Patterns, stories, pictures, true confessions, tricky bits, whole new worlds, and familiar ones, too

This is definitely one of my favorite knitting books I have ever owned. The patterns are wonderful, the stories are endearing, and overall it is joyful. ( )

Wonderfully concise while being laugh out loud funny. Clear pictures and directions for the more free-wheeling knitter. ( )

Mason Dixon Knitting is a different type of knitting book. While it has beautiful patterns and photographs, it also has stories and comments that make this book much more than a pattern book. It has, of course, patterns for sweaters, shawls, hats for adults and children, but it also has home decorative items and even some patterns for practical potholders and "Swifter" covers. My favorite pattern is the Mystery Sweater, which is the most unique I have seen. It is, quite literally, a sweater with a message, and you can make your own message for it. Lovely stories and comments by the authors add to the charm of this book and make it stand out among knitting books. ( )

I loved the authors' first book, but this one is far better. There are still the slightly wacky kitchen accessories (a mop cover? I love it!) but these are joined by absolutely stunning lacy mohair in the form of a layered "plaid" shawl and a "cardigan cozy" of all things -- this being a diaphanous sweater to wear over another sweater (or not). I can't wait to get started -- the yarn is on order. ( )