Knitwear designers Laura R. Myers, Laura Grutzeck, and Carol Sulcoski—co-authors of Knit So Fine: Designs with Skinny Yarn are on a mission to deepen knitters' appreciation for skinny yarns. Starting Monday, June 2, they'll be sitting down for a virtual chat each day with some of the Internet's favorite knitting bloggers to look at all the advantages of thin yarns and offer new inspiration for working with them this summer, and year-round.
Book website: http://www.interweave.com/knit/books/Knit_So_Fine/
Book knitalong: http://knitsofinekal.blogspot.com/
On Ravelry: http://knitsofinekal.blogspot.com/
The Knit So Fine Blog Tour: 14 stops in 14 days, full of yarn reviews, inside
stories, and more!
June 2
Andrea of The Fiber Forum, http://thefiberforum.com
June 3
RosieBlogs, http://www.rosieblogs.blogspot.com
June 4
Faina of Faina's Knitting Mode, http://fainasknittingmode.blogspot.com
June 5
Kat Coyle, http://katcoyle.blogspot.com
June 6
Lynn of ColorJoy, http://colorjoy.com/weblog
June 7
Shannon Okey, http://www.knitgrrl.com
June 8
Nautical Knitter, http://www.knitwith.us
June 9
Connie Chang, http://www.physicsknits.blogspot.com
June 10
Christi of Turtlegirl's Bloggy Thing, http://turtlegirl76.com
June 11
Rob of Threadbear Fiber Arts, http://blackdog.threadbearfiberarts.com
June 12
Cindy, the FitterKnitter, http://fitterknitter.livejournal.com
June 13
Véronik Avery, http://www.veronikavery.com/blog
June 14
Franklin Habit, http://www.the-panopticon.blogspot.com
June 15
Myra & Suzie of Woolbearers, http://www.woolbearers.blogspot.com
Showing posts with label knitting books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label knitting books. Show all posts
June 02, 2008
January 01, 2008
Twelve Months of Knitting
Twelve Months of Knitting: Improve Your Knitting skills Month By Month With 36 Seasonal Projects by Joanne Yordanou is a unique knitting book because not only does it have some great projects it also helps you plan on starting and finishing them.
Have you ever started a sweater in March and April and ended up finishing it but it was to warm out to wear? Waiting a few months to wear something I've spent weeks and possibly months on, is disappointing.
But with Twelve Months of Knitting, Joanne Yordanou, takes the guess work of project planning so that you can start and finish projects to use and wear right away.
The book is divided by month with garments each month. These are the months that they should be completed for. And there is a weekly planner that tells when you should start the project and the approximate length of time it will take to complete.
So for January, there is a Ski Lodge Scoop (one of my favorites), on page 17. On the planner it says to start the second week of December and the vest should take 1 to 2 weeks to complete if you are an average speed knitter.
Another favorite of mine, the Girl's Valentine Cardigan on page 27, should be started the 3rd week of January and take 2 weeks to complete. Just in time for Valentine's Day!
I also like the Boat Launch Cables on page 94 which is a sleeveless wrapped top made from 100% bamboo. Joanne has it placed in July and says I should start it at the beginning of May for it to be done in time to wear it.
The planner could also be used for projects similar in design that aren't in the book. So if you see a sweater pattern with cables like the Stitch Therapy Turtleneck (page 57), you could check the planner and see that it should take about 3 to 4 weeks to complete it.
This book was big hit when I took it to my weekly knit group. There are so many items that were popular including:
Kiss Curls Sunggles Wrap for February, page 30, 2 - 3 weeks
Summer Chill Shaw for August, page 107, 3 weeks
Kimono Wrap for October, page 125, 1 -2 weeks
Red Cable Cardigan for December, page 151, 3 - 4 weeks
Although I don't necessary agree with months that some items were placed (ie. a long sleeve llama/wool sweater in August), most of the projects are appropriately placed. And the time to complete some of the projects seem to short, at least for me anyway (ie. the cable sweaters and cardigans would take me much longer then 3 - 4 weeks to complete). But I also like to have several things on the needles.
