New Encyclopedia of Knitting Techniques by Lesley Stanfield and Melody Griffiths.
Inside the cover it states "a comprehensive visual guide to traditional and contemporary techniques" and I would be hard-pressed to disagree. There are no garment patterns in this book, this however is an excellent introduction to knitting and a comprehensive reference to most techniques for knitters. Illustrated with both diagrams and photographs. It's also described as a lightly updated edition of the best-selling "Encyclopedia of Knitting Techniques"
Starting with the basics this book then goes into a variety of cast-ons, and a variety of techniques, along with advice on reading patterns and choosing patterns, though it does only show the threaded on method of adding beads.
There is a section on design that's not comprehensive but good basics.
The second part of the book is a stitch collection, along with most of these there are sample garments for inspiration. All of the stitch collection are charted as well as an explanation of how it works and how the fabric behaves with these patterns. They also provide a key to the patterns at the back, as well as a comprehensive index.
This would be a good book for a beginner or intermediate knitter to expand their repertoire More experienced knitters may also want it but it covers the same territory as a few others in the field. A good book, worth adding to your library as a reference if you need one, if I didn't have a comprehensive library of reference books I'd be buying this one to add to the collection. The only thing really missing is a bibliography or other recommended reading list.
Obtained from Dublin City Public Libraries who pay me my wages but offer no inducement to write these.
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
Review: Cool Stuff: Teach me to Crochet
Book Depository, Dublin City Public Libraries, Ravelry
Cool Stuff: Teach me to Crochet by Leisure Arts Originally published in 2002 and aimed at the Teen/Children audience.
The book opens with some very clear photographs of how to proceed with left-handed instructions.
They start with some Daisies after learning how to do chains and suggest some uses. This is a fairly simple, nicely done.
Next project is a loopy hair scrunchy. Simple and straightforward.
Spiral coaster comes next which shows how to count stitches and using a stitch marker/
Expanding from the Spiral coaster there's a soft drink cozy, all of these are worked with single crochet.
Half double crochet is introduced and a Round Pillow project.
A Ruffled Hair Scrunchie helps to introduce double crochet.
A curlicue key chain helps expand skills.
A striped scarf uses only the chain and single crochet and hides the ends with a fringe.
A floppy hat is the next project, this introduces the importance of gauge.
A dog's toy ball is next up, in different sizes.
A Cat's Toy fish is up next
A cotton dishcloth starts small and increases.
A CD Holder or small bag is next.
A Ripple Lap Warmer is the last project
There are some pages at the back with US vs UK terms and US hook sizes vs Metric. There are also some reminders about the stitches with some very clear photographs, again with clear left-handed instructions. The back cover of the book also features a ruler.
For a beginning kid this isn't a bad book at all, in fact it's not a bad book for many ages. Teens may find it a bit kiddish but overall it's a good gentle introduction to crochet.
Obtained from Dublin City Public Libraries who pay me my wages but offer no inducement to write these.
Cool Stuff: Teach me to Crochet by Leisure Arts Originally published in 2002 and aimed at the Teen/Children audience.
The book opens with some very clear photographs of how to proceed with left-handed instructions.
They start with some Daisies after learning how to do chains and suggest some uses. This is a fairly simple, nicely done.
Next project is a loopy hair scrunchy. Simple and straightforward.
Spiral coaster comes next which shows how to count stitches and using a stitch marker/
Expanding from the Spiral coaster there's a soft drink cozy, all of these are worked with single crochet.
Half double crochet is introduced and a Round Pillow project.
A Ruffled Hair Scrunchie helps to introduce double crochet.
A curlicue key chain helps expand skills.
A striped scarf uses only the chain and single crochet and hides the ends with a fringe.
A floppy hat is the next project, this introduces the importance of gauge.
A dog's toy ball is next up, in different sizes.
A Cat's Toy fish is up next
A cotton dishcloth starts small and increases.
A CD Holder or small bag is next.
A Ripple Lap Warmer is the last project
There are some pages at the back with US vs UK terms and US hook sizes vs Metric. There are also some reminders about the stitches with some very clear photographs, again with clear left-handed instructions. The back cover of the book also features a ruler.
For a beginning kid this isn't a bad book at all, in fact it's not a bad book for many ages. Teens may find it a bit kiddish but overall it's a good gentle introduction to crochet.
Obtained from Dublin City Public Libraries who pay me my wages but offer no inducement to write these.
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
Comments
I police comments pretty strictly and for this I give no apology. If your comment looks like spam and reads like spam it will be deleted. I have an open comment policy to enable legit people to comment but at this stage I'm deleting 5-8 comments per DAY. A few legit comments may have been deleted, but I doubt it.
I get an email for every comment, I try to deal with stray comments as soon as possible, feel free to email me if something slips through, my contact details are on the sidebar, or at least were last time I checked.
