Neophyte Knitter

Book Review - Knitted Gardens

Knitted Gardens by Jan Messent (November 2007)

This book is pure whimsy.  I have never really been one to create art with my knitting, much preferring functional projects but I have to admit i do admire it. 

This book is all about creating knitted three dimensional gardens - complete with cottages, trees, bushes, flowers, fruits and vegetables and little people.  It's quite an interesting concept.

To make all the 3D elements, you do need to use a few other things like foam block, heavy card stock and miscellaneous tools.  Directions are detailed with plenty of schematics to show you how to construct everything. Along with suggestions on how to customize everything. 

The coolest thing about doing this type of project is that it's all about utilizing lots of different yarns and in small quantities.  Bushes and grasses change with the different colors and types of fiber.  And since you can make up small plots and join them together, this could be a project you do in stages to use odd balls and remnants from your stash!

Inspiration can come from your own garden, walks through the park or anywhere else in nature. The only limit to the beauty of your garden is your imagination!  So if this is something that appeals to you, pick this book up and begin knitting the garden of your dreams!

Friday Review - Knitting Classic Style

Knitting Classic Style by Veronik Avery (September 2007)

Veronik Avery is a well known designer.  If you have been knitting for a while you have seen her designs in the knitting magazines. Her style has always been very classic with beautiful details.  They tend to be things you would find in an upscale boutique.  Nothing outrageous.  Nothing with lots of loud color. Just understated and elegant.

In this book she reinterprets classics taken from four themes - women's wear, menswear, ethnic costume, and sportswear or as she calls it - Fashion Mavens, Tomboys, Global Travelers and Thrill Seekers.  In this book, she is very much a "fashion" designer. All of these designs are based on specific iconic pieces none of which I was familiar with.  My only education in high fashion comes from Project Runway.

The formatting reflects the designer with clear pictures, complementary styling and beautiful models.  Projects instructions are also given for multiple sizes in great flattering lines. I do have an issue with the fact that two of the projects are knit in black.  Black does not photograph well.  It's hard to see the projects itself let alone the details.  Beautiful choice for an actual garment but not for a sample project.

Overall I am a bit meh on the book.  The garments are beautiful but the ones that interest me are so classic they would make a boring to knit.  Now don't get me wrong, I wear this type of clothing but I can find it in many stores and buy myself "classic" to save me the time since I want a bit of verve to my knitting projects. But if I ever had to knit my own wardrobe, this would be a great book.

Book Review - KnitKnit:Profiles & Projects from Knitting's New Wave

KnitKnit: Profiles & Projects from Knitting's New Wave by Sabrina Gaschwandter (September 2007)

Wow!  I am constantly amazed by the creativity of people.  I envy those who are truly artistic - their creativity,  unique ideas, and amazing creations.  Even though I knit and create, I don't really consider myself an artist.  I enjoy the process and engineering of knitting and don't feel the urge to create unique pieces. 

This book focuses on artists who use knitting and the creation of projects as their creative outlets. Artists from all over the world and different facets of the industry - designers, dyers, spinners - who use the same medium to translate their visions in so many different ways.  Each profile is a few pages with colorful pictures of the artists, usually in their studios. You will recognize some of the names as the hand-knitting elite and some are artists that I have never heard of.  It's fascinating to read about their lives, experiences, and inspirations as well as to to get a feel for their aesthetic.

Each artist also contributes a knitting pattern.  Patterns that are as varied in composition, color and type as the artists themselves.  Some are functional and some are art.  Some are useful and some are just beautiful.

I particularly like this hat and sweater, both of which have been added to my Ravelry queue.

This is definitely a book I recommend.  It's just so inspirational as well as eye opening and you will see knitting in a different light after perusing this book.

Book Review - Knitting with Beads: Stunning Shawls & Wraps

Knit With Beads: Stunning Shawls & Wraps by Scarlet Taylor (July 2007)

This book focuses on the different techniques of bead knitting demonstrated by simple projects.  The specific knitting techniques are

• Knitting with Beads in Garter Stitch
• Knitting with Beads between Purl Stitches
• Slip-Stitch Beaded Knitting
• Knitting with Beads Through a Stitch
• Knitting and Beads on a Yarn-Over
• Hook Beading
• Stitching Beads to a Knitted Fabric
• Knitting with Sequins

This book is mostly made up of the patterns with each of the different technique being explained clearly on a single page with pictures.  This is nice though in some cases a bit brief.  The patterns that follow utilize the technique and seem well written with schematics and charts.

