Review of Home Made SImple

Home Made Simple

Dublin City Public Library

This is a book about using a variety of items which would otherwise be waste or redecorating items to enhance them.  A lot of it is quite easy to do and looks easy enough to do with minimal fuss.  It also includes some knitting patterns.

It's divided into three main sections; Home; Giving and Celebrations.  Some very easy projects some harder; all well-illustrated and with plenty of illustrations for how-to where necessary.

Home has such projects as Pinlight Canvas - where a string of LED bulbs are used with canvas to create an image, simple but effective.  Wine Crate Desk is a good crafting desk, not heavy duty; Wine Crate Desk Tidy - a corral for papers; Fabric-covered desk tidy; Pallet Coffee Table; Posh Pallet Table, fabric covered; Fabric Cable Lights; Basic Upholstery; Wall-hung Bookcases;  Magnetic Spice-jar Space Savers; Whitewashed Wood offcut chopping boards; Ironing Board Cover; Tree branch Pegs; Tennis Ball Door Block; Tassel Pulls; Foaming Pump Dispenser; Photo Key Box; Photo Box; Cross-body Utility Sack; Oversized Oilcloth Shopping Bag.

Giving has Clay Tea Light Shades; Simple Candles.

Knitting: with basic instructions, including advice on buying wool; the first pattern is a chunky patternscarf that she suggests fastening with  a kilt pin.

Knitted Wrist warmers are also in chunky yarn in a moss stitch pattern knit in the flat.

E-book reader/notebook cover - knit in a chunky wool held double.

Mobile Phone pouch knit in chunky wool held double

Glasses Case is knit with chunky wool held double as well.

There's also how-to on finger knitting.

The chapter continues with a Simple Gift Bag; a Bottle Gift Bag; a pretty lined purse; Reversible Ribbon-Handled Bag; A simple charm bracelet; Leather Card Case; Peppermint and Lime Lip Balm; Rose and Mardarin Bath Oil; How to melt Chocolate; Chocolate Peanuts, Pumpkin seeds and Raisins; Chocolate honeycomb; Breakfast in Bed tray; Engagement Ring Gloves; Personalised Picnic Blanket; Bike-seat cover

Celebrations
Golden Chocolate Eggs; Speckled Ganache Eggs; No-stress Pancakes; Lily of the Valley Eggs; Baklava; Hanging Firefly Glass Lanterns; Rangoli Lace Cake and Cards; Patterned Divas; Peg Hanukkiyah; Sufganiyot; Lucky Envelopes; Fabric-covered lanterns; Furoshiki Wrapping; a Thanksgiving book; The Tree; Whitewashed Pine Cones; Golden Apples; Wire COathanger Centrepiece; Clay/Salt Dough Star Garland; Chunky Paper Chains; Sky Lanterns

Overall an interesting book for someone of a crafty bent, which assumes that you're willing to try.  Many of them are quite doable without too much complications or effort.  I liked it and would consider buying it.

I borrowed it from the libraries and would seriously consider buying it for myself.  Dublin City Public Libraries offered me no inducement to review this book other than my salary and access to the books.

Hook, Yarn and Crochet review

Hook Yarn and Crochet

Dublin City Public Libraries

Ravelry

This book starts with a description of how-to crochet, UK terms, I didn't see a US conversion list. There was also nothing I could see about left-handed crochet (which is how I roll)

The patterns are divided in three sections: Accessories; Homewares and Gifts and Decorations  

Accessories
The patterns start with Boot Toppers in a DK weight yarn.
Pompom Hat is next in Chunky yarn
A Shells Collar in 4-ply yarn.
Covered Bangles in a 4-ply yarn.
More 4-ply yarn in the Wavy Scarf, a good use for three shades of a 4-ply yarn
Wrist warmers in a worsted yarn have a contrast edging.
A chunky yarn Tablet case is relatively simple and would be a good padded cover and would be easily adapted for size.
The Jute shopper is a useful hand-held bag, I prefer my shopping bags to have longer handles but this looks useful. A cotton edging on the handle might be useful to protect hands.