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Review: the Cool Girl's guide to Crochet
Book Depository; Dublin City Public Libraries; Ravelry
By Nicki Trench
9781405473187
This one is aimed at teenagers and folks in their 20's opening with a chapter entitled New-age Crochet. Much talk about it no lomger being associated with black-clad grannies of Southern Europe. This leads into a section on how it's now hip and cool and if you're a man you can use it to pick up girls. Can you see the eye-roll that induced? Then "crochet is so much easier than knitting" and I started to realise that this really wasn't being marketed at me. The closing quiz is full of puns.
Rapidly leaving that chapter I flicked through the what you need and what to do with it chapter which has a pretty good run-down of yarns and what they're good for, apart from the slightly smug "if you buy a woollen garment that has been hand knitted or crocjeted in South America, it is sometimes rough on the skin and may even have bits of wood and straw tangled up in it that haven't been removed at the fleece combing stage; it seems the South Americans are less concerned with the roughness of some garments, maybe because they use these as jackets or over-garments and wear something else underneath them." or maybe it's all they have and can afford? Or maybe they keep the nicer stuff for themselves and sell what the tourists are willing to buy...
First steps in crochet are covered with a right-hand assumption there is no mention of the possibility of left-handed knitting that I noticed. There is a mention of the differences between UK & US terms. There's plenty of good photographs of techniques here.
Part three are patterns with a preamble talking about them and how they could be adapted.
First up is a beanie hat using three basic stitches it's a pretty good beginner piece. Worked in an Aran yarn with a 4.5mm hook
A flower throw is up next using a granny-square variation, seamed with a double crochet seam, worked in an aran-weight yarn with a 6mm hook
Next is a simple shawl in Rowan Kid Silk Haze and a 3.5mm hook
A pet's playmat is up next with a fringe, in aran-weight yarn and a 4.5mm hook
Summer flower camisole has simple appliqued flowers sewn on after making this garment that's worked in pieces and then seamed. Worked in 4ply cotton
A stripy dog blanket worked in an Aran-weight yarn and a 5mm hook would make a great stashbuster.
Striped hairbands have a tie fastener worked in Rowan Handknit Cotton and a 3.75mm hook
A bag made with debbie bliss cotton dk and colinette point five, a mesh bag that some may want to line, uses 3 & 5mm hooks.
A tie bolero is up next in debbie bliss baby cashmerino and 2.5, 3.25 & 3.5mm hooks, made in pieces.and sewn this can be tied around or in the front.
flower power beaded belt links flowers with robust beads and ties with a ribbon, worked in Dk cotton and 4.5mm hook
Summer brimmed hat is a floppy hat with an applique flower and contrast trim, Rowan handknit cotton with a 4mm hook and cotton glace and a 2mm hook for the flower, I suppose, check for errata on this one.
Daisy cashmere scarf uses granny-square variations sews them together and adds pompoms. Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino and a 3.25mm hook
Fingerless gloves in Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk Dk and a 3.75mm hook
Beaded purse uses aran yarn and a 3mm hook. It has a contrast frill and handle
Ribbon slippers have a ribbon threaded through the top and flowers sewn on. Worked in a chunky yarn for the body with 4.5mm hook and a dk yarn and 3.25mm hook for the flower.
Hot water bottle cover is pieced, in big wool and a 5.5mm hook, personally I'd be inclined to work it in the round.
Cushion cake two worked pieces, joined with a frill and decorated with s flower. Worked in aran-weight yarn and dk for the flower and 5mm & 3.25mm hooks.
Loopy cushion is worked in aran-weight yarn with a plain back and some contrast stripes, worked in pieces using a 5mm hook
Clutch bag with bow is worked in dk yarn with a 4mm hook and lined. Note the lining isn't included in the materials list
Last pattern are placemat and coaster worked in cotton with 5mm hook
The book finishes with a love questionnaire, to which I have to ask why? Also knitty magazine makes an appearance in the useful websites list but not ravelry and a quick look at the copyright page reveals that it was originally published in 2006, this edition is 2011, so double check the resources.
I wasn't terribly impressed, but then I'm not the market for this, which also would mean that it probably would be short-lived in someone's collection.
I got this from Dublin City Public Libraries who pay my wages, but have offered no other inducement to reviewing this book. Many thanks to the Cataloguers who pass Knitting and Crochet books on to me.
By Nicki Trench
9781405473187
This one is aimed at teenagers and folks in their 20's opening with a chapter entitled New-age Crochet. Much talk about it no lomger being associated with black-clad grannies of Southern Europe. This leads into a section on how it's now hip and cool and if you're a man you can use it to pick up girls. Can you see the eye-roll that induced? Then "crochet is so much easier than knitting" and I started to realise that this really wasn't being marketed at me. The closing quiz is full of puns.
