A good introduction with some cute and funky patterns

I bought this book as a total novice knitter just over two weeks ago - not a stitch did I know, but this book was a great gateway into the weird world of yarn and sticks.

The diagrams are clear and quite easy to follow - though some techniques, such as the long tail cast-on method could have done with a few more strategically placed diagrams I think - it seemed to be an awful lot to grasp with just a couple of pictures showing what seemed at the time like quite a complicated maneuver! But, if you have the internet (and I assume you do as you are browsing Amazon's website) then youtube is your friend, and a small supplement to your learning such as that (in lieu of the old hands of knitting such as the stock teachers known all over the world as 'grannies'), along with this book and you'll be knitting your way merrily to something fab and funky in no time.

So, from total novice to three hats, a pair of mittens, a bag and the beginnings of a sweater in just over two weeks, the book seems to have done the job - you learn as you create - no knitting useless rectangles and swatches for no reason - you start off running, but using only the simplest skills. The obligatory scarf comes first, but as you reach each new project, a new skill is introduced, and before you know it, you're pretty accomplished! Each pattern in the book lists which skills are needed before you begin, and reference to new skills are given at the beginning of each pattern.

Overall, a very good book - the only reasons I haven't given it the full five stars is that it misses out a few techniques I would like to have seen covered ('double knitting' for a start, which is not covered in the follow up book 'Stitch and B**ch Nation', either) and also because I think that the sequel book rather outdoes this one for the interestingness of its patterns - so if you can afford to buy both, treat yourself. I have the book of projects for men arriving tomorrow - if I'm going to spend all of my time knitting now, I might as well subject my boyfriend to some ill-fitting jumpers ^_^

Absolutely Adorable!

This book is fabulous! The only problem you may have is choosing which project to make first. Highly recommended for all crafters with a passion for anything festive.

BRILLIANT!!!

I bought this after a recommendation from a friend. I had never ever crocheted before in my life and from buying the book on a thursday I was creating my first grannie square by tuesday.

If you read through the instructions slowly, you will soon pick up the knack of this fantastic craft - Im about to start the pattern for a flower scarf (only a week ago I thought Id never understand all the lingo and the diagrams, but again, Debbie makes it very easy to pick it all up).

Im totally obsessed by it now and would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn from the beginning.
One thing - if you read a paragraph and dont totally understand it, re-read it and just take your time with the detail and it soon falls into place and starts to make sense.

Just Radiant poodles

An excellent book, very helpful both for the experienced and the novice. I have enjoyed it and recomend it to anyone planning to breed - proffessional or amateur.

Sarah Beeney Bounces Back...

Ok, so I am a simple chap and not very good at knowing if someone is diddling me so I bought this book to help me when I was recently getting in some people to do work at my house. It actually worked out really well and saved me a lot of time and money.

Very old fashioned styles of clothes and not enough home accessories

I was looking for a good all round sewing reference book with ideas of things to make for the home. This book has only a handful of home accessories - none of which i would want to make. The majority of the book is clothing which i found to be very dated styles. It does cover all the different sewing techniques though which is the only good thing.

excellent book

i have found this book very informative and helpful. it is written very well and has great pictures.if you are looking for a book for step by step instructions on how to build an extension this is not your book though,it just gives you a basic knowledge

Get the book, get a dog walking with a loose lead!

I have a pet labrador. I don’t want an obedience champ. She doesn’t have to walk to ’heel’ like she is at Crufts and she can’t stop to sniff the lamppost mail and enjoy going out. All I want is a dog I can walk on a loose leash who makes walking a pleasure not a war of wills. If that’s all you ask from your dog then this book is for you, no ’heel’ work that the dog doesn’t get, just a simple method that works!!
Within three days of adopting the methods in the book, my Lab is walking with a loose lead 80% of the time! Three days ago she was a nightmare to walk! Every day she is improving and even ignoring other dogs even if they are badly behaved! The methods are simple and pain free for both of you! All you need is an oridinary dog harness and a leash! No ’special’ (often painful) harness or head collars needed. Get the book and get that dog walking!

a VERY usefull book

This book was recommended to me by the psychologist who we consult regarding our son with autism. This is indeed the book that best equips us with dealing with our sons behaviours. I read the whole thing not with dogs but with my son in mind and it completely sums up the best way to teach him. I would be happy if all special needs schools read this book with an open mind. It would change a LOT of things.

