The Knitting Experience: Book 2: The Purl Stitch

I knew that this book was in development. But I've never been a big fan of "color" knitting. So, I wasn't anxiously awaiting its arrival. Boy was I in for a surprise. Although the book covers the basics of knitting with color, it goes so far beyond Fair Isle and Intarsia knitting. I find myself reading and reading and reading this book. Ms. Melville covers color theory in a way that's not at all intimidating. I've not considered the ideas she's presented here before...and all I can think of now is COLOR. This book has really ignited my interest in knitting with color. I really want to dive in and try out some of these techniques and ideas covered in the book. There are some great designs for men...I want to knit the vest and the "inside out" sweater immediately! A previous review gave only one star and that surprised me. This book is a PERFECT addition to the pervious "Knitting Experience" book, "The Knit Stitch" and the "Purl Stitch." Every knitter, whether beginning or experienced, will find him/her-self using this book as much as a reference as the pervious two.

I love her previous book, "The Knit Stitch," which was my primary source of instruction when I learned to knit this past spring. I anxiously awaited this new book, and I was surprised at how many of the designs I am eager to make. I am particularly pleased at the inclusion of less expensive yarns this time around, such as Lion Brand Wool-Ease, Chenille and Boucle. "The Knit Stitch" yarns ranged from fairly expensive to unbelievably pricey (the Muench "Touch Me" yarn that the previous reviewer mentioned--this yarn is included in this book as well, but I appreciate the balance of expensive and affordable yarns). Good quality yarn is important, and I love many of the more expensive yarns, but it's nice to find a pattern to fit a tighter budget. "The Purl Stitch" includes more designs for children and men than the previous book, which concentrated more on women's designs. I was very glad to find such a variety of choices to knit for my two young children and my husband. I highly recommend this book and the previous one for beginners or advanced beginners who don't have someone nearby to help out (I only have access to an experienced knitter once a month or so). The knitting instructions are excellent, and the patterns are detailed and well-written. I knit a couple sweaters from "25 Gorgeous Sweaters for the Brand New Knitter" and needed help to figure out the instructions. The experienced knitter who helps me out from time to time noted the significant difference between the two books' patterns--"The Knit Stitch" patterns are much clearer, while the "25 Gorgeous Sweaters" had many omissions and unclear instructions (for example, "reverse all shapings" with no clue as to how to do this--"The Purl Stitch" goes into this issue in detail). She felt that Sally Melville's book was truly appropriate for a beginner, whereas the "Gorgeous Sweater" book needs an interpreter for the beginner. I have several knitting books, and the only one that has stayed in my knitting bag has been "The Knit Stitch." Now I'll have to make room for "The Purl Stitch" as well.

Straight out of the gate I must say that I am a huge fan of Sally Melville's books. "Styles" remains my bible for ideas on stash reduction and I've told enough friends to buy "The Knit Stitch" that I could qualify for a referral fee. That being said, "The Purl Stitch" is a very good book overall. The book is a terrific book for the advanced beginning knitter who's ready for some interesting looks but appreciates (and needs) a detailed pattern that doesn't assume much prior knowledge. This is the same as "The Knit Stitch." Where this book differs is in what it offers the advanced knitter. The earlier book may have all been garter but the designs were so spectacular (most notetably the "Einstein Coat")that it was a "must have" book for me and most of the veteran knitters I know. The designs in this book are still good, but because stockinette stitch and knit & purl patterns are so prevalent, the designs just seem a bit more familiar and a little less compelling. For those of you who can't flip through the pages, here's a quick sense of the chapters:1. 23 pages of basic skills including the purl stitch (both right and left handed versions); purling with the yarn around your neck; decrease stitches; reverse shaping; and seaming in stockinette.2. Purling one row in six - a triangle shawl (with optional edging) and a boxy (but cute) v-necked cardigan/coat for both women and children. It concludes with a good piece on "reading your knitting" (i.e. knowing where you are by looking at your work).3. Stockinette stitch - a shaped, fitted, rolled neck shell; an a-line jacket in bulky wool; and the turtleneck mini-dress (or top) from the front cover. The final section teaches ways of attaching new yarn and hiding the loose ends.4. Reverse stockinette with five patterns--a serape; a set in sleeve, two toned top; a unisex zippered vest; an Asian inspired cross over vest/top (cute); and kangaroo pouch hooded sweat-shirt styled tops for adults and kids. The skill section teaches fulling (aka as felting or messing with wool and hot water).5. Ribbing - four patterns-- a raglan, open necked 2x2 ribbed snug blouse (cute); a 3x1 rib sleeveless or long-sleeved turtleneck; a 3x1 ribbed masculine pullover; and a 3x2 v-necked collegiate style unisex cardigan. There are two many tips to list.6. "A little of everything" - two mistake rib scarves; basic cuff-down socks; a round lacy scarf/miniskirt; gauntlets (sort of like fingerless gloves); and a Canadian weight hat and mitten set for adults or kids. The skill section is about grafting the toe stitches of socks.7. Using charts for mixed knit & purl patterns - a collared wrap; several variations of a basketweave look for adults and kids (including the ritual "Touch Me" decadent yarn top).8. The book finishes with more great advice on sizing, gauge, picking yarns and such.Scattered through the book are "meditations" where Sally takes a step back from the technical stuff and muses on knitting things including a