by Sally Melville

In The Knitting Experience, "everything you need to know" combines with "everything you want to make". This primer is the closest thing to a knitting coach between two covers. And like any good coach, it shows you what you need to know, when you need to know it. First, in 'The Basics of Knitting', clear, step-by-step photographs help you get started. Next, in 'What You Need to Know Before You Begin a Project', you learn to make the choices that result in successful garments. Then the real fun begins! In the 6 chapters that follow, a progression of skills are taught, all with the same over-the-shoulder guidance. And each skill is punctuated by fabulous and fun projects to knit! (With only 3 basic skills, make the shape it! scarf; with an additional set of skills, make the where's the opaque? sweater.) The patterns are presented in a uniquely accessible format; the photographs convince that these are projects to make and wear; and the coach is always there-offering advice, anticipating difficulties, providing rescue techniques. To underscore it all, between the chapters are "meditations" on why we love to knit.

Like knitters today, this book attends to the heart and mind as well as the hand and eye. Like knitting today, this book is personal, passionate, powerful-exactly what the new knitter is looking for and irresistible to the already-converted.

Sally Melville talks about The Knitting Experience: "This book—the first in a series of five—is dedicated to teaching knitting in the most accessible manner possible. But while it is written for those who have never held yarn and needles, I believe that it holds much for even very experienced knitters: —wonderfully easy designs we want to both knit and wear; —attention to detail so we honor our craft; —a gradual accumulation of skills so we understand what we are dong; —a discussion of the choices that make successful garments; —advice that anticipates difficulties and rescues mistakes; —meditations on the knitting experience that also engage the heart and mind. This book introduces everything I know and value about knitting, The rest of the series will complete the experience!"