Overall this book is not one I would recommend.  If you are just starting with beads or want to learn about the many different ways they can be used, I just think there are more comprehensive books out there on the topic.  Also the projects do not appeal to me.  This may be something work looking at if you just want a small taste of beds in knitting or if any of the patterns are to your taste.

Friday Review - Bag Style

It's another of my intermittent reviews.  I just don't have time to do them regularly any more so now they will be surprises!!

Bag Style from Interweave Knits (September 2007)

Bags!  Oh lordy do I love bags.  Quick, small and eminently fashionable.  I own a lot and have made  few.  In fact one of the first projects I ever knit was a little blue bag.  It now serves as a project bag every once in a while.

This is another great book following the set pattern of the previous Interweave Style Books (Wrap Style, Scarf Style and Lace Style with 20 patterns.  We have small and large, simple and intricate, as well as felted and fair isle.  Practically something for everyone. Patterns are nice with great pictures, clear details and easy to copy pages.

Like always, there are more than a few patterns that I love.  The three below were my favorites.  The carpet bag is so classic from Veronik Avery, the crochet purse from Norah Gaughan and the lace shopping bag that is functional and gorgeous.  But my absolute favorite, heading to the top of my queue, is actually the boot bag on the cover.  I love the mix of felt and knit fabric and the beautiful round shape.  The buttons are just the icing on cake.

Like all the Interweave Style books, the design section in the back is as good as the patterns. It discusses bag shapes, the need to think about a third dimension (they have to hold shit), how to make/sew gussets, different handles and straps, closures and the very important linings.  Everything you need to turn your own vision into a reality!

If you like bags this is a must for your shelf.  Amazing projects from some of best designers in the business and a ton of useful information on how to design and construct your own bag creation.  I love this book like I love the whole series and plan to add it to my collection shortly.

Friday Review - Pretty in Punk

Pretty in Punk by Alyce Benevides and Jacqueline Milles (May 2007)

Punk.  I can't say I was ever that.  I did go through the period in high school were I was a different but I went the geek route - editor of the literary magazine, choir, and all honors courses.  It worked for me.  But I know a lot of people go a different route - punk, goth, emo - they want to stand out from the crowd.  So I have been pleased to see that knitting books have recognized and been targeting these groups.  In general, I think these type of people tend to be more crafty by nature - altering clothes and making accessories to help them stand out as individuals in what sometimes seems to be a sea of sameness. 

Pretty in Punk offers 24 patterns broken down into 6 sections - head, neck, chest, arms, bum and the rest.  I have to say that the stylist for these pictures did an amazing job.  They look amazing!!!  My only quibble is that they are the only pictures showing the projects themselves and sometimes you just can't make out any of the details.  Not such a good thing for a knitting pattern book. 

The patterns are written like the authors were just having a conversation and are extremely thorough.  No abbreviations are used and finishing is explained in lots of details.  This can make for some long directions but it has the benefit of even brand new knitters being able to understand what is going on.  Patterns do have charts where needed and some schematics but they are pretty hit or miss as they don't show measurements for all sizes and are not included on all garment projects.

Now I did read up a bit on the authors company knit-head and I was blown away by the prices they are charging for the hats whose patterns are in this book.  The mohawk hat on left goes for $110-$130 depending on how many colors are involved.  And the "God Save the Queen Hat" goes for $175.  Wow!   More power to them for being able to command such prices (check out all their press) and kudos to them for offering the pattern so anyone can make their own (if they buy the book).

Still this isn't a book for me.  It's not my style and the patterns are very simplistic.  But if this is something you are into or you know someone who is, it might be worth a gander.

Friday Review - Lace Style

Lace Style from Pam Allen & Ann Budd, Editors of Interweave Knits (February 2007)

I love lace.  It rocks my world so hard. I adore the intricacy and beauty of the final project.   I mean all you are doing is yarn overs and decreases but you get this amazing fabric. I don't even mind how long it takes since creating a piece of art should take a while.  It gives me time to appreciate the marvel of it all. Now my lace to date has been limited to shawls/stole and the occasional hat but this book has really opened my eyes to other possibilities.

The 21 patterns run a gamut in terms of project types with cardigans, socks, a dress, hats and even leg warmers.  Plus some of the patterns are from some of the premier designers in the industry - Pam Allen, Shirley Paden, Nancy Bush, and Norah Gaughan - so you know they are good.  As for the book itself, like other Interweave Style Books (Wrap Style & Scarf Style which are on my book shelf), it is well put together with great detailed photos. The patterns write-ups are short and too the point with schematics and charts, a necessity with lace.

