Thursday, September 25, 2008

Review: Mason-Dixon Knitting: Outside the Lines

I've been sitting on this book review for a week, and I'm feeling pretty hesitant. You see, I like Mason-Dixon Knitting, I really do; I even spent at least fifteen seconds chatting with authors Ann Shayne and Kay Gardiner at Morehouse Merino during last year's Rhinebeck, so I know they actually are both nice and funny. Also, all the other reviews I've seen are on the gushing side of positive. But me? I can't figure out how to fit this book into my life -- and that's why I'm going to give it away. Would you like it?

This is both a pattern book and a humour book; check out the subtitle ("Patterns, Stories, Pictures, True Confessions, Tricky Bits, Whole New Worlds, and Familiar Ones, Too"). The patterns come from Kay and Ann as well as from other familiar designers (e.g., Bonne Marie Burns, Anna Bell). There is, literally, something for everyone, with projects for women, kids, babies, and the home. (OK, not so much for men -- or, specifically, for men who don't use a Swiffer.) (Of course, the socks could be made for men.) There are patterns for clothing, accessories, kitchen items, and holiday decorations. My favourite designs are the red-and-robin's-egg-blue Liberty blanket and the Super Eggplant-inspired Kiki Mariko rug. Lovely!

Alongside the thirty-odd patterns is plenty of sassy Mason-Dixon writing. These are funny ladies. They use terms like "Loonyville," "Bathrobe Syndrome," and "the holy crap moment." The best part about these sections is that they are actually useful, providing tips about calculating ease when knitting a sweater, steeking, felting, knitting in the round on two circs, and so on. There's a lot of practical info in this book, and it's fun to read, to boot.

So... what's my problem? Sounds like a good review, right? Here's where my hesitation comes in. It is a good book, but as I mentioned at the outset, it just doesn't fit me. Strictly as a pattern book, it contains only a couple of patterns I actually want to knit. On the other hand, as a knitting info/humour book, it's too big. That's right -- I have a problem with the size of this book. Much of its content is the kind of stuff I want to read when I'm in the tub, or in bed, but it's in this huge hardcover book. That's my problem.

If you'd like to take this enormous* book off my hands, just leave a comment telling me what your favourite knitting book was/is this year. I'll draw a name in some random way on Monday night.

* I exaggerate. The book measures 9 inches by 11.5 inches.

Entry cut-off is 6:00 p.m. Montreal time!

374 comments:

1 – 200 of 374   Newer›   Newest»
Anonymous said...

My favorite book this year was New Pathways for Sock Knitters by Cat Bordhi. That book is totally awesome.

T. said...

I'll second knittinginpink. New Pathways - that Cat just blows my mind.

crochetgurl said...

My favorite book this year is the book I just got in the mail. It is Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard. I love how the designs look classy and wearable, and how she even adds in directions and pictures for a customized variation of the same pattern. :-)

Btw, my name is Jeanie and I read your blog regularly although this might be my first comment.

Anonymous said...

That is too bad that you can't keep the book, but totally understandable!

My favorite book is actually 2 books. A Fine Fleece by Lisa Lloyd and Shear Spirit by Gail Zuckerman and somebody else.

Big Geek Beth

Emily said...

I also loved A Fine Fleece by Lisa Lloyd, although I can't really see knitting most of those things for myself. But everything's so pretty! Good inspiration.

Kathy S said...

My favorite book isn't a new book, but it is new to me: Elizabeth Zimmerman's Opinionated Knitter. I bought the book this summer and am working on several of the designs. Her patterns are timeless.

AmyP said...

I just got Custom Knits and love it! There are a number of patterns that I would enjoy knitting AND actually wear.

Anonymous said...

I really like Knitting New Scarves. Haven't made anything yet, but each one is like a geometry lesson. Very cool.

Bertha said...

A Fine Fleece was definitely my favorite book of the year, but this is next on my wishlist specifically for that half-knitted/half-sewn baby dress thing that I saw on someone's blog! I also am looking forward to picking up Custom Knits!

Jennifer Lori said...

How generous of you! My favorite knitting book of the past year is/was Barbara Walker's third treasury. I've been finding a lot of inspiration in my design books, and I've been turning to that one a lot.

Jennifer (http://www.jeloca.com)

Anonymous said...

I love Inspired to Knit. I like the idea that a pattern isn't set in stone, and that you should play with the designs to get what you want.

Scrappy Raven said...

My favorite knitting book this year is Highland Knits. The photos are beautiful and the patterns are easy enough for a beginner/intermediate knitter.

Anonymous said...

I too will plug for an older title. The Yarn Harlot's _At Knit's End_ is one of my favorites for its humor, its humanity, and its recognition of the many "meanings" of knitting and knitwear.

J. said...

It's gotta be Cat. She's something else and I have to say taht knitting her patterns has really opened my eyes to the world of socks.

J.

Unknown said...

