cover image Knit Wit: 30 Easy and Hip Projects

Knit Wit: 30 Easy and Hip Projects

Amy R. Singer. HarperResource, $19.95 (127pp) ISBN 978-0-06-074070-2

Since knitting's become cool again, a number of purportedly hip books have burst onto the scene. While none have matched the blockbuster success of Debbie Stoller's Stitch 'N Bitch, some--like this one--have at least come close to duplicating that book's sassy, upbeat approach. Singer founded the Web community Knitty.com, and her book will appeal to beginning and intermediate knitters. She explains the basics, and her drawings and illustrations are comprehensible. Still, there's no shaking the feeling that she's imitating Stoller, with comments like,""Now that you can knit and purl, you know almost everything necessary to follow any pattern. No, seriously. Stop looking at me like that."" Her funky patterns instruct readers on making hats, scarves and other warming devices, such as the""too good to pass up"" Postmodern Legwarmers; apparel (including a vest, skirt, pullover and bikini); as well as somewhat less useful items such as boas and cozies for items like ice cream pints and laptops.