--Deb

Review: Deep South Knitting

by --Deb 01.30.2012
Thumbnail image for Review: Deep South Knitting

The author says, “This collection features 16 of my own designs, inspired by the history, native plants, architecture and flowers (lots of flowers) that define ‘Southern’ for me. We are fortunate to have contributions from 9 other Deep South designers who have created projects inspired by their hometowns.

Read the full review →

Review: Little Red in the City

by --Deb 01.23.2012
Thumbnail image for Review: Little Red in the City

Ysolda says in the intro, “Through many conversations about choosing a size, substituting yarns, taking measurements and adapting shaping, the key thing that emerged was that most knitters would like to feel more in control when making garments, like they had a better ability to visualise what they wanted to create and actually end up with what they planned. Before getting to the patterns, the book goes through some things that I hope will help you get the results you want from both these patterns and any other garments that you want to knit.”

Read the full review →

Review: Knitting with Two Colors

by --Deb 01.09.2012
Thumbnail image for Review: Knitting with Two Colors

You can almost always be confident, when ordering a book from Schoolhouse Press, that you’re going to get something thorough, detailed, and full of creative, useful ideas–and this book is no exception.

Read the full review →

Review: Nourishing Knits

by --Deb 01.03.2012
Thumbnail image for Review: Nourishing Knits

Not every knitter cooks or bakes, of course, but I’ve noticed that many of us DO. Maybe we just like to nibble on yummy things as we knit, or maybe there’s some kind of home-maker impulse that goes along with creating knitwear, but there’s some kind of connection. Which is why Kristi has put together this book–12 knitting patterns paired with the perfect 12 recipes to go with them.

Read the full review →

Review: Spin Art

by --Deb 12.21.2011
Thumbnail image for Review: Spin Art

I’ve always fallen firmly into the Traditional camp–preferring to let the knitting showcase the stitchwork and patterns rather than trying to deal with funky, sparkly, bumpy stuff that looked good in the skein but worked up into odd and quirky projects.

But, oh, this book. It’s dedicated to the art of making textured yarn, and it is chock-full of meticulously tested techniques to enable you to spin exactly the kind of yarn you’ve dreamed of.

Read the full review →

Review: Folk Socks

by --Deb 12.18.2011
Thumbnail image for Review: Folk Socks

Nancy Bush’s “Folk Socks” was a revelation. Not only did she explore the (mostly European) history of the stocking and all its regional variations, she provided some truly beautiful traditional sock patterns. Like many books of the period, though, the original had something of a no-nonsense feel to it. There were pictures, but, well, compared to the stylish knitting books in vogue today, it doesn’t look like anything special–very plain vanilla and utilitarian.

So, when I tell you that book has been updated, does it make your heart beat a little faster?

Read the full review →

Review: Textured Stitches

by --Deb 12.12.2011
Thumbnail image for Review: Textured Stitches

The author says in her introduction, “My first love was, and still is, stockinette stitch, that perfect companion to the classic, unfussy sweaters that I adore; sweaters that are equally at home in the office or on an evening out. But it wasn’t long before I discovered that the judicious addition of texture patterns–achieved by the simple combination of knit-and-purl-stitch building blocks, sometimes incorporating a few artfully placed yarnover increases and directional decreases–could make a garment truly special.”

Read the full review →

Other New Books, December 2011

by --Deb 12.08.2011
Thumbnail image for Other New Books, December 2011

Last week I just told you about a bunch of great new knitting books, but let’s not forget spinning and crocheting, huh? Handspun The Complete Guide to Spinning Yarn Spin Art (Review coming soon.) Handspinning and Natural Dyeing Learn to Spin Seamless Crochet Simply Crochet Donna Kooler’s Encyclopedia of Crochet Custom Crochet Sweaters Knitting and [...]

Read the full review →

Review: Stashbuster Knits

by --Deb 12.02.2011
Thumbnail image for Review: Stashbuster Knits

Simply put, stash happens, and this is usually a good thing. Except … eventually you need to figure out what to do with it.

Read the full review →

New and Upcoming Books, December 2011

by --Deb 12.01.2011
Thumbnail image for New and Upcoming Books, December 2011

Here are some new and upcoming books to get excited about, in no particular sequence. Some are out already, some still have a bit of a wait, but the list sure is inspiring!

Read the full review →

Review: 200 Fair Isle Motifs

by --Deb 11.28.2011
Thumbnail image for Review: 200 Fair Isle Motifs

You know how stitch dictionaries work. They (usually) show you a photo of a sample swatch of the stitch, alongside a graph and/or row-by-row written instructions on how to knit it for yourself. I love stitch dictionaries, but after a while, they tend to run together …

And then one like this comes along.

Read the full review →

Review: All Wound Up

by --Deb 11.23.2011
Thumbnail image for Review: All Wound Up

First, the facts: Title: All Wound Up: The Yarn Harlot Writes for a Spin Author: Stephanie Pearl-McPhee Published by: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2011 Pages: 235 Type: Knitting Humor. Chapters: No chapters, exactly, just essays The In-Depth Look: I’ve been a fan of Stephanie-the-Yarn-Harlot for years. I’ve been reading her blog since long before her first [...]

Read the full review →

Review: Two Stitch Dictionaries

by --Deb 11.21.2011
Thumbnail image for Review: Two Stitch Dictionaries

First, the facts: Title: Knitting Stitches Visual Encyclopedia: 350 Stitch Patterns, Edgings, and More Author: Sharon Turner Published by: John Wiley & Sons, 2011 Pages: 240 Type: Knitting stitches Chapters: 1. Knit and Purl Patterns 2. Rib Patterns 3. Bobbles and Textured Stitches 4. Slipstitch Patterns 5. Twist-Stitch Patterns 6. Cable Patterns 7. Drop-stitch, Yarn [...]

Read the full review →

Review: Knitting Off the Axis

by --Deb 11.14.2011
Thumbnail image for Review: Knitting Off the Axis

“My inspiration for the form and shape of my sweaters most often comes from the fashion metropolis of New York City. Frequently, as I walk about during my daily routine, I notice people wearing unique and unusual clothing. Tailored coats always intrigue me. Their stunning silhouettes help me discover compelling shapes that lend themselves beautifully to sideways construction.”

Read the full review →

← Previous Entries