Homewares
Clock - crocheted in rounds in two shades of 4-ply yarn
Pot Stand - in Jute twine
Drum Lampshade - in a DK cotton yarn
Storage Basket in a super-chunky yarn
Granny Throw in 4-ply yarn using multiple shades work 4 rows each with the final row in black sewn together and then edged in black.
Tea-light cuffs worked in 4-ply cotton yarn covers for tea-light holders
Pebbles - covers on pebbles worked in 4-ply as decorations.

Gifts and Decorations
Daisy Chain a decorative, very spring-like garland worked in 4-ply yarn
Bunny Toy 4ply yarn makes a bunny
Star Garland more 4-ply makes an 8pointed star garland, could be very Christmassy
Snowflakes 4 ply yarn again, good as gifts and as decorations.
Love heart a stuffed heart.

an interesting set of patterns that would be quite good for a beginner as many of them aren't really dependent on tension so would be useful practice.

As usual, I got this book in Dublin City Public Libraries who offer me no inducement to write these other than providing me with books and a salary.

Shamrokon Knits

Nerdy knit podcasts

Geeky girls knit
Brass Needles
Geek Girl Crafts


Illusion knitting all sorts of nerdy
some free nerdy illusion patterns
Dark Mark Illusion
Matrix Neo Illusion
Winter is coming
Serenity
Babylon 5 Shadow Ship Illusion
DNA


Captain John Sheridan socks
Star Wars Fairisle charts
Cat dice toys
d4 shaped dice bag
Hogwarts School Crest
Tree of Gondor chart
Bigger on the Inside Shawl
Doors of Durin Scarf
One Ring Scarf
MST3K Baby jumper
Marvin
Pacman
Wonder Woman Jumper
Another Wonder Woman Jumper
Star Trek Junior (Husband says that it's a next gen alternative universe commander outfit)
Wash's Jumper
Cylon Centurion
Sorting Hat
SKCD Pillow pattern by a Dublin knitter
Bender Loo Roll Cover
Serenity Ship
The Great Old one mittens I learned early on about using his name
Caffeinate Coffee Press Cozy
Death Star
Atomic Blocks
Doctor Who Fairisle charts
Tardis Mouse
221B Baker Street Hat

Publications
Charmed Knits
Magical Needlework
Knitting Wizardry
Doomsday knits

Great Little Gifts to Knit Reviewed

Great Little Gifts to Knit

Dublin City Public Libraries 

Ravelry

Divided into four sections Baby; Hers; His and Home; Jean Moss does a book of small projects.  The adult hats aren't modelled on people.

Baby
Cuddle Cocoon - worked in the round with Rowan Big Wool.
Shower Set - DK baby set of Hat, booties and mittens. Trimmed in a contrast colour with optional flowers.
Baby love Blanket - a small amount of shadow knitting lifts this DK project.
Whoopla Beanbags - beanbags knit in DK with a variety of patterns on each side.
Jubilee Jacket and Hat - colourwork inspired by Selbu designs sized for up to 4 years old.  Knit in DK.


Hers
Fiesta Shrug and Fingerless Gloves - knit in fingering weight yarn these are lace gloves and a shrug or stole.
Jive Leg Warmers - knit in Rowan Big Wool with cables.
Glow Wristlets - 4 ply beaded wristlets.  A fairly simple pattern but a nice result.
Froufrou fingerless Gloves - Rowan Kidsilk Haze fingerless gloves with layers of frill.
Amulet Purse - knit in fingering-weight yarn with a lot of beading and beaded fringing in both a small and medium size.
Deco Backpack - slipstich pattern in a DK yarn, this would be a useful beach bag, drawstring top.
Will-o'-the-Wisp Shawlette - plays with some contrasting yarns to make an interesting shawl with or without beads.
Galaxy Beret - a chunky weight yarn with variegated colour is showcased in this otherwise quite plain beret.
Kitten's Paw Stole - could be adapted to almost any yarn, open lace with a frilled edge. (for the lighter weight version)
Odalisque Turban and Hat - worked in Brioche rib with and without a top. Interesting varieties, knit in worsted yarn.
Zebra Mittens - knit in a bulky yarn, worked with an afterthought thumb.

