Series
Collection
Publication
Workman Publishing Company (2004), Edition: 1st Edition, 256 pages
Description
Knitting is hot, with 4 million newcomers in the last few years joining a core group of 38,000,000 knitters nationwide. And these are primarily young, creative, connected chicks with sticks who are coming together in living rooms, knitting cafes, and chic yarn stores, and making everything from funky hats to bikinis. In Stitch 'n Bitch, Debbie Stoller-founder of the first Stitch 'n Bitch knitting group in New York City-covers every aspect of knitting and the knitting-together lifestyle: the how-to, the when-to, the what-to, the why-to. Writing with wit and attitude (The Knitty-Gritty, Blocking for Blockheads), she explains the different types of needles and yarns (and sheep, too) and all the techniques from basic to fancy, knit to purl to cast-off. She also shares her special brand of corrective surgery for when things go wrong, and offers fun and informative sidebars on such topics as how to find the best yarn for less, how to make a buttonhole, knitting etiquette, and what tools to keep in your knitting bag. At the heart of the book are forty stylish patterns: alien scarf, big bad baby blanky, mohair hoodie, kitty and devil hat, cell phone cozy, and wonder woman bikini. And for anyone interested: how to start a Stitch 'n Bitch group.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member adanagirl
I am left-handed and easily learned to knit using this book and positioning my hands just like in the pictures.
LibraryThing member xicanti
This is an awesome, inspiring book. I figured I'd just browse through the patterns a little, but the next thing I knew I'd read it cover to cover. I've been knitting since I was five, so I wasn't relying on this book to teach me how, but it still got me thinking about the whole process of knitting
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in an entirely new way. It also got me thinking about issues of "women's work" vs. "men's work," and gender roles in our society. Very good stuff. The instructions are readable and entertaining, and most of the patterns are really funky. Show Less
LibraryThing member Daisydaisydaisy
Fab book! I learnt to knit from it and it's pitched at just the right level. The only annoying thing was having to translate the Americanisms into English, but otherwise it's great!
LibraryThing member jtho
This book is amazing - I have completely taught myself to knit (and purl, change colours, bind off, increase, and decrease so far) from it. There are a few things that I find very helpful: the order in which new skills is introduced is very sensible and not intimidating. I trust that I won't be
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scared off by the next new thing each time I'm ready to move on. Also, the diagrams show the HANDS - so many books show the position of the needles and yarn, but not how your hands hold them. This is very helpful. Finally, each of the fancy projects in the back of the book (after the main instructional part) have a small chart that lists which skills you need in order to attempt it. It's really easy to see what you have the ability to make, and which projects you'll be able to make soon. Great knitting book for beginners! Show Less
LibraryThing member aproustian
I first learned from this book, but it teaches yos in an unfortunate, confusing way and the patterns are only so-so.
LibraryThing member kukkurovaca
Great sense of humor, okay instructions, crappy illustrations. Bonus points for importance in the push to make knitting "cool."
LibraryThing member snoflingor
Good book to get you started but I've found that the how-to part of the book has it's limitations so I picked up Vogue Knitting. Flipping through the book last night it is a far superior reference book (though the patterns given are pretty dowdy looking).
LibraryThing member jennyo
Before reading this book, I'd never knitted a stitch in my life, and never really seen anyone do it either (unless you count Gromit), but I've been able to cast on and knit a few rows already. I think the patterns in the back of the book are cute, though I doubt any of the sweaters will actually
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fit me, even in the extra-large size. But reading this book was a good excuse for the women in my book club to get our friend to teach us how to knit. At our next meeting, she's going to give us some pointers. Should be fun. Hope I can figure out how to purl and bind off before we meet! Show Less
LibraryThing member Wanderlust_Lost
Great beginner's book! I love the style, but sometimes the instructions are needlessly edgy. Like giving stupid names to the "legs" of stitches...and not having terribly clear illustrations in the instructions area. That said this book is still a must have for beginner knitters. And the patterns
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are really clever and unique! Show Less
LibraryThing member arlette
I taught myself to knit with this book -- it clearly covers super-basic through reasonably advanced techniques with clarity and style. Totally recommended.