Rapidly leaving that chapter I flicked through the what you need and what to do with it chapter which has a pretty good run-down of yarns and what they're good for, apart from the slightly smug "if you buy a woollen garment that has been hand knitted or crocjeted in South America, it is sometimes rough on the skin and may even have bits of wood and straw tangled up in it that haven't been removed at the fleece combing stage; it seems the South Americans are less concerned with the roughness of some garments, maybe because they use these as jackets or over-garments and wear something else underneath them." or maybe it's all they have and can afford? Or maybe they keep the nicer stuff for themselves and sell what the tourists are willing to buy...
First steps in crochet are covered with a right-hand assumption there is no mention of the possibility of left-handed knitting that I noticed. There is a mention of the differences between UK & US terms. There's plenty of good photographs of techniques here.
Part three are patterns with a preamble talking about them and how they could be adapted.
First up is a beanie hat using three basic stitches it's a pretty good beginner piece. Worked in an Aran yarn with a 4.5mm hook
A flower throw is up next using a granny-square variation, seamed with a double crochet seam, worked in an aran-weight yarn with a 6mm hook
Next is a simple shawl in Rowan Kid Silk Haze and a 3.5mm hook
A pet's playmat is up next with a fringe, in aran-weight yarn and a 4.5mm hook
Summer flower camisole has simple appliqued flowers sewn on after making this garment that's worked in pieces and then seamed. Worked in 4ply cotton
A stripy dog blanket worked in an Aran-weight yarn and a 5mm hook would make a great stashbuster.
Striped hairbands have a tie fastener worked in Rowan Handknit Cotton and a 3.75mm hook
A bag made with debbie bliss cotton dk and colinette point five, a mesh bag that some may want to line, uses 3 & 5mm hooks.
A tie bolero is up next in debbie bliss baby cashmerino and 2.5, 3.25 & 3.5mm hooks, made in pieces.and sewn this can be tied around or in the front.
flower power beaded belt links flowers with robust beads and ties with a ribbon, worked in Dk cotton and 4.5mm hook
Summer brimmed hat is a floppy hat with an applique flower and contrast trim, Rowan handknit cotton with a 4mm hook and cotton glace and a 2mm hook for the flower, I suppose, check for errata on this one.
Daisy cashmere scarf uses granny-square variations sews them together and adds pompoms. Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino and a 3.25mm hook
Fingerless gloves in Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk Dk and a 3.75mm hook
Beaded purse uses aran yarn and a 3mm hook. It has a contrast frill and handle
Ribbon slippers have a ribbon threaded through the top and flowers sewn on. Worked in a chunky yarn for the body with 4.5mm hook and a dk yarn and 3.25mm hook for the flower.
Hot water bottle cover is pieced, in big wool and a 5.5mm hook, personally I'd be inclined to work it in the round.
Cushion cake two worked pieces, joined with a frill and decorated with s flower. Worked in aran-weight yarn and dk for the flower and 5mm & 3.25mm hooks.
Loopy cushion is worked in aran-weight yarn with a plain back and some contrast stripes, worked in pieces using a 5mm hook
Clutch bag with bow is worked in dk yarn with a 4mm hook and lined. Note the lining isn't included in the materials list
Last pattern are placemat and coaster worked in cotton with 5mm hook
The book finishes with a love questionnaire, to which I have to ask why? Also knitty magazine makes an appearance in the useful websites list but not ravelry and a quick look at the copyright page reveals that it was originally published in 2006, this edition is 2011, so double check the resources.
I wasn't terribly impressed, but then I'm not the market for this, which also would mean that it probably would be short-lived in someone's collection.
I got this from Dublin City Public Libraries who pay my wages, but have offered no other inducement to reviewing this book. Many thanks to the Cataloguers who pass Knitting and Crochet books on to me.
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
Review of Vintage Knits for Modern Babies
Book Depository; Dublin City Public Libraries; Ravelry
Vintage Knits for Modern Babies
Hadley Fierlinger
1580089607/9781580089609
I will admit that some of these patterns are very cute, and I do agree that good quality yarns are a good thing, particularly if there is a stay-at-home parent with an awareness of yarn (probably another knitter or crafter), but chances are that some parents won't have the mental capacity to launder some of these as they need to. And from what I know of children they will get sick (and do other things) on a lot of things, ensuring it can be cleaned can be very important. On the other hand some of the garments would also be great special occasion garments. Hadley also gets some kudos from me for dressing a little girl in blue, loses some for not having schematics and for the addiction to seams, even in hats.
The book starts out with an introduction, an introduction to the background of the author and a run-down of some of the fibers used.
Next we have some Pattern instructions and Special Techniques. The patterns are sized from 0-5 years, she also lists what her experience levels mean.
First pattern up is the Layette Cap, a fairly simple hat, knit flat in Cashsoft Baby DK on 4mm needles, then there's Pompom booties; Tiny Trousers and a Crossover jacket to match, all in the same yarn, all knit flat and seamed.
