June Hiatt -- Principles of Knitting Book

Bella G · 03-03-2007, 01:30 PM

I recently read that although June Hiatt's book is thought to be one of the best references, it is also ridiculously difficult to find because it is out of print. I took that as a challenge, and jeepers, the book's not hard to acquire if your wallet is fat! I sent a whining email to Simon & Schuster and received a reply back that the book will be reprinted in the summer of 2008.

So, to those of you who have the tome on your bookshelf, do you think the book is worth all the fuss?

syndactylus · 03-03-2007, 09:45 PM

at least for just reading, have you tried ILL at your library?

I get all the gazillion-dollar OOP primatology books I can carry that way.
I

ILL.

janelanespaintbrush · 03-04-2007, 01:55 AM

Yes, cross your fingers and try ILL. Not surprisingly, that book has a tendency to go "missing" from libraries so you may have to be on a waiting list for a while to get one of the rare remaining copies in circulation. (I had to wait a few months.) It will be worth the wait, though -- there are definitely things in there that I haven't seen elsewhere. There are some omissions and notable biases, yes, but it's elevated status is not unfounded. I wouldn't pay hundreds of dollars for it, but if I came across a copy for under $100, I would seriously consider buying it. And I'm not one to throw money around.

I'm so glad you were able to get a publication date for the new edition. She's been promising it for a long time now.

BTW, if you're looking for a knitting reference, check out Montse Stanley's The Knitter's Handbook if you haven't already. No book is perfect, but it's pretty comprehensive. (There are some things in Stanley that aren't in Hiatt so it's worth getting The Knitter's Handbook even if you do decide to shell out the dough for POK.)

aineepooh1 · 03-04-2007, 09:23 PM

What is ILL?? folks~

janelanespaintbrush · 03-04-2007, 11:38 PM

Originally Posted by aineepooh1

What is ILL?? folks~

Inter-library loan. Often, if your local library doesn't have the book you want, they can obtain it for you from another library that does. I've borrowed books that came from libraries in different cities, and even a different state. I don't know how it is for your area, but if your library has a website, they probably have some way that you can look up and request books online. When they receive the book, they'll call or email you. It's very cool.

Bella G · 03-05-2007, 04:13 AM

I've ordered POK thru ILL. Yes, somehow my local library's copy went missing years ago. Thanks for the suggestion on Montse Stanley's book -- my library *does* have that one at one of the branches.

My favorite reference is you all, though. Always here for me when my LYS is closed!

missmom31 · 05-10-2008, 02:45 AM

I am getting a library copy of June Hiatt's book, POK, from an ILL sometime next week. I am anxious to read it, but believe it will be way too much information for me to just reference back to. I am very curious to see what all the fuss is about with her book, though. I have the Vogue knitting reference book which has never failed me yet, as well as several other knitting reference books. I don't think I would pay the prices being asked on the internet for this oop book, but would probably buy the new one when it is published if the price is within reason. As someone posted earlier this is a great place to come to for information, opinions, etc.

patty

missmom31 · 05-14-2008, 11:36 PM

I got the June Hiatt book from the library yesteday. It is like a textbook for knitting. I have only thumbed through some of the 571 pages, but there seems to be tons of excellent information in it and she has written it like you are sharing a conversation with her. I will most likely purchase the new version when it it released.