The Knitter's Stash

by Barbara Albright (Editor)

This collection of 33 patterns chosen from hundreds of entries submitted by yarn shops across the country is full of personal stories, knitting wisdom, and favorite tips from the people who have helped fuel today’s knitting revolution. The patterns range from designer sweaters and knits for kids to small take-along projects. More than a pattern book, this delightful collection is like a trip to the yarn shop, a private session with the best knitters around, and a friendly chat with the country’s most passionate knitters all rolled into one.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference

174 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 2001

Reviews

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This library book (C) has some interesting patterns that I might try in the future

-Weekend tank top
-Felted fish with good guidance about how to felt
-My constant companion, a felted purse pattern

[Tejus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the book. Made my first sweater based on one of the designs from this book. It has patterns for beginners as well as intermediate knitters. It also has addresses of good knit shops in each state...going to visit one soon.

[Priscilla King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Misfit title. This book is not about using up the knitter's stash; it's a tour of Albright's favorite wool shops. (Albright was an editor and had favorite wool shops all across the USA.) There are patterns for stripey shawls and blankets, hats, baby sweaters, and a set of washcloths, that knitters can apply to their stashes of leftover yarns. There are also patterns for classic sweaters that will send sweater knitters out to buy more yarn--lots of one kind of yarn, some of which will then be left over to add to their stash. Most of these patterns triggered my must-knit-now reaction; the ones I've not knitted yet still do. I sell my knits in winter, and one of the sweater patterns took about a week to knit and less than a day to sell.

I borrowed this book from libraries several times from 2001 on, and eventually, in 2003 I think, bought a copy. It's still worth having. I last mixed up some patterns to create a new small project in January.

[Abbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOTTOM LINE: Another nifty pattern book from Interweave Press, filled with gorgeous pictures, decent-to-good instructions, and lovely write-ups of several small yarn shops from across the USA. Not much use to me as I can't afford to shop at such places, alas, but for those who regularly do or want to treat themselves, this is a feast of information. Highly recommended.

There are seventeen yarn shops profiled, each with at least one pattern and a one-page write-up and photo. This isn't as much of a walking advertisement-sort-of-book as that sounds, though, as the patterns are very good ones, the yarns displayed are gorgeous and seductive, and the stories very interesting and fairly short, one page each. Plus there are extensive listings of small shops at the back, circa publication date of 2001; most of the shops have online addresses, though, and finding out if they're still in business would be easy. All in all, a very good book, albeit a bit pricey, but lovely to look at.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I remember correctly, I believe this was the first knitting book I bought. I wanted to do the "My Constant Companion" bag. And...it is a bag that is still with me today. We've bonded, and though after 7 years, there is a little tearing at the loop holes, I still can't give it up. I've been complimented many times on my bag. But...back to the book. The book was published in 2001, and has recently been republished in paperback. It is a compilation of favorite knitting patterns from local yarn shops all around the country. Each pattern also contains each yarn shops favorite tips and tricks. There are a number of patterns in this book that I have enjoyed working and, like my bag, I will always have this book in my library.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is clearly a labour of love from Interweave publishing: Classic and skilful designs from yarn shops and their owners around North America. My only complaint is that the typeset on the sidebars is rather difficult to read for lack of contrast, or for white text on pastel-toned ground.

[Lynda Hitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some wonderful patterns in this book. I go back to it often for inspiration when I am stumped for something to knit.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read with good patterns.

[Evelyn Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like this book since it has interesting patterns that I think I would like to make. Not quite ready to return it to the library. May keep this one out for a little while.

[Mollymum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, thirty-three patterns, and I have made ten items from this book. And I have plans for making many more. Well worth the purchase, I can tell you.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful patterns....Pretty pricey yarn choices.

[Nicole Cerklewich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some great patterns, some nice patterns, some dated patterns, LOTS of great tips!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars! Any book that includes more than one thing that I've made is great. Lots of good patterns I hope to make.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of top-selling patterns from various yarn shops, and it's easy to see why they're top-sellers. The patterns are timeless classics. Well done.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The patterns in this book are SO unique - I love this book and look at it often for inspiration and have kitted up some of the patterns!

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some nice ideas.

[Marla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very colorful, fun to read work!

[Martine · Rating 3 out of 5]

would not buy again