on if you run into anything tricky. Scarves are fabulous, but I always think the real thrill comes from whipping up a little shrug or a cardigan. It's so nice to be wearing a garment that is completely individual! Debbie Bliss is lovely if you have babies to knit for. Her adult books often require a bit of adjustment if you want to substitute yarn, but that's relatively easy. Her Pure Silk book in particular has a fantastic shrug that I knitted for myself and have had endless requests from friends for their own version ever since. (Although to be fair, now that I think of it, that pattern is mostly cabling, which might be a bit intimidating as a beginner's project!) Other than that, the Vogue Knitting magazines have really varied and interesting patterns from time to time, as do the Rowan magazines. I think the biggest challenge is finding patterns for things that I actually really want to wear. Sometimes beautiful patterns can feel like they are few and far between. When I visited the US in December I saw Anthropologie had a little bit of yarn for sale - perhaps we should campaign them to produce a knitting book of Anthropologie-type patterns! Happy knitting!

Carrie · January 09, 2008 at 10:40 PM

I unfortunately don;t have the patience to take up knitting. A little too ADHD but I admire people who can master it. Go Emily!

www.projectblancoyd.typepad.com AKA Hilary Glime :) · January 09, 2008 at 10:44 PM

I like the stitch n bitch books too. My grandma use to do sewing repairs for people at her church when I was little. She would get together with her little grandma friends and fix buttons and torn seams and things like that. She called their little group the stitch n bitch. She also would crochet all of us grandkids an afghan for X-mas every year. Just a random little story about my life for ya!

Jessicafied · January 09, 2008 at 11:54 PM

What a nice present! Those yarns look beautiful, and so soft. It makes me want to take up knitting.

lynne · January 10, 2008 at 12:36 AM

Definitely get familiar with the website that someone else mentioned here - KnittingHelp.com...its very useful to SEE how things are done (via the videos) rather than trying to figure them out via books...having someone help you in person is the best way, in my opinion, so jolly good job on getting lessons as a gift...Most of all, just keep going and the questions will arise...do Google searches for websites, pick up Interweave Knits or Knit Simple mags at the book store and make friends at your local yarn shop w/ the owner...neat!

donner · January 10, 2008 at 02:40 AM

'Baby Knits for Beginners' by Debbie Bliss is a lovely one. there is a baby hat pattern, (or 'recipe' as i often accidentally call them) which i got obsessed with....because i had only previous been brave enough to do scarves, and this hat pattern was super-easy, and so cute! And of course - knitting things for babies is great because they are small and manageable and don't overwhelm you as a beginner. Have fun!

lucy · January 10, 2008 at 03:03 AM

hey emmy,
looooooooove the flower pot i will have to do that when i get myself a home of my own

lOve,kim*

kim* · January 10, 2008 at 09:16 AM

Be careful it is very much addicting! I just learned to knit a couple months ago. I would suggest, The Stitchionary Volume 1, and Kim Hargreaves looks like your taste. Also you must check out www.ravelry.com. You have to sign up and wait to be excepted but it is much worth the wait. It is a great resource of patterns! Good luck!

Katie · January 10, 2008 at 09:21 AM

What a great Christmas present! I always pull out Stitch and Bitch when I teach people to knit- and now Stitch and Bitch Nation when you're beginning sweaters. They have a great, easy to read, reference section. The patterns are great for beginners!

Last Minute Knitted Gifts is also a great book with easy to medium patterns that are easy to read.

Lindsey · January 10, 2008 at 09:49 AM

Bonjour Emily! Good for you, knitting is the best! My mom teached me how to knit and both my grandmothers were knitters too. Well, actually, these 3 could just about do anything crafty or artsy. I am just about following that path, so is my son. He is 11 years old and in 6th grade and this year the teacher teached the class how to knit. All the boys screamed with horror but guess what, there is a knitting club now and the best knitters are boys. Often, my son will knit instead of playing games, he just loves the fact that you take a thread and make a piece of fabric out of it. Hey, we are a family of Renaissance crafters! My husband smelts recycled metal and my son smiths it. We also collect natural clay by the river and bake it in a deep firepit. We LOVE all that stuff! Your art is great! Come and visit my blog when you have a minute! Take care, LuLu

LuLu · January 10, 2008 at 10:51 AM

Oh Emily!! Isn't learning to knit simply exhilarating?! My mom "retaught" me to knit a few years ago, and I finally figured it out via the wonderful video tutorials on Knitting Help (www.knittinghelp.com). Everything "clicked" in my head, and my hands started doing what they were supposed to. hehe! The scarf is so pretty... I can't wait to see what new beauties you come up with!

Books... hmm... I liked the ubiquitous "Stich n' Bitch" books by Debbie Stoller for getting me started. Otherwise, I've pretty much relied on Google when I've run into a problem or question! I'm one of those people that knit one scarf, got bored with "beginner" knits and started doing the more complicated stuff. hehe! I'd totally recommend Ysolda's patterns (www.ysolda.com) if you're up for a challenge. I made her Gretel beret up a few months ago and love wearing it! :)

Casey · January 10, 2008 at 10:51 AM

Get yourself onto Ravelry. There are bucketloads of inspirational patterns to be seen there.

lori z · January 10, 2008 at 11:29 AM

As a knitter I think the key is to pay no attention to others fears and habits but to create your own, otherwise while learning these will limit you.