I know that I am late in the game, but I did not get Knitting Workshop by Elizabeth Zimmerman until this year (after which I quickly got The Opinionated Knitter and I just ordered Knitting Almanac today!). Not only do I love the patterns, I love the technical details it helped me with (steeks! buttonbands! buttonholes that don't gape!). I am currently swatching for a fair isle cardigan and I can't wait to start. Just have to find the right fair isle pattern...

And I understand about the size of the book; I have to read the first one sitting at my dining room table when I would much rather be at my couch or bed!

Annie said...

The book that I've liked the most so far (I'm a fairly new knitter so I'm sure there's much I haven't come across yet)has been the Loop-d-Loop knitting. I find it so inspiring.

Chris said...

The books I'm most excited about seeing (besides the new Mason-Dixon) are The Eclectic Sole (Laidman) and Knit So Fine: Designs with Skinny Yarn (Myers et al).

bellamoden said...

I'm really waiting for my own copies of custom knits and mason-dixon, but I think this year's favorite book so far that I've read is 2 at a time books.

Kathleen C. said...

The books I've liked the most this year aren't new this year... Like Jennifer I keep At Knits' End handy (I used to read it in the tub actually) and gance in it at least once a week. I've also thoroughly enjoyed a couple of new (to me) EZ books this year as well (I think The Knitter's Almanac is my latest).
But the book I've used the most this year is The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns.

Anonymous said...

My two favorite books this year have been Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard, and Eccelctic Sole by...oh, you know who I mean, right?!
I really enjoy your blog, and appreciate your honest response to this book!

Tara said...

Jeez, have a book giveaway and the lurkers start crawling out of the woodwork... :)

I'd have to go with Favorite Socks. I know it's not a 2008 book, but it's definitely the one I came back to most often this year.

Ann-Marie MacKay said...

My favourite book this year was A Fine Fleece also

:)

Anonymous said...

My favorite book is Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Workshop. It's not a new publication, but it's new to me and joined my bookshelf within this past year.

(Your February Lady Sweater looks just smashing, by the way!)

Anonymous said...

My favorite book of late is "A Fine Fleece" by Lisa Lloyd. I love her designs, and the fact that the patterns can be knit with either handspun or conventional yarns is a plus. --Dee (sheepish56@aol.com)

Anonymous said...

Mine was Interweave's Favourite Socks.

Anonymous said...

The book I've used most this year is "Favorite Socks". It's not a 2008 book, but I just got it as a gift last December. I guess that makes it my favorite (so far!)

Anonymous said...

Have to 2nd several others when I say I <3 EZ the best......any of her books which are not new but new to me!! Would love to win the MD book ;)

Anonymous said...

I'm a little late to the game, but I just bought EZ's Knitter Almanac a few weeks ago. Wonderful patterns of course, but what I appreciate most is her voice. I think of her as the Jane Grigson of knitting. Grigson was an English cookbook author with a lovely literary bent.

I been itching to get the new MDK book. Those patterns look like they'll suit me very well.

Anonymous said...

Melissa Morgan-Oakes' 2-at-a-time Socks my favorite, because I find something new each time I browse through it. Tried the technique with one pair of socks, gave up midway, finished the socks on dpns, and decided magic loop of any kind is not for me. But there were a lot of useful little knitting hints sprinkled throughout that made the book worth it. The pictures of the socks are very poor--you can't see the pattern. On the other hand, that forces you to swatch! So, I am now a swatching fool. And I'd love to swatch for some of the patterns in Mason-Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines.

Donna said...

My favorite is probably "A Fine Fleece" - every pattern knocked my socks off. But you know, "Knitalong" by Larissa Brown surprised me - so well-written, beautifully photographed, inspiring - and it's small enough to be the right size :)

Rebecca said...

oh heck, that's... (so difficult, i was about to type) oh wait, i thought of one: Inspired to Knit by Michele Rose Orne. several projects in there caught my eye enough to make me want to buy it.

Anonymous said...

My favorite knitting book was Knitting Circles Around Socks by Antje Gillingham. It made socks make sense, although I haven't actually managed to knit two socks at the same time yet. Too many things getting tangled. I'm definitely going to try again, but I need to get Christmas socks done first!

Laura said...

Well, it's good to hear that it's a nice book. But it's a shame it doesn't work for you.

Gosh, best book from THIS year? I'm so behind the times, I don't know if I can add to the conversation.

I would have to say Doggie Knits (because I am a crazy dog sweater knitting fool) or Berroco Norah Gaughan #3.

melissa said...

oh man, i would LOVE to take this book off your hands!

my fave knitting book is not from this year, but i've used it a lot this year: ez's knitter's almanac. such a slim little volume, but so much good stuff packed inside!

Lynne said...

Wow, thanks for the giveaway!
This year, I kept going back to the first MD book, as well as EZ's Opinionated Knitter. But there are so many... I love to read knitting books:)
And congrats on your February Lady Sweater... Mine is currently blocking and can't wait to wear it, but you're making me wish I had made it in black!
Thanks again!
Lynne

drub-b said...

