The Knit Stitch (The Knitting Experience- Book 1) Description:

The Knit Stitch (The Knitting Experience, Book 1) review:5 stars (The Knitting experience: Book 1: The Knit Stitch) - I am an experience knitter and I love this book. The designs are not only simple but aesthetically beautiful. I am inspired to knit them all.

Christine Montano.5 stars (The Knit Stitch) - Loved this book. Good for beginners as well as seasoned knitters.5 stars (This is the books that is teaching me to knit) - As a experienced crocheter, I've been disappointed with the lack of nice sweater patterns. So I decided to learn how to knit. After reading "Knitting for Dummies", I was just as confused as before. Then I picked up this book.

The book is extremely easy to read and learn from. The step by step photos are very helpful when you are trying to decipher where the heck your hands, fingers, and yarn should be. By following along with the photos, I have been able to successfully complete two projects in this book, and I am beginning another one.

The patterns are very nice. Of course, as with any pattern book, there are some that I have no interest in making, but there are at least 5 more that I can't wait to try.

One reviewer has said that the patterns are monotanous with lots of knitting. Ms Melville states in the book that these projects were designed with lots of knitting on purpose, in order to have the new knitter practice, practice, practice. To me, there is an upside and a downside to this. The upside: by the time I finished the bulky yarn poncho, I had mastered the knit stitch and tension. The downside: I would like to make the Best Friend Jacket ( a cool assymetrical sweater ), but in order to get enough yarn for it, I'm going to be dropping a chunk of money for the yarn. This can be daunting for a newbie, who is unsure of their commitment to the craft (I, personally, am ordering my $100 worth of yarn today for the jacket, after 3 weeks of debating whether I would actually finish it or not)

A side note on the patterns I have finished: The super bulky weight poncho turned out AWESOME. With her instructions I was able substitute some 100% wool yarn I found on sale, and the finished product looks incredible. Also, the Shape It! scarf: addictive! I will be making several more. The one I have made so far was done in Lion Brand Homespun, in gorgeous fall colors. It is truly a sight to behold. The part thin scarf, part triangular scarf makes for a wonderful style that can be worn many ways and looks fabulous. I can't wait until it cool enough for me to wear it!

All in all, I highly recommend this book for a knitting newbie. By introducing new techniques gradually, the book is a wonderful beginner's book