Rick at tonight’s sock class mentioned that it would be great to know what I have in my knitting library that I find useful. In the category of “reference” or “guide” to knitting, I have the following:

The Reader’s Digest Knitter’s Handbook. I find that if nothing else references an obscure knitting technique, this book has it. It’s not always the most helpful for describing how to create a certain stitch and the diagrams aren’t as good as what you may find on the internet, but its certainly the most comprehensive guidebook I have encountered.

The second on my list of favorite knitting guides is definitely Interweave Press’ Knitter’s Companion. Not only does it fit in your purse nicely, its incredibly comprehensive for its compact size. I find myself pulling this out when I need a reminder on how to graft the toe stitches of my sock together or when I can’t remember what those silly symbols on the yarn label mean. (The little iron symbol with one dot means “cold iron,” by the way) Anyways, its an excellent book and everyone should own a copy!

Then there is Stitch n Bitch. This book has been credited with creating the current knitting craze, although I think that might give Debbie Stoller a bit more credit than she deserves. This book, which is both instructional and full of simple funky patterns, certainly contributed to the recent rise in young professionals who have picked up needles as their new hobby. It has a unique and entertaining way of describing the basics of knitting and the patterns at the back of the book start at the very simple and work up to more advanced skills. I keep a copy of this around to pass on to whatever friend of mine has just started knitting. They usually return it in a week because they have purchased their own copy.

Now as for the pattern books in my library, that could take some time… I might have to check my ravelry account, ponder my favorites and get back to you Rick.