Rating: 
Summary: Not bad but could be better
Review: This book does have some very basic, approachable patterns but as one other reader mentioned, the hooded sweatshirt pattern is incomplete. I am also having trouble achieving the gauge with the yarns recommended even after trying different needles. Also, the little story with the V-Neck sweater is obnoxious --- it was made to show off the store owner's "washboard abs." On the plus side, they do give row-by-row instructions for shaping armholes and necks and they do have schematics for the sweaters which is very helpful. Yes, the yarns they recommend are pricey but I do think good yarn goes a long way to making a knitting project a success.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Book for the Beginner
Review: This book has become my favorite knitting resource! It is an excellent reference for those beginners used to only making scarves and other such basics but lack the confidence to dare to create more challenging items like sweaters. My own knitting has improved 10 fold with the basic easy to understand instructions provided in this book. I have learned better ways to shape and seam my completed sweater projects (that turn out very professional looking I might add)and because of this book I have become a faster more confident knitter, completing projects in 5-7 days between the subway and evenings at home. I have already created a beautiful V-Neck sweater for my friend's daughter. This is definitely where most of my Christmas sweaters will be coming out of this year!
Rating: 
Summary: I'd like it better if the authors had answered my email
Review: This book has inspired me to try out some big, fun yarns. And I like the selection of patterns. BUT, since many of the yarns are on the very high end price-wise or no longer available, I looked around for substitutions. What has made this tougher than it had to be is that the authors didn't provide the full info on the yarns they used (manufacturer and name). So, in the frequent cases where they doubled a yarn or combined two, it would have been helpful to know what the original gauge was in order to begin combining or doubling things on your own. And if you don't have the manufacturer, it's hard to look them up yourself for that info. So I emailed the authors through their store website, and no one replied. This was over 5 weeks ago. But at least I was able to print out the corrections while there!
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic!
Review: This is a great book! The projects are beautiful, and the yarns used for each project are listed, along with yardage and supplies needed. I called The Yarn Co., the store owned by the women who put out the book, to place an order, and the staff is friendly and helpful. This book is probably best for advanced beginning knitters, or for someone just starting who has someone experienced to help them along. I highly recommend this book!
Rating:
Summary: I taught myself to knit with this book!
Review: This is a great book! This was the book I bought to teach myself to knit and I still refer to it often when I forget things. Simple instructions and great patterns for hip fashions!
Rating: 
Summary: Expensive yarns....good patterns
Review: This is a great book, with one slight problem--the yarns are quite expensive. I found an easy sweater that was gorgeous. Then I found out the yarn is $20 a ball and you'd need 8 of them. $160 for a beginner sweater. AND not washable. So, you'll need to know how to substitute yarn well. There are VERY good illustrations at the beginning and I do enjoy the patterns. Just be prepared for expensive yarn recommendations.
Rating:
Summary: Great for beginners and quickies
Review: This is an excellent book for anyone wanting a quick knit and a beginner. I have knit up a couple of the patterns and been amazed at the speed and fun of knitting them. The book is written in a very laid back way with easy to follow instructions and short intros. All of the patterns use chunky yarn which makes projects a snap. The look of any garment can be changed by choosing a different yarn. To avoid frustration check out the website (yarnco.com) for corrections. Happy knitting!!
Rating:
Summary: Step-by-step illustrated lessons in knitting
Review: Using this basic guide, even the newcomer to knitting to take up the craft of knitting. The authors own a yarn shop and have taught knitting for years; The Yarn Girls' Guide To Simple Knits pairs ten modern patterns and projects with step-by-step illustrated lessons in knitting designed especially for novices. Directions are quite specific and leave nothing for wonder - down to the size of needles and yarn type.
Rating:
Summary: My favorite knitting book
Review: Why I Love This Book: My first knitting book was Hollywood Knits by Suss Cousins. That book inspired me to learn how to knit, but unfortunately it's directions were not detailed enough and seaming instructions were horrible. That's where this book came in. I think this book gave me a lot of confidence and helped me move from scarves to more complicated projects. Pros: Most if not all of the designs look like unique well-made things you would want to buy at an upscale boutique. My philosophy with knitting is this: Never put your heart and soul into making something ordinary. While the book uses simple techniques and is targeted towards beginners, I think seasoned knitters will also appreciate the unique use of color, texture and design. The book teaches you basic sweater techniques so you can eventualluy mix and match the lengths, sleeves, collars, etc. After making one sweater in this book, I became comfortable enough with constructing sweaters that I could rework some patterns from other books to suit my skill level (a little past beginner). There are also patterns for tanks (quick and easy to make), cool hats/beanies (no dorky tassels), scarves (think urban outfitters and barneys), cardigans (simple chic), ponchos (julia roberts makes and wears them, too) and blankets. Cons: The yarns used are expensive and sometimes difficult to find, but you can be creative (gasp) and learn to substitute easily.... I gave it 5 stars because I don't think I would be a happy knitter without this book.
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