I really like this book - it proves there can be a lighter side to serious knitting. There is much more to this book than found at first glance. Every time I pick it up I learn something! I immediately made up 4 of the Metered Hanging Towels as a wedding gift. Then I had to make one for ME! There is a wonderful coat in my knitting que on page 23! Encorporating a few tricks, this is a garmet that LOOKS & FITS like what its supposed to be. I'm ready for the enlightenment!! This is not just a book full of patterns. Its filled with humorous narration that will fan your fire of inspiration. These ladies encourage and empower knitters with practical info. that REALLY helps us NORMAL knitters to create fabulous garments. The Daily Sweater, for example. Well, heck, just knit it and you'll see what I mean!

I like this book for its innovation and sense of fun. The authors share their great love of knitting with the reader in such a genuine way. In reading this book, I feel as if I belong to a special group of people--knitters! This connection knows no boundary of age, class, or level of experience. It just IS, and these autors "get it".

I was so excited when I saw a second Mason-Dixon book coming out that I think I built it up in my head a little and wound up disappointed. I wish I had looked at the bookstore before ordering. I think it may ultimately boil down to preference and none of the projects were my thing. The cabled socks were cute, but not terribly original and the sweaters were very unique (like the Mystery Sweater) but just not terribly attractive. A Fair Isle blanket was pretty cool and the little girls dresses were cute, but I have no need for them. Also the Monteagle bag was just far too delicate for grocery shopping especially when Knitty has prettier and more durable patterns for that purpose. The play on the Ballband washcloths from the first book is fun though. All in all it's still a lovely book, and I think they kept true to their style, though no log cabins, and the quality is good, just don't expect it to be similar to book one. Good for them though branching out :)

I love it when I find a knitting book that I want to sit down and read. Ann and Kay are a fun pair. I've spotted two patterns I want to do immediately, two more for when I have time for full sweaters, and another I'll borrow a chunk of for similiar project. I ended up coming back to the first book time and time again, and it looks like this will be the same.

This is a great addition to my knitting library. I found that I want to make many of the designs in this book. Highly recommended.

Well, I absolutely adored the first book, I love Ann and Kay, I read the blog religiously, but I just didn't like this book that much, I think because I just didn't like most of the projects in it.

I think the problem was that this book wasn't all Ann and Kay; they followed the same format as book one, but they had other people designing the projects. And the projects were kind of weird and strange. I mean, who wants to make cuffs for rubber gloves? Or dishcloths that you have to button onto something? Huh? And I guess I wouldn't want to use a shopping bag with holes in it either. As a kitchen project, I would have preferred something like a bag bag pattern instead of the mop cover.

The only things I liked in the book were the felted rug and the felted bag with the blue bird on it, but I don't really want to buy a book that only has two things in it I like. The green pea coat sweater was OK, but it needed to be a LOT shorter. All of the sweaters seemed really long. The purple sweater with a quotation stitched onto it was interesting, by virtue of the quote, but that sweater would only look good on someone with no chest and no hips. I guess that is the style now, but I don't think I would make it. I liked the denim skater sweater, but it was only featured in kids' sizes.

I was hoping the book would have more of the things that I like on the blog, like maybe some of the dishcloths, maybe the blanket that was made out of giant miters, some of the edgings Kay explains for blankets and dishcloths, or some of the other creative blankets that Kay makes, based on quilt design. The strength of the first book was learning a technique and then applying it creatively, often without patterns.

Ann and Kay have more good books left in them; this one just didn't appeal to me that much. I would like to see them concentrate on one specific area the next time--- a book just on knitting blankets creatively, just on dishcloths, just on sweaters and sweater coats, just on geometric objects and their edgings, or just on how to make felted rugs, perhaps by knitting squares and then sewing them together after they are felted.

