knitting book

blog tour: Modern Top-Down Knitting

by kath_red on November 21, 2010

Oops seems I missed my scheduled spot in the blog tour – so terribly sorry for all of you expecting to see some knitting love here a few days ago. But better late than never!

Modern Top-Down Knitting: Sweaters, Dresses, Skirts & Accessories Inspired by the Techniques of Barbara G. Walker by Kristina McGowan. STC Craft/A Melanie Falick Book (October 1, 2010).

Inside this beautifully presented book you will find some beautiful patterns – here is a sneak preview:

Yarn talk- please leave a comment here telling us your favourite yarns. According to ravelry – amongst the most used and popular yarns are:

Wool of the Andes from Knit Picks: 100% Peruvian highland wool (Corriedale/Merino cross)

Malabrigo Yarn: Hand Dyed incredible soft Merino wool. With the subtle variations in color and texture only hand dyed yarns have. Beautiful, soft kettle-dyed pure Merino from a small family-run company in Uruguay :: Cascade Yarns – 220 wool: 100% Peruvian Highland Wool :: Kureyon - Noro - Kureyon has two plies with a “rustic” loosely spun effect. くれよん (pronounced coo-ray-oh-n) is the Japanese pronunciation of the English “crayon;” thus, the literal name of the yarn is “crayon.” Noro Silk garden is 45% Silk, 45% Kid Mohair, 10% Lambswool.

Socks that Rock from Blue Moon Fiber Arts: 100% superwash merino wool

Classy by Dream in Color: 100% Merino Superwash

Cascade yarns – eco wool : Lion brand – fishermans wool : RYC Cashsoft DK from Rowan : Ultra Alpaca from Berroco: 50% Super Fine Alpaca 50% Peruvian Highland Wool : Organic Cotton from Blue Sky Alpacas – Organic Cotton is grown and harvested without the use of agri-chemicals. The colors are naturally occurring shades free from bleach or dyes. Made in Peru. :: Sock Yarn from Sundara Yarn

100% Merino Superwash from Wollmeise

More from the blog tour here. And find out more about Kristy on her website.

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book: the art of knitted lace

by kath_red on September 9, 2010

in Books, knitting+crochet+yarn

The Art of Knitted Lace: With Complete Lace How-to and Dozens of Patterns Potter Craft (July 13, 2010). Contributors to The Art of Knitted Lace include Lisa Llloyd, Annie Modesitt, Phoenix Bess, Berta Karapetyan, Melissa Matthay and Kristin Omdahl.

This is a truly stunning book (the cover doesn’t do it justice), filled with knitted lace designs from some incredible designers (see the partial list above). This book is not just another lace knitting book of patterns though – for those ready to go on the lace knitting journey this book will take you there from the first step to the last with explanations on how to read a chart, how to read line-by-line instructions, and different casting on and casting off techniques, along with the basics of knitting, swatching and blocking and then on to designing your own lace shawl + lots of lace tips and tricks to help you along your way.

The chapters have divided the lace designs into different styles: romantic, casual and runway. In the romantic chapter you will find some well loved patterns like Annie Modesitt’s Ninotchka Tank and her Silk Stockings which appeared in her bookRomantic Hand Knits, and beautiful fresh patterns from new designers like the Day in Venice Stole from Anne Lorenz-Panzer.

The runway section is as you might guess all about fashion – knitted lace dresses, hats, skirts and jackets. The Hamptons Dress by Berta Karapetyan has a beautiful shape to it and a really pretty shell like pattern – it was previously published in her book Runway Knits. Kristin Ohdahl has contributed a new pattern – a very beautiful Lacy Skirt with a drawstring waist. I loved the very delicate Giverny Wrap by Cheryl Niamath, which is knitted in a mohair/silk blend.

The last chapter – casual lace, is full of more practical knits, made with more practical, sturdy and slightly rustic yarns. This chapter includes cardigans and turtle-neck sweaters, socks and vests. I particularly liked the Ruby Vest, the Ravensong Sweater and the Harriet Sweater all by Lisa Lloyd, which appeared in her excellent book A Fine Fleece.

The patterns in this book are a compilation of some already published patterns by old favourite knitwear designers and some new patterns by upcoming designers, and for me this is perfect, with (if I counted correctly) 36 patterns in one place – great value. [ps. there is a free pattern for the Cats Eye Scarf available.]

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book: Knitting 24/7

by KateG on August 5, 2010

in Books, knitting+crochet+yarn

Knitting 24/7: 30 Projects to Knit, Wear, and Enjoy, On the Go and Around the Clock Véronik Avery. STC Craft, 2010.

Being a fairly new convert to knitting, and a fairly addicted convert at that, I can understand the feeling of wanting to pick up a knitting project and pick off a few rows wherever I can. In the car, before breakfast, waiting for the kettle to boil (and then forgetting that the kettle has boiled and having to boil it again when an hour has slipped by on the needles without me noticing…).

Véronik Avery, prolific knitting designer and author, has created a book full of projects that are mostly portable, quick to make up, and can easily satisfy a knitters yen to knit a bit wherever she or he may be. The projects include hats, bags, mittens, gloves, socks, scarves, slippers, a headband, bookmark, vests and a few sweaters. I am looking forward to knitting the Lacy Cable Socks, the Fleur De Lys Hat and the Ostrich Plumes
Stole. Like other STC knitting books I have seen, this book contains classic knitting designs. There is a techniques section, but it is not as helpful as it could be for beginners or those learning techniques, being only text with few diagrams.

Reviewed by: Kate is a busy mother of four with many craft projects on the go, including, but not limited to, crochet, knitting, sewing, dyeing, paper making, spinning, felting and bookbinding. Kate has challenges in the areas of finishing things, saying no and craft supplies storage. She also has a very very patient and tolerant husband.

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book: knit green

by kath_red on July 23, 2010

in Books, Green Crafting

Knit Green: 20 Projects and Ideas for Sustainability By Joanne Seiff. Published by Wiley (October, 2009)

I Love the intro to this book, where the author explains that she is a moderate greenie, someone interested in making small changes in their life – I certainly can relate to that. For many of us making big changes like ‘going off the grid’ or only eating locally produced food is but a dream. But making small incremental changes is possible, like eating locally produced food and buying sustainable produced products where we can – every little bit helps. And if you are a crafter then you are already taking this step by making things with your hands instead of buying sweatshop produced items where you can. This books goes a little towards helping the crafter make wiser and more educated choices about the yarns they use in their making.

As well as fresh projects and patterns, like recycled yarn knitted curtains, and hemp floor cushions, there are some nice variations on classic designs like babies blanket and beanies – all using recycled, sustainable or fair trade produced yarns. Along side the projects their are some non-preachy interesting essays on why you should support biodiversity and buy from local farms that use sustainable practices. Find out why organic cotton and sustainable hemp are becoming more popular and why they are ideal as hard wearing yarns – plus they are soft and lovely next to the skin. And learn how to recycle fabrics and garments into usable yarns – and then what to make with them!

[There are a couple of free projects available - the hemp placemats and the Bermuda bag ... Knit green is available as an ebook download ... and don't forget to read Joanne's blog]

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