I had first heard of this book a few years ago, reading (online) that it was out of print and that existing copies of it were selling for $300 on eBay. I made a mental note, those few years ago, to search for it at any used book sales that I attended. I memorized "principles of knitting" but of course I never found one.
At some point in the year 2011, I read that a new and revised version of "principles" was being released later in the year. In September 2011, I saw (I think it was on a blog) a link to Amazon where the book could actually be pre-ordered. I went there and read this...
"The definitive book of knitting techniques A word-of-mouth phenomenon since its original publication, with a passionate and loyal following, The Principles of Knitting has served as a treasured resource for an entire generation of knitters. Now completely revised and updated, this long-awaited new edition contains indispensable information for every knitter, from the beginner to the most experienced, on all aspects of the craft."
...of course, I ordered one.
When the book came in February, it was mostly as I expected. (It weighs in at 4.6 pounds and has 712 pages.) I always felt that this would be a reference book. (It is encyclopedic. I think it could be called a "tome".) I read the introductions which convinced me that June Hemmonds Hiatt did a very thorough job. But then I got on with my knitting and put it away.
I put it away, because, as an experienced knitter, I did not need any help on that day. In my next post, I will refer to "THE BOOK" and tell you how it aided me on a recent day when I did need some help.
Yes, I have a copy of the first book as well as the new one. It is considered the Bible of Knitting. I have used it a few times. If I could only have one book, it would be this one.
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