The Knitting Experience: Book 2: The Purl Stitch (Knitting Experience series) [Paperback]

The book is a terrific book for the advanced beginning knitter who's ready for some interesting looks but appreciates (and needs) a detailed pattern that doesn't assume much prior knowledge. This is the same as "The Knit Stitch." Where this book differs is in what it offers the advanced knitter. The earlier book may have all been garter but the designs were so spectacular (most notetably the "Einstein Coat")that it was a "must have" book for me and most of the veteran knitters I know. The designs in this book are still good, but because stockinette stitch and knit & purl patterns are so prevalent, the designs just seem a bit more familiar and a little less compelling.

For those of you who can't flip through the pages, here's a quick sense of the chapters:
1. 23 pages of basic skills including the purl stitch (both right and left handed versions); purling with the yarn around your neck; decrease stitches; reverse shaping; and seaming in stockinette.
2. Purling one row in six - a triangle shawl (with optional edging) and a boxy (but cute) v-necked cardigan/coat for both women and children. It concludes with a good piece on "reading your knitting" (i.e. knowing where you are by looking at your work).
3. Stockinette stitch - a shaped, fitted, rolled neck shell; an a-line jacket in bulky wool; and the turtleneck mini-dress (or top) from the front cover. The final section teaches ways of attaching new yarn and hiding the loose ends.
4. Reverse stockinette with five patterns--a serape; a set in sleeve, two toned top; a unisex zippered vest; an Asian inspired cross over vest/top (cute); and kangaroo pouch hooded sweat-shirt styled tops for adults and kids. The skill section teaches fulling (aka as felting or messing with wool and hot water).
5. Ribbing - four patterns-- a raglan, open necked 2x2 ribbed snug blouse (cute); a 3x1 rib sleeveless or long-sleeved turtleneck; a 3x1 ribbed masculine pullover; and a 3x2 v-necked collegiate style unisex cardigan. There are two many tips to list.
6. "A little of everything" - two mistake rib scarves; basic cuff-down socks; a round lacy scarf/miniskirt; gauntlets (sort of like fingerless gloves); and a Canadian weight hat and mitten set for adults or kids. The skill section is about grafting the toe stitches of socks.
7. Using charts for mixed knit & purl patterns - a collared wrap; several variations of a basketweave look for adults and kids (including the ritual "Touch Me" decadent yarn top).
8. The book finishes with more great advice on sizing, gauge, picking yarns and such.

Scattered through the book are "meditations" where Sally takes a step back from the technical stuff and muses on knitting things including a charming list of the 10 things she wishes she'd learned earlier.

It's a good for any knitter and should be super book for the wonderful group of folks who've taken up knitting during this latest popularity surge. Thanks Sally for another good one.

Both of the books are well made for the beginner, you don't have to start with the first one, though I would recommend it. All of the explanations are easy to understand, the photos are lovely and make me want to knit almost everything I see (I especially love the addition of lager sizes). I for one can't wait for her next publication - hopefully we don't have to wait much longer!