Knitting Pretty: Simple Instructions for 30 Fabulous Projects

Before I bought this book I had never knit anything. I now have knitted several projects from the book. Since I am your basic unfinished-project person, this is very satisfying! And it's fun to go and buy scrumptious new yarn.The book uses plain English for directions, no abbreviations. What's very helpful, each project lists the different skills (and knitting equipment) you will need to finish, and then the page number to find the explanation of those skills -- quite useful. Also, the photography is beautiful, which makes me want to knit each project. It looks like some of the negative reviews are from already-knitters disappointed with how simple the patterns are. I have to say that I brought this book to the house of an experienced knitting friend who was very taken with the designs. She has now knitted twelve change purses (no kidding), and wanted to borrow the book, so I bought her a copy. She then bought a copy for her mother-in-law. Also, when I went by the local yarn shop, the owner said she had pointed out one of the projects to a customer just that day. So the knitters I know do appreciate this book. I think it can be very safely recommended to people who want to start knitting, and will enjoy a non-traditional approach -- and to experienced knitters who would like some fun designs.

I only just received this book as a Christmas present, but I find it to be fabulous. I am a 24 year old beginning knitter who was taught to garter stitch by my mother, who is to far to help me with much beyond clarification. Making scarves is fine, but I wanted to make something else. Though, as written before, not everything has a picture the one's it does have are taken beautifully. The how to in the beginning is clear and easy to follow, though I would have appreciated an explanation on the difference in appearance between the different kinds of stitches. The author rates the patterns on difficulty, which minimizes frustration on my part. Some patterns, such as the beer cozy are just silly, the rest are kinda funky, in a good way and certainly quick. The best part of the book is the instant gratification of the projects. It took me many, many months to make my first scarf, but only a week to complete a pair of slippers and a sky headband. This may not be for those with great experience, I however found it to be a great starting point and every time I finish one project I see another I want to start.

This is a beautiful book that makes learning new knitting techniques fun for beginners. Some reviewers have said that they thought the ideas like the sock puppet were boring. I thought it was fun to learn knitting in the round with 4 double-pointed needles by making a sock puppet tube top. My whole family loved it, and I learned the technique in 15 minutes! Others said they wished there were pictures with every pattern. I do too, but there are photos with the most important patterns. I also am making the cell phone cozy, the coin purse, and the kid's worm scarf as Christmas presents. It is a VERY welcome change of pace from standard pattern books for beginning knitters or even for intermediate knitters looking for some new skills and motivation. I wish there were more knitting books like this.

When I was a kid, my mom took great pains to knit me my favorite piece of clothing for many years: a plain old scarf - I guess she was a beginner then just like I am now. I love Knitting Pretty (though the title's not that great) because it's so clear and unintimidating! The best thing about it is that Percival gives you the skill level for each project (1 is the easiest and 5 is the hardest). So far, I've done 2 of the easier projects and this week I intend to advance to the next level (from "plain old scarf" to "super-long ribbed scarf"). I probably won't get to the sweater (level 5) until next year, but at least I won't end up starting on something that's too advanced upfront and then never finishing it. Besides, there's always next winter. The book also has summer clothes and home decor stuff that you can make (mostly level 2). Percival also gives you all sorts of insider tips which give you the confidence to really get started. I have a few other knitting books which just intimidated me completely and ended up on the shelf. For the first time, I'm actually looking forward to the dreary winter months. Knitting really is fun - go for it! This book will let you do what you want: start knitting and getting practical and good-looking projects finished (really).

Most knitting books are full of out-of-date, ugly projects that I wouldn't want to make for my worst enemy. This book is the perfect antidote for that. It has wonderful patterns which are simple and fun. Most of all, they make for great gifts. I really love the hat patterns. They can be completed during one long TV movie or in a pinch during someone's birthday party. The result is a professional-looking, yet homemade creation. I highly recommend the book also for friends who are just learning. It is easy to follow and a knitting newbie can progress from simple to more difficult projects without buying a new book.