Accessories

Review: Victorian Lace Today

by --Deb 02.04.2009
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The point is that Jane Sowerby took these vague if authentic patterns and reinterpreted them for us modern knitters who barely have time to knit, much less to think.

The best part, though, is that even though the 21st century is rife in clutter, stress, and jam-packed schedules, these lovely lace patterns–almost entirely shawls–can let us recapture part of the serenity and slower pace of the Victorian past.

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Review: One Skein

by --Deb 01.14.2009
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This book has some nice, basic patterns to it. Nothing wild or crazy–no jester hats or quirky, misshapen kinds of things that look they were thrown together at the last minute. NICE patterns.

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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: 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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Review: Last-Minute Knitted Gifts

by --Deb 11.19.2008
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Hats. Bags. Scarves. Sweaters. Afghans. Booties. Even toys. I wouldn’t say that this book has everything, but it has a really, really nice selection. The projects tend to be straight-forward and clean-lined … but then, with last-minute gifts, who has time for extra ruffles and things?

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Review: Boutique Knits

by --Deb 10.31.2008
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The author introduces the book by saying, “Boutique Knits is meant to outfit women with an eye on fashion in a collection of stylish and curiously assembled accessories and layers. I picture the knitter who will be drawn to these projects: She insists on seeing her fashion sensibilities reflected in her handmade projects. She pays attention to the little details on all of her favorite pieces in her wardrobe. She is brilliant and quirky. She’s got even better ideas than she knows. She is a designer or artist, although she may not know it yet.”

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Review: Alterknits Felt

by --Deb 10.10.2008
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I need to tell you up-front that felting (fulling) isn’t my favorite knitting technique. It’s handy, I’ve done it, but it’s not usually the kind of technique I gravitate to. That said, when I flipped through this book at the bookstore a couple weeks ago, the patterns kept catching my eye, so that I simply had to take a closer look. The patterns cover quite a variety–bags, pillows, sweaters, hats, rugs, blankets, holiday decorations.

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Review: Mason-Dixon Knitting

by --Deb 09.17.2008
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Ranging from the simple (”Warshcloths”) to the sublime (those Log Cabin afghans), this book absolutely lives up to its subtitle of “The Curious Knitters’ Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes and Pictures. Created for Knitters Everywhere who Share the Give’em Hell Spirit of Just Picking up the Needles and Making Stuff.”

Really, that says it all.

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