Knitting Masterclass by The Knitter Magazine - Edited by Juliet Bernard

I am sure that most of you have realised by now that as well as being passionate about books and reading I am equally enamoured with knitting. So you can imagine my joy when I won this book in a give away on the blog  Did You Make That?. If you are a knitter or sewer and you have not previously checked out Karen’s blog then you will love it. Karen is a complete inspiration and the things she makes are delightful.

I have been a fan of The Knitter magazine since it’s launch in 2009 and I have attempted many projects included in their monthly magazine. In fact, I am currently working on a detailed fair isle cardigan from Issue 39 and which is coming along very nicely. I have quite a collection of back issues that I have purchased over the years and which I turn to for inspiration.

This book is equally inspiring and contains 15 beautiful patterns with over 20 technical workshops which demonstrate everything from a range of techniques for casting on and off, steeking and knitting in the round.

I have practically followed the instructions for working Kitchener stitch on a recently knitted pair of socks. They were easy to follow as the directions are clearly photographed and explained in step by step sections.

Although I have been knitting for many years I decided to follow their workshop for two handed fair isle work as I have always used the single handed method for working with two yarns. Again, the photographs and instructions were very clear and easy to follow. However, after spending some time working this new method I did go back to my original method - not through any fault of the book but I am clearly too set in my ways to change this particular method now. It does look like an easier method than the one that I use so I would recommend trying the two handed method if you are tackling fair isle.

There is always more to be learned in knitting and this book is the perfect vehicle for enhancing skills.  I can see this book becoming my ‘go to’ manual in the future. There are also many techniques that I have not attempted as yet but this book is motivating me to give new techniques a try.

I would recommend this book for anyone who is interested in knitting. Accomplished knitters will find lots of new techniques to try as well as patterns to ponder. The patterns are beautifully photographed and my only dilemma is which one to do next!

ISBN: 978 1908449023

Publisher: Collins & Brown

Price: (based on today’s price at Amazon.co.uk):  £13.40

Total saving so far:  £268.13