Mason-Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines: Patterns, Stories, Pictures, True Confessions, Tricky Bits, Whole New Worlds, and Familiar Ones, Too

Ann and Kay have done it again. Smart patterns, even smarter commentary. This is a must buy if only for the brilliant Bonne-Marie Burns's exquisite take on the sturdy peacoat and M-D's destined-to-be-a-classic Everyday Sweater. The Fair Isle section is downright glorious!

I don't even knit but I read this book cover to cover! It is cleverly written and beautifully photographed. I intend on giving it as Christmas gifts to the knitters in my life.

I really loved the first Mason Dixon knitting book- I read every page and have plans to complete many of the projects.
I purchased the second book from Amazon and sent it back the next day. There is only one pattern I would knit- the dishcloth.
I live in Miami- sweaters, scarfs and socks are out and I would never knit pants for a toddler! I found most of the projects bordered on "weird knitting". The kind made my husband cringe when I told him I was learning to knit.
I would have loved to have read the book cover to cover they are such clever, funny women and their commentary is great.
If you are a practical knitter- check this book out at the library before you purchase it.

If you have not seen the first Mason Dixon book, you are missing out on a treat. As fun to read as the projects are fun to make. I just got this and found almost every project enticing, but will start first with the Fair Isle afghan inspired by a wallpaper in England. Her is blue and red, while mine will be chocolate brown and red.....

These ladies to do not take themselves too seriously except about knitting. However, for a rare treat, read the fine print and you will find yourself giggling over their thoughts. The projects and directions are great as well. Buy and enjoy both their books!

How do you follow up a fascinating, outside-the-lines tome like the first Mason-Dixon book? (A book, which, by the way, got me knitting again after a 10-year case of Fear Of Huge Hats.)

Ironically, Kay and Ann are much more in-the-lines this time, compared to other knitting books out there. A lot more garments (most for grown-up-ladies), a lot less garter stitch. Holiday/religious accessories, like stockings and kippot, make an appearance. They're still working the rugs like maniacs, and although there aren't any slam-dunk start-a-craze patterns like the original Baby Kimono, there is much to enjoy in these pages.

Where they still stand head-and-shoulders above the fray is in the writing. Mini- (and not-so-mini-) essays on the creative process, the power of knitting to soothe, craze, and otherwise preoccupy fill the pages. Try new things, don't be afraid, buy good yarn, and, above all, enjoy what you do. That message hasn't changed. Their good humor, small egos, and sensible attitudes reign supreme.

If you're a fan of the blog and/or book 1, you will be satisfied with this book. You will probably knit a few projects from it, and you'll certainly laugh out loud while you read. Will you love it as much as book 1? Depends on how much you like garter stitch.