Illustrated Guide to Knitting

This was one of the very first pattern books I bought, and after flipping through my copy this morning, it's still one of the best for introducing & explaining techniques--everything from the basics to bobbles, smocking, placing beads, different hems--and I have yet to find a single typo. Nor is it tied to one manufacturer or a showcase for ridiculously expensive yarns--she explains the yarn weights & only makes suggestions when necessary. Published in 1986, a couple patterns are really dated, but one of my favorite sweaters ever is from this book and it gets compliments every time I wear it. The folk knitting section is wonderful & hasn't been "mainstreamed" as much as later patterns in later books were. Written LONG before knitting became "hip" and publishers were cranking out books on garter stitch scarves, this provided me with hours of knitting, a great variety in looks and options, and will always have a treasured place in my knitting library.