'Knitting' book offers tips, tricks and much more

“I Can’t Believe I’m Knitting!” Editorial Writer Susan McManus Johnson

By By Lee and J.J. MacFadden Special to the Herald Courier
Published: November 22, 2009

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“I Can’t Believe I’m Knitting!” Editorial Writer Susan McManus Johnson, 2006, Leisure Arts, Inc., softbound, 71 pages: Available in Michaels and other shops which sell yarn, this instructional book begins with the basics: how to cast on (place the yarn on the needle), knit stitching (English and Continental methods), purling (in both English and Continental) and binding off (removing the stitches from your needles so they don’t unravel). The option to learn either English or Continental versions of stitches allows the reader freedom to find a method he or she prefers.
With clear, color photographs, the reader is taught to practice first, then to continue on to the next step.
There’s a section on troubleshooting, with FAQs such as, “How do I ‘undo’ or ‘tink’ a mistake?” and, “There’s a big runner in my knitting! What did I do?” Precise answers follow these, and most include a photograph for added help.
A long list of knit necessities is given, with information on each tool. For example, aluminum needles are difficult to bend or break, plastic needles are good for working with slippery yarns and bamboo needles are lightweight but can develop burrs.
The photo here is especially useful for beginners who may not have any idea what a point protector looks like.
There’s a chart for explaining the different weights of yarn, a table of abbreviations and a list of symbols and terms. Various methods for increasing and decreasing stitches (making a knit wider or narrower) are also given.
There is a section on finishing techniques. Seams, joining new yarn, weaving in yarn ends, changing colors and garments sizing are some of the techniques covered here.
The book then goes on to show the reader how to do circular knitting using a circular needle or double-pointed needles. Embellishments such as pom-poms, fringe and tassels, are also explored.
Lastly are the projects, of which there are 13.
They range from a simple dishcloth (which the author recommends for those new to knitting) to a felted purse complete with magnetic clasps and leather handle.
Some of the projects require circular knitting needles – the dog sweater, the socks and the cable afghan, for instance – so the previous instructions will come in handy.
The text is concise and well thought out, and the photos are a terrific aid. If you’ve never knitted before but would like to try, this could be the book for you.
Lee’s take: Excellent for beginners.
J.J.’s take: Thorough.