I just finished reading “Mason-Dixon Knitting, The Curious Knitters' Guide” written by Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne and I love this book. Not only was this fun to read, it made me want to run for my knitting needles and start knitting.

“Mason-Dixon Knitting” books are not just about the patterns, they are filled with stories, jokes, advice and lots of inspiration. Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne share their knitting mistakes, their successes, their encouragement to try new things and most of their love of knitting.

Rug patterns include two bath rugs, two rag rugs (one is a combination rug, knit with yarn and rag strips), a pinwheel round rug and my favorite the “Superfancy Potholder Loop Rug”. There is a section of the book dedicated to family projects. If you are interested in teaching your children to knit or getting them involved, there is one “dishrag” rug pattern for children, a couple of pages dedicated to “calamari knitting” and ideas for children to help with the pinwheel and potholder loop rug.

This book also has baby patterns which include a kimono, bib, burp cloth, keepsake blanket and moses basket cozies; wearable patterns include a nightie (yes a nightie!), robe, scarves and a shawl, and patterns for your home include washcloths, hand towels, a chair cushion, window curtain, felted boxes and blankets. There are sections for finding a community knitting circle, knitting for the common good, internet resources for finding yarn, a list of recommended knitting books and knitting terms and abbreviations.

If you have never knit before, you will need help to get through the patterns in this book. Select one of the simple patterns and ask an experienced knitter to help you get started.

I found “Mason-Dixon Knitting, The Curious Knitters' Guide” at my local library. It can also be found in many bookstores and online at Amazon.com. I liked this book so well; it’s one that I would like to add to my library at home.