His
Hugs Socks - Fair Isle socks worked in Aran weight yarn.
Masham Scarf - a plain garter stitch scarf worked with either the same or dissimilar needles to produce different effects.
Galway Beanie and Head Wrap - worked in Aran weight yarn with some cables and cleverly used decreases in the ribbing.
Tutti-Frutti smartphone sleeve - with a Pear symbol on it rather than any other fruit. Knit in sport-weight cotton for the original.
Hendrix Guitar Strap and Linen Belt- suitable for either gender this linen/cotton blend DK yarn would be quite stable.

Home
Checkers Cushion and Seat Cover - uses shadow knitting to create interest in this colourwork dk weight cover, finished slightly differently for the cushion and seat cover.
Flavor place mat and napkin ring - DK Linen/cotton blend creates an interesting set.
Wensleydale Tea Cozy - tuck stitch tea cozy in a worsted weight yarn that would allow you to use snippets and other decor to ornament it.
McDougal Dog Jacket - knit in a super bulky yarn this is a somewhat tartanish pattern.
Welcome Toran Door Hanging - knit in sportweight cotton this one is pretty complicated and you'd want to have a place in mind for it, but would be impressive when finished.

Overall not a bad set of patterns which would be useful for gift-creating.  Many of them would be good for time-sensitive situations and could be fairly easily adapted for a variety of tastes.  Some of the patterns are quite unisex dependent on colours chosen.  Some are things I would never knit for myself, I am not a fluffy frilly person.  Overall it would be good for an advanced beginner, some of the patterns would be a stretch but many of them aren't too complicated and would allow for learning. 

Got this from Dublin City Public Libraries who don't offer me any inducement to do these other than my regular salary and access to the books.

Lost

I have several reviews done on a USB stick which is missing, presumed having a good time somewhere. ARGH!

I do have a finished sock.

I have been very neglectful of my knitting recently in favour of some lingering cross stitch.  I need to try for at least one post here a week, lets see how that goes

Patterns that caught my eye this week

I only look at the first 10-15 pages of recently added designs, I only eliminate those with no photos.

A slip stitch waistcoat

 Easter Socks with a Daffodil and chicks and bunny

I keep meaning to try twinned knitting, this hat is an inspiration

I have a pet peeve about not seeing front and back of a garment, this garment looks like it could be interesting but how would I know?

I like how this scarf plays with the yarn

I like this shawl and the inspiration  wondering if it would be better in greens or autumnal colours...

very sweet Easter decoration  

Snowdrops cowl, and now I've got "Snowdrops and Daffodils..." line from All Kinds of Everything looping in my brain, pass the brain bleach...

A masterpiece wedding dress

It just doesn't quite work for me. it might be the whitespace at the edges

Lovely top, with bust coverage

Clever, Clever Loki Socks

Illusion knitting and stripes in a shawl

My style of cardigan, maybe without the belt

Breathtaking waistcoat

Very special scarf very cool design

Very pretty cardigan not really me, though I must knit one of hers some day

Lovely design the subtle striping is just so pretty

Clever hat design I love the flower detail

Such pretty detail without being over the top in this jumper

I like the style of this shawl

Possibly the cutest boots I have ever seen

my kind of cardigan with pockets and cables

Lovely floral motif in these mittens great use of a variegated yarn

Amateurs

I was recently watching a program about English Embroidery and the presenter said something along the lines of "not the work of mere housewives" and steam started rising from my ears. What he undoubdedly was talking about was beginner work. Things that are often referred to as amateurish.  And it started me thinking about the terms amateur and professional.

As I have never been paid (well not really, family don't coumt) for knitting or crochet I fall into the ranks of amateur, some might add the word talented, I couldn't possibly comment. I have embroidered semi-professionally (got paid in fabric, patterns and yarn) but I still wouldn't regard myself as professional.

I mean, I am an amateur, by the very definition of the word. It comes from one of the first words you learn to decline in latin "Amo" meaning to love (technically amo means I love, but I'm trying not to confuse things too much), it means to do something as a passtime, because you love it, the lacking expertise part is secondary, and really we need to use another word for that, "tyro" is a perfectly good word for novice or beginner, "dilletante" sounds too much like lounging around.

