Big Fish, Little Fish

Jil Eaton has a way of making knitting seem even more fun. She is, without a doubt, a sensible knitter for people running on a time deficit. How often do you see a lovely aran knit sweater and see hour after hour ticking away when you know you need to grocery shop, bathe the kids, pay bills? Well, then Jil Eaton is an answer to your prayers. Her projecst truly are QuickKnits.Big Fish, Little Fish is chock full of attractive sweaters and accessories that won't suck all your time away. Cable knit sweaters and vests, cardigans, pull-overs, hats, mittens, socks, it has it all. I found several items to knit in the book (and did so with no problems pattern-wise). And, the huge size range really makes this book worth the money.She gives you measurements for peices and yardage so you can use just about any fiber and weight you want if you're willing to do a little math.It's not for a true beginner as she doesn't give specific directions for the details (decreasing for necklines, picking up and knitting stitches, seaming). But, used in conjunctions with a "knitting bible" it's a great way to whip up some really nice sweaters traditionally designed, made better by interesting color combinations and notions.

I own all of Jil Eaton's books. I consider this one a particularly good collection for those looking for basic children's and adult pattterns, such as socks, mitterns, (fabulous) hats, neck warmers, vests (v-neck or zippered), or plain crew neck sweaters. Plus, most (maybe all) of the patterns can be done in worsted weight yarn. Unlike Minnies, which uses many expensive designer yarn (to be dry-clean no less) for baby outfits, Big Fish Little Fish patterns can be done with any worsted yarn. So while I enjoyed making outfits from Jil Eaton's previous Minnowknits books, I like Big Fish Little Fish for its "wholesomeness". After you buy this book, you no longer need to buy individual patterns for socks, mitterns, basic sweaters and vests. I highly recommend this book.

I have loved minnowknits patterns for my kids. They are simple and stylish and usually quick to knit. I was thrilled with the adult selection included in this book. If you are looking for simple and wearable sweaters, you will find them here. Everything is easy enough for beginners, but stylish enough to make a more experienced knitter want to give them a try.

This book has some really great patterns that are quick and relatively easy. There is a cabled mitten pattern that I absolutely love, and I'm using it to make gifts for my friends and family next Christmas. A must have for the new-ish knitter.

A wonderful book of child and adult knitting patterns. Most of them knit up quickly and easily even while dodging a rambunctious toddler, or knitting with a sleeping baby in my lap. Now there's something rare, a book of kids knitwear you can knit while you still have kids! Lots of good patterns for beginners, and some slightly more complicated ones for those who get bored with straight stockingnet or garter stitch. I can't say enough good things about this book.