Vivian Hoxbro has written a really nice small book containing exercises and patterns to help you learn the art of modular knitting.

It's not for the complete beginner, assuming you already know the basics of hand knitting. Nor is it a frighteningly advanced book, as it aims to provide an introduction to the art of modular knitting, a task which it performs extremely well.

The book starts with a series of technical articles explaining how to deal with a number of difficulties that may arise and covering the tools that will be required. It then moves straight onto the actual knitting and you will make a range of small potholders and a headband in order to learn how to carry out the different techniques you will be using in the full scale patterns.

Last of all there is a projects section of 16 full scale projects for you to knit. These include the usual range of ponchos and scarves, but there is also a lovely afghan, a super holdall bag and I particularly like the star hat and matching scarf.

The book is extremely well presented with plenty of colour photographs of finished work and pieces in progress throughout. The projects section is nicely laid out and the colours chosen work well together, providing plenty of inspiration to get started knitting. Finally it is not a large coffee table book but a small volume which could easily be fitted into a handbag or holdall for going on holiday. The beginner projects could easily be made from oddments of yarn and the major projects are made from good quality basic yarns which are not going to bust your credit card. The book itself is very reasonably priced and a worthwhile addition to any knitter's bookshelf as it is not going to go out of date quickly as so many pattern books do, due to the relatively classic style of the projects in it.

All in all, the book is so well presented and contains so many clear illustrations, techniques and patterns that I like it very much and would certainly recommend purchasing it from www.amazon.com here. It has only 88 pages but those 88 pages are used to the greatest benefit of the knitter at a very reasonable price.