The librarian in our little county library told me yesterday that she is buying a book I requested on interlibrary loan since she couldn't get it on loan, and besides "we need a new knitting book." I told her that the book I'd requested -- Knit One, Kill Two by Maggie Sefton -- is a mystery novel. (She'd just glanced at the title after the clerk told her it was not available at this time so didn't see the Kill Two part of the title.) Now she wants to order a real knitting instruction book -- I'm going to take several of mine for her to look at -- but wondered what the rest of you would recommend if you were only going to get one book. Apparently there are only 3-4 knitters who use the library so there are very few -- and all very old -- books on the shelf. She thinks that knitting is "coming back" so wants to have a book to encourage it. What's your advice?

That's kind of like asking what you would take to a deserted island
I would recommend Barbara Walker..

Although it only appeals to a select audience, if you are trying to get younger people interested in knitting, I recommend Debbie Stoller's "Stitch n' Bitch." I checked it out of my local library.

Vogue Knitting would be my choice.

Pam

Vogue Knitting--I looked at the new (how new?) edition today and decided I don't need it, but if I were a new knitter it would be #1 on my wish list.

Jude

Reader's Digest Knitter's Handbook by Montse Stanley.

Vogue Knitting or Knitter's Handbook (Montse Stanley.)
Stanley's book has a personal feeling and a lot of quirky add-ons that Vogue lacks. In short, I admire Vogue but adore Stanley.

But if your library absolutely positively has to choose between the two, I'd go for Vogue simply because it's in hardcover format and, presumably, would hold up better over time. It's also better organized for quick reference.

Here's another vote for Vogue. I only have the pocket companion and LOVE it. The big one would be awesome to have.

I also love the Vogue book ! Especially being a self taught knitter. But another book that I cannot do without is the Knitters Book of Finishing Techniques. I wouldn't have gotton through my first few sweaters without it.

I would reccomend Knitting in plain english by maggie riggetti. By the way, the knitting mystery is very good. The author is going around to knitting shops as well as book stores to do readings and signings. She wandered into my lys while writing another book and ended up writing a mystery based in that store. The book has been very popular and is in its second printing. The first one sold out in sixteen days. Check out her website: www.maggiesefton.com

Also, mention to her about The Art of Knitting DVD which is very good and informative. My mom is a librarian and she says more DVDs and videos are going out on a regular basis these days. The patrons take out books along with their weekly "video picks". I think this DVD is $19.99 retail which is almost cheaper than a book.

Thanks knitters --- I was pretty sure that Vogue would be the book you recommended, but told my librarian friend I wanted to check with you first. She agreed that a hard cover makes a sturdier library book so it's now on order.

Dances with needles --- thanks for the website -- I've forwarded it to the librarian too --- maybe now she'll watch for the rest of Maggie's knitting books as they come out. I enjoyed reading about the book and am looking forward to reading it. Maybe the fact that the first printing sold out is why it's taking so long to get the book --??