Skein for Skein by Cheryl Potter is not just another knitting book. Sure, it's got patterns - 16 of them - great pictures, and easy instructions. But the real focus on Skein for Skein is yarn substitution.

Not all yarn is created equal. You may knit a lace scarf that you love, and knit the same scarf in a different fiber - even if it is the same weight - and have it turn out completely different. And not good-different. Each pattern lists what the sample is knit in, and lists at least one alternative yarn selection. It also shows a "not-so-good" choice, and explains why it is not a good yarn to use. I found this extremely interesting. Some were obvious, like not to use a marled yarn for a busy patterned knit. Others were things I had never thought about, like not all lace patterns should be knit with laceweight yarn.

The patterns themselves are disappointing. The cover knit, "Mosaic Jacket," is an unflattering shape, even on the model, and the multitude of colors just compound that. The "Call of the Wild Shawlette" is too big to be a collar, too small to be an actual shawl. The "Side-to-Side Sweater" reminds me of one of Bill Cosby's sweaters: it is big and bulky and knit with a variegated yarn that makes it resemble a test pattern. The "Self-Striping Vest" is another unflattering garment. Vests are hard enough to pull off as it is. This one makes it more difficult with an awkwardly high neck and no shaping.

They aren't all duds. The "Captivating Cape" is a blend of a poncho and a cropped swing jacket - though the version shown with seams and fringe is far less sophisticated. The "Felted Entrelac Tote" is wonderfully oversized with a great mod harlequin pattern. The "Faux-Cable Ribbed Socks" is a spiced-up sock - simple with just enough texture. The "Rustic Roses Sweater" is a cozy, traditional sweater inspired by the fairisle tradition. There are also several beautiful lacy scarf pattern.

An interesting book, but might be better checked out from the library.