Big Book of Knitting

The Book arrived today and I was very disappointed. The Book had a very bad smell and it looked like it and it looked like it was dried out.I won't be reordering this book again.

I know you're thinking that, since you already own Vogue Knitting, you don't need this. I thought so, too, until I picked it up. Just like Vogue Knitting, this is a comprehensive encyclopedia of knitting techniques. It will also give you a lot of good ideas for your own designs, or to adapt existing patterns (even making sizes that aren't in the pattern). While both books are equally good, The Big Book is probably a little more user-friendly (i.e., less like a textbook), especially for those who don't like/need color coding or cross references. Buss groups topics logically, and the book is *full* of color illustrations as well as photographs. She also shows techniques (such as kitchener ribbing) that are not included in Vogue Knitting. One of the best features of this book is Buss' detailed discussion of making gloves and mittens. If you have never made them before, read this before starting your pattern. Buss gives you a breakdown of measurements, techniques and tips that will help you decipher a pattern or design your own. She goes into similar detail for finishing techniques and designer touches (more ways to make a bobble than you can shake a stick at), which will help you make your projects look truly professional - or better. I also liked Buss' explanation of the Entrelac technique. I think her descriptions and illustrations were easier to understand than in Debbie Bliss' "How to Knit." Buss uses photographs to show you how to create the woven look, which provided a clearer explanation than Bliss' diagrams.

This is definitely a more advanced book. If you are looking to expand your repertoire of knitting skills, then this book is for you. I wish I'd had this book years ago. Until I purchased this book, I had never tried pockets or different collar styles. I had always wanted to try these things but didn't have a reference book that really explained these techniques well. Thanks to this book, I'm now on my way to some more professional designs and techniques. It's opened up endless design possiblities for me!

If you own this book, you'll probably never have to seek counsel at a yarn shop again. Clear, pictorial, step-by-step directions for all the shaping, finishing, fixing, patterning, edging, facing, hemming, embellishing, casting on/off, increasing, decreasing techniques one could ever want are presented impeccably. The simple, secret tips that would have made your last piece look professional, that would have turned your last project into a finished garment instead of a bundle of front-back-plus-a-sleeve-and-a-half are all here. How I wish I had had this book before now. An amazingly compendious collection of intricate stitch patterns is included, but don't expect a gallery of sweaters to copy, that's not the purpose of this book.

This book is in full color, with extensive illustrations (all photos) of techniques, so anyone can follow along when trying something new. The author adds a section of pattern stitches, some of which I have not seen in other knitting books, and a section at the back of the book with patterns for the models shown in the book (except for the sweater I liked, which was missing). Demonstrations include short-rows and working with color. The photos have been very helpful in explaining techniques that I am attempting as I design my own sweaters, so someone who is a designer might benefit by having this book as well as any beginner or intermediate knitter.