A Treasury of Knitting Patterns

I've just discovered Elizabeth Zimmerman and the idea of designing my own sweaters etc. She recommended this book, and I must say it has a fabulous range of patterns with easy-to-follow instructions. I am partway through knitting a shawl and didn't like the border design of the pattern I am working to, so I am going to substitute a pattern from Barbara Walker's book. She states how many stitches are needed for each repeat of every design, making it really easy to substitute what you like. This book looks old-fashioned, with black-and-white illustrations, but the information provided is first rate.

This book is one of two you should own if you knit (the other being the Second Treasury). I own a number of knitting books, including Mary Phillips' and Elizabeth Zimmerman's, and Walker is quite simply the best one-stop source for clear, concise, and complete knitting information, stitch patterns, and inspiration. Walker covers basic knitting tips, simple stitches, cables, Aran designs, multi-color knitting, and lace patterns from simple to complex. Any knitter (beginner or advanced) who has designing ambitions needs this book. I agree with the reader from Oceanside; this book (and Vols II and III) should never be allowed to go out of print.