Knitting Dilemma? Problem Solved! (Knit Fix: Problem Solving for Knitters - Lisa Kartus)

Member Name: Poison_kitty

Product:	Knit Fix: Problem Solving for Knitters - Lisa Kartus
Date:	10/04/09 (100 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Spiral bound, easy to understand, clear diagrams

Disadvantages: none!

If you don't already own this book, go out and buy it now. It is guaranteed to prevent you tearing your hair out at some stage in your knitting life, and at almost £13 from Amazon, is probably cheaper than a wig.

Knit Fix: Problem Solving for Knitters is written by Lisa Kartus and published by Interweave Press, home to many of the best knitting publications. It is spiral bound since even the most experienced knitter can't knit and hold a book open at the same time! The book is uncluttered and laid out clearly, all the techniques are shown with either a diagram or colour photograph (sometimes both) to aid understanding. Knitting terms are explained the first time they are used, which is great for the beginning knitter, but sometimes the basic language can feel a bit patronising to the more experienced browser.

The book tackles many problems a knitter may face, from the most basic like dropped or twisted stitches to major alterations of length and width. It does it in a Problem: Diagnosis: Fix format, and although the contents page isn't too descriptive (I've found it's more helpful when reading through the book from cover to cover, rather than for reference) there is an extensive index that includes all of the subjects covered. The book also contains instructions on the fundamentals of knitting in an effort to help the knitter avoid possible mistakes before they happen. Kitchener stitch (grafting) is explained in a way that most mortals can understand.

If I had to pick one thing I love about this book, it would be that it doesn't take itself too seriously. It is actually quite funny in parts; there are a few knitterly jokes, and the author frequently reminds the reader that sometimes mistakes are ok (like the ones that would take too much work to fix), especially in the introduction and conclusion where an understanding is gained of her motivations to write this book, and especially to knit in general. As I said in the beginning of this review, no knitting library is complete without this book; it should stand on every knitter's book shelf.

Summary: A must-have for every knitter