Knitting Rules!: The Yarn Harlot's Bag of Knitting Tricks

This book is full of so much humor and truth about the craft and people who embraces the art (and obsession) of knitting. It is an absolute treasure of a knitting book that I'm so glad I came across!!

I have quite a few knitting books and this is one that I always turn back to when I have questions. Not only is it an invaluable resource for knitting whatever you have your mind set on, but Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is so funny in how she presents everything. A must for any knitter's library

There's nothing I like better than truly helpful lists and hints unless it is those same lists and hints dished up with a generous sense of humor. Stephanie had me laughing and reading out loud to my daughter-in-law and constantly exclaiming: "look at this!" while we drove to the yarn store for more supplies. So if you want a handy dandy list of typical head sizes or typical foot lengths (the kind of valuable info provided) topped off with WHO wears WHAT hats and WHY, you will love this book. The basics are addressed here, along with some fine points and finer observations that will have you consulting this book again and again. And if you want to relax and really enjoy your knitting - or your stash or your knitting thoughts (guilt-free) - get this book just to read for fun. It works either way.

I work at a yarn store, and I take this book to work with me every day. There's rarely a day goes by that I don't have the chance to use it. Aside from the humorous anecdotes and essays (like the story of the lady in 'gauge denial' who makes a sweater that's more like a tent), the book contains extremely helpful tips for eyeballing measurements, making ballpark guesses as to how much yarn will be needed for a scarf, blanket, or shawl, making simple hats and socks, among other things. Actually, let me say a couple of words about the author's "sock recipe". Before I read this book, many of the regulars where I work were urging me to start making socks so I could help them when they had trouble. I'd looked at sock patterns and felt very intimidated. But the way that the Yarn Harlot explains the process is so clear and so simple that it took away all of my fear. She helped me to visualize what I would be doing, and because of that, I now have a wonderful pair of finished socks! Everyone admires them and are stunned that they're my first pair, and that I made them without a pattern. I would recommend this book to any knitter of any skill level. Even if you own no other knitting books, you should own this one.

Knitting does rule and this book rocks! What I love about Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is she allows me to combine my two favorite addictions, books and knitting. As a confirmed knitaholic and bookaholic, this book is exactly the kind of reading Im constantly looking for. I not only get to read about my favorite past-time and (this important for all you bloggers out there) I can put it on my bookshelf where I can pull it out and enjoy it again and again. I've got nothing against blogs but there is nothing like a wonderful book, a book you read once, then go back and read again. "Knitting Rules" is full of great knitting tips, fun callouts and interesting facts. This is a book that will have turned down pages, comments in the margins and a rolled up cover. This is a book that will show how much it is loved. I recommend "Knitting Rules" not only for your personal library but as a great gift for a person who is a new knitter or someone you are try to incite to the knit side. For those people who say knitting is too complicated,takes too long and is boring, they need to spend a little time the Yarn Harlot.

Wow!! I love it!!It has all of the usual fun of reading a Yarn Harlot book (she seriously ROCKS), as well as lots of practical advice too. Everything from how to tell what kind of fiber your yarn is made of, to three different ways to construct a scarf, also a veritable ode to sock construction....I could go on and on, but you get the idea. This is a great book!!!