Overall, I really like Twelve Months of Knitting by Joanne Yordanou. It has some great projects for all level of knitters and the helpful planner and placement of patterns in months, makes it a great book to guide you to completion.
November 22, 2007
The Knitter's Book of Yarn
The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn by Clara Parkes is an informative and entertaining guide to everything you need to know about yarn.
The Knitter's Book of Yarn is written by the editor of Knitter's Review (http://www.KnittersReview.com), Clara Parkes, who has been reviewing yarn, needles, and all things knitting for years.
It includes a thorough discussion of the 4 major types of fibers used to make yarn: protein fibers (wool, cashmere angora, etc.), cellulose (plant) fibers, cellulosic fibers (rayon), and synthetic fibers (nylon, acrylic, etc.). Clara writes about the characteristics of each kind and where they come from. More importantly she explains the properties of each kind of yarn and what type of knitting uses are best for them.
Clara also has a whole section of the book that covers how yarn is made from the major mill to the microspinneries and everyone else in between. Plus she discusses the different processes used to dye yarn.
Finally, in the third section of the different plys of yarn (single, two-ply, tree-ply, four-ply, cabled, textured, boucle, brushed, and chenille), she has 40 knitting patterns that take in the best features of each type of yarn.
I especially liked the two-ply Baby Soft Cardigan (page 91), the four-ply Princess Mitts (page 173), and cabled-yarn Cabled Headband (page 187) by designer Jennifer Hagan of Figheadh Yarnworks. The baby cardigan has an unique slightly asymmetrical front placket that doesn't require a button band to be knit. And the fingerless gloves have a beautiful cable pattern on top.
Amy King has several nice patterns including an angora cardigan, Vines Cardigan (page 103) and a cabled-yarn vest, XOX Vest (page 183).
Other designers featuring patterns in the book are: Adrian Bizilia, Cat Bordhi, Teva Durham, Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer, Norah Gaughan, Amie Gavin Glasgow, Bess Haile, Lana Hames, Shelia Janury, Elanor Lynn, Tara Jon Manning, Gina Wilde, and Margaret Klein Wilson.
Clara Parkes has included several of her own patterns including a lovely Butterfly Moebius shawl done in a cabled-yarn.
What I especially enjoyed about all the great patterns in the book is that in addition to listing the yarn used in the pattern, the book also has recommendations on what type of yarn to use for substitution.
Two patterns from the book are available for free, Maine Morning Mitts by Clara Parkes and Princess Mitts by Jennifer Hagan
Errata for the patterns is available on the Knitter's Review website.
The finally section of the books is a great reference that any knitter could use. It includes how to care for handknits and special considerations to keep in mind for each type of fiber. There are couple of invaluable charts, one on figuring out Wraps Per Inch (WPI) and the other listing the standard yarn weight system. And the abbreviations and technique section is invaluable.
Overall, The Knitter's Book of Yarn is a must have for any serious knitter who want to knit better finished garments. It gives all the information you need to make better buying decisions of yarn and wonderful patterns to use the yarn with.
The Knitter's Book of Yarn is written by the editor of Knitter's Review (http://www.KnittersReview.com), Clara Parkes, who has been reviewing yarn, needles, and all things knitting for years.
It includes a thorough discussion of the 4 major types of fibers used to make yarn: protein fibers (wool, cashmere angora, etc.), cellulose (plant) fibers, cellulosic fibers (rayon), and synthetic fibers (nylon, acrylic, etc.). Clara writes about the characteristics of each kind and where they come from. More importantly she explains the properties of each kind of yarn and what type of knitting uses are best for them.
Clara also has a whole section of the book that covers how yarn is made from the major mill to the microspinneries and everyone else in between. Plus she discusses the different processes used to dye yarn.
Finally, in the third section of the different plys of yarn (single, two-ply, tree-ply, four-ply, cabled, textured, boucle, brushed, and chenille), she has 40 knitting patterns that take in the best features of each type of yarn.
I especially liked the two-ply Baby Soft Cardigan (page 91), the four-ply Princess Mitts (page 173), and cabled-yarn Cabled Headband (page 187) by designer Jennifer Hagan of Figheadh Yarnworks. The baby cardigan has an unique slightly asymmetrical front placket that doesn't require a button band to be knit. And the fingerless gloves have a beautiful cable pattern on top.