Next up is a Matinee Jacket, using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK this is knit with 2 fronts, a back, sleeves and then joined to knit the yoke. Has some seed stitch details. Honestly, I'd make the body as one piece to the armholes, these are paired with slippers with a "feminine strap"
Nana's Bunnies are a pretty simple toy with minimal shaping, two colours in an organic cotton that uses low-impact dyes to minimise issues with children sucking on them, Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Organic Cotton and 3.5mm needles for this. If you make a few you can put them on the Bunny Mobile that has a decorated embroidery hoop and some Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino trim
Next is a Wavy Cashmere Blanket, knit in 15 balls of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (which would set you back about €94 in This is Knit - price from website on 25/1/13) with 3.25 mm needles. Done in 3 colours this could also be a great stashbuster for DK weight yarns! Basic Feather and Fan changing colours every 4 rows.
Angora Bolero - knit in pieces, this is knit in Sublime Angora Merino (and my edition has a typo in the number of balls for the pattern in the larger sizes, check before committing with ravelry and publisher errata) this would be ideal for a girl who is going to be involved in a wedding or event.
Organic Heirloom Blanket, a simple eyelet pattern in Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Organic Cotton and 5mm needles.
A Modern baby Bonnet, in Sublime Baby Cashmerino Silk DK and 4mm needles, uses a button fastening, seamed down the back.
Vintage Pixie Cap, basically a peaked hood in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK with 4mm needles and a button fastening. Matching Mittens as well, seamed again.
Anya's Cardigan is an exception to the rule, worked in one piece to the armholes this raglan cardigan is round necked and the eyelet pattern adds interest and could be omitted, a good piece to adapt. Knit in Rowan Wool Cotton with 3.25 and 3.75mm needles.
Cabled Booties in Jo Sharp DK Wool with 3.25 and 4mm needles, this has a plain foot and mock cables along the leg.
Baby Clothes Hanger Covers in leftover light worsted or DK and 5.5 mm needles as you use the yarn doubled and decorate with buttons.
The Apron Dress is cute, fastening with buttons, this is loose and can go from dress to tunic. Knit in Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk this is knit flat and has a pocket.
Ballet Blossom Cardigan is knit in RYC Baby Alpaca DK and 3.25 and 3.75mm needles. A wrap cardigan with a flower detail.
Charming Raglan Pullover is a pretty plain raglan jumper knit in pieces it has buttons at the back opening, knit in Jo Sharp DK Wool with 3.25 and 3.75mm needles.
Double Breasted Car Coat, knit in RYC Cashsoft DK with 4mm needles, this is an a-line coat with a large collar and pockets. There's a Petite Beret to match with a contrasting i-cord that threads through.
Lavender Sachet has embroidery applied and a ribon to hang it with, knit in Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Organic Cotton with 3.25mm needles.
Birdy Cardigan is a round-necked cardigan with duplicate stitch birds, knit in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino with 3.25 and 3.75mm needles.
The Hooded Caplet is knit in White but admits inspiration from Little Red Riding Hood. Knit in RYC Cashoft Baby DK with 4mm needles. Pompoms decorate the twisted cord ties.
The book also has a useful terms and abbreviations list inside the front cover.
The patterns are pretty and classic, a pretty good book of nice baby patterns, but use the yarn that would suit the parents.
Borrowed from Dublin City Public Libraries who pay my wages but offer no other inducement to write this.
Vintage Knits for Modern Babies
Hadley Fierlinger
1580089607/9781580089609
I will admit that some of these patterns are very cute, and I do agree that good quality yarns are a good thing, particularly if there is a stay-at-home parent with an awareness of yarn (probably another knitter or crafter), but chances are that some parents won't have the mental capacity to launder some of these as they need to. And from what I know of children they will get sick (and do other things) on a lot of things, ensuring it can be cleaned can be very important. On the other hand some of the garments would also be great special occasion garments. Hadley also gets some kudos from me for dressing a little girl in blue, loses some for not having schematics and for the addiction to seams, even in hats.
The book starts out with an introduction, an introduction to the background of the author and a run-down of some of the fibers used.
Next we have some Pattern instructions and Special Techniques. The patterns are sized from 0-5 years, she also lists what her experience levels mean.
First pattern up is the Layette Cap, a fairly simple hat, knit flat in Cashsoft Baby DK on 4mm needles, then there's Pompom booties; Tiny Trousers and a Crossover jacket to match, all in the same yarn, all knit flat and seamed.
