[.ca] The Complete Book of Knitting (ISBN 0486415295)

Reliable, no frills knitting reference:
First, a warning. This book has absolutely no frills. No patterns, no color pictures, just a lot of good kntting advice. Also, since it was written in the 70s, some of the knitting techniques are given different names than what a modern knitter is used to. For all this, the book is a wonderful addition to a knitter's library. It is a book of a "knitter's knitter", I agree that it is not for a total beginner. The basics are rushed through in favor of more advanced techniques. There is a wonderful section on ribbon knitting and a very well researched chapter on various yarns, their origins and history. Most of all, there is a section on knitting terms translated from other languages. Included are British terms, French, German and Swedish. This is a great help when dealing with the great number of wonderful knitting patterns available from other countries. (The very poular German magazine Rebecca, for example, though it comes with a translation booklet. Then again, if you ever lose it...) I consider this section a very valuable source. Last of all, there are many fascinating stitch patterns to be tried, two handed fair isle knitting explained (though other books explain this technique too) and tips on argyle knitting. The book is full of good information and you simply can't go wrong. Every knitter needs a good general reference book (or ten!) and this one is certainly going to be on my shelf.

A good, clear, solid reference:
I bought this book many years ago when it was first published, but only recently have begun to appreciate it. After a hiatus from knitting, lasting nearly 20 years, I have taken it up again. I have bought some of the newer references to review the more advanced stitches and techniques, many of which I'd completely forgotten, but I have found this book, originally published in 1971, to be more complete and clear than any of the newer books I have. The text is good in explaining the techniques, and the illustrations are outstanding! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that it contains none of the glossy, color illustrations or projects that characterize the newer references and which most of us have come to expect. As noted in another review, this is a no-frills reference; but the information is solid, and I'm sure I will be consulting this book often.

Knitting carefully observed:
It may not be readily apparent why this knitting book is rated so highly as a useful reference book when there are many similar books about the subject, So just what is it, what qualities, set it apart? The diagrams are easy to see; from a distance, presuming you have needles in hand, and the text makes it possible to do the new stitch. The organizing principle behind the book divides the subject of knitting in such a way that a person can acquire specific information and also the broad concepts on which knitting is based. The subject is treated with great respect and so in turn is the reader. It is important to understand more than a stitch or technique; it is important to understand why one method of stitch is more appropriate than another, and more capable of producing a fabric that produces enough body to show off a design to best advantage. This book will teach the reader how to observe carefully and understand thoroughly; it is a book for the thoughtful knitter, the one who ask questions and wants to get all the details correct. Barbara Abbey regards craftsmanship highly and so will you after reading this book. I loaned many books from the library in order to determine for myself which books I liked enough to purchase. This books allows a knitter to grow and to feel a sense of achievement because it provides answers built on experience. She has made an effort to compile the best visual examples for a knitter to emulate and then later, the sight of and the feel of your own knitting will reveal what the text has explained about the pattern or stitch. To knit, is to get all the parts of a project squarely in mind before starting the project; this book helps a knitter get prepared at the start of a project so that there is room to anticipate, and mentally review, the techniques needed to create a given pattern. Barbara Abbey understands that patience must be handed down to fellow knitters; it must be cultivated in each project.

Good Basics:
I am a recent born-again knitter, having started again after 35 years of never touching a knitting needle! I forgot everything I had ever learned. Once I re-learned how to cast on, I found this to be a good reference book for the rest of the basics. Abbey begins with all kinds of needles, regular and "special needs", then proceeds to the extra equipment like counters, stitich holders, ring markers, etc. The next chapter covers all types of yarns, man-made and wools that include vicuna, cashmere, and alpaca. Also included is a description of how yarns are made and the history of yarn. A really valuable section was the part on abbreviations since every pattern uses them extensively. All basic techniques are covered: casting on, yarn over, increasing and decreasing, casting off, cross-overs, measuring, assembling and finishing. The illustrations are good if no-nonsense, but I am glad I have a friendly knitting/yarn store nearby to demonstrate for me! I was fascinated with the large section about knitting with ribbons, but I have a long way to go before I am proficient enough to do this gorgeous technique. The final section was devoted to a huge variety of pattern stitches which I may someday be able to do--with lots of practice.

A Good Basic Reference:
This was one of the first books I bought when I decided that I needed some reference books. I still turn to it regularly, especially for the pattern designs in the back. This book provides a good overall reference and covers the basics that everyone should know, especially a beginner. I don't know if I would want to teach myself to knit from this book, although it does cover the very basics. I especially appreciate the breadth of the book and the pattern reference which is a good starter reference, rather than buying a second book. My first knitting book was the Leisure Arts "Learn to Knit" booklet and this book would make a good companion to that for a complete beginner. For the price I think it is one of the best overall references for a beginning or relatively inexperienced knitter. For a more advanced knitter, or one who is adventuresome, I recommend Montse Stanley's "Knitter's Handbook" although that does not have a stitch pattern guide.