Amy King has several nice patterns including an angora cardigan, Vines Cardigan (page 103) and a cabled-yarn vest, XOX Vest (page 183).
Other designers featuring patterns in the book are: Adrian Bizilia, Cat Bordhi, Teva Durham, Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer, Norah Gaughan, Amie Gavin Glasgow, Bess Haile, Lana Hames, Shelia Janury, Elanor Lynn, Tara Jon Manning, Gina Wilde, and Margaret Klein Wilson.
Clara Parkes has included several of her own patterns including a lovely Butterfly Moebius shawl done in a cabled-yarn.
What I especially enjoyed about all the great patterns in the book is that in addition to listing the yarn used in the pattern, the book also has recommendations on what type of yarn to use for substitution.
Two patterns from the book are available for free, Maine Morning Mitts by Clara Parkes and Princess Mitts by Jennifer Hagan
Errata for the patterns is available on the Knitter's Review website.
The finally section of the books is a great reference that any knitter could use. It includes how to care for handknits and special considerations to keep in mind for each type of fiber. There are couple of invaluable charts, one on figuring out Wraps Per Inch (WPI) and the other listing the standard yarn weight system. And the abbreviations and technique section is invaluable.
Overall, The Knitter's Book of Yarn is a must have for any serious knitter who want to knit better finished garments. It gives all the information you need to make better buying decisions of yarn and wonderful patterns to use the yarn with.
November 11, 2007
Pretty Knits
Pretty Knits by Susan Cropper has 30 feminine-styled knitting patterns knit with some of today's' most beautiful yarns by popular knitting designers.
If you are looking for a knitting pattern book with a little less glam and a lot more feminine, then you should check out Susan Cropper's Pretty Knits. In it you will find stylish knitwear as well as beautifully lush home decor.
Susan Cropper is the owner of the London yarn store, Loop. In her book, Pretty Knits, she has patterns from popular knitting designer such Debbie Bliss, Leigh Radford, and Claire Montgomerie, as well as lesser known designers.
The book has four sections of patterns and there are several patterns in each section that would be great knits.
The first section, Flirty Fashionista, has several feminine tops including the Beaded Camisole by Lesile Scanion, the "Bliss" Empire-Line Top by Debbie Bliss, the "Elsie" Swing Cardigan by Amy Twigger Holroyd, and the "Avril" Shrug by Kristeen Giffin-Grimes.
The second section, Divine Accessories, has the "Anisette" Wrap by Kristeen Griffin-Grimes.
The third section, Beautiful Boudoirs, has the Lavender Sleep Pillow by Ruth Cross, Floral Bolster Pillow by Catherine Tough, and Lace Ruffle Bed Socks by Leslie Scanion.
The fourth section, Feminine Fripperies, has Scallop-Edged Lace Wrap by Kate Samphier and Lavender Heart by Catherine Tough.
If you are looking for a knitting pattern book with a little less glam and a lot more feminine, then you should check out Susan Cropper's Pretty Knits. In it you will find stylish knitwear as well as beautifully lush home decor.
Susan Cropper is the owner of the London yarn store, Loop. In her book, Pretty Knits, she has patterns from popular knitting designer such Debbie Bliss, Leigh Radford, and Claire Montgomerie, as well as lesser known designers.
The book has four sections of patterns and there are several patterns in each section that would be great knits.
The first section, Flirty Fashionista, has several feminine tops including the Beaded Camisole by Lesile Scanion, the "Bliss" Empire-Line Top by Debbie Bliss, the "Elsie" Swing Cardigan by Amy Twigger Holroyd, and the "Avril" Shrug by Kristeen Giffin-Grimes.
The second section, Divine Accessories, has the "Anisette" Wrap by Kristeen Griffin-Grimes.
The third section, Beautiful Boudoirs, has the Lavender Sleep Pillow by Ruth Cross, Floral Bolster Pillow by Catherine Tough, and Lace Ruffle Bed Socks by Leslie Scanion.
The fourth section, Feminine Fripperies, has Scallop-Edged Lace Wrap by Kate Samphier and Lavender Heart by Catherine Tough.