Next up is a Matinee Jacket, using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK this is knit with 2 fronts, a back, sleeves and then joined to knit the yoke. Has some seed stitch details. Honestly, I'd make the body as one piece to the armholes, these are paired with slippers with a "feminine strap"
Nana's Bunnies are a pretty simple toy with minimal shaping, two colours in an organic cotton that uses low-impact dyes to minimise issues with children sucking on them, Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Organic Cotton and 3.5mm needles for this. If you make a few you can put them on the Bunny Mobile that has a decorated embroidery hoop and some Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino trim
Next is a Wavy Cashmere Blanket, knit in 15 balls of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (which would set you back about €94 in This is Knit - price from website on 25/1/13) with 3.25 mm needles. Done in 3 colours this could also be a great stashbuster for DK weight yarns! Basic Feather and Fan changing colours every 4 rows.
Angora Bolero - knit in pieces, this is knit in Sublime Angora Merino (and my edition has a typo in the number of balls for the pattern in the larger sizes, check before committing with ravelry and publisher errata) this would be ideal for a girl who is going to be involved in a wedding or event.
Organic Heirloom Blanket, a simple eyelet pattern in Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Organic Cotton and 5mm needles.
A Modern baby Bonnet, in Sublime Baby Cashmerino Silk DK and 4mm needles, uses a button fastening, seamed down the back.
Vintage Pixie Cap, basically a peaked hood in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK with 4mm needles and a button fastening. Matching Mittens as well, seamed again.
Anya's Cardigan is an exception to the rule, worked in one piece to the armholes this raglan cardigan is round necked and the eyelet pattern adds interest and could be omitted, a good piece to adapt. Knit in Rowan Wool Cotton with 3.25 and 3.75mm needles.
Cabled Booties in Jo Sharp DK Wool with 3.25 and 4mm needles, this has a plain foot and mock cables along the leg.
Baby Clothes Hanger Covers in leftover light worsted or DK and 5.5 mm needles as you use the yarn doubled and decorate with buttons.
The Apron Dress is cute, fastening with buttons, this is loose and can go from dress to tunic. Knit in Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk this is knit flat and has a pocket.
Ballet Blossom Cardigan is knit in RYC Baby Alpaca DK and 3.25 and 3.75mm needles. A wrap cardigan with a flower detail.
Charming Raglan Pullover is a pretty plain raglan jumper knit in pieces it has buttons at the back opening, knit in Jo Sharp DK Wool with 3.25 and 3.75mm needles.
Double Breasted Car Coat, knit in RYC Cashsoft DK with 4mm needles, this is an a-line coat with a large collar and pockets. There's a Petite Beret to match with a contrasting i-cord that threads through.
Lavender Sachet has embroidery applied and a ribon to hang it with, knit in Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Organic Cotton with 3.25mm needles.
Birdy Cardigan is a round-necked cardigan with duplicate stitch birds, knit in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino with 3.25 and 3.75mm needles.
The Hooded Caplet is knit in White but admits inspiration from Little Red Riding Hood. Knit in RYC Cashoft Baby DK with 4mm needles. Pompoms decorate the twisted cord ties.
The book also has a useful terms and abbreviations list inside the front cover.
The patterns are pretty and classic, a pretty good book of nice baby patterns, but use the yarn that would suit the parents.
Borrowed from Dublin City Public Libraries who pay my wages but offer no other inducement to write this.
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Grannies Inc guide to Knitting - review
Grannies Inc Guide to Knitting - Katie Mowat
Book Depository copy; Dublin City Public Libraries; I can't find it on Ravelry
0091943612 / 9780091943615
A pretty good guide to knitting, starting with some basic stuff on yarn, then the basics of knitting, mentioning both continental and English style of knitting, it starts teaching caston by the simple knit cast on and progresses to more complicated. It is a whistle stop tour of knitting, without a huge amount of detail, but she does suggest using youtube to help.
The projects
Cable Beanie - a pretty straightforward cable hat, a good introduction to cables in a small project.
Baggie Beanie- a slouchy hat, ribbed at the bottom and then plain for the rest.
Snowflake Earflwpper, an earflap hat with some colourwork.
Bow Headband a pretty plain headband with a bow, using an elastic hairband at the end to help it stay on, which is clever
Berry Beret - a pretty lace pattern, probably a good introduction to lacework.
A super snood - a long snood.
Two-gauge garter scarf - using two sizes of needles to create tecture.
Diamond scarf - in a chunkier yarn than the berry beret but a similar stitch. Chunky lace
Cosy Collar - a fairly tight-fitting cowl/neckwarmer
Lacy Cape, a rectangle with a button, knit in lace.
Utility Wrist Waarmers, ribbed wrist warmers with button details
Fingerless Gloves - worked flat fingerless gloves with a lace panel on the back of the hand.
Mittens knit in a chunky yarn with cables.
Dancing legwarmers in a chunky yarn
Slouch socks - need ribbons to hold these DK weight socks up, has a cable and lace detail down the front and are seamed up the back.
Wellie Socks in a chunky yarn, knit flat with a cable detail knit horizontally before knitting the socks from the cuff down.
Reusable shopper - knit in cotton yarn with a lacy stitch.
