Knit Wit

by Amy R. Singer, Bill Milne (Photographer), Erica Mulherin (Illustrator)

The newest title in Harper's stand-up series, Knit Wit features 30 hip, creative knits that are easy and fun to make. A beginner's class (or refresher course, if you're a lapsed knitter) offers the equipment advice, step-by-step instructions on basic techniques, and expert tips you'll need to knit with wit. Then on to the projects -- arranged by order ofdifficulty so you can match your skill level and time constraints. Each one is vividly photographed and, when necessary, accompaniedby clear diagrams toensure happy results.Best of all, the stand-upformat allows handsfreeperusal so you canknit without droppinga stitch, referring to theinstructions as you go.

Projects Include: postmodern legwarmers -rockstar scarf - pixie hatdreadlock hat - ice cream pint cozy -sound-system snugglers -water-bottle sling - birdless boa -surf & turf skirt - girly boxers -purple haze cardigan -coral bikini -AND MANY MORE!

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, Adult

127 pages, Spiral-bound

First published October 1, 2004

Reviews

[Laurie (barksbooks) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have come to the conclusion that any book that declares itself "hip" usually isn't. This is a knitting book for the beginner and those enamored by boa's and knitted boxers . . .

For a book screaming of its hipness the projects here lack edge and fashion sense and, for the most part, seem to me to be a big waste of time. Are the ice cream containers in your freezer screaming out for a knitted cozy? Is your nose chilly enough to warrant a nose-warmer (and are you nutty enough to wear one in public)? Does one really need yet another pattern for felted slippers and a yoga bag? Am I just a foul-tempered spoiled knitter?

The projects are very basic and out of them I would only make the felted yarn bag on the cover which is cute and possibly the pixie hat as a gift for a quirky preteen.

On the plus side I do like the way the book is laid out and wish more knitting books were spiral bound but I was very disappointed with the patterns and expected something more from Knitty.com's editor. Personally, I think you'd be a lot better off just logging on to knitty.com. It's free and most of these patterns are already on the website. Or buy Debbie Stoller's Stitch 'N Bitch if you're new and want a variety of fun patterns to expand your new skills.

[Priscilla King · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wit" is a clue. Even "hipness" should not be taken seriously in this book (hello, it's fifteen years old). But time moves more slowly in the handknitting world... Seriously, if you do not want to knit another classic-shape sweater or cotton lace coverlet, here are thirty shorter, generally easier, sort of amusing projects to consider. I think some of the patterns are there as jokes (an ice cream cover?) but several of them were things I wanted to knit, or have knitted. Anything worth knitting will always be, not what Madison Avenue is calling fashionable, but stylish and worth keeping forever. So if you want to knit (or commission) short shorts, laptop covers, yoga bags, bottle slings, legwarmers, slippers, scarves, a bikini, or something similar, buy this book. You can see some of the patterns at Ravelry but, in view of where and when people knit, it's worth having them printed in a book.

The stand-up format of this book is definitely different. At least it's not a magazine where the pages flip themselves open to some annoying cardboard insert somebody paid the printer to bind in!

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Variety of projects.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were a couple of patterns that caught my eye, but not significantly enough to knit myself. I thought there was a good variety of designs in this book. My biggest complaint was the whole layout. I didn't like it being sideways and I was annoyed that if I held the book straight open one of the pages would always be upside down unless I bend it all the way back. This was a hassle. I might recommend.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2010...

[Bookerkc · Rating 1 out of 5]

There was only one project that I liked and it was too advanced for me. It was the kimono sweater and I am beginner. Also the hands-free format did not work for me. When using the instructions on how to do a garter stitch just when both of your hands were being used you either had to turn the book completely around or run around to the other side of the table to see the full instructions which were on the back side of the page.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was disappointed to find that some of the projects in the book you can get for free from the knitty website, but it still has some cute things in here. And I got to meet Amy when she came to our lys for the signing. I worked there at the time. Meeting her just makes it all better. She's very vivacious.

[kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

has a great quick reference chart for abbreviations, and a couple of cute projects.
for teaching first timers, it get's a little confusing. and most of the projects are a little confusing if you don't know what you're doing.

it does stand by itself though, that's nice.

[Lain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any knitter with online access is familiar with Knitty.com. And this book takes the best of Knitty and makes it portable. Great patterns (what's not to love about a surf-n-turf skirt?), and a great format that allows hands-free use of the book. All in all, a wonderful volume for a new, hip knitter.

[Jenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Several patterns available for free (so why put them in a book??), and hardly anything I was interesting in making. Questionably good for beginners as it has a long intro with how-to's but there are much better beginner books.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of cool patterns (ice cream pint cozy, anyone?), but way over my beginner head. The "mistakes" page was very helpful though!

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few good projects, although, beginners might find some of the instructions confusing.

[Anissia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my 1st knitting book that I ever bought. It is a great book with lots of projects in different skill levels. I highly recommend this knitting book to all knitters.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irritating lay-out but fantastic for the beginner. Genuinely cool projects from super-beginner to nice sweaters that you would really wear.

[Brooke · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible, who would wear this crap?

[Aquit · Rating 3 out of 5]

First half was fill with really good patterns that are easy to make.
Second half--not so much.