October 16, 2007
Stitch 'n Bitch Audiobook Released
Knitting Out Loud publisher Kathy Goldner announced today the audiobook release of the New York Times best-seller Stitch 'n Bitch
read by the author.
"Stitch 'n Bitch is a very funny, very sassy, knitting guide. Yet the moving story of Debbie's Dutch grandmother weaves through it. Stoller's reading brings the material alive," said Goldner, "and when I listened to Debbie Stoller read, techniques I had puzzled over suddenly became clear."
Debbie Stoller comes from a long line of Dutch knitters.
She is the co-founder, co-publisher and editor-in-chief of the feminist magazine BUST and the co-author of The BUST Guide to the New Girl Order. She is the author of Stitch 'n Bitch Nation, Stitch 'n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker and Son of Stitch 'n Bitch: 45 Projects to Knit and Crochet for Men, coming November 2007.
"Debbie Stoller, the founder of the popular Stitch ‘n Bitch knitting circles across the country, has been credited with jumpstarting the knitting rage with her popular series of Stitch ‘n Bitch books." New York Times
read by the author."Stitch 'n Bitch
is a very funny, very sassy, knitting guide. Yet the moving story of Debbie's Dutch grandmother weaves through it. Stoller's reading brings the material alive," said Goldner, "and when I listened to Debbie Stoller read, techniques I had puzzled over suddenly became clear."Debbie Stoller comes from a long line of Dutch knitters.
She is the co-founder, co-publisher and editor-in-chief of the feminist magazine BUST and the co-author of The BUST Guide to the New Girl Order. She is the author of Stitch 'n Bitch Nation, Stitch 'n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker
and Son of Stitch 'n Bitch: 45 Projects to Knit and Crochet for Men, coming November 2007. "Debbie Stoller, the founder of the popular Stitch ‘n Bitch knitting circles across the country, has been credited with jumpstarting the knitting rage with her popular series of Stitch ‘n Bitch books." New York Times
July 27, 2007
Getting Started Knitting Socks
I have been looking for a good sock knitting book for a quite ahile. I think I found it in Ann Budd's Getting Started Knitting Socks. This is one of the best sock knitting books to come out in a long time. If you are new to knitting socks or want to learn how to knit socks or having been knitting socks for some time, you'll find this book to answer most, if not all, your sock knitting questions from getting gauge to casting on to solving common sock knitting problems.
Ann covers the basics of socks including five different ways to knit socks in the rounds which are with four double-pointed needles, with five double-pointed needles, with one very short circular needle, two circular needles, and one long circular needle.
She also covers a couple of flexible cast-ons , the long-tail cast-on and old Norwegian cast-on. And she shows three ways to join rounds. These are a simple join, a crossover, join, and a two-end join.
The best part of the socks basics chapter, however, is the photographs and sections on knitting each part of a sock. Ann breaks it down into knitting the cuff, knitting the leg, knitting the heel turn, knitting the gussets, knitting the foot, and knitting the toe.
Throughout she offers tips to handle sock knitting problems such as preventing ladder stitches, matching leg and foot lengths, preventing holes at gussets, preventing ill-fitting socks, and preventing holes in the heel and toe.
This socks basic information is then followed by a chapter on basic sock instructions. In it, Ann has patterns based on gauge and yarn weight. They include socks knitted with 8 stitches per inch, 7 stitches per inch, 6 stitches per inch, 5 stitches per inch, and 4 stitches per inch. Each pattern has directions for five different foot circumferences and foot lengths.
The rest of the book is broken up into three chapters focusing on different kinds of socks starting with knitting socks with color and texture the easy way with self-striping and variegated yarn. The next chapter shows how to add color and texture on your own with stripe patterns, rib patterns, cable patterns, and lace patterns.
The final pattern chapter has sock with different cuff and leg variations that include picot anklets, ruffle cuff anklets, and knee socks.
I highly recommend Getting Started Knitting Socks by Ann Budd. It is probably the only sock knitting book you will ever need. It covers all the basics of knitting socks and shows you how to make your own variations so that you can be confident in knitting great socks every time!
