Stitch 'n Bitch Superstar Knitting

October 15, 2010

The latest entry in the "Stitch 'n Bitch" series, which Stoller began with her best-selling Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook, challenges readers to take their knitting skills to the next level. The strength of this book is in the sections on techniques. The first third covers the many different ways to do particular advanced techniques, as well as how to fix a project if something goes wrong. The second third of the book is directed at knitters interested in designing their own patterns. Finally, the book closes with a collection of patterns, as in Stoller's previous "Stitch 'n Bitch" books, by various designers. Here, they are organized by featured technique and provide a wide sampling of projects, though they are primarily accessories and items for children and smaller-sized women. There is no standardization of sizing among designers, but all patterns appear well written. VERDICT Essential for the well-rounded knitting collection owing to the sections on techniques and designing; a few of the patterns are destined to be popular. The Frilly Filly Scarf (see pattern, above) is simple and sophisticated.

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2010
Its a definitive publishing brand now, growing from workshops and knitting groups to a great (and funky) series called Stitch n Bitch. Once again, author-editor Stoller and her contributing designers hit the knitting needles with 'lan and nerve, basing the 41 patterns on the assumption that readers have mastered knitting and purling, and increasing and decreasing. This newest volume is definitely geared to the experienced stitcher, although brave knitters will be able to follow the up-front directions and illustrations for cables, bobbles, laces, intarsia, steeks, and, yes, even how to design it yourself. Instructions are detailed, with much colloquial language; the latter actual begins with chapter titles (for instance, Lace: The Final Frontier) and continues throughout. The designs, unfortunately, are not labeled in terms of ease/difficulty; plus many only capture one or two sizes. Yet the how-tos are rich, featuring each contributors story as well as prefatory prose about the items creation. With abundant photographs, illustrations, and charts, knitters can choose among a sea-and-surf sweater, a fertility blanket, and a Coco Chanellike cardigan with sequins.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)