LibraryThing member suavisvinum
my first knitting book! i actually taught myself how to knit using this book. i would reccomend it for anyone looking to learn the basics, or for a more experianced knitter looking for some fun patterns
LibraryThing member reader23
Amusing but same-old, same-old stuff. New patterns are not to my taste.
LibraryThing member rainwood
A decent beginning knitting book, however some of the instructions are hard to follow and the patterns are going to be dated in a few years. Not destined for "classics" status. Great that it got folks to sit up and start knitting though!
LibraryThing member BookishRuth
Three years ago I tried, quite unsuccessfully, to teach myself to knit using another book. I gave up, thoroughly convinced that I would never be able to knit. Stitch 'N B*tch, thankfully, has proved me wrong. This is a wonderful book for a new knitter! Stitches are clearly illustrated and the
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step-by-step instructions are easy to follow. Something I found incredibly helpful was Stoller's explanations of the differences between types of yarn, yarn weight, and types of knitting needles. I've already finished my first project, the Go-Go Garter Stitch scarf, and I am well on my way to completing several others. I wish I had had this book three years ago! Show Less
LibraryThing member sammimag
Some great beginner projects I want to do: devil and/or the cat hat, pippi knee stockings, maybe the cable sweater for something comfy. I like the umbilical baby hat it's a hoot. Maybe the pinup queen - fitted sweater but it might not be my style not sure yet.
LibraryThing member segal
Easy to understand instructions. I've knitted two sweaters from this and they both worked out well (as opposed to some of my attempts).
LibraryThing member badrabbyt
the book that taught me to wield my sticks! i really like the patterns and information.
LibraryThing member thairishgrl
As a lefty, I love this book, I finally feel included! I am a beginner and am looking forward to tackling some of the fun patterns.
LibraryThing member tiglancey
I loved every page. Great starter book as well as reference book.
LibraryThing member imperfectmanx
A good book to make knitting hip. It's good for basics, though definitely not the bible on knitting. Most of the patterns are too trendy to make or too basic. Though I did learn some basics for finishing.
LibraryThing member arsmith
i guess it's hard for me to think of yarn as cool. or of many knitted things that i would like to make that would be cool. i got into this for about a second. i made a couple of potholders and then got bored. i guess i just don't have the attention span for this kind of thing.
LibraryThing member qwiksilver
TAKE BACK THE NEEDLES! For years and years knitting was what your grandmother did. Women involved in the women's movement didn't knit. Now it's what the young and hip do because they want to. The women's movement moves on to a new generation and a new chapter. Knitting like racing cars or running
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corporations is a way a woman asserts her independence. That was the message of this book. It intrigued me on so many levels. When I picked up this book I was a brand new knitter who had barely learned the knit and purl stitch from a kit. I have made a hat and a sweater directly from this book. I enjoyed that any stitch or technique you were using was quick referenced on the pattern to the page in the book. I've since taken a sweater pattern, and using just the front of the sweater, started making a cable shawl from some of my 50/50 camel/silk homespun. (I'm also a spinner.) This book inspires that much confidence in your abilities. Show Less
LibraryThing member irinipasi
I learned to knit solely from this book- its instructions are straightforward, down to earth, and point you in the right direction for other great resources. I constantly refer to it for certain techniques, and I love the totally modern patterns.
LibraryThing member StarKnits
This book is written with humor and very informative. It's very clear at instructing the reader how to knit. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn to knit. There are some clever patterns in the book also.
LibraryThing member naildoctors
This book is funny, plus i love the part where they describe the lango of knitting. That was the best for me wip. ect..
ISBN
0761128182 / 9780761128182
UPC
019628128188