The Yarn Girls, Julie Carles and Jordana Jacobs, provide a great book with thirty-four brand new stylish patterns, The Yarn Girls' Guide to Beyond the Basics. This book is great for the beginner knitters who are looking to try out some new patterns on the next level, while providing more experienced knitters with some sassy new knits. There are great how-to guides and techniques for knitting cables, intarsia, slipped stitches, yarn overs, and raglan sleeves. Beyond the Basics primarily showcases hip tops and warm sweater patterns, but also includes ponchos, hats, scarves, and afghans.
My only concern with this book is that the straight-forward instructions provided may be a little too straight-forward. In knitting the "Hip and Hooded" poncho, I struggled with some of the instructions that were provided, and I am a relatively experienced knitter. Some of the steps, I feel, are overlooked or glossed over without much explanation. For an experienced knitter, this may not be an issue, but for a beginner who is ready for the next level, this could pose a problem.
Regardless, this book contains some wonderful patterns to explore and I definitely recommend it to those who are looking to expand their collection of knitting books.