I love knitting books, Knitting Nature was my favorite last year, and this year's (so far) is Knitalong, great creative, out of the box ideas. dru

punkin said...

I am close to casting on my February Lady Sweater, and I am encouraged by how nice yours looks on you.

My favorite book so far this year has been Selbuvotter. The history is inspiring and so are the patterns.

Emily said...

I'm a different emily than the one above. I think my favorite book so far this year has been the Interweave Knits Favorite socks book. It's helping me start (only starting) to break out of the simple vanilla sock mode.

Does the Mason-Dixon book have a biscuit recipe in there? It totally should.

tracytracy said...

Tough choice, but my favorite so far this year has been 'Knit so Fine'

Joan said...

My favorite book this year was their last book. I'd sure like this one!

Anonymous said...

I felt exactly the same about their last book.

Montreal Mama said...

My fave book this year is Knit So Fine. Can't wait to dig and start making projects from that book!

Vaire said...

My favourite book I bought this year is Domiknitrix. I like her writing style and most of the projects are shiny.

Diann Lippman said...

The Knit Kimono - if I could just decide where to start.

New Pathways in Sock Knitting - my brain is still wrapping around those designs.

Interweave Knits - Best of and Socks

Daphne said...

I'm slow to buy books, but here's what's on my list after previewing them other places: Knitting New Scarves; Sensual Knits; M-D Knitting! I find that M-D books are the ones I read through once, pull out for comfort reading occasionally, and am rescued by over and over again, if infrequently. I'm looking forward to buying this book even though I won't make a damn thing from it for weeks.

Jenn said...

Knits so Fine was my favorite book purchase this year - now if I only had time to knit some of those lovely sweaters!

Jolie said...

I'm rediscovering Elizabeth Zimmerman this year, and working my way through Knitter's Almanac. Though it might take more than a year for me to finish all that stuff. I love it nonetheless.

17th stitch said...

My favorite knitting book for the year (thus far) is New Pathways for Sock Knitters by Cat Bordhi. Layout's a little confusing but the patterns are dynamite.

Anonymous said...

I Haven't bought any knitting books this year! My favorites are the EZ books

Yay!!

Lisa Boyer said...

That would be the Montse Stanley Knitter's Handbook--love it! All those great cast-offs at a glance! It's amazing.

Anonymous said...

That's a hard question - so many to choose from! Have to agree with Vaire and go with Domiknitrix - love the style and illustrations.

Thanks for writing such an enjoyable blog - my mother and I read it regularly and look forward to your posts and pictures. Keep up the great work!

bunchkin said...

Cat Bordhis book was pretty awesome.

Ruby Banshee said...

I love Itty Bitty Baby Hats by Susan Anderson. Ok, maybe it wasn't this year. But I use that book all the time, friends borrow it, etc etc.

Anonymous said...

I haven't been able to budget in any knitting books this year, though I have a great love for them. Lately I've probably been poking around Stefanie Japel's Fitted Knits most, in hopes of doing a project from the book. I also had a repeatedly-read and very much battered copy of the summer 08 issue of Interweave Knits I picked up in the airport and which I pulled out whenever I needed a yarn-flavored escape whilst wandering Tanzania all summer.

Not many knitting magazines in Tanzania, much less knitting books.

Elise said...

Well, it's not a book per se, but I finally discovered Elizabeth Zimmerman this year(I'm so behind) through her pamphlets and I've loved that.

Unknown said...

I'll limit my comment to books that I've bought, loved and actually knit from and say that Knitting Classic Style has been my favorite.

Anonymous said...

My favorite book this year was Knitalong. I like most of the patterns and all the information about various knitalongs on the interet.

Anonymous said...

I'm on a serious budget, so I've only bought one knittng "book" this year. It was the Jo Sharp "Knit" book. That's it. But I love it. There are so many classic patterns in there :)

Anonymous said...

I only have one real knitting book but I bought it this year and I love it. It's that 25 Favorite Socks by Interweave. It's such a nice book and has so many clever patterns. I like to just browse through it sometimes for no reason.

ikkinlala said...

Not new, but new to me: Sensational Knitted Socks.

I did most of my knitting-related reading online this year, though.

Anonymous said...

Funnily enough, my favorite book is the first Mason-Dixon book which I received as a gift and have read from cover to cover twice and laughed out loud MANY times throughout. I recently told a friend that if I were stranded on an island with just one knitting book, it would be that one. It cracks me up and though I've not yet made anything from it, I plan to. The second one arrived at my house last week and I think I love it even MORE. If I were so lucky as to receive your copy, I'd give it to the friend who gave me the first Mason-Dixon book, to show my appreciation and share the joy! Thanks for your generosity.

Anonymous said...

