Teen Knitting Club: Chill Out and Knit

This was the second book on knitting that I bought, the first one being part of a beginner's kit made more for adults. This book is made more for teenagers, and was much easier to understand. When I went to the local yarn shop with my mom and grandmother I was working on a blanket when one of the workers came up to me and was surprised that I learned how to knit the continental (sp?) way. So far I've made a tote bag, using the type of yarn I wanted, modifying a few things to fit my needs, and added a bunch of buttons and the good comments rolled in! I've also made 2 of the scarfs in the book, and I'm now working on a blanket (for my boyfriend; Once he saw my finished tote bag, he wanted me to knit him a blanket), and a tank top. This book is great for beginners and anyone looking for hip projects and cool designs.

I bought this book on a whim at the bookstore. When I actually sat down and looked through it, I realized how good the book actually was. Even though I have been knitting for almost a year know, I read the section in the front that describes very well the basics of knitting (casting on, binding off, knitting, purling, ribbing, etc.) which I thought would be useful for a new knitter. The patterns are seperated into 8 sections including scarves, ponchos, sweaters, and one-day projects. To the sides of the actual patterns, there is a list for what you need and what you need to know. The patterns are very easy to follow and complete, but still look nice. The pictures are colorful and show REAL teenagers wearing the clothes (as opposed to models). I also like how there are quotes from teenagers located throughout the pages. The only bad thing about this book is that I found it a little difficult to locate on the page the yarns that they used in the patterns. I recommend this book for knitters of all ages that are beginners or are semi-new at knitting. Great book for everyone!!! Happy knitting!

This book is absolutely amazing! Don't let the word "TEEN" in the title discourage you; I am well past my teenage years and I love this book. The patterns are hip, yet timeless. After about 2 hours of skimming through this book and making swatches with a few of the techniques I read about, I decided to make a scarf. It is the first pattern in this book-a basic garter-stitch (plain knit) scarf, however, I changed the size of it because I wanted to make it longer and skinnier. I used super thick yarn and huge bamboo (I read bamboo was the best and easiest for beginners because the yarn stays put) needles in size 19, and completed the scarf in about 3 hours!!! I couldn't believe I turned string into an actual object! All the directions for each pattern are written out instead of abbreviated, which is easier for beginners. However, there is a glossary of terms and abbreviations in the back of the book so you can learn some abbreviations. The entire book is in color, with gorgeous pictures. The patterns list the yarns that are used, but also lists alternative yarns to use, so it is easy to figure out how to make the same project with thinner or thicker yarns as well as different material yarns. They also show you that you can use another brand with the same weight and gage if you wish to make the exact pattern but don't want to use the yarn they suggest. Also, Every project has a list on the right side that tells you the page numbers of the techniques you will need to know for that particular project. The book lists the following: yarn descriptions dissection of a yarn label needle conversion chart accessories you will need how to hold needles and yarn shows color pictures of different types of stitches top 10 problems and how to fix it stitches and techniques tips on how to make your own knitting project scrapbook ideas for knitting for charity sources 2 blank "notes" pages The projects include (each category has several projects): scarves (male & female designs), hats (male & female designs), bags (small & big), ponchos, tank tops, shell-neck tops, sweaters, cardigans, and one-day-projects (such as headband, doo-rag for your head, choker, blankets). I just completed the Drop-Stitch Scarf (2nd project). I used my own yarn that wasn't listed along with thinner needles. The Raggy Bag is going to be my next project (Right now I'm working on another project from a different book). This book shows you how to make all the necessary stitches and techniques needed for a beginner. It teaches you: gages slip knot cast on knit purl stockinette reverse stockinette increasing (it shows 1 way to increase-Stitch N Bitch shows 3) decreasing (it shows 1 way to increase-Stitch N Bitch shows 3) binding off joining yarn weaving in ends blocking seaming-the mattress stitch I only found a few things that were left out from this book. Like many books, it assumes you know how to rib just because you know how to knit and purl. Yes, they show

I had read that many of the good beginner books are geared toward teens and that is the truth when it comes to this one. This is a great book for teens and 20-somethings or a young mom and daughter who want to learn knitting together. It explains all of the basics and gives color photos of stitch patterns and project patterns. It explains what size needles to use with the different weights of yarn. I love that it gives you the top ten problems you may encounter and how to resolve them. It also includes an abbreviation list in the back. There are great specific patterns for teens and 20-somethings in this book. There are so many great beginner patterns it is hard to choose between them. Patterns include: a great easy poncho; a couple cute, simple purses; a lot of nice scarves and hats: a very simple friendship blanket. Each pattern tells you what materials and skills you need to have, what yarn they used in the picture, and simple instructions IN PLAIN OLD ENGLISH, NOT ABBREVIATIONS. It also has a 1-day projects section with 3 patterns. I love that you don't have to buy a pattern book with this one because there are so many great patterns included. If you are a teen or 20-something looking for a book that teaches you to knit through simple techniques (IN PLAIN ENGLISH) with great easy patterns you can not go wrong with this book. I would recommend it to anyone learning to knit that has gotten frustrated with the other beginner books out there.

Was considering this book, but very unsure, due to the sparse description. Saw it at the local bookstore and WOW - what a good book for any age knitter. These are very nice patterns and do not look homemade. What is best about this book, is that it encourages the user to substitute yarns. As I am a "by the pattern knitter," and I feel that I cannot knit properly unless I have the exact materials, I think that this book will be a big help in breaking me of this habit and getting me to be a bit more creative in my knitting. Super book, I hope many people discover it and that it sells well!