Wendy Knits: My Never-Ending Adventures in Yarn

by Wendy D. Johnson

In this warm, wise, and witty memoir, Wendy D. Johnson takes a look at her lifelong obsession with “casting on” as she chronicles her journey from a crudely self-taught, left-handed beginner to one of the world’s most prolific knitters—not to mention premier knitting bloggers.

From the virtues of learning how to knit the perfect sock, to the compulsive need to stash exquisite skeins of yarn in every crevice of one’s home, this is the perfect book for every knitter. Wendy also offers tips for avoiding errors, thoughts on knitting gifts for others, and more than twenty original patterns for knitters of every level of expertise: from the ridiculous and irreverent (a cell phone cozy) to the absolutely sublime (your very own luxurious Nordic style pullover).

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Memoir

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 25, 2006

Reviews

[Castiron · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first time I looked at this book, the font annoyed me for some reason, and I didn't bother to look at it further. I finally decided I should go ahead and check it out from the library and see what I think, since I used to enjoy reading her blog.

It's a pleasant enough read, and the patterns would be good basic ones for a new knitter. I was particularly amused by her story about two Swedish girls commenting on her knitting. But the book doesn't grab me enough that I want to get my own copy. The text is more about her development as a knitter than about knitting in general, and I've found that books about an individual's interest in knitting don't do much for me. (In contrast, while Stephanie Pearl-McPhee certainly talks a lot about her own experiences in her books, she's usually making a broader point, whether about knitting or about life. I don't come away from one of her books thinking "I've just read about the Yarn Harlot's knitting life", whereas with this book I come away thinking "Okay, I've just read about Wendy Johnson's knitting life".)

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I often felt like I'd read parts of this book before—maybe I heard the author interviewed on a podcast and that's why it seemed familiar. Though there are patterns included, this is really just a knitting memoir. I think it would have been better either without the patterns or with them but expanded to include bigger photos (in color, not the black and white that this book has) and detail shots.

[Min · Rating 2 out of 5]

This sounded like an interesting book when I looked at reviews on the Web. It left me underwhelmed. It is a memoir of Wendy's knitting life, starting from her childhood. With the exception of the Grape Arbor Shawl, the twenty patterns are nothing special and include only a few sizes (perhaps what fit her when she designed them?). I doubt that a beginner attempting to make the Fisherman's Rib Scarf would know how to "P1, k next st in the row below" without further direction--which is not given here. I just didn't find her memories that insightful.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing for me.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wendy Johnson takes you through her knitting life and her obsessions with knitting and yarn. From her first cast-on and being self-taught to becoming one of the most known names in the knitting blog world. Wendy has included 20 patterns for all knitting levels, as well as many hints and tips throughout the book.

I have followed Wendy Johnson's blog for many years, so I was excited to finally get my hands on this book. It was everything I had expected and more. Wendy's warm and humorous look back over her knitting career is a fun and fascinating read. The patterns she includes are lovely and will please any knitter - from beginner to advanced. I have knit up a few of her patterns including the "Sophisticated Cabled Catnip Mouse", "Easy One-Skein Hat" and her "Generic Socks". All patterns were well written and easy to follow. She as sprinkled tips throughout the book that are very good and useful. My only wish is that the photos were in color. I've seen her pictures on her blog, and the b&w photos just don't do justice to her knitting or her precious blue-eyed cat, Lucy! I highly recommend this book to any knitter - beginner through advanced.

[Lain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone who's familiar with Wendy Knit's popular blog will know exactly what they're getting from this book. What disappointed me was the quality of the book, and the pattern choices. With the number of gorgeous, full-color knitting books on the store shelves, this one definitely pales in comparison. The photos of the finished objects are in black-and-white, and are so dark they're hard to see any detail. Add to that the fact that the patterns themselves are rather bland and blah, and you may want to think twice before purchasing this book. But if you love Wendy (and who doesn't??) go ahead. Then write to her publisher and tell her you want the next book to include color photos. I'd glady pay a few more bucks for a better-quality book.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished on October 2, 2008.

I stayed up all night to read, because I was unable to sleep.

[Beverly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lackluster and predictable knititng essays. Good section on charity knitting that is all about pets, especially cats.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great knitting patterns, fun stories, good book

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has some really interesting insights into knitting and using fiber and who should and should not receive our precious knits.She was really funny. I thoroughly enjoyed her book.

[Cat von Hassel-Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Signed by the author

[Heywu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Knit projects - Grape Arbor shawl - Good book for beginners, but pix are in black and white.

[Lois · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the chit chat between patterns. Fun reading. I might even try to knit one of the patterns...

[Julie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engagingly written; this woman was blogging and or knit-listing even before the Yarn Harlot. Creative and accomplished knitter with great inspiration to newbies and old-bies alike.

[Janell]

Very fun to read--I always like knowing there is someone more obsessed with knitting than I am.