I loved the first Mason-Dixon tome, with Kay and Ann's banter and comments making just reading the book worth the purchase price. So, when I heard they were doing a second book, I immediately put it in my basket and preordered it. And I'm so glad I did! The patterns are much better than book one, adding some complexity for those knitters who have matured in their craft since first encountering this knitting duo's work. And the patterns are unique--with a sweater you can knit your own poetry or inspirational sayings into, a to-die-for selection of blankets, and fun, goofy kitchen stuff you'll want to knit just for the heck of it. And again, Kay and Ann's warm writing make you feel like these two women are sitting next to you, laughing and comparing dropped stitches. This book makes knitting VERY fun, and accessible.

The second installment of their books is also wonderful. The christmas stocking is to die for! I am starting it for my grandson after looking at hundreds of patterns. All my friends love the patterns for little girls. I have only grandsons and their is a really cool pattern for a boys' sweater also. I'm glad I purchased this book.

Ann and Kay have done it again. Smart patterns, even smarter commentary. This is a must buy if only for the brilliant Bonne-Marie Burns's exquisite take on the sturdy peacoat and M-D's destined-to-be-a-classic Everyday Sweater. The Fair Isle section is downright glorious!

I don't even knit but I read this book cover to cover! It is cleverly written and beautifully photographed. I intend on giving it as Christmas gifts to the knitters in my life.

I really loved the first Mason Dixon knitting book- I read every page and have plans to complete many of the projects.
I purchased the second book from Amazon and sent it back the next day. There is only one pattern I would knit- the dishcloth.
I live in Miami- sweaters, scarfs and socks are out and I would never knit pants for a toddler! I found most of the projects bordered on "weird knitting". The kind made my husband cringe when I told him I was learning to knit.
I would have loved to have read the book cover to cover they are such clever, funny women and their commentary is great.
If you are a practical knitter- check this book out at the library before you purchase it.

If you have not seen the first Mason Dixon book, you are missing out on a treat. As fun to read as the projects are fun to make. I just got this and found almost every project enticing, but will start first with the Fair Isle afghan inspired by a wallpaper in England. Her is blue and red, while mine will be chocolate brown and red.....

These ladies to do not take themselves too seriously except about knitting. However, for a rare treat, read the fine print and you will find yourself giggling over their thoughts. The projects and directions are great as well. Buy and enjoy both their books!

How do you follow up a fascinating, outside-the-lines tome like the first Mason-Dixon book? (A book, which, by the way, got me knitting again after a 10-year case of Fear Of Huge Hats.)

Ironically, Kay and Ann are much more in-the-lines this time, compared to other knitting books out there. A lot more garments (most for grown-up-ladies), a lot less garter stitch. Holiday/religious accessories, like stockings and kippot, make an appearance. They're still working the rugs like maniacs, and although there aren't any slam-dunk start-a-craze patterns like the original Baby Kimono, there is much to enjoy in these pages.

Where they still stand head-and-shoulders above the fray is in the writing. Mini- (and not-so-mini-) essays on the creative process, the power of knitting to soothe, craze, and otherwise preoccupy fill the pages. Try new things, don't be afraid, buy good yarn, and, above all, enjoy what you do. That message hasn't changed. Their good humor, small egos, and sensible attitudes reign supreme.

If you're a fan of the blog and/or book 1, you will be satisfied with this book. You will probably knit a few projects from it, and you'll certainly laugh out loud while you read. Will you love it as much as book 1? Depends on how much you like garter stitch.

I was quite happy to see this book released at Borders the other day and couldnt wait to get home to start reading it.
It's not nearly as great as the very first book ( which I ABSOLUTELY LOVE!) and to this day keep knitting out of, so this book is disappointing to me.
To be sure the wit is great and the book has several patterns that were of interest to me but I am not certain that I will keep the book yet.

The patterns that I think I may knit would be the first mohair sweater its a top down sweater so that is easy enough to do.

Second,,while I have made( and continue to knit) top down knits, because they TRULY do fit, I did see one in their book that really caught my eye and will give that a go.