The best knitting books you could ever want fall into two categories,

Written by Elizabeth Zimmerman

Written by Barabra Walker

Knit on, Jen

Jen · January 10, 2008 at 11:40 AM

What a great gift to receive! You've already gotten loads of helpful info, so I will just second ravelry, there are soo many great patterns

p.s. your sister and brother and I share a birthday! So happy birthday to them too :)

jill · January 10, 2008 at 12:02 PM

Knitting is great! DO not learn to spin or you'll be an addict. I love how your house is decorated. Also the way you packaged the scarf!

monkeyspinner · January 10, 2008 at 02:29 PM

oh, what a great gift! That is precisely the gift I'm going to request for the next occasion. I have been wanting to learn for ages, and definitely need personal instruction to figure it out.
I like that first pic, as well, the contrasty touches of black throughout.

Jenn · January 10, 2008 at 06:31 PM

Hi!
You are off to a great start! The book that taught me how to knit was "Kid's Knitting" by Melanie Falick. I always find that kids' books are the best for explaining the very tiny details that I need. This book taught me so much about what is happening on the needles. You can probably find it at your library too! And it is pretty.
And... I got a lot out of taking a class at my yarn shop on knitting socks (go socks!). You learn about double points and lot of other magic tricks. It is so fun! Alison

Alison · January 10, 2008 at 06:36 PM

I agree, stitch n bitch is the best series of books, no crazy hard math or confusing directions and there are projects that you can actually use!!
Another book my daughter just bought me for Christmas that I am obsessed with is Alter Knits by Leigh Radford; http://www.alterknits.net/
She explores other mediums to knit in. It has opened up a world of possibility to me artistically and kept knitting needles in my hands at all times.
I wrote about my little experiments in knitting on my blog here: http://precariouspeony.blogspot.com/2008/01/charting-overactive-brain.html
Good luck on the knitting, it just gets better and better as the possibilities grow.

Jenn(Precarious Peony) · January 10, 2008 at 06:50 PM

oooh also I meant to say you MUST learn to rib, and then if you do that on circular needles you can make lovely legwarmers for yourself - as it spirally makes up into a tube rather than a flat piece....magic - and just as easy as a scarf!

lucy · January 11, 2008 at 03:31 AM

Oh wow, one of my best friends got me a 'learn to knit kit' for christmas too, isnt it such an exciting present as it's something that will in essence grow and grow! Those coupons are so sweet and your scarf looks adorable, i really love the colour. I havent made too much of a start yet as my friend lives 200 miles away can cant teach me but i have a 3x3 inch square so far which i guess is a start.
It's so exciting. my Granny gave me a huge heap of 'vogue knitting' magazines from the 1950's and 60's when she found out i was learning although i think itll be quite a while till I get to that level.....
Just wanted to wish you all the best in learning :)

Ally · January 11, 2008 at 07:58 AM

I think you would really love anything by Elizabeth Zimmerman--she is the thinking woman's knitting instructor, and was a true revolutionary.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Zimmerman

The projects in her Knitter's Almanac would delight you and the occasional little digressions and watercolors that find their way into her books are enchanting. She is also very, very funny. Her DVDs are like having a very sassy grandmother right there in the room with you.

Also, Debbie Stoller. Her entire Stitch and Bitch empire is charmingly illustrated and since she is/was the editor of Bust Magazine the tone is fantastic--third-wave feminism and a lot of good humor.

Good luck, you've made a friend for life in needles and yarn =)

Cirilia · January 11, 2008 at 08:22 AM

i second the recommendation for elizabeth zimmerman's books, especially "knitting without tears". she is a goddess among insects.

Bee · January 11, 2008 at 12:08 PM

"Vogue Knitting" is a great resource, especially for the beginner. Its probably the knitting book I use the most often because it has really clear pictures of different stitches/ cast ons/offs. etc.
Also "Last Minute Knitted Gifts" has such cute and quick projects in it.

Chelsea · January 11, 2008 at 07:38 PM

wow.. so many comments! i agree with a lot of the others about their recommendations. but if you want a book that you can use forever, i'd also suggest you add "450 knitting stitches" (or some such title) by the harmony guides. i have volume 2 and literally, there are 450 knitting styles! the book starts off with the easy stuff in the front and gradually harder in the back. it does not have patterns to make specific items but it has the "recipe" for how to produce that design. it comes in hand once you know how to make more than just a scarf because then you can make your own designs and patterns. and if you are like me and can only deal with making scarves, then at least it never gets boring! the layout is simple, it is filled with photos of the finished design accompanied by the instructions.

you can find it here: (if you scroll down you can also see the other books harmony guides have published,

http://www.amazon.com/450-Knitting-Stitches-Harmony-Guides/dp/1855856298/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1200131949&sr=8-1

have fun! i looooove yarn and sometimes (actually, most times) i buy it without a project in mind! :)

shirley · January 12, 2008 at 05:01 AM

I'll be surprised if no one has mentioned www.knittinghelp.com yet, it's the best place to learn! Full of really close-up videos. Definitely sign up for Ravelry, it's helped my knitting a lot!

Ophelie · January 12, 2008 at 05:44 PM

What a lovely way to present the scarf, rolled up with a ribbon. Thanks for the inspiration, and have fun knitting. It is quite a satisfying craft. :)

tempestdelfuego · January 13, 2008 at 06:13 PM

I love the color of this yarn! Do you know what kind it is?

Hanna · January 15, 2008 at 02:22 PM

I love the idea of a renaissance crafter! That describes me very well. I know I am the last person in the world to discover you, but I am very glad I did, anyway.

Kel · January 15, 2008 at 05:10 PM

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