Really, I'd have to go with A Fine Fleece. I've been spinning off and on for about 3 years, and have always wanted to spin enough for a sweater - but never knew what sweater. This book has given me a handle on how commercial and handspun yarns compare to each other, how much you actually need for a sweater, and is chock full of some of the nicest and most lovely cabled designs I've seen in years.
It actually has made a girlfriend of mine want me to teach her to knit. We're starting cables now! (There's a reason I leave those books out all the time - it's not just for me, ha ha)

Thanks for being such a star.

Leslie - knitting therapist
knittintherapist on Ravelry

Viktoria said...

I really loved A Fine Fleece. The patterns were gorgeous and the book had such a nice feel to it!

Anonymous said...

I am going to interpret "favourite knitting book ... this year" loosely. Hope that's OK. In the past year I've gotten good use out of my Vogue Knitting book. I've turned to it when I've needed to know how to do something (or how to do something differently), and I also consulted its stitch dictionary when I needed to knit several squares for a charity blanket.

Anonymous said...

I love and adore "Knitting New Scarves" by Lynne Barr! Such wild and eclectic beauty, all wrapped up in scarves! If I had the time, I'd have knit all of them already. Instead, I'll slowly plod away on each and every one! I'd love to receive your copy of Mason-Dixon Knitting too! Have a lovely Friday!

Nic said...

thanks for the review, I've been pondering buying this book after reading "gushing" reviews. Honesty is always nice!

Nicki

sheep#100 said...

My favorite so far this year was Things I Learned from Knitting Whether I Wanted to Or Not by the Yarn Harlot.

It was great to read straight on through and laugh and realize that other knitters see things the way I do.

As a re-read, it's wonderful to be able to pick it up and read any one of the little anecdotes and think about the topic a little more.

Jenn said...

My favorite Knitting book is The Knitting Answer Guide. It is a wonderful reference book.

ingrid said...

I don't know if it counts as a "book," but Debbie Bliss' new magazine (the premiere issue just came out) is friggin' brilliant.

I looked at the patterns in the new Mason-Dixon book on Ravelry and I like quite a few of them. I know I won some books from you before, but here's hoping lightning will strike me twice!

Heide said...

My favorite book this year is new to me, but it's been around for awhile. I love "Socks, Socks, Socks!" and want to make all of the patterns in it.

Kathleen Dames said...

For a new publication I'd have to say A Fine Fleece - nice patterns and great production values on the book. I appreciate spinning and will probably do it some day, but it's nice that Lisa Lloyd provided commercial yarn options, too. For a publication new to me this year, it's The Opinionated Knitter (and The Knitter's Almanac for all time) - clever, interesting, liberating, that's EZ! Thanks for luring us lurkers out :)

jennifer.auroradesign said...

Oh, that is an easy one--I love, love, love A Fine Fleece by Lisa Lloyd. Everything about this book resonates with me. The writing, the photography, the patterns.

Nelly Knits said...

i only own two knitting books, so it makes it easy. 'Field Guide to Knitting" by Jackie Pawlowski would be my favorite because it allows me to attempt to be a knit designer.

Amy Jo said...

My favorite book this year is The Happy Hooker. I've been learning to crochet and it's been great.

Turtle said...

i am a book junkie in general but i do still love the uniqueness of Dominitrix. i may never even knit half of the patterns but still love the book!

Criosa said...

I've become a bit obsessed with spinning, so most of this year's books have had this as a focus (Creative Spinning and Color in Spinning having made it to my bookshelf). Knitting wise, A Fine Fleece has jumped to the top of my covet list

Christy

miss ewe said...

I loved Veronik Avery's book. Also A Fine Fleece is pretty awesome. :) Can't wait for the new Melissa Leapman Continuous Cables, either!

5elementknitr said...

Hands down - theAnticraft book.

Huge fan of their quirky e-zine (theanticraft.com) and their book is true to their vision of strange and lovely knitting/beading/stitching/crafting madness.


OK, just checked and it actually came out last year.

This year - Custom Knits is really good!

Guinifer said...

I'm going to have to jump on the bandwagon with Custom Knits. Her book fits me.

Carla said...

My favourite book this year was Selbuvotter Mittens. I'm a mitten knitter and I just love that book. I've made several of the mittens and gloves and I'll probably make several more.

Anonymous said...

My favorite book this year (funny how my newest book is always my favorite!) is Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard. The patterns are totally wearable and her directions for customizing the patterns are invaluable to me.

Margie
amalya on Ravelry

Unknown said...

I like Shear Spirit--great photos and fun patterns, plus you get to learn about some interesting farms.

Anonymous said...

My fave book this year was Knitalong. Hardback yes, enormous? no.

Unknown said...

I haven't bought a knitting book this year yet, but I was sorely tempted by Knitalong...

Karen said...

Does a book about knitting count? Because my favorite book about knitting was the "Friday Night Knit Club".

Melanie said...

This year's favorite pattern book for me so far has been Knitter's Almanac, though I have yet to actually knit any of the patterns.

NathKnits said...

New Pathways for Sock Knitters was my favourite this year. It blew my mind, and I've made a few pairs of socks using, not so much one of her patterns, but her approach to keeping the proportions right. It's amazing!

