Finishing School

I just got this book and it is full of great information, hints and tips on putting a professional finish to your knitting. Like adding seam stitches to the edges of your garment pieces so when you seam them together they look very professional. She adds two "seam stitches" at the edge of her garments that way she can seam between the stitches and come out with a very nice seam. She says that she always plans her sweater designs to add these seam stitches (with few exceptions) and that they can be added almost all the time , regardless of the pattern you are using. I was so excited to learn this technique because like most knitters, I hate seaming. I always stress out when it's time to seam the seams together for fear I will screw it up after all my work and hours of knitting my sweater. This is just one tip and she devotes a full chapter on seaming. She also is a stickler on the importance of making a swatch. She makes large swatches and incorporates into her swatches; ribbing, part of a collar, or cables etc.. so she has a clear picture of how all elements of the sweater will look like before she begins. You can't go wrong getting this book by Deborah Newton and her book "Designing Knitwear" which I have ordered through www.amazon.com and waiting patiently to arrive.

Best Book for Beginners

When I first started knitting I purchased several knitting books on the basic's of knitting. This book, "The Knitting Experience" book 1:The Knit Stitch, is in my opinion one of the best beginning knitting books around. Sally Melville, the author, has beautifully put together a very informative and easy to understand book covering just the "knit" stitch. There are some terriffic patterns that are stylish and so easy for the beginner to master. I'm working on a sweater from this book and am really enjoying the project. She also has a second book, Book 2: The Purl Stitch. Between these two books it gives the beginning knitter as well as the advanced knitter some great patterns and hints & tips that will make your knitting experience more enjoyable and your finished projects look professional. I Love this book!... It is available at amazon.com. I purchased a used copy for around $5. When I am looking for knitting books, I will always check the used books first and see if they have a copy that is in good or like new condition.