Argyll Bag - chunky knit simple bag
Laptop Cozy - intarsia pattern
iPod cover - with an intarsia pattern on the front
While the patterns are done in the Grannies Inc yarns they do suggest some substutions at the back of the book.
It's a fairly trendy book that would be good for a teenager or 20something to get into knitting, many of the patterns are quite straighforward and not bad, just not my type of pattern
Got a copy from Dublin City Public Libraries who pay my wages but aren't affiliated to my blog
Book Depository copy; Dublin City Public Libraries; I can't find it on Ravelry
0091943612 / 9780091943615
A pretty good guide to knitting, starting with some basic stuff on yarn, then the basics of knitting, mentioning both continental and English style of knitting, it starts teaching caston by the simple knit cast on and progresses to more complicated. It is a whistle stop tour of knitting, without a huge amount of detail, but she does suggest using youtube to help.
The projects
Cable Beanie - a pretty straightforward cable hat, a good introduction to cables in a small project.
Baggie Beanie- a slouchy hat, ribbed at the bottom and then plain for the rest.
Snowflake Earflwpper, an earflap hat with some colourwork.
Bow Headband a pretty plain headband with a bow, using an elastic hairband at the end to help it stay on, which is clever
Berry Beret - a pretty lace pattern, probably a good introduction to lacework.
A super snood - a long snood.
Two-gauge garter scarf - using two sizes of needles to create tecture.
Diamond scarf - in a chunkier yarn than the berry beret but a similar stitch. Chunky lace
Cosy Collar - a fairly tight-fitting cowl/neckwarmer
Lacy Cape, a rectangle with a button, knit in lace.
Utility Wrist Waarmers, ribbed wrist warmers with button details
Fingerless Gloves - worked flat fingerless gloves with a lace panel on the back of the hand.
Mittens knit in a chunky yarn with cables.
Dancing legwarmers in a chunky yarn
Slouch socks - need ribbons to hold these DK weight socks up, has a cable and lace detail down the front and are seamed up the back.
Wellie Socks in a chunky yarn, knit flat with a cable detail knit horizontally before knitting the socks from the cuff down.
Reusable shopper - knit in cotton yarn with a lacy stitch.
Argyll Bag - chunky knit simple bag
Laptop Cozy - intarsia pattern
iPod cover - with an intarsia pattern on the front
While the patterns are done in the Grannies Inc yarns they do suggest some substutions at the back of the book.
It's a fairly trendy book that would be good for a teenager or 20something to get into knitting, many of the patterns are quite straighforward and not bad, just not my type of pattern
Got a copy from Dublin City Public Libraries who pay my wages but aren't affiliated to my blog
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
Review of Learn to knit, love to knit
Book Depository; Dublin City Public Libraries; Ravelry
Learn to Knit, love to knit
Anna Wilkinson
With some clear diagrams on how to knit and 20 modern styled patterns this isn't a bad book, it's not my style, but if I was starting out the opening how-to photographs are worth it. I have similar patterns to any of the ones that attracted me elsewhere in my collection. The lack of schematics for the clothing is somewhat annoying, though there are fairly detailed lists of sizing info, including bust, length, and sleeve seam. Most patterns go up to 14 or 16 UK sizing (38-40 Inch or 97-102cm)
First section is learn to knit: First up is a striped scarf and mittens, with pompoms. Knit in superbulky weight yarn. Varying stripes that can be decided by the knitter.
Shopper with dropped stitch detail is not bad, knit in bulky weight yarn, a slightly complicated technique made easy by it not being crucial if you err.
Wristwarmers with contrast rib feature on the cover, knit in DK weight. the contrast colour is used for the cast-on as well.
His or hers bobble hats - bulky weight hat with pompom
Hand Puff and collar with embroidery, knit in a superbulky weight bouchle yarn. The embroidery produces a slightly tartan effect. Puff (or Muff as we used to call them before it became slightly rude) is also padded and lined.
Simple round neck sweater with raglan sleeves. This sort of simple jumper is crying out to be made in the round and the yoke done as one piece, but alas, it's made in pieces and seamed. Dk weight yarn.
The Cripped cardigan with cabled sleeves - I can hear some of my friends already mocking the bobbles in the pattern, round necked from the sizing on the models I'd be inclined to be very careful with sizing and probably make it much longer. Then again I dislike over-tight cardigans that gape. Knit in pieces, dk weight yarn
Lace collar with tie fastening, button detail to front, tie to back, an ornamental collar in laceweight yarn.
Lace top with bow, vertically striped sleeveless top made in mohair, with a bow.
Random Striped Sweater, horizontally striped raglan in dk weight, plain sleeves with contrast cuffs.
Second section is love to knit
College-style cardigan with patch pocket, knit in 4ply, with a textured stitch, if I was making this I'd make it bigger, longer, and I'd be really careful about the placement of the patch pocket.
