The Knitting Answer Book

December 1, 2005
Written by well-known teachers in their fields and formatted as a series of questions that might be asked by crocheters or knitters, these manuals cover materials, techniques, and resources for each craft. They include not only valuable information for the beginner but also answers to questions that even experienced crocheters or knitters may never have seen addressed in print. For example, many books cover the casting-on process in knitting, but Radcliffe answers such specific queries as -What is the best cast-on when you're planning to add fringe to a piece? - and -Is there a more durable cast-on I can use for children's clothes? - In the crochet manual, Eckman includes exceptionally clear explanations for how to count stitches and rows from either side of a crocheted piece. Both books have excellent resource sections that include bibliographies, glossaries, and lists of abbreviations used in pattern books; at these prices, they are ideal for public libraries.

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2005
Indeed, all the answers appear to be here, even to questions you haven't asked yet. Chances are, however, that the more knowledgeable crafters become, they will be asking every single question Radcliffe includes. The book's format, obviously, is question and answer, but, in addition, the text is concise and tight without the page design (which includes very helpful drawn illustrations) being too crowded for the eye; the intended audience is "all levels" of knitters. Chapter 1 covers basic casting on, the stage-one process for all knitting; subsequent chapters tackle the knit stitch and the purl stitch, yarn basics, fitting a knitted garment, and finishing techniques. An excellent addition among guides to specific knitting projects. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)