Stitch 'N Bitch: A Knitter's Design Journal Paperback – May 30, 2005

A Knitter's Design Journal really is a terrific aid to those knitters who want to go beyond following patterns, to also designing their own patterns. It also helps you keep track of your stash, and patterns you'd like to make.Oh, there is also this handy stich gauge and ruler in a nifty pocket in the front of the book.Basically, this lovely little journal is divided into several parts, which I love. The first, has lightly-drawn little pictures of several women of various body types, from super thin, flat-chested, to average build, to rounded and buxomy (my shape!). These are provided over a two-page spread so that you can sketch pattern designs of sweaters you've always longed to make. Very hand, if like me, you have trouble drawing sweaters to proportion. On the downside, there are no lightly-drawn sketches of children, or men. Maybe in the next book? (Hint, hint, Ms. Stoller!)There is also a section with design hints - basic knitting techniques are laid out, as well as the "magic decreasing formula", which I never knew before, and well, really is magic. Stoller presents ideas for sweater shaping, as well as such things as ease - all important for sweater design.The next section of this handy little book is one where you can record all your needles. This is where I discovered I had 4 sets of 8's and no 9's. Maybe you will make your own revelation.Another section allows you to snip from your stash and either glue or tape swatches into the book, along with details such as yarn weight, gauge, content, maker, etc., as well as how much you have in your stash. (a little note here - you may prefer to glue your swatches in, as tape is not acid-free). I do worry, though, that as I add swatches, the book's spine may grow weaker, but it is bound with a linen-type material.The next two sections are projects you want to do, and then projects you already have done. I like the projects you want to do, as it's helped me keep on track. In the past, shamefully, I've bought plenty of yarn, only to let it falter in the closet for years while I skip giddily onto another project. It's nice to be reminded that, oh, yeah, I really DiD want to make that Hat with the Bobbles and Matching Scarf with the size 17 needles! Likewise, the finished projects section is just wonderful as a record, especially, if like me, you tend to give away all your finished projects.I love this little notebook. I've always been planning on making such a little notebook for myself, but laziness, and indeed, lack of knowledge prevented me from doing it.

I recently went through my yarn to write down what I had and just how much I had of each. My friend asked me what I'd done with the information. She suggested the S and B Journal as a place to keep all of my yarn info. It's small enough to carry in my knitting bag and large enough to FIND in my knitting bag! I also like the grid paper section and have already used the body drawings to sketch designs onto. The book is very sturdy for a paperback. The cover is strong enough to handle the pressure of drawing with pencils. This is not a feature I'd even thought about, but really appreciated when the book was put to use. Four stars, not five because the body drawings are not blank, they have a faint bra and panty drawn on. Handy place to keep track of finished projects too. This is a helpful, private knitting journal.

This is perfect for the knitter who likes to design his or her own stuff. In the first section, there are drawn bodies on graph paper, so you can sketch clothing on them and draw out measurements and write notes. Then there is a section of blank knitter's paper, which has wider squares than tall, just like a knit stitch. The next sections include how to make sweaters, needle inventory, forms where you can fill out what you've made, and projects you want to make. And last, but certainly not last, a list of abbreviations and cheat sheets, like how to do cables and the dreaded kitchener stitch. And it fits right in your pocket!The spine is a little tight, so it doesn't stay open when you lay it down. Maybe if it were spiral bound, but hey, for $5, it's almost perfect.

This is too cool for anyone who is an avid knitter. I design and custom knit a lot of sweaters and other items. This book keeps all the notes together for the projects for if I should want to duplicate one or share my pattern. The fun thing is the needle gage and ruler in the book that is handy with all the notes and the grid pages for planning patterns - all in one small book that is easy to take along or put on bookshelf in easy reach for when needed.

I chose 5 stars because this book is a great reference for knitters, but so much more. The format allows any knitter's unique style of thinking, creating, and recording. This books adds a new and very valuable dimension to my knitting world. With this book I can record details of my completed projects with notes that will aid me in the future. It also incorporates an awesome design section to encourage me to create my own patterns. I recommend this book to anyone who loves to knit.

I bought two of these, one for me and one as a gift, but it's not what I'd hoped for. First of all, the book comes wrapped in plastic, so you can't check it out first - a real downside, I think.It's a neat idea, and I'd hoped the book would be a real aid for knitting brainstorming and planning. Unfortunately, it's heavily weighted towards the figure-outline design pages, which are only good for designing sweaters. I'd like to have something to prompt accessory ideas, and more of the knitting-journal features. There are only 12 spaces for "things I've made" entries, and a handful of "projects I want to knit" require a full page each.The yarn inventory page is a neat idea, but, as previous reviewers have said, I don't know how well the book would handle having bits of yarn taped inside it.The journal would be made much better with more project pages, and maybe some pages for a wish list without pictures. But it's still fun to use, and I'm beginning to keep track of projects - I'm just very disappointed that I'd run out of space quickly if I tried to enter every gift-project I've made in the past year.

Includes sweater design pages according to body type and mini graph pages for designing patterns by symbols...The information provided is useful for any level knitter, we all need reminders sometimes. Makes yarn shopping easier if, by chance, you don't have your phone handy or an app on your phone....Order more than one! I will.

Although I don't do any design for myself there are lots of pages available for you put your own designs on paper and it's nice to be able to take pictures and make notes about the yarn used and any problems you may have found on the way it also has a section at the back that illustrates simple knitting and crocheting and tips on finishing off and casting on and off so I really like it!

Fab journal - lots of pages for designs, knitters graph paper and lots more. Great buy for any knitter

This little book is handiness itself. Produced by Deb Stoller who also does the Stitch n Bitch books, it is a notebook for all your knitting requirements. The pages are filled with tips, lots of pages for designing your own sweaters (these are great as they feature a 'model' on them for you to sketch your design onto), more blank squared pages for designing intarsia perhaps, plus lots of log areas for your needle size inventory, yarn inventory, fave pattern details, planned projects and sizing for yourself, friends and family, whoever you may wish to make something for. It is the ideal size to slot into a knitting tote or if travelling light, a handbag, so is great for keeping there in case you happen to pass a yarn buying opportunity! It is well worth buying - for maximum designing, pair up with one of Ann Budd's multiple size books.My only gripe, hence the 4 stars, otherwise it would be perfect! is that the 'brag pages' where you put in a pic of what you have made along with all the details, such as a snippet of the yarn, pattern used, etc, is too small for photos, so I ended up buying a small photo album instead. But don't be put off by this as it is a worthy purchase though for all you knitty persons!