Two books for knitters

Cable Left, Cable Right

By Judith Durant

Spiral-bound: 216 pages

Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC; Spi edition (May 31, 2016)

ISBN-10: 1612125166

ISBN-13: 978-1612125169

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Knitted cables, with their three-dimensional twists and turns, are a common element in lots of patterns -- but most patterns don’t include directions for executing them. Cable Left, Cable Right, by expert knitter Judith Durant, eliminates the mystery with detailed, in-depth instructions for creating 94 different styles of cable, from perfectly plain to fantastically fancy. Close-up photos and clear instructions teach you the techniques you need, including design options like braids, diamonds, and pretzels so you can make your cables truly one-of-a-kind. This book is the perfect companion to any knitting pattern featuring cables, giving you the information and skills to make polished, beautiful, and unique cables for any project. 

My Thoughts:

I’ve been knitting for 40 years now, and my favorite sweaters are the ones with cables. This book is a perfect resource, working from the simple to the intricate. It is well-photographed and the explanations are clear enough for someone newer to the craft. The spiral binding means you can have the book open beside you as you work without having to weight it down with something—always a plus! This is a resource that should be on the shelf of any knitter who plans on doing classic or not-so-classic cable designs.

 

Susan B. Anderson's Kids' Knitting Workshop: The Easiest and Most Effective Way to Learn to Knit!

By Susan B. Anderson

Age Range: 8 and up

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Spiral-bound: 200 pages

Publisher: Artisan; Spi edition (December 15, 2015)

ISBN-10: 1579655904

ISBN-13: 978-1579655907

Publisher’s Blurb:

Beloved knitting instructor Susan B. Anderson presents her first book targeted at a young audience. This accessible introduction to knitting in the round includes easy-to-follow illustrated tutorials on techniques from casting on and binding off to joining colors to make stripes, and 17 progressively challenging knitting projects—beginning with simple infinity scarves and hats and building to supersweet toys and decor. Step-by-step text and photographs that kids can read and follow on their own mean they will be knitting independently in no time! Also included is a chapter on stocking your toolbox and sourcing yarn; plus advice on starting a knitting group, connecting with local knitting communities, charity knitting, and more.

 

My Thoughts:

I am mostly self-taught, but consider myself to be a pretty proficient knitter. If only this book had been around when I was learning—I’d have got a lot better a lot faster.

 

Explanations, illustrations, and photographs are clear and easy to understand. The projects are well-chosen for the target age range and build skills as you work from first to last. Anderson’s advice for teaching kids to knit is well-considered, and, as an experienced knitter, I can say that she really hits the mark with her ideas. The spiral binding is a nice touch so the book can be referred to easily during a project. It works for any beginner, not merely children!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARCs of these books.