Rating: 
Summary: Great for the novice knitter
Review: As a brand-new knitter I find the techniques in this book extremely easy to understand. Step-by-step photos are soooo helpful! Sally teaches you new techniques *as you need them* - they are not all lumped together in one area. I love that type of layout as I tend to go on overload when presented with a lot of information at once, lol. As for the projects, there are some good ones for beginners (scarves, hats, mittens and a fabulous bag) although I find most of the sweaters too oversized and bulky for my frame. However, the photos are beautiful and the finished garments are chic and inspiring.
Rating:
Summary: Great for the novice knitter
Review: As a brand-new knitter I find the techniques in this book extremely easy to understand. Step-by-step photos are soooo helpful! Sally teaches you new techniques *as you need them* - they are not all lumped together in one area. I love that type of layout as I tend to go on overload when presented with a lot of information at once, lol. As for the projects, there are some good ones for beginners (scarves, hats, mittens and a fabulous bag) although I find most of the sweaters too oversized and bulky for my frame. However, the photos are beautiful and the finished garments are chic and inspiring.
Rating:
Summary: Great information; beautiful and classic patterns!
Review: As an intermediate knitter, I found this, the second book of Sally's series, to be far more interesting than the first. That is not to say the first book wasn't great, but the addition of the purl stitch really expands the design possibilities of knitting. The projects in this book are still quite easy, but they are also more sophisticated, which isn't surprising. She offers projects that are more timeless than trendy. Five or ten years from now, you will still be able to knit and wear these projects, making this book a valuable addition to your knitting library.
For one who is just learning to knit, The Knit Stitch is the place to start, but for those who have some experience and who weren't interested in the projects of the first book (altho I, myself, did find items I wanted to knit), The Purl Stitch will be a pleasant surprise. As in the first book, the explanations, how-to photos, and the new skills offered are excellent. She introduces skills only as they are needed for a project. Although I'm an intermediate knitter, I still found a lot of information I hadn't come across before, and a lot that helped me in my own knitting. One example: When I put my knitting aside for a while, I have often struggled trying to figure out which row of a pattern I was on, or when to make the next increase. Sally made it much easier. She refers to this as reading your knitting and becoming a more intuitive knitter, and she really helps develop the necessary skills.
In conclusion, I just want to add that I loved the book. It's full of information and beautiful, classic patterns. I really hope the next in the series is published soon!
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Rating:
Summary: Sally's Visions
Review: Being a knitter for almost 30 years I thought me above using the "boring" garter stitch...until I discovered "The Knitting Experience" books of Sally Melville. Her designs might not be following the latest trends, but they draw their strength from being timeless and even elegant - talk about the Einstein Coat and it's "not so warm" versions! A couple of times I thought "why couldn't I think of this myself!" - well, I don't have to, thanks to Sally's visions. Both of the books are well made for the beginner, you don't have to start with the first one, though I would recommend it. All of the explanations are easy to understand, the photos are lovely and make me want to knit almost everything I see (I especially love the addition of lager sizes). I for one can't wait for her next publication - hopefully we don't have to wait much longer!
Rating: 
Summary: Really ugly baggy sweaters
Review: I bought this book sight unseen because I like "The Knit Stitch" so much. There is not one sweater or other garment in "The Purl Stitch" that I would be seen in, even at home by my immediate family. Perhaps this is why the author celebrates "process not product"
Rating:
Summary: Really ugly baggy sweaters
Review: I cannot add a great deal to what other reviewers have said except that at least 2 veteran knitters have looked at her 2 books in this series and have our eyes opened at the brilliant uses of boring old knit and purl. Sally is a true inspiration who takes you back to the basic and makes you look at things in a completely new way.
Rating:
Summary: A sense of Passion and Elegance
Review: I feel a harmony with Sally while reading her books. As a man, there aren't many books written to men and knitting. The meditations are appropriate for this art. I especially love her second book, and feel that it has guided me to becoming an intermediate knitter. I very much hope, there is truth to the rumor, of a third book with a Greecian perspective toward knitting. I myself, a man, have evolved from a mediocre knitter to a "passionatepurl-stich ophile". Sally writes with a "Carpe Diem" sense that I absolutely love; I think if she wrote something as ordinary as "Creative Art with Muench Yarn", I would still feel the richness and passion of her writing style.
Rating:
Summary: Great Patterns PLUS Large Sizes
Review: I really like this book. It has a wide range of projects from sweaters, to shawls, to socks. It also includes a wide size range that includes "plus" sizes for women, as well as men's sizes. If that's not enough, it also includes the chest measurement, garment length, and sleeve length for each size. As long as you check your gauge, this makes it easy to adjust the pattern for a perfect fit. There are also well-illustrated instructions for things like making buttonholes, closing the toe of a sock, etc.; plus a lot of information on proper ease for various styles to get a good fit. I really like this book!
Rating:
Summary: A Must-have Book for All Knitters
Review: If you knit, you must have this book. Here I am, a person who has been knitting for over 40 years, and I learn something new every time I pick up the book. I have already made 3 projects - each more beautiful than the next. This book is a wonderful addition to your library and a wonderful book to give as a gift to any knitter, beginner or experienced.
Rating:
Summary: A Must-have Book for All Knitters
Review: If you knit, you must have this book. Here I am, a person who has been knitting for over 40 years, and I learn something new every time I pick up the book. I have already made 3 projects - each more beautiful than the next. This book is a wonderful addition to your library and a wonderful book to give as a gift to any knitter, beginner or experienced.
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