Q: Is this a book for beginners, intermediates, or advanced knitters?

A: To love this book, you need to be familiar with basic knitting skills—knit, purl, cast on, bind off, increase, and decrease—and have an intrepid spirit. So we recommend the book to all knitters beyond rank beginners. Knitting in the Old Way cannot be taken in all at once. It’s a book to keep handy, and from which to pick up new skills on a regular basis. If you wait too long to make its acquaintance, you may have to break some thinking habits that are holding back your development as a knitter. If you are a proficient knitter, you may discover many ways to simplify, improve, and expand your skills.

Q: How does the 2004 edition differ from the 1985 edition?

A: Here are some indications of what’s different in the new edition:

There are also a bunch of new techniques.

The information on handspinning in the original has been eliminated, because lots of other good information on that topic is now available.

It’s still a “process, resource, philosophy, and skills” book, not a pattern book. It teaches a WAY of knitting.

Q: What are early reviewers saying about the new edition of Knitting in the Old Way?

A: LOTS! In our effort to make the book as good as possible, we have asked a number of knowledgeable people to take a look either at the whole or at the details, depending on their schedules. After we received three especially thorough responses, we tore apart a book we thought was finished and added eight more pages of step-by-step instructions.

Now, here’s what people are saying about the book as a whole:

“Reading this wonderful book is like taking a master class with two of the most knowledgeable, gifted, and generous teachers in the modern knitting community.”

Melanie Falick, author of Weekend Knitting (Stewart, Tabori & Chang), Kids Knitting (Artisan), and Knitting in America (Artisan), and co-author of Knitting for Baby (Stewart, Tabori & Chang)

“When it seems there’s nothing more to learn about knitting, I pick up a book by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts and I’m inspired by my craft all over again. There’s nothing ‘old’ about Knitting in the Old Way—on the contrary, it’s the book to turn to for the excitement of the new.”

Pam Allen, editor of Interweave Knits and author of Knitting for Dummies (Wiley/For Dummies)

“Knitting in the Old Way was a classic the moment it appeared and never should have been out of print. Now this newly revised and enlarged edition improves even on the old. It is a great gift to knitters old and new. Thanks and praise to Priscilla for giving it to us!”

Anna Zilboorg, author of Knitting for Anarchists (Feet on the Ground), Fancy Feet (Lark), Magnificent Mittens (XRX), Simply Socks (Lark), 45 Fine and Fanciful Hats to Knit (Lark), and Socks for Sandals and Clogs (Feet on the Ground)

“Knitters rejoice! Here’s proof that excellence can be improved upon. Knitting in the Old Way is back—bigger and better. This extensively revised edition deserves a prominent spot on every knitter’s bookshelf.”

Ann Budd, author of The Knitter’s Handy Book of Sweater Patterns (Interweave) and The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns (Interweave), and managing editor of Interweave Knits

“wow, woW, WOW!”

Donna Druchunas, author of The Knitted Rug (Lark, 2004)