Now this book is strictly patterns.  It will not teach you how to knit.  The best part of the book though is the 17-page design notebook in the back which gives you a more in-depth background into lace enabling you to really understand how it works.  It goes over different yarn over increases, decreases and has a discussion on how the two are used to form an openwork patterns (i.e. lace!).  There is also instruction on reading lace charts, how to incorporate lace into a design and shaping lace patterns

The best part however is the section on mistakes and fixes.  Anyone who has ever done lace knows how easy it is to fuck up and how hard it is to fix it.  Fixing lace is not as intuitive as fixing stockinette or even a cable. It's the reason lifelines are so often used.  Especially since picking up lace after ripping back a bit can test anyones sanity.  So the in-depth instructions with pictures on what to do if you miss a yarn over or a decrease is something you want to read carefully and absorb.  It will save you much tearing out of hair or keep you from putting too many quarters in the swear jar.

So this is a book that I will definitely be adding to my shelf.  A few of the projects that might find their way on to my needles include the Lily of the Valley Shawl, the Katherine Hepburn Cardigan, and the Peek-A-Boo Cloche.  I would recommend this book for more intermediate knitter.  It's not impossible to do lace as a new knitter but it definitely helps to be comfortable in your basic skills before tackling it.  And starting with project that use bits as lace as an accent to a larger project.  Or you could just be fearless!!!!

Friday Review - Just Wraps

Well I am back from my hiatus.  It's a new year and there are lots of knitting books out there to look at with a critical to see if they deserve to be allocated a precious spot on my knitting bookshelf.  So without further adieu.....

Just Wraps from Lion Brand Yarn

Ah...you gotta love yarn companies putting out their own books.  It's a marketing wet dream!  And this one hits two crafting groups or the supercrafty as it has knitting and crochet patterns.

This book is all about "wraps" which to me is basically a catch all category for anything that covers ones shoulders - shawls, shrugs, ponchos and boas are just a few of the types of projects this book has.  There are no learn to knit instructions but there is some limited discussions on the basics of yarns, gauge, sizing and finishing. 

It goes without saying that each of the 30 patterns uses Lion Brand yarn.  The patterns are broken down into 7 sections - "Easy Does It", "Ripple Wraps", "Cable-Knit Wraps", "Patterned Wraps", "Dressy Wraps", "Wraps Plus" and "All Wrapped Up".  Patterns are written for the super beginner with lots of detailed written out instructions.  Abbreviations are not used anywhere, which can make for a long set of directions.

The patterns run the gamut with fugly mixed in with classic.

And although there are a few patterns that appeal to me I am still meh about the whole book.  It's just a showcase for Lion Brand yarns and feels that way.  I don't think the patterns are any better than those they offer for free on their website. And nothing truly jumps out at me as something I have to make.  Part of that reason may be the type of projects themselves.  I think the "wrap" fad has come and truly gone.   And I for one, am happy to see it go.  Shapeless and ugly seem to be the norm for this garment and I am done with that!

Friday Review - Knitted & Felted Toys

Knitted & Felted Toys by Zoe Halstead (July 2007)

This book has some adorable toys in it, containing 26 patterns some of which are felted.  It's a mix of fun animals and cute dolls.

Overall, this is a well put together topic book.  It has just a few pages of getting started information with some overview, basic shaping instructions, color knitting info and finishing information.  It also has a section on felting.  I particularly like that she included step-by-step instructions for felting by hand.  As someone who doesn't own a washing machine, this is something I appreciate.  Originally published in the UK, understandably the projects all use British yarns.

The projects are cute, beautifully photographed and bright!  I have a few I am adding to my queue. So If you like cute toys, the perfect project for those random skeins and leftovers littering your stash this might be a book for you!

Friday Review - Chic Knits for Stylish Babies

Chic Knits for Stylish Babies by Patricia Wagner (June 2007)

I think this book was originally published in French.  If not, there is definitely a foreign influence from the French editor and photographer.  It is different from the mass of knitting books that are published here in the US.  It uses recycled paper, has an impeccable layout and the photography is gorgeous.  However, it's the projects that make this book a standout - they are all outfits!  Cute ones to boot!

The projects are broken into three sections - "all-weather babies", "adventurous babies" and "smart babies."  Sizes are given for 3 months, 6 months and 1 year.  Each outfit is given a cute name like "English Style" or "Sugared Almonds".  Then instructions are given for every piece of the the outfit which could include jackets, cardigans, pants, hats, sweaters, overalls and boots.  Project write ups are detailed with the most exquisite schematics I have ever seen.  Yes.  I get excited over little black and white drawings but they have such character.  Much better than the generic ones everyone else has.

The projects themselves are adorable for the most part.  They are stylish without being over the top kitschy.  Just up my alley.  And I think any new mom would love to get these as a gift. This is a book I definitely will be getting.