Anonymous said...

My favorite book this year (almost) is Naughty Needles by Nikol Lohr. Mainly because my boyfriend gave it to me for Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Custom Knits AND Favorite Socks, loved them both!

Anonymous said...

I finally knit some lace so I really like Victorian Lace Today.

Eliza said...

I haven't yet bought it, but I'm lusting after Shear Spirit. It looks luscious and I'd love to read about the fiber farms.

Kate said...

Oh mine is definitely Clara Parkes' book, The Knitters' Book of Yarn. But it's also a little cumbersome in the tub.

Judith said...

My favorite book has been Folk Shawls (Interweave Press). I love the background on the various styles, and the patterns are great!

Ann said...

I fell in love with World of Knitted Toys this year--and one of my favorite little girls fell in love with the platypus I made for her!

Kathy in DC said...

Ok. If it weren't for MDK's first book, I would probably not be knitting now. And, ditto for my two daughters. How sad would that be???? We were just "learning" the basics but we were all getting the idea that knitting was "hard". Then, along came MDK first book. We were off and running. We saw that knitting was FUN (it's "spost" to be). That book is like having a good friend always nearby.

My MOST favorite all time knitting book, this year or any year, is KNITTING AROUND, by EZ.

A new close second "fav" for this year is "Knitting New Mittens & Gloves by Robin Melanson.

Quinn said...

My favorite new-to-me book this year is Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac.
And now my fingers are crossed for the new MDK! Since I have only a shower in my house the non-tubbiness of the book is a non-issue, and I can read quite large and heavy books in my recliner (with a pillow to prop them up on my lap). SO the size would not be an problem...it would be a bonus, really!
thanks :)

alpineflower said...

My favorite knitting book this year is Interweave's 25 Favorite Socks. Maybe not published in 2008 but I discovered it this summer and I love it!
You're in trouble now that MDK have posted about you on their blog; I'll suggest the Random Integer Generator to help you draw a name.

Amy A. said...

Knitting lingerie style was my favorite. I didn't do any of the patterns, but I though about it!

Laura said...

I have a book holder for my bathtub, so I think I could handle it. My favorite knitting book from the last year has got to be Cat Bordhi's New Pathways for Sockknitters. I've knit almost every sockitecture in it- that means at least half a dozen pairs of socks. Thats a lot of projects from one book.

Mar said...

Oh gosh, my favorite knitting book this year??

That's so tough! I'll have to say Scottish Highland Knits. I want to touch everything in that book. Just about every piece begs to rub against my cheek. Silly, huh?

Anonymous said...

What a great giveaway (and honest)! My favorite knitting book is Twinkle's Big City Knits and I have been impatiently waiting the release of the new Mason Dixon Knitting book!

Anonymous said...

Hello!
I didn't bought any book this year, but I relly like Knitting Classic Style from Veronik Avery and Colour Style form Pam Allen & Anne Bud.
Thanks a lot for you generous giveaway!
Sylvie
Montreal

Anonymous said...

Another vote for New Pathways!!

A 30-something femme createrix said...

I have really been enjoying Knitting New Scarves. I bet I would enjoy this LARGE book just as much :) See, I have big hands and massive, muscular arms so I don't think I'll have any problem holding it up in the tub (also where I love to read) :)

Anonymous said...

I have no doubt that it will be Nancy Bush's Lace Knitting of Estonia book. I have been eagerly anticipating it!
Best, Dana

Jenn said...

It's not NEW, but it's new to me: I bought "Knitting Without Tears" by Elizabeth Zimmerman. How did I only discover that book this year? I must knit under a rock!

geeky Heather said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
MotherHenKnits said...

My favorite book lately is Simply Baby by Debbie Bliss. It might be because all of my friends are preggers right now . . .

geeky Heather said...

Inspired to Knit by Michelle Rose Orne! Now those are some beautiful patterns.

Kat said...

Count me in as a member of the Cat Bordhi fan club. Her new pathways book is probably the most used book in my entire knitting library.

Karen said...

"Getting Started Knitting Socks" by Ann Budd

Jessica said...

favorite this year....
Knitalong by Larissa Brown and Martin John Brown

Linda said...

My favorite book was published this year, but I bought it this year. Does that count? Melissa Morgan-Oakes' 2 AT A Time Socks. No more second sock syndrome for me!

Nana Sadie said...

I'd love to have a copy of the book, and I don't read in the tub, so it will be well cared for in my house!
lolol
(((hugs)))

Robyn Wade said...

My favorite knitting book this year so far is the self-published "Going Straight" by Woolly Wormhead. I have been knitting my way through the book and I love it. Of course, the year isn't over yet so another book could still grab my attention.

Runningscheer@gmail.com said...

I am very excited to get Knitted Lace of Estonia: Techniques, Patterns, and Traditions by Nancy Bush. I made a Beaded Swallowtail earlier this year and now I'm in love with lace.

