Bestor explains a few basic techniques in a simple, friendly way that makes learning how to knit easy, from a few all-purpose cast on methods to knit and purl stitches, increasing and decreasing ...

Like, now "Cast On, Bind Off," by , $16.95) is a little gem of a book -- just 5 1/2 inches by 7 inches -- that begs to be be tucked in a knitting bag and carried with you always. And for good reason.

“All it takes is two needles and some yarn to turn nothing into something.” Others, like knitting aficionado Michael del Vecchio, say that knitting is a way to build community and make friends.

Knit 2, purl 2 for chin. For left side of face, pick up 28 stitches. There should be 104 stitches in all. Knit 2, purl 2 on these stitches for 12 rows. Cast off in the usual way.