There is also the issue of value for work that I have been thinking about lately. Before the time of washing machines and vacuum cleaners housework without maids was long hard work, even today it's work, keepimg up with it, hobbies and a job can keep you exhausted, and some of those women, those housewives that presenter dismissed, not only cleaned and scrubbed and clothed their children, they also made things, some for charity, some for their local church (kneelers etc) and in many instances their work is considered trivial, belittled.  Yes, sometimes the colours were garish, think of the conditions, garish would stand out in firelight, garish brought a bright into sometimes drab lives, garish might have given that woman a smile, no-one can dismiss garish, it implies a playfulness that maybe we miss. Garish could also imply sales, that hank of embroidery thread that wasn't selling, thay could be got on a tight budget, but the woman could feel like she had done something, contributed.
And we forget this, these women carved time out of their days, time they could have spent doing something else, perhaps for themselves, to contribute and we then talk about this work as if it should be trivialised, and maybe they weren't amateurs, maybe they hated doing it, but we need to reframe how we think about this.

Also the world of art is strange. Many of the knitted pieces I've seen are works of art but we don't treat them as well as we should. I've seen pieces devalued in price by the seller, who doesn't seem to value their time or their work, and we let them in pursuit of cheap goods. I've seen knitted garments I'd prefer to see on my walls than some artworks that cost 100 times more.
Maybe we do need to put a price on crafts that propery reflects the work and artistry that goes on.

The other part we ignore about womens crafts is that it was the one acceptable way for women to create art. There is art to choice of colours, the work, the interplay of colours etc. And I'm pretty sure a lot of it answered an artistic yearning many women had, by making it into "useful" items they had an excuse, a reason, they could devote that time to this output, or I'm sure, in some instances, time when they could think, relax, while still technically doing something.

Two posts in one day after a few months away, well there was Christmas and then ill, I've had a cold/flu with added strep throat since early January. Plus a minor bike accident that caused my shoulder to flare, I have a few reviews that need me to add the links and check them, then they will be posted.  I'll probably set them up for once a month for a few months and may backdate a few.e

Knitter's Book of Yarn review

Knitter's Book of Yarn
Book Depository Dublin City Public Libraries
The Knitter's Book of Yarn - Clara Parkes

0307352161/9780307352163

I was about 20 pages in when I thought about buying it and by about 60 I had an order into the Book Depository for it.  I will admit that the patterns don't really fire me with huge enthuiasm but the information in this book is gold.

Yes, other authors have written on this theme, but Clara is like being in a good yarn shop with a friend who is very knowledgeable and who doesn't have a huge bias against pretty much any yarn, she sees the utility in almost every yarn and wants to share her enthuaism for it all.

The book opens up with an exploration of different fibers, starting with Protein fibers - wool, alpaca, silk etc; Cellulose Fibers - made from cotton, Linen, hemp etc; Celluostic - using industrial processes to create a fiber but deriving from natural materials like wood, bamboo, corn etc and then synthetic - nylon, acrylic etc.  She discusses the pros and cons of all the fibers.

Then the book moves on to production and I finally understand the difference between worsted and woolen spun.

Then the patterns, they are divided by ply, to encourage exploration of how this works with the yarn.

Starting with single ply yarns, there are the Maine Morning Mitts; Cabled Tea Cozy, honeycomb hat and Seascape Bolero.  The mitts are ribbed and pretty plain, the Tea Cozy is a good use for a small amount of luxury yarn and the honeycomb hat plays with textural stitches to create an interesting play with light.  The Seascape Bolero is not my aesthetic, I just don't like the way it sits and I think the buttons on the back would interfere with my comfort.

The next are two-ply yarns; Step ribbed stole in two different texture yarns; Baby Soft Cardigan; Optic Waves Shawl; Raspberry Rhapsody scarf; Vines Cardigan; Guernsey socks; Little Shells Socks; Endpapers Shawl and double thick mittens.  I like the pattern on the double thick mittens, simple but interesting; endpapers shawl shows an interesting use of some handpainted yarns and colour graduation; Little shells has texture from the ankle up; Guernsey socks are interesting textured again showing variation; Vines cardigan is an angora piece, not my thing, not into fluffy, the style is interesting and I could be tempted to knit it in a less fluffy yarn the Raspberry Rhapsody scarf is relatively simple but a nice showcase for a yarn; Optic waves uses the variegations in the yarn to accentuate the waves in the pattern. Baby Soft cardigan is for 3-24 months and is cute. The step Ribbed Stole would be a good piece against busier pieces.