Jenni said...

I'm going to go retro - I've been really interested in EZ's The Opinionated Knitter. Good, clean knitting. Hah!

Cindy, aka Maxfun said...

Hard to pick one favorite, but I'll go with More Big Girl Knits by Amy SInger and Jill Moreno. Great designs, many that I plan to make, and all in sizes that will fit me! :)

Stephanie B said...

That is funny. To big for the bath! Wouldn't want to ruin it!!

Anonymous said...

My very fave knitting book thus year is The Knitter's Workshop by Elizabeth Zimmerman. Tons of babies being born this year, so lots and lots of Baby Surprise Jackets :)

Anonymous said...

I'd have to say my favorite knitting book for this year is Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop. There's a reason why that book is a classic. I have learned more from reading it cover to cover in a day than I had in the six years of reading that preceded its arrival.

LaurieM said...

My favourite book this year was America Knits because I found it for $10 while on vacation. :)

Eileen said...

My favorite is the Principles of Knitting. I go to this book for explanations of techniques all the time. A new edition is supposed to come out in 2009 but I'm not holding my breath.

Valerie said...

It's not that new, but I discovered Fitted Knits this year and love it!

Anonymous said...

Sad to say, Knitter's Almanac by EZ has provided lots of joy this year.
And it's TINY. You can totally read it in the bathtub.

Anonymous said...

I can't say I have a favorite knitting book that was out this year, but I did love the Twist collective online magazine. I haven't decided yet what I have to make from it, mostly because I love most of the patterns.

Lara said...

My favorite new book this year is New Pathways for Sock Knitters by Cat Bordhi. I love figuring out things that look tough, so this book was right up my alley. Fun!

The book budget has been tight this year, so I don't think I've even bought any others. Thank goodness for friends and the wisdom of knitting books past.

Robin said...

I haven't read it yet, but as soon as I get my grubby little hands on it, I know I'll love Free-Range Knitter by the Yarn Harlot.
I also liked Closely Knit

Yvonne said...

My favorite knitting book this year...wow. As far as new releases? I don't think I've picked one up (not for lack of want, just for lack of funds). I've had Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Around gifted to me, though, and I love it. Absolutely love it. So that's my favorite. :)

Anonymous said...

This year I have enjoyed knitting from Louisa Harding's The Magical Adventures of Miss Millie. It has great patterns for kids.

Iron Needles said...

I'll play! My favorite book this year was Knitting Nature by Nore Gaughan, because I found it at a garage sale for $2!!!!

Chelsea the Yarngeek said...

My favorite book this year has been the Knitters Book of Yarn. I know, I know, it's educational. But I couldn't put it down!

Anonymous said...

I really loved the first Mason Dixon book, and am still knitting from it constantly. This year I'd have to say my favorite is Stephanie Pearl McPhee's Things I Learned From Knitting Whether I Wanted to or Not. Also loved Spin to Knit and Felt Frenzy by Shannon Okey.

Kazen @ Always Doing said...

I'm moving overseas so I've consciously not bought any knitting books. At all. I know--it's killing me. I did make one exception though--Cat's New Pathways for Sock Knitters. I'm ready to make a second exception. ^_^

Eve said...

Mine is the Habu book. It'll take some work to decipher the patterns, but now I have more ideas for those irresistible cones of fine yarns I picked up at School Products years ago.

brsmaryland said...

You crack me up!
My favorite knitting book this year was Knitting Nature by Norah Gaughan. Such pretty patterns and photos.

taelixev said...

My favorite book this year was New Pathways for Sock Knitters.

D Louise said...

I'm with Trek. My favorite so far this year was Things I Learned from Knitting Whether I Wanted to Or Not by the Yarn Harlot. And I'm eagerly awaiting her new book which amazone keeps teasing me about...

joan said...

My knitting bookcase is full, so I've tried to limit new book purchases, but did get Alison Hydes Wrapped in Comfort just because I admire her blog writing and humanity. (How's that for a convulated sentence?) I probably would agree about the discomfort factor in reading this as a humor book!

Joan in WA

Anna said...

All of the Yarn Harlot's books are favorites of mine. How can you lose when you have both witty storytelling AND patterns? You just can't.

Unknown said...

My favorite book is not a new book but it is entertaining and practical at the same time: Knitting Rules by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. Love it!

Anonymous said...

My favoret book of the year was "Favorite Socks: 25 Timeless Designs from Interweave" The socks are yummy!

Betsy said...

I will definitely take it off your hands!

Anonymous said...

I can't get this to work...but that's my anonymous comment above about elizabeth zimmerman :)

My name is Libby and my email is hotrodlibbyloo AT yahoo DOT com. :)

Cathy W said...

If I had to pick just one: New Pathways for Sock Knitters. It hurt my brain, in a very, very good way...

Jennifer said...

Hard question. Really the book I've been looking forward to is the Mason Dixon book. I have enjoyed Fitted Knits by Stephanie Japel. It's cool of you to do the giveaway. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

MNLacer said...

