Knitgrrl: Learn to Knit with 15 Fun and Funky Patterns

Having just recently 'graduated' from making scarves and just about anything else square or rectangular that didn't require patterns or gauge concerns, i was feeling a bit intimidated and confused over some knitting basics. i have a generous assortment of knitting books, and some are more helpful than others. this is one of the best ones. i find these instructions to be extremely friendly and clearly expressed. the pictures are clear and accurate. and finally a book that shows and describes that mysterious process of weaving in ends!! this book covers all the basics - yarn fibers, yarn labels, gauge, color chart, needles, etc. and includes a cute and fun 'quiz' which i got a kick out of. there are great tips throughout the book, colorful photos of the patterns, cute drawings, a nice section on felting (fulling), and even a wonderful recipe for homemade hand salve! the patterns are defined well by the subtitle of the book "fun and funky". it could be argued that they may be most appealing to the younger crowd, but i think a beginner knitter (or a former knitter in need of a refresher course) would be pleased with the selection. who couldn't use a hat, handbag, scarf/stole, or pair of leg warmers? on top of that and several other items, there's a cool pattern for 'text messaging mittens' that feature thumb panels you can flip off. and dont forget your cat! - you can whip up some cat toys using the adorable wonton and eggroll patterns. this is a fun book offering very helpful instructions for your foundation in knitting. you will find the cool, beginner-friendly patterns will not only help you learn the basics, but you will also find that they become items that you will use for yourself or as gifts for friends/family/felines. happy knitting!

Shannon Okey is a designer and loves knitting. She features yarns you can find in stores or online and has plenty of resources for new knitters. Fun items in this book include a kitty dim sum (fill with cat nip) for your cats and ideas for knitting parties. Each book stands alone with all the information you need to get started. So, whether you start with the first or second book, there is enough information to finish all the projects. For winter, there are unique text-messaging mittens that will be appreciated by anyone who loves to be outdoors and answering their phone in the cold. Also helpful for iPods and would be a great gift along with the music player cozy that works as ear muffs and a CD holder. Love to ice skate? There is a pattern for leg warmers complete with embroidery, French knot and straight stitch. This book also includes a recipe for homemade hand cream. Knitgrrl has 15 fun projects to try and seems to focus on winter hats, scarves and purses. Knitgrrl 2 has a fun summer theme. Both seem essential! ~The Rebecca Review

I stumbled on this book by accident in the knitting section of Powell's bookstore in Portland, Oregon, and was instantly smitten. Simple, straightforward knitting instructions to get young (and old!) new knitters on their way, plus a collection of projects that are educational, but don't skimp on the fun. Spend a week's worth of pocket change on this book and you be well on your way to a most satisfying obsession. If you want a second book, I'd pair it with STITCH N' BITCH or KNITTING FOR DUMMIES.

I bought this book for a cousin in her early teens. I taught her to knit, but she lives across the country and I'm not around to help with follow-up questions. She loves the projects and has started several of her friends knitting with it too!

I love this book! You know that knitting has become the hip and happenin' pastime when teens pick it up, and so they have, with great enthusiasm. Shannon Okey takes a playful approach with Knitgrrl, her introductory text geared for young women. She starts by posing a question: Why knit? Her answers are thought-provoking; soon, you'll be perusing succeeding chapters on yarn types, reading a yarn label, choosing colors, all about knitting needles and tools, how to read a pattern, holding your needles and yarn, casting on, knitting, purling, and much more. Great close-up photos make it easy to learn! I give thumbs-up to the 15 projects: fresh, trendy, and fun, each one teaches different techniques, making this a terrific introductory book for beginning knitters of all ages. -Sharilyn Miller, author of Bead on a Wire