It was said to be an " everyday " sweater but doing it top down one can add anything they want to make this garment more exciting ( such as adding on any of the beautiful edges found in Nicki' Epstein's books) or even ribbing from the waist down as Stephanie Japel has done in her books " Fitted Knits".
I hesitate to start that project however because the first book had SO many errors in it ,,,,,I think I will wait to see the corrections first before I begin.( caution on my part)

The pea coat from Chic Knits was really cute and timeless,,,,,that one is a for sure in my book as well as the little girls shrugs another top down knit and easy to do up~
I didn't see much else worth doing in the book as I own several fair isle books and I think " Fair Isle Simplified " is the best I Have seen and worked with for me to do 2 handed knitting.

I can do wash cloths out of any of my B Walkers pattern books,,,,,just pick a pattern , grab your cotton yarn and go to town so what is in the rest of book just doesn't interest me.
As I recall the first book had an area in it that was titled
something like " The trouble with sweaters" and you see an awful lot of sweater projects in this book,, so I am left scratching my head~
I had hoped there would be some more fun blankets that were not in the first book , however they do offer a lot of fair isle blankets.
I am not interested in doing a blanket in fair isle,, as I enjoyed the log cabin blanket and the mitered blanket in the first book ~ THAT book had ideas that were more outside the lines than this book.

As for the mop cover and plastic glove cuffs,,,honestly,,that is truly off the edge,,,,to me it is a waste of time and yarn.


I paid 30$ for this book , it wasn't worth it as I could simply get the patterns I was interested in ( all 4 of them) from the library.
Consumers are more cautious these days so it pays to look at a book before making the purchase.

This is very disappointing since I frequently use their first book, and thought this book was to be " outside the lines" when all it delivered was patterns that are very much INSIDE the lines ~ line by line no less.

I would not buy any more of their books with out seriously looking thru them first~ which I failed to do. It is nowhere near the caliber of their first book.
I expected much better from them and they didn't deliver,, but I am certain that all their faithful blog followers will write glowing reviews whether they like the book or not.

I really wondered if Ann and Kay could write another book as satisfying and engaging as their first, which spent as much time in my lap as a favorite grandchild. So I am both delighted and a bit astonished to find that this new book is at least equal to, and perhaps even much better than the first!

Ann and Kay have a way of making you feel like you're in your pajamas sitting next to them in their pajamas on the third floor of a creaky white-washed house by the seashore knitting in the wee hours after all the boring people have gone to bed, and in between sips of cocoa, you're laughing, learning, and happy as a child. They weave charm, humor, and comaraderie with wisdom and technical insights like no one else.

There are some designs in this lovely book that I predict will become legendary: The Mystery Sweater, which in itself is a stunning design, given in sizes from small to extra large, which I think would flatter anyone. The knitter chooses words to write around the bodice using chain stitch, for an effect that has literary value, yes, but which is also absolutely enticing to the eye, since the words are worked in the same color as the background, making them subtle and mysteriously decorative, yet fully readable. I'll bet this sweater will be worked in many different languages, by mathematicians writing favorite formulas, on and on - I can't wait to check it on Ravelry in about a year to see the thousands of variations. I wish I had time right now to start one myself.

There's a new dishcloth pattern which also made me want to stop everything and knit dishcloths . . .

And a great pair of socks - "Errant Socks" - which invite the reader to either follow the cable charts or use them as a springboard and let those cable branches dance with the spontaneity of jungle vines - all supported by clear instructions which give a knitter with no cable experience such clear understanding and practical experience that cable liberation becomes possible. This pattern is a great example of how Ann and Kay succeed in carrying new knitters to new horizons, building confidence and trust and then declaring - "Now look what you can do!"

This is a book to be read, and reread, and knit from again and again. Ann and Kay are providing today's knitters with incredible support, inspiration, instruction, and happiness, and I am grateful to them for nourishing our enormous population of knitters to harness their joy and intelligence.

I loved the first Mason-Dixon book and was looking forward to their second book with great excitement. But I have to say I'm a little disappointed in it.

