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Wendy Knits: My Never-Ending

Adventures in Yarn

by Wendy D. Johnson

Rating:  5 sheep (excellent)

New knitters will often ask the question - What's the ONE BOOK I should buy? Well, my answer just changed. WendyKnits is a great book for the novice knitter because Wendy talks the novice through the basics and explains things in a breezy, conversational style that makes you feel like your big sister or best friend is teaching you. The patterns range from a square stockinette stitch dishcloth to lovely sweaters with lacy borders and Wendy's own "recipe" for a toe-up sock. Her humorous recounting of her adventures in yarn are hilarious, but very informative to the new knitter. The new knitter will learn and understand why gauge and an ample supply of yarn in one dye lot are important and those of us with more knitting history are likely to see ourselves in Wendy's anecdotes.

Wendy's patterns are directed to both the novice and knowledgeable knitter. She uses a fairly small amount of knitting jargon so patterns are accessible to all skill levels, although drawings of techniques would be helpful to the "visual" learners. Throughout the book is a feeling that Wendy is telling you "Come on!!! You can do this! It's EASY!" She even helps you get over the guilt of buying expensive luxury fibers and having a stash that takes over the living space in your home. And if you are contemplating lace projects but feel intimidated by shawl patterns you've seen (like I am) take a look at the Grape Arbor Shawl - it is lovely and Wendy has provided both written out directions row by row and clear charts. This isn't just a terrific knitting book, it's also a terrific read.

For more about and from Wendy, please visit her blog: Wendy Knits!

Respectfully submitted,

Ginny Zschau

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