A Passion for Knitting : Step-by-Step Illustrated Techniques, Easy Contemporary Patterns, and Essential Resources for Becoming Part of the World of Knitting - Softcover

Thomas, Nancy; Rabinowitz, Ilana; Falick, Melanie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 068487069X ISBN 13: 9780684870694

Publisher: Touchstone, 2002

Synopsis

The World of Knitting Right at Your Fingertips
More than a how-to book, A Passion for Knitting goes beyond teaching the craft and introduces readers to the culture of knitting. In Part I, you'll find fully illustrated instructions for learning stitches and mastering technique, presented with unprecedented clarity. They're so simple that you really can learn without a teacher. With this book in hand -- and no prior experience -- you will be able to knit a gorgeous sweater, scarf, or throw.
Next, Part II welcomes new knitters to the worldwide knitting community, exploring the myriad benefits this popular craft has to offer. This section, unique among all other guides, invites readers to

Tap into the power of knitting as a means of reducing stress and expressing creativity
Meet the design "gurus" and other stars of the knitting world
Discover opportunities for fellowship and networking with other knitters in clubs, conventions, and unique cultural fiber tours to countries ranging from England to Peru
Use their knitting skills to meaningfully support charities
Learn about the fashion trends in knitting from Trisha Malcolm, editor in chief of Vogue Knitting

About this title

About the Author

Nancy J. Thomas is editorial director at Lion Brand Yarn Company, the former editor of Vogue Knitting and Knitter's Magazine, the founding editor of Family Circle Knitting, and author of a nationally syndicated column called "The NeedleWorks." Nancy also coauthored Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book. She has appeared on television, including the Today show, to promote knitting and has hosted hand-knitting fashion shows around the country.

Reviews

Going beyond the standard how-to, this two-part book authoritatively covers both the basics and the culture of knitting, appealing to novices and experts alike. The book is well organized and thorough, generally fulfilling the authors' mission to help people learn the craft without a teacher. After explaining the knit, purl and rib stitches, the text offers patterns for a variety of scarves, sweaters, socks, strip throws, baby blankets-and even a cell phone holder. The instructions, while clear and explicit, betray a commercial tie-in: one of the authors is marketing director of the company that makes the recommended brand of yarn. Knitting has obvious artistic and social appeal, note the authors in the collection of essays that constitute Part II. In fact, they claim, there's psychological evidence that casting on and cabling contributes to the knitter's overall well-being by helping to reduce stress. This section also brims with such useful information as sizing guidelines, suggested reading lists, Web sites, and fairs and festivals. 16 pages of color photos, 50 line drawings.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Touchstone
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 068487069X
• ISBN 13: 9780684870694
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288