December 2008

Year End Already?

by --Deb 12.31.2008
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Is it really the end of the year, already?

It’s hard to believe it went so fast!
Let’s review what we’ve accomplished since this blog launched in August, shall we?

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Review: Never Not Knitting!

by --Deb 12.30.2008
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If you’re looking for a 365-page calendar of knitting stitches and patterns, this is not the one you want. But if you want one with clever quips and entertaining observations, you’ll enjoy this one.

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Review: Knitted Lace of Estonia

by --Deb 12.21.2008
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How can you not love a book like this? It’s got everything. History. Beautiful patterns. Great stitches. Lovely pictures. Good writing.

But, you probably want details.

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Review: Elements of Style

by --Deb 12.16.2008
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Did you see those stunning Bijouterie earrings in the latest issue of Knitty? Weren’t they gorgeous?

Now, picture an entire book filled with equally beautiful knitted jewelry, all from the same, talented mind.

Yes. Exactly. Beautiful stuff. Do I need to say more?

Oh, really? Seriously? You want more?

Okay. This book is all about jewelry–knitted and crocheted jewelry. And almost without exception, I love just about everything in here. (And the couple of patterns I don’t love, I still like.) There’s nothing in here that’s ugly or ill-thought out. Nothing bulky or trite. It’s creative, and lovely.

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Review: Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn

by --Deb 12.13.2008
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There are two things I really need to tell you about this book.

The first is that the explanation of the different kinds of hand-dyeing, and how to deal with them when knitting with them is, all by itself, worth the book. The second is that there are some lovely patterns in here.

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Review: Sweater 101

by --Deb 12.08.2008
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When you can’t find what you need, you make it yourself, right? As knitters, we all understand that impulse–a chance to get exactly what we want in the color, size, shape, fiber that we want. Sometimes, you just have to do it yourself.

Well, that’s more or less what happened to Cheryl Brunette.

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New and Upcoming Books, December 2008

by --Deb 12.06.2008
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It seems like a good time to look back at some (just some!) of the great books that have come out this year, but also to look ahead at some of the ones that are coming!

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Just Realized

by --Deb 12.06.2008
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I just realized I haven’t posted a new book review since last week. Eep! And I’ve got four sitting next to me right this second, waiting for reviews. There is no excuse!

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Review: Handknit Holidays

by --Deb 12.01.2008
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What a NICE book. You might think, with the title “Handknit Holidays,” that’s its main purpose is for making holiday gifts, but it’s not. It’s about the holidays. Period. Honestly, there’s almost nothing bad to be said about this book. It’s beautiful. The patterns are creative and inspired. The photos are lovely and evocative but also give a good look at the knitted items (no weird camoflauge). There is a complete index so you can find patterns when you need to. It’s just lovely.

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