Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This is a lovely and helpful book. I am a very experienced knitter, and have found this a useful reference book that even includes cast ons and bind offs I have never seen nor used before. The written directions are clear and for those of us who are visual learners, they are accompanied by very nice, (large) easily "read" illustrations. There is also a sharp photo of every technique which is easy to see and helps you to know if this is a cast-on or bind-off that would work for the project you are undertaking. (See images on the site). I have tried several of the techniques prior to writing this review just to be sure that the directions make sense and everything went smoothly. I particularly like the three tables at the beginning of the book. One gives a list of purposes for cast ons (and one for bind offs), so that if you are looking for a durable cast-on or an elastic bind off, you know which type to use. The third table is the best, because it lists cast ons and bind offs that will create matching edges (...And you have a choice of nine different types!) Although the book advertises (more than) 120 cast ons and (more than) 80 bind-offs, one should remember that it includes many variations on techniques along with cast ons/bind offs for very particular uses, so you should not expect 120 cast ons for every occasion. It is a strength that this book addresses particular needs (as well as general ones), for example circular cast ons, sock toe cast ons, two stranded knitting cast ons, decorative bind offs, etc. The book is spiral bound and large (pages are 8.5 by 11" (21 x 27.5cm)) so those that found the pictures unclear or too small in the book on 54 Cast Ons/Bind Off should be much happier. For me it is almost too large (I would like to carry a smaller version in my knitting bag, but also understand those that want the larger clearer illustrations.) The format is clean and very nice. Martingale Press has done a very nice job on the styling and printing of the book and the book can be opened from the front and the back without that problem of pages getting caught on the spirals. The index also seems to be quite thorough. You can look up cast ons/bind offs by name as well as function. (Elastic, lace bind offs, Judy's Magic cast on, reversible cast ons (etc.) Summary Pros: Lots of cast ons and bind offs. Clear instructions (both words and images) A photo for every primary technique. Sprial bound (such that book can be opened either way without leaves catching.) Tables for bind off/ cast on purposes and matching edges. Good index Cons: (Perhaps?) Too large to take along (for some). (8.5 x 11")