Pattern Books

Review: Deep South Knitting

by --Deb 01.30.2012
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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.

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Review: Little Red in the City

by --Deb 01.23.2012
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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.”

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Review: Nourishing Knits

by --Deb 01.03.2012
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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.

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Review: Textured Stitches

by --Deb 12.12.2011
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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.”

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Review: Stashbuster Knits

by --Deb 12.02.2011
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Simply put, stash happens, and this is usually a good thing. Except … eventually you need to figure out what to do with it.

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Review: Knitting Off the Axis

by --Deb 11.14.2011
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“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.”

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Review: Best of Knitscene

by --Deb 11.07.2011
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This collection begins, “Simple, stylish knitting for the free spirit; this is the Knitscene mission. From its debut in 2005 as a special issue to its progression to quarterly status in 2011, we have sought out fresh projects, up-and-coming designers, unusual yarns, and fun ways to photograph them. This anthology celebrates the best of those efforts from the magazine’s first five years.”

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Review: Knit One Knit All

by --Deb 10.28.2011
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Garter stitch, while easy, has never been my favorite stitch. I’ve always preferred smooth stockinette to its bumps and ridges. So when I heard Schoolhouse Press was coming out with a new EZ book devoted to garter stitch … I was torn. One the one hand, it was Elizabeth Zimmermann who is considered a master for good reason, but on the other … how much did I really want a book about garter stitch?

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Review: Weekend Hats

by --Deb 10.24.2011
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The authors write: “We love knitting hats. They are small, portable projects, great for tucking into your everyday bag and knitting on trains and buses. Hats are the perfect little knits for passing time in waiting rooms or stitching during meetings. Hats provide the opportunity to try new techniques without committing to a bigger project, such as a sweater. They allow us to indulge in luxury yarns that we might not invest in for larger projects. Best of all, hats can be quickly knitted and make great handmade gifts.”

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Review: The Knitter’s Book of Socks

by --Deb 10.11.2011
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This is Clara Parkes we’re talking about here. She’s already established herself as an expert on yarns with her reviews at Knitter’s Review and her two earlier books about yarn and wool. You would expect a book of hers about socks to not simply be a collection of patterns. You would expect more … and you’d get it.

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Review: Custom Knits 2

by --Deb 09.28.2011
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First, the facts: Title: Custom Knits 2: More Top-Down and Improvisational Techniques Author: Wendy Bernard Published by: Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2011 Pages: 160 Type: Patterns, this time for the whole family. Chapters: 1. Preplanning the Perfect Sweater: Begin with the End in Mind 2. Basic Training: Simple Alterations and Add-Ons 3. He Said, She [...]

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Review: Craft Activism

by --Deb 09.24.2011
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Crafts aren’t just about dressing babies and making things cute. With the right mind at work, they can become powerful tools for making the world a better place. The point to this book is to take a look at the things you can already do, and the things you already know about what’s right and what’s wrong in the world, and then using your own native creativity to put them together to make something remarkable.

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Review: Contemporary Irish Knits

by --Deb 09.12.2011
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I admit to a fondness of Aran-styled, Irish-inspired knitwear. I adore the intricacies of Celtic knots and interweaving cables, so it’s no surprise that I was ready to love this book. Luckily, though, it does not disappoint.

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Review: Best of Knit It

by --Deb 09.05.2011
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Featuring both knit and crochet patterns, there are lots of designs to choose from, though most of them are aimed at women as either sweaters or accessories–not to mention home decor–with an assortment of patterns for kids and babies, too.

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