Single-skein and "stash busting" projects are quickly becoming a large sub-genre in the realm of knitting books - and with good reason. Every knitter has a stray skein of yarn, leftover from a sweater or a remainder from the 50% off bin. What's even more frustrating is when you only have 50 yards or so left - not enough for any traditional project, but too much to justify throwing away.

These "one skein or less" projects are great. They don't require you to lay out money for more yarn, and they knit up quickly for gifts or as a quick, satisfying projects after just finishing a 3 month sweater odyssey.

Because these types of books are becoming so prevalent, it is getting harder and harder to find unique patterns. After all, there is only so much you can knit with a few dozen yards of yarn. One Ball Knits: Accessories by sisters Fatema, Khadija and Hajera Habibur-Rahman includes all the patterns you would expect. Some are banal, but some are unique.

The felted flower brooch is cute, and the beaded edges add a touch of sophistication. The twisted Moebius Shawl adds a simple and unique twist to a basic shawl. Everyone loves a felted cloche - you'll find that in here. The "Panja," a knit version of Indian hand jewelry, is something you probably won't find elsewhere. The beaded, wire necklace, and earring set is pretty and unique but kind of defeats the purpose of projects that use up spare yarn. There are a couple of patterns for fingerless gloves, the staple of a knitter's diet. A half-poncho is cute, with simple cables over the shoulders.

The less interesting patterns include simple, short scarves, lace shawls, lace socks. And some are downright awful. Does anyone really wear knitted Western belts - and if they do, do they need two different patterns for it? The mini messenger bag might work with the right yarn and the right, casual outfit, but the little purse pattern looks better suited for a child's dress-up trunk. The cropped vest with ruffled trim is just downright unattractive.

This book is definitely suitable for beginners. Most of the patterns are quite simple, and each one has a difficulty rating if you are unsure. Detailed knitting instructions are included, along with thorough pattern instructions. There is even a glossary for yarn and knitting notions. A lovely book for beginners, but intermediate and advance knitters will likely be bored.