The Best of Knitscene: A Collection of Simple, Stylish, & Spirited Knits Paperback – January 1, 2011

The Best of Knitscene is dedicated to the best patterns in the last five years of this knitting magazine. There is a short section on trends, one on fair isle and one on yarn weights. The rest of the book is primarily dedicated to patterns. The patterns appear to be carefully selected and are lovely. The instructions appear easy to follow and I can't wait to dig in and start knitting some of these patterns right away.My favorites abound. The Central Park Hoodie is a cardigan in a nice rose color with, of course, a hood, knit with a worsted weight yarn. To assist the knitter with this pattern, there is an article on cables with drawings and directions that are very helpful. I love the Geodesic Design Sweater, knit in a loden green in lace weight yarn. "This light-as-air jacket, with its military-inspired bodice tucks, was worked up in the yarn du jour at the time - Malabrigo Lace. It does require some advanced skills, but it's so appealing that knitters of every stripe have taken a go at it, with fine results." The Ocsilloscope Shawl is actually a shawlette. It is knit in a worsted weight in a rich blue. The Freshman Cable Socks are a twist on the basic ribbed sock. It 'features an inventive cable design that spirals around the leg and foot. The visually spare design allows for use of handpainted and variegated yarns." The Kenobi Jacket is utilitarian and lovely. 'Varying texture patterns, asymmetry, and clean edges make a great casual jacket.' This is one of the patterns I'd like to get started on first. The Phiaro Scarf is a delight to the eyes. 'A wide scarf earns its luxurious drape- and wrapability - from columns of dropped stitches. The openwork ladders lend fluidity and interest to an otherwise simple stockinette project. Braided fringe finishes the luxe look.' I was drawn right away to the Emily Shawl. 'This sideways-knit shawlette is inlaid with a sweet leaf motif. Pointed edges and hand-painted yarn make for delicate appeal, while the knitting itself is not so intricate.'Throughout the book are articles about different designers, skills, and spotlighted items. I find this book intriguing with its varied patterns and wonderful selection. I know I'll be knitting from it and referring to it as a resource.

Reasonal price.

You'll love this collection. Full disclosure: I love Knitscene. It consistently features knitting projects that I want to wear or give. It focuses on knits with simple style, that rely on great lines and fit rather than gimmicky details. This collection offers patterns for knitwear that highlight the magazine's strengths, together with excellent knitting tips and techniques. An advanced knitter will appreciate the handsome patterns, while a less-experienced knitter will find the clear instructions and tutorials a big encouragement to start (and finish!) a project that might have seemed too much to try.I can't say enough in praise of the photography, particularly. Each project includes lots of photos from all angles, so you can see both the overall lines of the item and the details of assembly and finishing. And there are schematics, which make a knitter's life so much easier!

One of the best pattern books I have ever found. Love the variety of patterns. And of course, my all time favorite, the CPH is in there! Well written and understandable patterns. These guys are the pros.

I had already knit the CPH, so I had high hopes for the others. As soon as my grandson-to-be has a wardrobe of handknits, there are several I'm hoping to cast on for myself.

Excellent book for those looking to knit something with style but close enough to classic that the end product won't be a complete waste of time (can you tell I'm not a fast knitter?) I have all the Knitscene CD's offered by Interweave, but sometimes a book is the only way to go.

This is an instruction book of patterns more than half of which I would consider knitting. I have already started the Park Avenue hod die.

I was SO excited to receive this book when it came - I was going to knit the Heather Hoodie Vest for my 12 year old daughter; the patterns looked fairly simple and moderately easy to knit; quite a few are items of clothing that I would actually make and wear... ALAS, i found, after trying it multiple times and not being able to get beyond two rows past the bottom ribbing, that the instructions for the pattern were completely incorrect. Even the 'errata' that was posted on the Interweave site was inadequate, as even the instructions for the cable pattern symbols were wrong as well. I've now had to go on to purchase that pattern separately from another website (and spent another $5.50). I know, the amount is not much to cry over but it's the principle of the thing! Fact checkers, PLEASE do your work properly.The book is very well photographed and pleasing to leaf through, but it would have gotten a higher rating had this not occurred. Kinda disappointing and frustrating. I have not yet tried any other patterns so I don't know if they have errors as well, but I really felt compelled to write this review to save someone else from the frustration I experienced.

Classic patterns for a range of garments, Lovely photos and detailed explanations. Characteristically, the patterns have a unique twist on classic designs but are all so wearable....just look at the 'hoodie' on the cover to see what I mean.

Good patterns, designer profiles and history of knitting styles. A bit upset that the pattern for the Indigo Banded Cardigan(Cowichan)was not included but I had to visit the website & purchase the pattern individually: May I recommend affording a discount to those who purchased the book for the online patterns(quite a few need to be downloaded & purchased)?

Des très beaux modèles avec des explications très claires, un livre qu'on doit avoir dans sa tricothèque sans hésiter !

Ich habe dieses Buch auf Empfehlung einer anderen Bloggerin gekauft und wurde NICGT enttäuscht - man könnte auch sagen, ich bin BEGEISTERT!Hier werden die verschiedenen Garne bzw. Garnstärken erklärt, alle Modelle werden bis ins kleinste Detail beschrieben - es macht einfach Spaß, in diesem Buch zu blättern und zu lesen!Da ich die englische Sprache gut beherrsche, ist es für mich ein Leichteres, die Anleitungen zu verstehen und zu befolgen - Auch detaillierte Schnittzeichnungen sind vorhanden!Ein wirklich außergewöhnlich gut gemachtes Buch für die Strickerin, die auch mal andere Sachen arbeiten möchte!

Love the designs!