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282 of 287 found the following review helpful:
 Glorious garter stitch for new and veteran knitters alike Feb 05, 2003
By Carol Peterson Hennekens
I ordered this book sight unseen based on the strength of Sally's previous book - Styles. I couldn't be more delighted with what the came in the mail. The Knitting Experience may not cover everything about knitting. It's all about the knit stitch - nothing about purls (until the next book). So what's in the book---
1. A preface teaching the novice the basics - holding the needles, casting on, etc.
2. Chapter one has several simple scarves and a triangular poncho - sized for adults and children
3. Chapter two introduces knitting in the round with a mini-skirt, leggings, and a cap. Also a flat knit cap and mittens.
4. Chapter three features a jacket and vest knit from side to side.
5. Chapter four features the "star" of the book - the Einstein coat which is knit in panels going different directions (very cool!). Sally offers the coat in sizes from infant to large mens. There's also a purse and a bunting pattern.
6. Chapter five features features several variations of a summer weight pullover with styling ranging from modest to sexy.
7. Chapter six introduces the skill of slip stitch using the same stitch pattern in a mix of pullovers and cardigans for both children and adults.
Fully half of the book is devoted to teaching skills - big sections at the beginning and end of the book and smaller sections in each chapter. Sally offers an encylopedia of wisdom - often with a sense of humor. Her list of 10 most significant knitting discoveries is terrific.
Bottom-line - run, do not walk, to Amazon.com or whoever has this book in stock and get a copy of your own.
57 of 57 found the following review helpful:
This book taught me to knit! Jan 22, 2003
It was a rainy December day in Northern California when I stepped into a yarn shop to avoid being drenched. I couldn't believe the beautiful yarns I saw. It wasn't like a trip to Woolsworth with Grandma when I was a kid! After feeling almost every ball of yarn in the store, I knew I just had to start knitting. But how? I remember a very funky chain stitch with a crochet hook when I was 7 years old...I asked the sales consultant to recommend a good basic instructional manual to teach me to knit. She recommended "The Knit Stitch". In the past 4 weeks, I have knitted Joel's scarf, the flat knit hat, a couple of basic scarves using luxurious yarns, and am now feeling confident enough to try the ruana! I have never knitted before. The only knitter I know lives over 400 miles away. This book has taught me to relax, enjoy the simple things, appreciate some hot chai, and learn what satisfaction can be derived from such pleasures. Thanks Sally! Can't wait for book #2!
35 of 36 found the following review helpful:
You NEED this book! Jun 12, 2003
By kittybooks
Whether you are brand new to knitting or have been knitting for 30 years, you will find something in this book to love. I've only had the book since the second printing came out in March and I've already knit several of the projects in it (and want to knit more!)Excellent close-up color pictures of every technique described; beautiful, fashionable projects that anyone would love to wear or give as a gift. Every project in the book is made all with only knit stitches. Sally has managed to design projects that are simple enough for a beginner, but interesting enough for a seasoned knitter to enjoy making. She also presents some wonderful ideas about knitting in her 'knitting meditation' breaks between the chapters. I would add this book to my list of must have knitting books. If you want to start knitting, start with this book. I am recommending it to all of my beginning knitting students. If you've been knitting forever, you will have a hard time deciding which project to knit first. Go ahead, knit them all. I know I will!
26 of 26 found the following review helpful:
The must have knitting book of this or any year!! Oct 29, 2002
By Gail Z
As a fly by the seat of my pants, no help needed knitter, I questioned my need for a ground up knit stitch manual. Well, this is possibly one of the best written, most enjoyable knitting books I've ever read, and I would tell ALL knitters of every skill level to purchase the Knitting Experience ASAP! Sally, if you read this, my hat is off to you. Inspiration, instruction, meditations, and beautiful projects, what more could be asked for? I can't wait for the next book in the series!
28 of 29 found the following review helpful:
Incredible book for beginners or experts Nov 18, 2002
By lorengoren
First of all, this book has one of the best visual and textual explanations of knitting techniques that I've ever seen, and I have quite a library of knitting references. I believe that a beginning knitter could learn to knit from this book alone. I consider myself to be an advanced knitter, and I'm not normally fond of garter stitch. But this book changed my mind! The designs are beautiful and classic, and not just for beginners. The sweaters are simple and elegant, so they will not go out of style anytime soon. In short, this is a must-have book for any knitting library.
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