tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11977720.post4868501809532193698..comments2024-02-02T05:26:39.052-06:00Comments on YARNGEAR: Knitting, Crochet, Spinning, Sewing, Weaving, and Dyeing: Knitting Books GaloreMei Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14485098963004906266noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11977720.post-12654775137334302142007-12-27T02:05:00.000-06:002007-12-27T02:05:00.000-06:00Principles of Knitting is a detailed reference man...Principles of Knitting is a detailed reference manual that not only explains how, but WHY techniques work they way they do, like why a SSK or SKP always looks looser than a K2tog. June Hemmons Hiatt is a knitting genius. The cast-on, bind-off, increase, and decrease chapters are best I've ever seen, with dozens of variations on each. The double knitting and the designing chapters are equally excellent.<BR/><BR/>There are a few minor weak spots: The author is biased against continental style, only details the wrapped short row method, there's no mention of knitting small tubes on longer circulars, and the order of the chapters is strange, like casting on in chapter six? Where is the one-row buttonhole, and why doesn't she know how to hide the jog when knitting stripes in the round? Her writing style can be overly thorough and sometimes dry, and the photos are black-n-white.<BR/><BR/>Still, the minor drawbacks are hardly noticeable against the wealth of information. When it was originally published, it was a $30 book (probably around $45 today) so back in its day, it was just a big knitting, not the holy grail that some make it out to be. Still, if I had to pick only one knitting book (after wiping away tears of deep sorrow) it would have to be Principles of Knitting, with Vogue Knitting & Knitter's Handbook coming close.<BR/><BR/>POK doesn't contain EVERYTHING about knitting - there's not yet a book that does, so I'm glad to have a variety of every type of knitting book in my library - from pattern books, stitch libraries, to techniques like modular knitting, and let's not forget the trendy knitting magazines that keep us up to date on the latest designs, yarns, and all the latest news in the wonderful world of knitting.<BR/><BR/>I heard that POK was going to be reprinted in 2008, but apparently, Simon & Schuster has been saying that for years, and the "coming soon" list on their website doesn't mention it. If it does get reprinted, I'll still be one of the first in line, then I can carefully preserve my old signed copy, and then tear up the new copy flipping through all those different cast-ons!Mei Travishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14485098963004906266noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11977720.post-15148845678078863812007-12-26T15:55:00.000-06:002007-12-26T15:55:00.000-06:00Oh my gosh, that book!!!! The Principles of Knitt...Oh my gosh, that book!!!! The Principles of Knitting..... how is it? I heard its okay....... is it better than books like vogue knitting, and the knitters handbook, and the big book of knitting?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11977720.post-67235027111906733842007-12-26T12:21:00.000-06:002007-12-26T12:21:00.000-06:00What great gifts! I love the hat too!What great gifts! I love the hat too!Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09615627617811272007noreply@blogger.com