101 Designer One-Skein Wonders is my favorite for the year so far.

Unknown said...

What a great question! I've enjoyed reading everyone else's suggestions.

I love A Fine Fleece and The Knitter's Book of Yarn. Hard to choose between the two!

Dragonridermom said...

My favorite book this year was Knitalong. I bought New Pathways, but was overwhelmed.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the giveaway! I'm shamelessly delurking in the hopes of reading this book. I've seen someone start A Daily Sweater and I think that would be such a wearable sweater for me.

My favorite book so far has been Favorite Socks from Interweave.

Sisters with Letters said...

My favorite knitting book this year wasn't from this year, but it was still great for me - Handknit Holidays. I have log cabin socks coming out of my ears!

Anonymous said...

This is going to sound hokey, but my favorite knitting book this year was actually the first Mason-Dixon book. I hadn't caught up to it before because I didn't think I would like the patterns(not sure why at this point), but I loved it and want to make several things. I'm waiting to get the second book, so I would love your copy!

Anonymous said...

the new scarf book - that blew my mind.
simple looking, but clever in construction

else

PICAdrienne said...

My favorite book this year (and I think it is actually a last year book) is A Knitters Book of Yarn, by Clara Parkes. I love that book. No, I take that back, and it is because that is a last year book and this is a this year book..."More Big Girl Knits". Yeah, not a book you need, and again a large size volume, as compared to many.

Lil Knitter said...

Awesome give-away. I so want this book. My knitting library is small...just recently started to acquire my books. My favorite is the first Mason-Dixon book so this is one I am really looking forward to.
I wish I had a more recent book fav. but most of the recent ones are still on my wish list.
Hugs!
*Thanks for the awesome contest!*

S said...

I'm so out of the loop, book-wise. My favourite knitting book would have to be Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitter's Almanac. (Yes, I only first read it in February. Shocking.)

Amber said...

I am going to say my favorite newer book is Knitting New Mittens and Gloves. I've made two pairs already! Lots of cute and quick interesting patterns to choose from :)

Anonymous said...

Well, it's not a book, but Elizabeth Zimmerman's videos were a new find for me. I learned some new things and I thoroughly loved having a beautiful experience of Elizabeth's humor and vivacity. First time I've ever watched a knitting video.

Jen said...

I have to say that I really like "The Knitter's Book of Yarn."

Since I haven't even been knitting for a whole year yet, I found it very helpful in choosing yarns for my projects...especially since I almost never use the yarn stated in the pattern.

Anonymous said...

The knitter's book of yarn. Lots of tidbits Jane

Anonymous said...

My new book for this year was Clara Parke's Knitters Book of Yarn...a great book. But one of my favorite books to keep checking out of the public library is Nancy Bush's Knitting for the Road--great sock patterns. The other frequently renewed library book is One Skein by Leigh Radford. I'm knitting my way through that one.

equisetaceae said...

oh! count me in!
my fave knitting book this year is Weekend knitting (i know it's old but it was new to me this year!)

Anonymous said...

My favorite knitting book this year is The Knitter's Book of Yarn, by Clara Parkes. The only problem with reading it is that it makes me want to jump up and run out the door to buy yarn and at the same time, dive into my stash and start swatching everything in stockinette, cables, lace...

km said...

Hopped over from Mason-Dixon. My favorite knitting book this year has been The Knitter's Almanac. I've wanted it for a while and just got a copy this summer.

Anonymous said...

My all time favorite is the last M&D book. But for this year -- the one that I got was 25 Favorite Socks by Interweave. So many patterns in that book that I have to make. Same with the last M&D book.

Delightfully Healthy said...

This is the year that I started buying/reading knitting books, so it's hard to pick just one. Ann Budd's "Getting Started Knitting Socks" got me, well, started knitting socks, but Cat Borhdi's "Socks Soar on Two Circs" gave me a new perspective that I"m liking a lot. And, of course, the whole thing started with the Yarn Harlot's "Knitting Rules". So, yeah, I'll pick that as my favorite. Yeah.

Emma Christensen said...

Oh, man, I've been so out of the loop with knitting books this year. I'm still hooked on Knit 2 Together from a few years back! (It takes me a while...)

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I was just deciding last night to order this book! Just in case I'm lucky, I'll wait a few days...

My favorite this year was Knit Kimono, although I haven't had the time to make anything from it yet.

Thanks for the giveaway!
Judy

Anonymous said...

My fave knitting book this year was Knitalong by Larissa Brown. I loved a good many of the patterns, loved the history of knitting along with others, the format, all of it.

Unknown said...

Fav books - Knitting Lace Triangles by Evelyn Clark and New Pathways for Sock Knitters by Cat Bordhi. Loved the first MD book, so would love to own this one.

Thanks for the contest, Marla

Abc said...

Fav books - Wendy Knits and the first Mason Dixon book.

Thanks!

Jknits said...