The Shawl Collar Cardigan with floral embroidery is knit in a dk weight yarn, v-necked this one would tempt me, longer again, probably in the round the photographs have the intarsia/swiss darned/embroidered parts looking quite puckered, you'd need to be very careful with this one to make sure that the stretch when embroidering equals the stretch when wearing.
The Fair Isle Band Sweater with short sleeves I like the pattern but very boxy, knit in DK weight. Pieced.
Textured Cardigan with ribbed waist, knit in dk weuight this has no full-length photo near the pattern. it looks interesting but this is where I would like to see a schematic.
Fair Isle Rib tanktop, I assume this 4-ply tanktop comes to approximately the waist. for me this would be too short, I'd do another repeat of the pattern for extra length.
Cabled Tam and Snood, bobbly cables knit in a dk weight yarn.
Polka-dot socks. Polka dots added as french knots afterwards. These have ribbing at the back of the leg, which can be very good for folks like me with wide calves. The heel is knit plain, I'd do a slip stitch heel, but then again I live in boots.
Cabled Cardigan with short sleeves (and frilly collar) I like the main pattern of this one. the pattern includes instructions on making the buttons, this one could be very nice in a cotton yarn. At first glance I liked this one but the collar wouldn't suit me.
Tartan sweater with three-quarter length sleeves - knit in 4-ply this is and interesting design and one of the few I would think about knitting but then I looked at it again and I'd have to play with it to make it work right. Some day I may make a variation inspired by it. Ribbed portion of the side gusset helps make it more fitted.
Tweed cape - worked in a slip stitch in DK weight yarn, the shoulders look a bit funny to me in this and would definitely not flatter me.
Got a copy from Dublin City Public Libraries who pay my wages but aren't affiliated to my blog
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
Animal Hats - review
Book Depository, Dublin City Public Libraries; Ravelry
Animal Hats - Vaness Mooncie
Knit in chunky yarns these are entertaining, not sure if I'd wear many of them, your mileage may vary.
There are two schools of thought with animal hats, that they only belong on young children or that they're fun for all ages, if you think of them as the latter, this is the book for you.
The hats are done in two sizes, children's and adults, all bar two (Pig and Cat) with ear-flaps and mostly in chunky or aran weight yarns so a pretty quick knit.
First up is Chicken - beak and cox-comb included
Frog has two big stuffed eyes
The Penguin has a bow tie and buttons to tie up the wings.
The Elephant has a trunk, ivory and big ears
The monkey is the typical sock monkey style
The pig doesn't have ear-flaps but does have a curly tail.
The fox and also called Professor of Cunning is intarsia work
The lion has a loopy mane
The Mouse uses a variety of yarns to create texture
The Rabbit has big floppy ears
The cat uses bouclé wool to create texture
The Dog has an eye patch and floppy ears can be worn buttoned up
The Koala has big pom-pom ears
The Panda has button eyes.
The Cow has horns and friesian markings
There are also suggestions for lining the hat with either fleece or a knit lining.
The book closes with some basic how-to's
Got a copy from Dublin City Public Libraries who pay my wages but aren't affiliated to my blog
Animal Hats - Vaness Mooncie
Knit in chunky yarns these are entertaining, not sure if I'd wear many of them, your mileage may vary.
There are two schools of thought with animal hats, that they only belong on young children or that they're fun for all ages, if you think of them as the latter, this is the book for you.
The hats are done in two sizes, children's and adults, all bar two (Pig and Cat) with ear-flaps and mostly in chunky or aran weight yarns so a pretty quick knit.
First up is Chicken - beak and cox-comb included
Frog has two big stuffed eyes
The Penguin has a bow tie and buttons to tie up the wings.
The Elephant has a trunk, ivory and big ears
The monkey is the typical sock monkey style
The pig doesn't have ear-flaps but does have a curly tail.
The fox and also called Professor of Cunning is intarsia work
The lion has a loopy mane
The Mouse uses a variety of yarns to create texture
The Rabbit has big floppy ears
The cat uses bouclé wool to create texture
The Dog has an eye patch and floppy ears can be worn buttoned up
The Koala has big pom-pom ears
The Panda has button eyes.
The Cow has horns and friesian markings
There are also suggestions for lining the hat with either fleece or a knit lining.
The book closes with some basic how-to's
Got a copy from Dublin City Public Libraries who pay my wages but aren't affiliated to my blog
Saturday, 2 February 2013
Mindless knitting
Sometimes you do want something complex, but there are also days where you want something complex and involved to knit, and then there are days when you want something mindless. But sometimes that mindlessness is almost mindful, almost meditative. I'm doing the throw from the Knit & Stitch series and the first one is a garter stitch square, which is one of the simplest things, and also one mistake can be very obvious.
So far I'm happy with it (sitting on Ruth Frances Long's Treachery of Beautiful Things), while sipping some lemon & ginger tea.
