JS Online: Books keep beginning knitters from getting stuck: "'Stitch 'n' Bitch Nation' (Workman, $15.95). Debbie Stoller's follow-up to her bestselling 'Stitch 'n' Bitch,' this book has 50 different patterns, with a range of difficulty from beginner to advanced. Stoller likes to flaunt her sense of humor - no other knitting book will teach you how to knit your own Joey Ramone doll (pattern adapts to make a Henry Rollins doll and Joan Jett doll). The book also has pictures and testimonials from the many knitters who belong to 'Stitch 'n' Bitch' clubs across the country. There are helpful tips from experienced knitters, including one from Cassie Christenson of Oshkosh, who had the great idea to transform leftover chopsticks into knitting needles. One drawback here is format: It's a thick softcover with a tight binding, which means the book won't lie flat on its own - annoying when you're constantly consulting a pattern. Another is page design. A barrage of graphics, photos, text boxes and large-type quotes overwhelms the patterns. But some may not give a hoot; this book is as much a celebration of the knitting community as a collection of patterns."

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