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By Andrea Hull

Don't let the cover fool you - this is not a book that's only for the teenage set! There's plenty of fun patterns for all kinds of fiber enthusiasts.

This book is also full of good tips for any knitter - such as breaking the yarn versus cutting it, when possible, in order to be able to weave the ends in more easily. It also delves into generally overlooked techniques, such as bobbin-use in fair isle and how to choose the correct substitute yarn. Add in clear, easy to understand pictures and captions, and you have a quite good beginner knitting book.

But wait! What about the patterns? No fear, there's a wide range. Included in the over thirty patterns are some good standards like the skinny scarf, basic socks, a nice hooded top and striped fingerless gloves. However, what really catches the eye are the more unusual patterns including, my favorites!, knitted cacti, felted buttons, fruit protectors (!), felted mary jane-looking slippers, and a tote knitted out of recycled plastic bags. For us spinners, there are quite a few projects that even the beginner could use for those first precious handspun skeins, like the really cute pixie hat that I already have on the needles!

It's refreshing not to see any particular yarn called for in each pattern, but that could be a little confusing at first to the beginner knitter. Also, some of the patterns don't seem very practical, such as a knitted guitar case (think of all that stockinette!), but that usually happens in any pattern book. Nevertheless, published by Interweave Press and written by former designers from Rowan, 'Funky Knits' successfully introduces to the adventurous newbie the wide variety that makes up the knitting world - from simple stockinette to intarsia, felting, lace, and more. Happy knitting!