I think the book might have been a little oversold, both in the publisher review and by the author herself. I had heard lots of things about how this was *the* book to get if you wanted to take your knitting to professional level. Unfortunately, a good part of the beginning of the book was taken up with very simple things that an intermediate or advanced knitter would already be familiar with. I don't even know if I would call myself an intermediate knitter yet, and I found it a bit too easy.

Where the book shines is near the end - Chin writes extensively about swatches and why they're important, and also what to do with a swatch once you've made it and BEFORE you start your project. Her advice will be familiar to anyone who also sews (as I do), but it boils down to treating the swatch the way you intend to treat the knitted garment, i.e. washing, drying, pulling in to shape. She does this to see how much the knit shrinks, whether it felts easily, etc.... all things you'd want to know before spending $100 and 6 months on a sweater, only to have it come out doll-sized in the wash. There are some other useful tips in there as well, but the gauge swatch information was what I found most useful.

If you're beyond the beginning stages of knitting, you might be better off getting this book from your local library (I couldn't find it at mine) and making notes. ( )

Lily Chin's Knitting Tips & Tricks: Shortcuts and Techniques Every Knitter Should Know ( )