Three ply yarns are the next logical step; opening with the Rhinebeck hat and Mitts, colourwork enters the game, using a variegated yarn with a plain to create a fair isle style.  I like elements of the Cabled Swing Cardi, the collar doesn't work for me, I'd be tempted to tweak.  Swirly o socks have a fairly simple pattern that would work with a lot of multi-coloured yarns.

Four-ply and more is next.  Beginning with a very simple baby hat; then more colourwork in the Norwegian Snail Mittens, which are playful and cute.  The Patchwork Carriage blanket works with stripes and textures. The girly tee uses hemp and is an interesting fairly plain pattern; two catnip toys make an appearance. Iris side-to-side sleeveless top is grafted together and then edged with vertical stripes.  Ripple and lace leaf linen basket liners have an interesting texture, deceptively plain  they would make a nice gift.  Princess Mitts are wrist warmers with a cabled back, ideal for a small amount of luxury.

Then we move to cabled yarns, plied yarns plied on themselves.  Wavy socks use cables in a loose way to create interesting movement. XOX vest is a tank top with cable detail down the middle and is a temptation for me to knit. Cabled Headband is pretty and useful, the butterfly mobius is an interesting piece for some luxurious yarn.

Textured yarns are up next. The chunky winter set uses a thick and thin yarn to good effect, the Architect's hat plays with colourwork and slip stitches in interesting ways. Diamonds and pearls shawl uses the strengths of the yarn involved to create a pretty piece.

Bouchle yarns has a honeycomb bag again using slip stitches for a colourwork pattern that compliments the yarn

Brushed yarns has a scaruffle that shows how two different yarns can produce two subtly different results.

Chenille uses a cotton chenille to produce a classic washcloth that looks lush.

The felt factor has a very pretty Calla Lily personal security nightmare bag. No way to fasten it but it's pretty.  The retro cloche is a small hat that pearches on your head and I would hate it.

Then she discusses care of fabrics and some other information.  There are a few errata

The book is a great resource of information and useful knowledge and I look forward to it being part of my collection.


This book was obtained from Dublin City Public Libraries where I work.  Dublin City Public Libraries pay my wages but offer me no inducements to write these reviews.

Socks

There's something about knitting socks that just calms me.  I always have some socks on the go.  The latest socks are skew, I need some distracting at the moment, and something somewhat complicated is just what the doctor ordered!

Earlier today I got this shot of the toe

Review of Crochet Unravelled

Book Depository Link; Ravelry Link; Dublin City Public Libraries

Claire Bojczuk

This is a very good, ambidexterous guide to Crocheting.  The instructions are clearly done for both left and right handed crocheters, side by side, down to a clearly illustrated granny square done by both left and right-handed crocheters.  A breath of fresh air for those of us who need instructions for left-handed use (now if she'd only shown crab stitch, trying to work that out left-handed was a head-wrecker.

The book is divided into two parts, the instructions and the projects, and the projects are simple and good starter pieces.  Usefully, right beside the illustrations of the projects in the centre of the book you have instructions for reading charts on one side and UK/USA terminology and hook size with suggested yarn weight alongside.

Projects include a Bracelet, (illustrated inside the cover) simply made with a plaited edge, the instructions are both written and charted.

Hair Scrunchie (also illustrated inside the cover)- again written and charted instructions

Bottle Bag (also illustrated inside the cover)- another one charted and written

A Daisy Facecloth is a modification to a granny square with a picot edging, charted except the centre, also written.

Love Heart Soap Sachet - charted and written

Traditional booties - charted and written

Cobweb Cover is a blanket and is written and charted.

Flower Cushion  - motifs sewn together to create a cushion.  Could be made in two sets of colours for variety. - charted and written

Chevron Scarf - is a pretty scarf that would lend itself well to all sorts of yarn - charted and written

Skullcap, a hat that starts from the centre and works down so would be adaptable for a variety of yarns and adaptable to make it bigger if necessary.  Again charted and written.

Tee-shirt edgings uses beeds and is edging that could be used anywhere.

It's a good basic starter book and also would be useful as a reference for more experienced crocheters, a worthwhile book for most crocheters libraries.

I got this copy from Dublin City Public Libraries where I work, who don't offer me any inducement other than access to the titles and my wages.