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The New Knitting Stitch Library: Over 300 Traditional and Innovative Stitch Patterns Illustrated in Color and Explained with Easy-to-Follow Charts
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Average customer review:
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #543636 in Books
- Published on: 1999-12-31
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Binding: Paperback
- 192 pages
Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
Stitch pattern collections are the basic building blocks used by knitwear designers. Unlike many earlier pattern collections that relied exclusively on written instructions of the "knit one, purl one" variety, Stanfield's compilation of 332 patterns features charted patterns and close-up photographs throughout. Patterns in chart form have only recently come to be preferred by many creative knitters, perhaps because charts provide a pictorial representation of how the finished piece will actually look. Stanfield divides the collection into five major groups: knit and purl, cable, lace and bobble, twisted stitches, and "other." Throughout, she emphasizes charts, using written instructions only when introducing new material. This book has much to admire, including myriad elegant stitch patterns the author has rescued from obscurity, excellent photography, and a thumbnail index with a small photograph of each pattern linked by number to the complete pattern. Highly recommended where demand warrants.
- Janice Zlendich, California State Univ. Lib., Fullerton
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Customer Reviews
Among the best I've seen
I just got this book a few days ago and I have really been enjoying it! I've swatched several patterns from the different sections and been very pleased.
The book is organized well; I like having the 'picture index' in the front for quick reference. The charts are clear and easy to read. Most patterns will require just one or two repeats to familiarize yourself with any unusual symbols used in the chart. There are a few patterns (the simpler knit and purl patterns) which appear with both charted and written instructions, so that you can get some additional practice beyond the examples in the introduction. Raw beginners might have some trouble, e.g. conceptualizing that a dot indicates a purl stitch on the right side of the work and a knit stitch on the wrong side; but if you have a decent grasp of the fundamentals and a good knitting reference book to help you with unfamiliar techniques, you're set.
There are quite a few patterns in this book which I absolutely adore and can't wait to design projects to use them in. Many of the cable patterns in particular are intriguing - different and fresh without being wacky. But I'm partial to cables, so maybe there's a little bias showing through....
The only thing that's lacking in this book is commentary on the different stitches' history, recommended applications, caveats etc., which is part of what makes Barbara Walker's Treasuries so enthralling. Even with that lack, though, I have to give it full marks as an inspiring knitting stitch library.
Excellent knitting reference... some experience required
This knitting pattern reference book would do well in your library - like diamonds, you can almost never have enough pattern books as the possibilities are endless!
What is outstanding about this book is how well it is organized - each section is grouped by type such as cables, lace and even a just knit and purl section. Even the index has snap shots of each pattern making it so easy to find by style.
Excellent color pictures and charts of all stitches - best charting layout I have seen yet. If you are unfamiliar with working with charts, take time to read the intro and practice on the smaller patterns. Once you get the knack of working with charts, you will see that it is a time saver and it is easier to visualize where you are.
I would recommend this for knitters who have some experience with the basics, intermediate levels and above.
Lacking in varity
Stanfield is no Walker. This book does offer many attractive designs but the variety was lacking. She seems taken with cables and lace. Many of the designs obviously stemmed from the same ideas. I found the charts hard to follow and was frustrated in my attempts to reproduce her designs. Give me the classic Treasury of Knitting Books over this anyday.