Evocative writing

I'm something of an armchair gardener - all the pleasure and none of the work - and this book satisfied my liking to read about beautiful gardens. Its chapters are titled according to the monastic hours, echoing the house's monastic past. The author created a dreamlike garden out of a field beside her Shropshire house. The book is a description of the genesis of that garden with digressions into history, herbalism, religion and the uses and growing habits of the plants she seeks to cultivate. The writing is brilliantly clear and the garden comes to life as you read. There are line drawings in the style of illustrations from a medieval book of hours, though no photographs, together with a plan of the layout of the garden This is a book to be enjoyed by anyone who has an interest in gardening, history or the spirit of human endeavour. To create such a magnificent garden is truly a labour of love

Great Book

Fab book.

Shows you everything from textiles surface embellishment to jewellery design. Shows you all the equipment you need and gives you ideas for things you can do with a detailed step by step guide.

Brilliant

World War Twaddle

I found this tripe about as convincing as"The dirty dozen". Ambrose is more interested in idolising American soldiers than giving anything like an objective account of the second world war. Not surprisingly he has been accused by many (Real) historians of plagiarism and downright fabrication in at least some of his work.
I would put this book on a par with"Kelly's Heroes" and that awful black and white TV series"Combat".
Want to read a truly exceptional account of the second world war?
"Stalingrad" and"Berlin the downfall", both by Anthony Beevor, also"Armageddon" by Max Hastings.

This book will pay for itself!

Within 2 hours of getting this book it had paid for itself by clearly showing me how to repair a broken ceiling light. I'd been planning on paying an electrician to do the work, so I guess it must have saved me about £50 for that alone!

It's completely up to date, including all of the new building regulations that might affect the average DIYer.

Would definately reccomend this for anyone who wants to be shown how to do, and be given the confidence to try, most DIY projects.

Helpful in every way!

I brought this book as i was finding it difficult to find a book giving more understandable advice on weaning etc... However, I was absolutelty amazed with it once i received it. The book gave clear and concise advice and I really wish I have brought this book while I was pregnant or just after my daughter was born as I honestly believe it would have helped with some of my breastfeeding difficulties. My daughter loves the meals I cook from it and I love the clear and concise information. I've reffered to it on numerous occasion and will be lost for a decent referrance book once my daughter turns 1. I definately recommend this book!

Good Bat-Guide

I'd expected this to be a cheesy text-only (in huge type) Dark Knight cash-in guide with precious little information and stock images. I was delighted to discover, then, that is was in-depth, well-written guide to the Dark Knight Detective's comics career. I only received it yesterday and have hardly put it down since. Highly recommended.

Words of wisdom

This is a very informative and entertaining book; not just for parents who need advice with specific problems but also for parents who are keen to avoid problems before they arrive. The author covers all aspects of successful child rearing in an absolutely no-nonsense, down-to-earth manner. (It's definitely not full of any 'latest-fad', extreme psychoanalyst nonsense!) Surprisingly, this was an extremely entertaining book; the author has an excellent sense of humour, which combined with his experience and ability to observe and understand our little ones' behaviour results in some classic examples of observations. Every topic you could imagine (and a few you didn't think of!) is included. Multiple solutions are offered to problems and all are workable and straightforward. The wisdom this man imparts is impressive but he maintains a modest stance. He does not lay blame and guilt on any parent's doorstep, but understanding and some damn good suggestions. There are no perfect parents, just many of us who want to do our best for our children and this book is a good friend. It's supportive, only slightly critical in a constructive manner, full of sound advice within your limits to achieve, experienced, humorous and available. Unfortunately children don't come with an Owners' Guide, this is the nearest and best you' find. Happy parenting!

A good looking book

For your money, you get 1 page of glossy photo, and 1 page explanation of how to achieve and a recipe. These are all relatively complex - don't expect simple guidance on the soil for growing peppers, aubergine or tomato in a pot. i.e. the practical advice you need to get started.

There is also a small (and for my purposes insufficient) section on how to look after what you are growing (by type) at the end.

I find the book very light on content and practicalities. It contains less info than a google search and what I wanted perhaps was the sort of practical advice and reference that a grandad might provide.

The projects all look great. I am stuggling to beleive anybody would actually have a go. The book is great for daydreaming in mid-winter so 2 stars.