So far I'm happy with it (sitting on Ruth Frances Long's Treachery of Beautiful Things), while sipping some lemon & ginger tea.
Monday, 28 January 2013
Review: Simply Crochet
So I picked up a copy of the latest Crochet Magazine on the UK market, Simply Crochet. Surprisingly Easons had it in stock, they're legendary for not getting in crochet magazines. Very sparse Ravelry Page.
I have to preface this by saying that I actually do like their website. It's quite cool. Food for creative thought.
The magazine itself is along the same lines as Molly Makes, more matt than most magazines in this sector, it looks very slick.
It opens with a few pages of inspiration and trends, the first section is about Bedroom ideas. After some atmospheric pictures there are the patterns for that set. First A Bright Blanket; then pillowcase edgings; then cool cushions in a granny square stripes; some bunting; a hanger cover, frames, Granny Square Lampshade, all multi-coloured and probably great stashbusters.
Some Amigurumi lovebirds are next, an extract from teeny tiny crochet
Lecchi Blanket is next, a mellow blend of colours
Magical Circles is a scarf with links, interesting construction.
You're Collared a cute collar with buttons to decorate by Jane Crowfoot
Jane Crowfoot talks about inspiraton.
Pearly Queen is in a silk and mohair yarn and over 1,000 beads to add to this soft piece, something like an old-fashioned bed jacket. Designed by Nicki Trench
A discussion of Amigurmi is followed by a cute dragon and then by an interview with Stephanie Lau
Carol Meldrum offers a mock cable cowl
Sounds Like love is a heart headphones cover by Brenda K B Anderson
Nicki Trench's Comfort Blanket is largely plain with some border detail.
Then because it's February there are hearts, a plain heart pattern; set of hearts; heart corsage, cards and gift tie; mirror hanging; heart sachets; cute bookmark.
There are some yarn reviews followed by a how to get started section. Which includes how to work left-handed
Some Bracelets are followed by an interesting hat using granny squares; Hip to be Square by Lisa Gentry
A small baby cardigan by Sirdar is pretty simple and open.
Flower Power is a motif pattern
Heart & Home is a backing for a hook board, a different piece, from the book Granny Squares by Barbara Wilder, Melanie Sturm and Stephanie Gohr
There are some reviews of Craftsy and Etsy, followed by a quick interview with four women who have make crafting their living.
Strangely there's another Crochet essentials set of pages with no left-handed information. This feels like duplication.
It's an interesting magazine that I'll be keeping an eye on; most of the patterns in this issue weren't really my aesthetic but there were a few that caught my attention, it shows potential and I wish it well in the future.
I bought a copy for myself from Easons.
I have to preface this by saying that I actually do like their website. It's quite cool. Food for creative thought.
The magazine itself is along the same lines as Molly Makes, more matt than most magazines in this sector, it looks very slick.
It opens with a few pages of inspiration and trends, the first section is about Bedroom ideas. After some atmospheric pictures there are the patterns for that set. First A Bright Blanket; then pillowcase edgings; then cool cushions in a granny square stripes; some bunting; a hanger cover, frames, Granny Square Lampshade, all multi-coloured and probably great stashbusters.
Some Amigurumi lovebirds are next, an extract from teeny tiny crochet
Lecchi Blanket is next, a mellow blend of colours
Magical Circles is a scarf with links, interesting construction.
You're Collared a cute collar with buttons to decorate by Jane Crowfoot
Jane Crowfoot talks about inspiraton.
Pearly Queen is in a silk and mohair yarn and over 1,000 beads to add to this soft piece, something like an old-fashioned bed jacket. Designed by Nicki Trench
A discussion of Amigurmi is followed by a cute dragon and then by an interview with Stephanie Lau
Carol Meldrum offers a mock cable cowl
Sounds Like love is a heart headphones cover by Brenda K B Anderson
Nicki Trench's Comfort Blanket is largely plain with some border detail.
Then because it's February there are hearts, a plain heart pattern; set of hearts; heart corsage, cards and gift tie; mirror hanging; heart sachets; cute bookmark.
There are some yarn reviews followed by a how to get started section. Which includes how to work left-handed
Some Bracelets are followed by an interesting hat using granny squares; Hip to be Square by Lisa Gentry
A small baby cardigan by Sirdar is pretty simple and open.
Flower Power is a motif pattern
Heart & Home is a backing for a hook board, a different piece, from the book Granny Squares by Barbara Wilder, Melanie Sturm and Stephanie Gohr
There are some reviews of Craftsy and Etsy, followed by a quick interview with four women who have make crafting their living.
Strangely there's another Crochet essentials set of pages with no left-handed information. This feels like duplication.
It's an interesting magazine that I'll be keeping an eye on; most of the patterns in this issue weren't really my aesthetic but there were a few that caught my attention, it shows potential and I wish it well in the future.
I bought a copy for myself from Easons.
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