Girl's Guide to Fun & Funky Knitting

by: Kathleen Greco & Nick Greco

Published by: C&T Publishing

Reviewed by Andrea Sisco

My daughter and I are beginning knitters, so it was with great interest that I picked up Girl's Guide to Fun & Funky Knitting (even though I'm not quite a girl anymore).

Girl's Guide to Fun & Funky Knitting contains 15 project patterns for fashions and accessories. The patterns are for girls from eight to fourteen, the sizes are small to extra-large and the skill level includes patterns for the first-time knitter, the beginner, and advanced beginner. Each pattern lists the needles, yarn (and substitute yarns) and materials necessary to complete the project.

If you've never knitted before, the instructions are accompanied by clear and helpful photographs. The photos, graphics and narrative are delivered in a youthful, snappy manner that will appeal to a young girl. Although, the instructions are easy to follow, my experience with learning suggests it might be a good idea to have a knitter available for help and encouragement. It will minimize the frustration level.

The book also discusses the variety of novelty yarns and beads as a fashion accessory. It provides abbreviations for knitting terminology and how to increase, decrease, bind off, gauge (stitches per width and number of rows per length), tension, stitch patterns, a needle chart, how to sew it all together, joining yarns, weaving loose ends, blocking and reading a pattern.

When everything has been studied and practiced, it's time to knit! There are headbands, chokers, boas, a beaded belt, beaded flip-flop accessories, poncho, skirt and so much more. It will provide the knitter with many hours of knitting fun.

Armchair Interviews says: Girl's Guide to Fun & Funky Knitting is not just for girls, it's a good beginning for anyone who wants to learn how to knit.