In their bustling New York City yarn shop Julie Carles and Jordana Jacobs—a.k.a. the Yarn Girls—have helped thousands of new and lapsed...
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reviews
Dec 16, 2009
Jessica
rated it: 
What I like:
The patterns are written with the beginner in mind. Makes them seem a little less intimidating.
The tone of the book takes a very "you can do it!" attitude. It's encouraging and makes the task of knitting your first sweater seem within reach.
The garments are mostly wearable and timeless. Nothing too fancy or over-the-top, so the styles won't go out of fashion any time soon.
What I don't like:
The yarns they suggest a More...
The patterns are written with the beginner in mind. Makes them seem a little less intimidating.
The tone of the book takes a very "you can do it!" attitude. It's encouraging and makes the task of knitting your first sweater seem within reach.
The garments are mostly wearable and timeless. Nothing too fancy or over-the-top, so the styles won't go out of fashion any time soon.
What I don't like:
The yarns they suggest a More...
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Dec 02, 2007
Lain
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I am an intermediate knitter, and I had a lot of trouble with this book. First, many of the patterns are just not that appealing. They're quite bulky -- and while thicker yarns do knit up quickly, they're not so attractive on anyone larger than a beanpole. While I'm fairly small (size 6), I do have a chest and cannot imagine wearing such bulky garments.
Second, I found the yarn selections hard to substitute because of the way they were almost all used double. And the yarns suggested More...
Second, I found the yarn selections hard to substitute because of the way they were almost all used double. And the yarns suggested More...
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Mar 06, 2011
Meredith
rated it:
I bought this book years ago, when I was re-learning to knit. At the time, it filled a niche for good beginner's book that tackled sweaters instead of, say, potholders. However, since this book has been published, knitting has exploded and lots of much better non-potholder-pattern books have hit the scene. I'd recommend those over this one. Any of Debbie Stoller's books are a good bet, for example.
On the good side, the patterns are very well written and do have the beginner in mind. More...
On the good side, the patterns are very well written and do have the beginner in mind. More...
Jul 28, 2011
Abbey
rated it: 
BOTTOM LINE: A superb book for beginning knitters, and for those more experienced who want a pattern that works up VERY quickly; uses very large needles and extremely chunky yarns.
This is one of the very best "an easy intro to knitting patterns" -style books that I've seen in a long time. Filled with many basic sweaters and a couple of hats and scarves, it's a treasure trove for those beginning knitters who are looking to expand from basics but feel daunted by many pattern More...
This is one of the very best "an easy intro to knitting patterns" -style books that I've seen in a long time. Filled with many basic sweaters and a couple of hats and scarves, it's a treasure trove for those beginning knitters who are looking to expand from basics but feel daunted by many pattern More...
Oct 18, 2007
Rebekah
rated it:
I think this really is for girls, because the patterns are very instant gratification and somewhat hip. Good for basic construction of the different sweater types, but not my style anymore.
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Dec 23, 2008
Ginny
rated it:
I just got this book out of the library yesterday, and I like it so much I think I'm going to buy it! I'm a novice knitter and am currently making scarves to practice stitching before moving onto bigger projects. I love the hats in this book, and I'd really like to make one of the ponchos for myself!
*Update* 12/23/08
I LOVED this book! The instructions in the beginning were written in easy-to-understand language for a new knitter like me. And the patterns! I never really p More...
*Update* 12/23/08
I LOVED this book! The instructions in the beginning were written in easy-to-understand language for a new knitter like me. And the patterns! I never really p More...
Aug 23, 2010
Jamie
rated it:
I am a complete beginner when it comes to knitting. I did not know the difference between a knit and a purl until recently. When I finished a halfway decent scarf, I knew I wanted to do more - so I picked this book up to read up on how to make a cardigan. The style is informative and informal, as if they are talking to you! But, not the way the Skinny Bitches talk to you, more like how your best friend talks to you. ;) The knitting style instructions are crystal clear. I look forward to making
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Dec 28, 2009
Liz
rated it: 
A book of fast knits with modern but simple patterns. The book provides most of what one needs to know to make the patterns, but I would probably not suggest it for a first-time knitter. Visually the book is very appealing - glossy and colorful, using a pretty spectacular collection of yarns for the projects.
Jan 16, 2009
Jenna
rated it:
Excellent, hip beginner's guide. Great illustrations and patterns to get your started in the basics of knitting. But if you already know how to knit or have knit anything in the past, you will probably find the patterns a bit bland and not very challenging or interesting.
Jan 22, 2009
Debbie
rated it:
I love this book! It's got simple patterns that are easily adaptable to different yarns, patterns and sizes. The format suits me, the casual knitter. Not too fussy, not too condescending.
Dec 31, 2010
Heather
rated it:
Simple patterns designed with chunky yarn so the novice knitter can create pretty sweaters, hats, & scarves. Clearly written for beginners' success.
Aug 03, 2009
Emmy
rated it:
pretty and easy patterns. The purple scarf on the cover was the 1st pattern for the first thing I ever knit.
Feb 12, 2008
Danielle
rated it:
This is a good book for those who are wanting to move beyond a basic scarf. It has nice easy patterns for sweaters, tank tops, scarves, hats, etc. made with chunky to extra chunky yarn so it knits up quick. I have made a tank top from this book, my first garment, and the instructions were easy to follow.
Dec 16, 2009
Lindsay
rated it:
This book kept me knitting after I learned on a whim. The sweaters are bulky and shapeless and generally unflattering, but they show you that knitting a sweater is much easier than you think.I still come back to the basic hat pattern in this book for quick holiday gifts that everyone always loves.
Oct 01, 2008
Ellen
rated it:
Super chunky, super simple patterns. GORGEOUS yarns are used for these projects. Great instructions for the beginner.
Oct 14, 2007
LibrariAnne
rated it:
I learned to knit a sweater. It wasn't hard. Who knew? Now I'm on my second one from this book.
Jul 31, 2008
Heather
rated it:
The patterns are 'meh' and the the celebrity (non) name dropping is lame...
Jun 21, 2011
stephanie clarisse
rated it:
I want to re-read this when my knitting skills are much more advanced.
Jan 16, 2012
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