There are some nice things...the Daily sweater, the diaphanous mohair sweater, the mohair shawl, one of the coat sweaters, the Mystery Sweater. All those are in the first section and after that, I'm afraid my enthusiasm runs down rapidly. I have no kids/tweens to knit for. God knows, I'm not going to be knitting cuffs for rubber gloves or cozies for paper lanterns...or table runners or mop covers.

I found the first book to be really inspirational...there were designs that just got the reader thinking, "What about doing this? Could you do a log cabin this way? What if you did the rag rug using plastic bags?" The book just didn't give me the same creative jolt that the first one did.

But the writing is still charming (I loved the Kay and Ann's color wheels) and I'm not sorry I bought the book. Just a little sad that the zing of inspiration isn't there for me.

I just loved the first book Mason-Dixon Knitting, but this book disappointments. Are there a couple of nice patterns? Yes (Kiki Mariko, Fern, Monteagle Bag - you can find lots of these for free on Ravelry, Swifty, and Mitered Hanging Towel). There aren't patterns for the plus size knitter. If you aren't into: Fair Isle Knitting, Steeking, and more than 1 color knitting, well this definitely isn't the book for you. The pictures are still wonderful, but many of the patterns are really unpratical for the average knitter.

I wish Kay and Ann would of stuck with a book more for the beginning knitter and not let a bunch of designers take over and make it a rather unrealistic knitting book. I mean how many people are going to make a sweater with writing kniting into it. A Jane Austen shrug that gives a new dimension to the word short. Patterns for Hairlike Mohair yarn that would be a pain to knit and the worry of putting a big hole in it the first time you wore it. Not to mention it isn't the most flattering of yarns to wear.

Take a pass on this book and save the money.

I think that one of the most important criterion for judging knitting books has to be - how many patterns does it inspire the reader to make? The first Mason-Dixon book aced that test. Sure, there were a few things that were beyond my skills as an average knitter - and that's fine - but the book was a treasure trove of wonderful patterns that almost anybody could knit.

Outside the Lines is another story. Numerous complicated patterns, many advanced techniques, and not a whole lot of stuff that made me want to reach for the needles and pull out some yarn. As I read the complex directions for The Daily Sweater, I thought back to how, in MD I, Kay Gardiner raved about how great it was to knit log-cabin blankets because you didn't have to count stitches or worry about increasing and decreasing. You know, it *is* great to knit that way. And, after reading the first book, I went on to create numerous projects which allowed me the freedom to knit outside the box. It's highly ironic, therefore, that the new book - despite the title - is all about knitting according to the directions, *inside* the lines.

Having said all that, I have to add that the writing is as fresh and witty as ever. That's why I gave the book two stars and why I will refrain from donating it to the Dallas Public Library.

It was hard to rationally imagine how the authors could top their first book, but both are such talented writers that I was expecting another home run. And yes, this book does not disappoint! Other reviewers have done a great job running through the projects in the book -- suffice to say that although my stash already equals a good-sized yarn store, I will be adding more very soon. (Yarn is squishy. It will fit.) There are (in my opinion) some wicked clever things in here that I've never seen before, and if you saw the size of my knitting library, you'd realize that's saying something. Clever, and yet doable and enjoyable to knit whether you're a newbie or have been at it for decades, like I have. And the writing! Oh my. It's pretty good when a book that you buy for the projects makes you laugh at loud. The Mason Dixon ladies really seem to capture the spirit of why I knit -- it's not just about whipping sticks and string around to make a sweater or a blanket, it's also about connecting with our families, our tribes, our best and worst caregiving impulses, our individual vanities, strengths and foibles. There's good stuff in here.

