Two Balls or Less: Over 30 Simply Stylish Knitting and Crochet Projects

by Jenny Hill

Discover how a little yarn can go a long, long way... Over 30 irresistible quick-to-stitch knitting and crochet projects celebrate the new generation of gorgeous gourmet yarns available to knitters and crocheters today. Say goodbye to old wool and humdrum cotton and hello to fun fleeces and fur, slinky twists of ribbon, luxurious lurex and bubble boucle. As you only need two balls, you can afford to experiment! Dedicated knitters can extend their skills by experimenting with crochet, whilst beginners will love the quick and simple designs for adults, kids, the home and gift occasions. Features useful tips and techniques to help you get the best from this exciting new generation of yarns.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, Ebooks, Crochet

112 pages, Paperback

First published July 28, 2007

Reviews

[Mina · Rating 2 out of 5]

My bookshelves are littered with tons of knitting books like this one, but I've never actually sat down and read any of them. I'm glad that I read through Jenny Hill's book, because it definitely taught me something new, not just about technique, but about the craft in general. She does a great job of describing the various types of non-traditional yarns, what they're best used for and how to use them. I tend to shy away from fancy yarns with bobbles and frills, but now I can see how they would fit nicely into a more traditional garment or accessory.

What I wasn't so excited about were the actual patterns. Most of them I wouldn't ever want to make, not even as gifts for others. I felt the patterns lacked sophistication, and when I finished I saw that Jenny Hill has written quite a few books on children's knits. It all came together for me: the patterns in this book make a lot more sense for children and young adults, not so much for adults. I think that I'll take the author's advice and use fuzzy and furry yarns as accents as opposed to the main yarn.

[Ann Madison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wouldn’t buy it

I read this as library book and I am happy that I didn’t pay money for it. Okay, it’s not great. No great designs and nothing very useful.

[Haley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring

Not many good patterns. I crochet and this was mostly a knitting book. Plus the materials used for the patterns are not common.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am always looking for stash busting inspiration. I did like that this book included a wide range of yarns which is often one the issues with a stash.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book!

Excellent descriptions of piecing your quilt with pictures making it very clear. I plan on buying the other books by this author.

[Karrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good point very simple designs, just nothing my style.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

These patterns were all kind of boring, and there was nothing new for me to see.

3 stars.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

skimmed - appears to have reasonably good basic information.

lots of novelty yarns requiring simple patterns, none suit my style.

[Kira Wu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Out of style!!!!!

[Lisbeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author does a good job describing specialty yarns, however the projects in the book did not particularly appeal to me. Others may like them better.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The patterns in this book aren't anything new or particularly interesting, the beauty of the book lies in the yarn. The patterns really take advantage of odd yarns to their fullest so that silly fun yarn (that is horrible to work with) is showcased and used to best effect.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really closer to 2.5 stars. It was okay. There are only a couple things couple things I would actually take the time to knit, but I've seen (and knit) better. This one will never have a permanent place on my bookshelf. It isn't awful, but it's not to my taste.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book on making/knitting things that don't require a lot of yarn.

[Brixton · Rating 1 out of 5]

The ultimate in Tahki tacky designs.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay patterns but nothing truly inspiring or different from other things I've seen.

[Kirsty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing in here all that impressive

[Bridget Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a couple of cute projects.

[Mckinley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my taste.