Maran Illustrated Knitting and Crocheting Paperback – Illustrated, March 15, 2005

I got this book to re-learn how to crochet and learn how to knit for the first time. I learned crochet when I was about 8 and never continued it, but once I got this book I was able to pick it up within a week's time and have since become very good at it. The pictures are large and clear and show each step. The knitting section is also very good, though I didn't quite pick that up as easily :) There are sections on yarn types, basic stitches, and many sample patterns to practice each type of stitch. They even give you sample photos of a swatch so you can get a feel for what you're making before you dive in. I do think that yarn work is something that not all people have a mind for (just like painting or woodworking - while great hobbies, not all people will excell at them), but this is an excellent resource nonetheless.

This is a great book! Photos illustrate step by step process.

My grandmother's taught me the basics of crocheting, and i am forever grateful for my talent they gave me. But this book taught me everything else. I couldn't read a pattern until i got this book. My grandmother's tried to teach me that part but couldn't get my head to wrap around the idea. This book did it.

I love this book and go to it for reference all the time. It is now out of print, so I loaned it to a friend -- who LOST it!! So I just bought another second hand. I really appreciate being able to get this second copy in new condition and at a reasonable price. And yes, my friend reimbursed me.

Excellent has all tips and tons of patterns to make anything

I can't say enough for this book. I'm left-handed and grew up teaching myself how to knit and crochet with a little black and white illustrated booklet from the dime store. I have bought this book for my daughters and grandkids. It has great colored photos of step by step instructions for both right and left hands. The written instructs are simple and clear to understand. I wish this book had been around when I was growing up.

I had gotten a copy of this book from my local library. After seeing how understandably it was written, how large and colorful the pictures were, and how the size was just right to either hold or place in your lap as you knit - I was 'hooked'. Got my own copy immediately!Have referred to it many times since receiving it - each time it has taught me something new.This is the go-to book for any beginner or experienced person.

An old knit-aholic like me has many books about stitches, knitting,etc.This book is an absolute must in the library of a new knitter or an old one like myself. Beautiful illustrations/clear color photos showing each and every step, well laid out, everything you ever wanted to know about knitting. The back 25-30% of the book is equally great for crocheting, from starting out to finished projects.This book has stitches and also patterns for many items throughout.Don't regret missing out on getting this book!!!

Further to the above, there is also 'Naughty Girls (Need love too)' (Big hit in the USA), True Devotion (beautiful) and listen to 'That Sensation (the hit that never was). The whole album is very listenable and fantastic. There's a cover of the Rolling Stones 'Satisfaction' too.

The explanations of the various stitches are simple and clear as are the illustrations. With this book, I can follow any pattern. Excellent book.