If you must give the book away, I'd be happy to give it a home. My favorite book of the year is Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch. I like it because of the detailed descriptions of techniques and it offers formulas rather than patterns so the knitter can be more creative.

Unknown said...

My favorite this year was A Fine Fleece.

Ivy said...

My favorite knitting book of the year (not new, but new to me) was Poetry in Stitches. I actually knitted one of those sweaters -- and it's almost finished.

Jen said...

Inspired to Knit is looking like my favorite for this year, but I'm pretty keen on this one too. That blue and red blanket... wow.

Anonymous said...

Well, I've got to say that my favorite knitting book for 2008 is Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitter's Almanac. I got it as a freebie, thanks to a work related gift certificate. Needless to say, my job has nothing to do with knitting. It is currently sitting next to the bathtub (I share similar criteria with you) but it also goes camping very well. A book like Mason-Dixon, however, would sit on my second pile of book - next to my glass of wine on the balcony.

Sarah said...

I'm not sure I have a "favorite" knitting book of this year, but I've pulled out a couple I've had on the shelf to use them again. I'd have to say that Elizabeth Zimmermann's "Knitting without Tears" has seen the most use in my house this year. I never tire of reading her "pithy prose."

Ms. Packrat said...

My favorite book this year is the first Mason-Dixon book, which I finally bought after checking it out so many times that the librarians were starting to look at me funny. Spare me a repeat performance?

Unknown said...

My new favorite has to be New Pathways for Sock Knitters. Beautiful patterns and a whole new way of thinking about sock design.

wenat said...

I'll be the nth person to say that New Pathways for Sock Knitters really changed the way I look at socks.

Anonymous said...

I have just returned to knitting after MANY years of other crafts and I have to admit my favorite & most recent purchase is Mason-Dixon's first knitting book. Thanks for having this give-away!

Knit - R - Done said...

I don't know if it was from this year, but Victorian Lace Today is a knitting fairytale I read before bed.

Anonymous said...

My favorite knitting book this year(at least it was new to me this year-because I am a new knitter) was Stitch - n- Bitch by Debbie Stoller.
It may be a predictable choice, but I love all of the information that it has helped me out with, being a new knitter.

You can send that book my way anytime! stampinaddict@hotmail.com

Amanda said...

My favourite is Knitting Nature by Norah Gaughan. Love almost every pattern in that book!

Anonymous said...

Not a new one, but new to me this year is EZ's Opinionated Knitter. I am really getting a lot out of it.

Anonymous said...

New to me, old to the crowd. "The Opinionated Knitter" by Elizabeth Zimmerman.

May more of us live with the vitality of that woman!

Anonymous said...

My favorite book this year was Sensation Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch. I refer to it all the time for directions and patterns.

Kristin said...

Knitting Nell.

Deepa said...

I really liked "Knitting new mittens and gloves." Living in a cold climate I can always use more pretty things to keep my extremities warm. :)

Made by Hand on Planet Earth said...

My favorite knitting book is, and always will be, Knitting Around by Elizabeth Zimmermann (and Meg Swansen). There is so much in that book... great art, great patterns, great photos, great stories from a real person's journal... just wonderful. Every time I read it and love it all over again, always seems new, so even though it isn't a "New" book, it's new to me. Every time I pick it up.

Thanks for your blog,

Suzanne in rural Ohio

sweetpea said...

My favorite knit book is my only knit book at the moment. Knit Socks

Amanda said...

My favorite knitting book of the year, as a fairly newish knitter, was Knit One, Embellish Two by (Cosymakes? I can't remember her real name!) I love embroidery, and she had so many cool ideas!

redmittens said...

Inspired to Knit, by Michelle Rose Orne, was my favorite this year (so far. I know there are a whole slew of new titles coming out this fall that I can't wait for!!!!) What a great year for knitting books!

Anonymous said...

I'm a huge Yarn Harlot fan, so I'd have to go with her travel guide to the Land of Knitting - though I'll be damned if I can remember the name of it at the moment...

Ana said...

I like Chic Knits for Stylish Babies - 65 Charming Patterns for the First Year by Patricia Wagner. Such beautiful, classic baby patterns...something that won't ever go out of style.

Unknown said...

The preview I saw of Franklin Habit's It Itches makes me fairly certain that once it comes out, it'll be my favorite book of the year.

Anonymous said...

Whooo, this is one popular spot today! The book that made my head expand in new and different directions--I could actually feel the stretch--was the first one noted on this list, Cat Bordhi's New Directions for Sock Knitting. I could actually detect a vibration that felt like a hum in my head! Fun stuff...

christine @ kirkybird01@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

My favorite new-to-me book was a Barbara Walker anthology.
At Knit's End was my favorite real new book.

ljm said...

I just finished Knitting Rules and loved it (yarnharlot).

Stacie said...

My favorite knitting book this year is A Fine Fleece. I'm learning to spin and love how the patterns are shown knit in both a handspun and a commercial spun yarn.

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