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2/16/2005 7:14:11 PM
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Cate
Posts 2212
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I really would love to find the perfect book about the ways of starting & finishing projects. One that explains which cast on & cast off techniques are best for which type of edges (elastic, firm, etc). Other special ways of making edges. Useful selvedge information. In other words, not the main parts of the projects but the things that make them special & well made.
What book do you like best for this?
Cate
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2/16/2005 7:28:07 PM
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benne
Posts 19258
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Cate,
I like _The Knitter`s Book of Finishing Techniques_ by Nancie Wiseman. She covers castons, increases, decreases, selvages, bind off, seams, picking up stitches, borders, bands and finishes, buttonholes, joining yarns, blocking, pockets,etc. Each topic shows different techniques and when they are appropriate. This is my fave.
Benne
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2/16/2005 10:33:46 PM
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Marta
Posts 2140
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I second Benne`s choice. This book has helped me overcome my fear of finishing, and helped me see things I used to hack through by trial and error. It covers a lot of ground for a relatively small book, and I find it perfect to have on hand for quick consultations.
Marta
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2/17/2005 4:35:19 AM
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bets
Posts 18976
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It`s the same book I own-it`s very complete.
B
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2/17/2005 9:13:22 AM
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MacChick
Posts 3589
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Nicky Epstein`s "Knitting on the Edge" is a fun one, too... I would do a search at your library and try out a bunch of them... you will soon find out which is the one that would be a constant help to have on your own bookshelf at home.
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2/17/2005 10:04:18 AM
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Sandra D
Posts 4496
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I would have to also give a fourth big thumbs up to Wiseman`s book, especially for the pros and cons for each technique, and the clear cut photos & diagrams.
Sandra
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2/18/2005 10:36:02 AM
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bea
Posts 624
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I like the Nancie Wiseman too, but it doesn`t have nearly as many options as _Knitter`s Handbook_ by Montse Stanley (I have both -- my book/pattern stash is starting to rival my yarn stash!). This one is so comprehensive a reference it`s almost exhausting -- but if you`re looking for something specific, like cast-on/offs for stretchy 2x2 rib, it`s got `em. It`s very much like a textbook, whereas the Nancie Wiseman is much smaller and portable, with the most commonly used techniques. I think if you`re looking for perfection and a complete reference, go for the Montse Stanley... if you`re looking for a good quick reference with 3-4 options, to keep in your knitting bag, go for the Nancie Wiseman. Just my opinion. =)
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2/18/2005 6:09:58 PM
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benne
Posts 19258
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Hi Bea,
I had wondered about the Stanley book. I haven`t seen it but it sounded very promising. Maybe my next reference book purchase? Like you, the knitting books at my house are taking over the shelves. I do like the portability of the Wiseman and the clear pictures but I`ll check this book out the next time I`m in an LYS. Oh, I look for perfection, but rarely find it in my knitting. ;-}
Benne
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2/18/2005 7:33:37 PM
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Cate
Posts 2212
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THANKS for the helpful suggestions and opinions. It sounds like I might need both. Too bad they are not listed here at Elann. I know the Stanley book is at my library. I will look for the Wiseman there as well. I can do it from home because our *card* catalog is online! I really am looking for something very thorough like the Stanley book but having a book I can carry along is also appealing.
Back to sewing Wobbly Rib seams, definitely not perfectly.
Cate
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2/18/2005 8:30:32 PM
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bea
Posts 624
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Benne and Cate,
I own the Vogue Knitting Reference as well, and in my opinion, the Montse Stanley has much more information, and it has the warmer feel of an experienced knitter`s distilled wisdom. The MS can`t be read cover-to-cover (you`d die of mental exhaustion) unlike the VKR, but that`s not usually how a reference book is used anyhow. The VKR is prettier, with more white space and nicer layout, and while the MS has very clear line drawing illustrations, the MS looks more cluttered. But the MS`s index is great so it`s easy to find things, and I`m convinced that 99% of anything you`d ever want to know about knitting is in there. (Must stop, I seem to be raving! Hee hee.)
OK, I wouldn`t post these links if the books were available thru elann, but since they aren`t:
http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PROFRAME&PROD_ID=127292
http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PROFRAME&PROD_ID=83467
The Montse Stanley book is a *steal* at $13!
Bea, ardent admirer of Montse Stanley
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2/19/2005 6:15:17 AM
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benne
Posts 19258
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Thanks, Bea. It`s okay to rave, I do the same thing. lol I`ve got the VK, so the Stanley goes to the top of the list. I really do want to improve my skills, get more of the technical things down. I think it will open up the range of knitting I can tackle, improve the quality of my knitting, plus I just like knowing how to do stuff.
Benne, who is convinced she MUST have the Stanley ;-}
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