In a surprise even to me, I’m actually writing a review of a knitting book again. Of course, this is MLO Knitting.

I’ve had Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitters’ Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes, and Pictures by Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne but have not been able to review it because I’m too busy trying out the different projects. This book is jam-packed with knitting goodness.

Projects included are:

• Ballband Dishcloth – A nice, quick gift to those who can appreciate the work put into it. It is so easy you can use it as a test gift to see if folks will appreciate it. Of course, Kay and Ann do warn that many people who receive these gifts are afraid to use them because they are “so nice.”
• Chevron Stripes Hand Towel & Moss Grid Hand Towel – Match these with a Ballband Dischcloth and you have a nice set for a housewarming.
• Dragon Jacket – A knitted applique that can be sewn onto anything the knitter likes.
• Flower Jacket – Another applique.
• Big Dotty Cushion – Need some cushions for your couch or bed? Try this and see what is said.
• Bubbly Curtain – Not my style but may appeal to some with the proper motif in their home. Perhaps cover the kitchen window to make a complete kitchen set with the dishcloth and hand towels?
• Mason-Dixon After-Dark Nightie & Robe – Kay and Ann show that knitted items can be sexy without being racy. I don’t know if I’ll try this or go with something from one of the new lace knitting books.)
• Mason-Dixon Washcloth – Another addition to the growing set of towels and washcloths – but this time in a star configuration.
• Felted Boxes – Felting? I still haven’t tried it, but these boxes may make me as I have a constant need for containers – all those knitting implements, not to mention computer items.
• Joseph’s Blankie of Many Colors, Courthouse Steps Denim Blanket, Moderne Log Cabin, Moderne Baby Blanket, Absorba the Great Bathmat, Tailgate Rag Rug, & Snazzy Bath Rug - This was the concept I used for the blankie for my nephew’s Easter blanket.
• Flying Geese Blanket – Just like the quilt design it makes a lovely lap blanket that could easily be adapted into a larger version.
• Superfancy Potholder Loop Rug, Dizzy Rug, & Dishrag Rug – Scraps you have around that are long enough to turn into strips that you tie together? Knit them up into a neat new and useful item.
• Circle-of-Fun Rug - Using a combination of triangles and semi-circles, make a round rug that you can use just about anywhere depending on your color choice.
• Mitered Square Blanket – Lots of yarn from projects about the house that you need to use up? Make up bunches of squares and sew them together to create a unique scrap yarn blanket or design with all new yarn and colors.
• Nina Shawl - colors and pattern combine to make a unique shawl – your choice of color, but follow Nina’s pattern.
• Baby Bib O’ Love & Baby Genius Burp Cloths – A friend or relative having a baby? These are quick to knit lovely and unique gifts to give.
• Keepsake Blanket- A baby blanket that builds on everything you learn in this book. You can stretch your skills or stay within your comfort level to make a unique blanket that someone will cherish for a long time. This would also make a lovely lap blanket for an elderly person or someone confined to a wheelchair.
• Moses Basket, Ambitious Grandmother Version & Moses Basket, Stovetop Version - A basket liner with lace. The Grandmother version includes the lining, the Stovetop version is just the edging. (Personally, I think a blanket would be a better bet, so I will not be doing this project as the basket just wouldn’t be sturdy enough to be trusted.)

Every single one of these patterns are on my to-do list – or has inspired an already existing project. The only one I probably won’t do is the Ballband Dishcloth as I prefer medallion dish and face cloths. I decided I can use up some of my collection of cotton yarn in making a burp cloth and bib for the inevitable baby showers that I get invited to. Even if I can’t make it, who can object to receiving a handknit bib and burp cloth set?

Each set of projects is attached to a set of instructions for technique. The most complex technique involves a wee bit of lace work – but not enough to scare off a beginner. If you are looking for a great book for your collection or to give as a first project-centric book to a beginning knitter.

The techniques include log cabin knitting, mitered knitting, lace knitting, and color technique. You will need an accompanying technique book for some knitting instructions. Kay and Ann tried to include as much as they could, but there is limited space when doing a project-centric book. You only need the basic knit and purl so any primer should be ok.

I highly recommend adding Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitters’ Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes, and Pictures by Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne to your collection of knitting books, and if you are a librarian, you might consider this book for your general knitting collection.