Debbie StollerStitch 'n Bitch Superstar Knitting: Go Beyond the Basics

I preordered this book a really long time ago and then worried that since I'd waited so I might be disappointed when it finally got here. It was definitely worth the wait.There are three parts to this book - Part 1: the stitches, Part 2: How to create your own patterns and part 3: the patterns.The first two parts are awesome. 164 pages of detailed instructions, pictures and diagrams. Short rows, cables, colorwork, lace, a selection of cast-ons, buttonholes, decreases, increases, steeks, adding beads ... it's all in here, and more. The reading is easy and the concepts are clearly explained (at least the sections I've read so far).I'm also very pleased that there's a section on creating your own patterns. As a knitter I'm pretty fearless, but I'm a wuss when it comes to designing my own patterns. It seems so complicated and usually I can find an already existing pattern for what I want to make, anyway. But now maybe I can finally make a sweater to fit my tall, skinny husband who has long arms.The first stitch n bitch book gave a lot of young new knitters (like me) great instructions and patterns for things we would actually want to wear. This book does the same thing for advanced techniques. Cables are cool but those bulky aran fishermen sweaters might not be for everyone. The patterns in this book are fantastic. There are only a couple I'm not crazy about - it's not that I don't like them, I just don't like them as much as some of the other patterns in the book. There are 41 patterns for adults and children (and 1 dog coat) - sweaters, cardigans, shrugs, socks, hats, blankets, bags, scarves ... even a couple of dresses and skirts. The only trouble is deciding which to knit first. I've read through a few of the patterns I'm likely to start soon and the instructions seem clear, and there are charts and pattern notes where required.Great book if you're new to these advanced techniques or if you're an old pro.

I was not very impressed with previous Stitch 'N Bitch books. Still, when this one appeared in my local library I was moved to check it out. And am I ever glad! I liked it so much I bought a copy for my personal home library. I've been knitting over 50 years so I know a fair amount about knitting, however, this book taught an "old dog" some "new tricks".The illustrations accompanying directions are very clear and very helpful in understanding how to proceed. The first half of the book is filled with various how-to's, from types of cast on to more complex techniques. It also covers lace, intarsia, fair isle, cables and various stitch patterns. There is also knitting with beads, steeks, various bind-offs, and good information on designing your own patterns. All in all it is an amazing encyclopedia of knitting all in one book. The only thing I found missing was entrelac knitting.The latter half of the book is a nice collection of patterns. Granted, most are designed with youth in mind, but almost any pattern can be adapted to personal taste by choice of yarn or color and most of us "old dogs" have "puppies" in our lives we like to knit for too. There are sweaters, accessories, baby items, an afghan, socks and one of my favorites, Tiger Lily, an adorable cat doll. There are projects that even beginners could handle because the directions are so clear.For someone who has yet to hold knitting needles in hand, you would need a pamphlet to show the basic knit or purl stitches. Otherwise this book shows all else you need to know. With this in mind, I would recommend it even for beginning knitters because you can challenge yourself to learn more and grow in your knitting skills. It is an excellent reference book as well as a good selection and variety of patterns to start with.

I've been knitting for a couple of months now and am fairly comfortable with the various stitches (or more accurately, how to read a pattern because that's all you need to do in order to get any stitch you want). However, as I advance beyond scarves and hats, I'm finding it hard to locate knitting books that address the more complex questions like how to increase or decrease a pattern that isn't available in your size or how to design your own simple raglan sweater or even what the differences (pros and cons) are between the various sweater types.This book answers them all. And unlike others, which spend half of the pages rehashing beginner steps again (I mean, how many times do we really need to be shown how to knit and purl? It's not like we forgot between reads), it starts off with a bang and you're reading about doing wraps and short rows. Another chapter discusses how to measure yourself and formulate the perfect fit. Another after that is going into detailed instruction on designing your own sweater in each of the popular shapes.Plus, I love the fact that she "talks" in her book just like a gal down the street. Some people like formality in their instructional books...I don't. I need plain speak and a simple visualization for things I may never have seen or done. For example, instead of telling me the cord is made from this material or ranks a five on a flexibility scale, just tell me it looks and feels like aquarium tubing and I'll have an instant frame of reference. Having Stoller talk about short rows being used to make a "pouch for your boobs" let me know instantly what they were used for and what shape they created. Down and dirty knitting. Emily Post need not attend.

I love the stitch and bitch books, I have them all. They are easy to understand. This book loses a star as I found some things are repeated from the other books in the series and I didn’t like the patterns.

All instructions are clear and the language used is understandable, even entertaining. Useful for looking something up when you come across a new technique in a pattern. The diagrams are clear. I have learnt a lot from this series of books.

Loads of information on how to design and modify the patterns to your own particular body shape. The patterns are fresh and innovative and a joy to make! :) x

Great new techniques explained in a way it is difficult to misunderstand. I use it regularly to remind myself how to do things.

great book, full of useful information.