Knitgrrl2: Learn to Knit with 16 All-New Patterns

Shannon Okey, Knitgrrl 2 (Watson-Guptill, 2006) Shannon Okey's back with another book of patterns like you've never seen before. Readers of Okey's first book (titled, not surprisingly, Knitgrrl) will recognize the general layout here-- how-to tips with clear illustrations, silly, endearing artwork, and of course, the patterns. While the book starts out feeling like a retread-- the patterns at the beginning will be in-your-sleep kinds of things for those who went through the first book-- don't let your guard down. By the time you get to the patterns at the back of the book, you will be challenged unless you are a seasoned veteran-- and you may be challenged anyway, even if you are. Good, solid stuff, just like the first book. If you liked one, you'll like the other. *** ½

For those of you who loved Shannon Okey's first book, Knitgrrl, you're in luck--Shannon recently released a sequel, Knitgrrl 2, just as full of fun, acessible patterns as the first--if you weren't familiar with Knitgrrl, then now you've got two great books you can add to your library. Both books have fantastic how-two information, which use pictures instead of just drawings, to teach the basics. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. The original book is full of fun, easy patterns that teach basic skills like scarves and wristlets--a cool i-pod purse and leg warmers--there's even a basic introduction to lace. In Knitgrrl 2, the patterns continue to be fun without being at all repetitive--there's a great belt (and I can attest that knitted belts are very popular with the 2 kids classes I teach) and a sideways knit cardigan by Kristi Porter knit in Noro, that I'm sure will have lots of "grown up" knitters running for their needles. (Kristi's a frequent contributor to Knitty.com and the creator of the new FrankenKnits.com site.) Knitgrrl 2, also has a beautiful knit, beaded necklace, and an adorable cropped tank top. Both books are sprinkled with helpful tips and ideas, and are full of fun illustrations by Kathleen Jacques.

Shannon Okey's knitting books are wildly fun and have unique ideas I've never seen in any other knitting books. The patterns are especially creative and functional, like the Beauty-to-go-Bag or the Striped Pencil Purse. I used her ideas about picking up stitches on the edge to actually sew two pieces of a hat together with excellent results. The book cover and beach bag are perfect summery projects and you could even make the Ooh-la-la Flip Flops that use a size 8 needle and a skein of Crystal Palace Splash. Knitgrrl 2 follows Knitgrrl 1 with 16 new patterns. There is information on knitting history that was rather enlightening. Should you knit a sweater for your boyfriend? Read this book to find out. ~The Rebecca Review

Shannon Okey's approach in making knitting something hip and trendy and attracting the interest of young adults definitely worked! I read through this book before actually knitting the projects although I could hardly resist making them. If it wasn't for the fact that I was out of yarn... After also reading the Stitch-n-Bitch book by Debbie Stoller, I conclude that the Stitch-n-Bitch book mentions the same things but the Knitgrrl books just puts it in a more interesting way for teens as they are not interested in reading through a lot of text, in plain black and white with no funny illustrations. Knitgrrl 2 covers not only basic techniques but it really goes in dept for a Young Adult book.. It even has a special chapter about Beading, which I found very interesting as I've heard so much about this new technique and most regular knitting books don't include information on this yet. The page about dying your yarn was really interesting as well. As for the projects, they are great! Not long afghans or big sweaters(just a small top and a poncho) but small projects to start with like a head band, a make-up bag, book covers, a shawl (ofcourse) and many more summer projects. The color transition in her projects made the projects even more inviting to knit them. There were illustrations throughout the book (by Kathleen Jacques) which I found really beautiful and hip. Kids love cats or dogs so they'll surely look or even stare at these lovely illustrations. The trendy small summer projects together with the easy approach make this book the perfect beginner's guide for any soon-to-be-intermediate-knitter. You really don't have to be a teen to thoroughly enjoy this book and learn from it! -reviewed by Eveline for http://euroreviews.r8.org