'How to Knit' by Leslie Ann Bestor

This is a “storey Basic, Books for Self-Reliance book”. Leslie take the reader through the most basic steps of learning how to knit. Also, as in some phone manuals, she includes a “shortcut to getting started” section. The reader starts out by learning how to “cast on” and then is taught how to do basic stitches; knit, purl and slip stitches and the like. The reader is not only taught how to complete basic stitches, but also taught how to “read” your stitches. There is a lesson on naming the fabric and changing to a new ball of yarn (in case you ever wondered how in the world that was done!). The reader also then learns how to actually shape what they are knitting, instead of just doing, say, a straight muffler. One can learn how to increase or decrease in stitches, thereby shaping the knitted item. The author also addresses the inevitable mistakes and how to correct them easily – rescuing dropped and runaway stitches, when to decide to scrap the lot and determining the gauge. Leslie also discusses materials and needles and a few items that can be called accessories used in knitting, as well as the yarn used. A mystery to beginners is the knitting pattern. The author teaches the reader how to decipher patterns from sizing and measurements to knitting shorthand she enlightens the reader about knitting charts, staying on track, multiples and total stick counts. She also tells the reader three things that make a good knitter. Last but surely not least, Leslie includes a reading list, yardage guidelines to items you may like to knot and online resources. I found this little book easy to read and very beneficial if you are interesting in knitting. It would make a great little gift for a domestically minded person you know or for yourself. Anything useful you learn is never wasted and I think knitting is a very useful skill to acquire. If you can read, you can do anything, as my mother used to say. Enjoy this do-it-yourself book by Leslie Ann Bestor.