Although I do not read the blog, I loved the first book. It was a real help to me, a relatively inexperienced knitter. The down-to earth conversational explanations are fun to read and easy to understand. This second book is beautiful to peruse even if I never knit a thing from the patterns. But the items are beautiful and make me want to start a new project right now! Explanations are clear, yarns are attainable, photos are good, chatty anecdotes are a hoot. I am not a great knitter, but these patterns seem doable for any level of expertise (or lack of it). There is something for everyone. For example, I do not need to knit for kids now, but I would love to make one of the women's coats. I predict this book will sell out fast; if you are a knitter, better get it SOON!

I never thought they could equal their first book but they've certainly equaled it, maybe even exceeded it. There are many attractive patterns, things I want to knit. Here are some of the patterns in the book.

- A light and airy cardigan knitted with 2 skeins of Kidsilk Haze that is a very attractive coverup for a cardigan, a camisole or a party item. They say about it, "We have to keep samples of this under lock and key. Everyone who sees it wants it." This is sized from XS - XXL

- A very nice geometric shawl, called "Belinda" that when layered one on top of another gives a plaid effect. You can wear one at a time too.

- A gorgeous Coat in a stitch that gives a tweedy effect with a decorative pattern on the collar and sleeves. This is knit in Lamb's Pride Bulky and is sized from S - XXL.

- A classic coat done in a ribbed design, sized from S - XL.

- A leafy patterned, lined handbag knit from hemp.

- A beautiful, velvety scarf, with petal-like edges.

- The "daily sweater", a top down sweater that is a classy alternative to a sweatshirt. This is sized from XS - XXL.

- Several cabled sock patterns (I don't do socks)

- A sweater with a message, sized from XS - XL. This is a very elegant design, almost edwardian.

- Two very nice fair isle shawls

- A _BEAUTIFUL_ rug, knitted with Lamb's Pride Bulky. It is a geometric pattern, knitted in the round and then felted and steeked after you finish. It measures about 34" x 60" after you finish. This is on my short list to knit.

- A great denim sweater for children (sizes 4-6 thru 12-14). It is a mock wrap-around style. I only wish it came in adult sizes.

- A denim cap and jeans for baby

- A knitted dress (sized 2 - 8) for girls. This has a geometric patterned skirt. This is modern in feeling.

- A very nice knitted dressy dress for girls (sized 2 - 8). This is somewhat traditional, and called the "Jane Austen" dress. The bodice is knitted and the skirt is fabric. It is a much faster knit and allows many different results, depending on the fabric.

- A "Jane Austen" shrug, sized for the same sizes as the dress.

- A very nice "Fern" cardigan for toddlers and kids a little older. This is sized Small and Medium. It has an embroidered detail on the bottom, a fern design.

I'm not going to be too detailed on the rest. There are Christmas stockings, a knitted Advent calendar, a knitted Kippah, a felted bag, a knitted table runner (Quite modern in feel), a knitted string grocery bag (in linen), a knitted lantern, a knitted mop cover, a knitted hanging towel, potholder and knitted rubber glove liners.

There is also a lot of writing about knitting, about the patterns, etc. I haven't read all of that yet but it seems to be a lot like the first book, just as interesting and fun to read.

As I said before it is a great book with many wonderful designs. I predict it is going to be very popular. It is well worth buying. I ordered it before it came out and I'm glad I did.

I loved the first Mason-Dixon Knitting book - The Curious Knitters' Guide. The authors' second book does not disappoint - it is filled with great patterns, offered up with humor and stories.

There are five chapters:
1. Decorating Yourself - fabulous patterns to wear including coats, sweaters, socks, scarves, and a purse
2. The Fairest Isle of All - Inspiration to try fair isle knitting with great patterns
3. Covering the Small Human - Obviously patterns for children
4. Occasional Knitting - Patterns include Christmas stockings to lanterns. Many different items to knit!
5. The Sophisticated Kitchen - The ballband dishcloth is back in a new form! Also other patterns like kitchen gloves . towels and potholders

I'll be reading this book and pouring over the many delightful patterns for quite a while. I'm motivated to go out today and start a new project!

If you are a previous Mason-Dixon fan, this book will live up to your expectations.