Ann covers the basics of socks including five different ways to knit socks in the rounds which are with four double-pointed needles, with five double-pointed needles, with one very short circular needle, two circular needles, and one long circular needle.
She also covers a couple of flexible cast-ons , the long-tail cast-on and old Norwegian cast-on. And she shows three ways to join rounds. These are a simple join, a crossover, join, and a two-end join.
The best part of the socks basics chapter, however, is the photographs and sections on knitting each part of a sock. Ann breaks it down into knitting the cuff, knitting the leg, knitting the heel turn, knitting the gussets, knitting the foot, and knitting the toe.
Throughout she offers tips to handle sock knitting problems such as preventing ladder stitches, matching leg and foot lengths, preventing holes at gussets, preventing ill-fitting socks, and preventing holes in the heel and toe.
This socks basic information is then followed by a chapter on basic sock instructions. In it, Ann has patterns based on gauge and yarn weight. They include socks knitted with 8 stitches per inch, 7 stitches per inch, 6 stitches per inch, 5 stitches per inch, and 4 stitches per inch. Each pattern has directions for five different foot circumferences and foot lengths.
The rest of the book is broken up into three chapters focusing on different kinds of socks starting with knitting socks with color and texture the easy way with self-striping and variegated yarn. The next chapter shows how to add color and texture on your own with stripe patterns, rib patterns, cable patterns, and lace patterns.
The final pattern chapter has sock with different cuff and leg variations that include picot anklets, ruffle cuff anklets, and knee socks.
I highly recommend Getting Started Knitting Socks by Ann Budd. It is probably the only sock knitting book you will ever need. It covers all the basics of knitting socks and shows you how to make your own variations so that you can be confident in knitting great socks every time!
July 10, 2007
INTERWEAVE PRESS ANNOUNCES 2007 HURT BOOK SALE
Shop online for 50–80 percent off your favorite craft books
Loveland, Colo., July 10, 2007: Interweave Press announced today its annual,
highly anticipated hurt book sale, beginning today at 10 a.m. MDT at
http://www.hurtbooksale.com/hurt. More than 125 craft books will be deeply
discounted and sold online only on a first-come basis until inventory runs out.
This is a great time to pick up bargains on both hardbound and softbound
books about beading, jewelry making, knitting, crocheting, felting, spinning,
weaving, needlework, and other popular crafts.
Hurt books are still in good condition but imperfect in quality and have minor
dings such as a scratch on the cover or a bent page.
The savings run deep and some books will be combined for greater discounts.
For example, the knitting titles Scarf Style and Wrap Style from the popular
Style series will be available at 50 percent off individually ($10.98 each) or for
$15 plus shipping if ordered together—that's over 65 percent off the retail
price!
Other sought-after titles to be marked down for the sale include The Beader's
Companion by Jean Campbell and Judith Durant, The Knitter's Companion by
Vicki Square, Felted Knits by Beverly Galeskas, and Beaded Embellishment by
Amy Clarke Moore and Robin Atkins, as well as rarer titles such as the
Weldon's Practical Needlework volumes—the perfect gift for needlework
history buffs and a fantastic value at 50 percent off the original price of $30
each.
Hurt books cannot be combined with normal products at check-out and phone
orders will not be accepted. All sales are final and books are nonrefundable.
About Interweave Press LLC
Interweave Press, a unit of Aspire Media, is one of the nation's leading craft
media companies, with businesses in magazine and book publishing,
interactive media, broadcast programming, and events for craft enthusiasts.
The Interweave Press Publishing Group features 14 subscription magazines
and many more special interest publications. Interweave Press has more than
200 books in print and annually publishes about 30 best-selling, how-to craft
books on the same subjects as the company's magazines. Additionally,
Interweave Press operates eight annual craft enthusiast events and has an
extensive Internet presence that includes nearly 30 websites. Linda Ligon
founded the company in the 1970s when she began publishing Handwoven
and Spin-Off magazines. Since then, the company has grown to employ more
than 100 people throughout the country, with corporate headquarters
located in Loveland, Colo. For more information on Interweave Press, please
visit www.interweave.com or call (970) 669-7672.
SOURCE: INTERWEAVE PRESS LLC
Loveland, Colo., July 10, 2007: Interweave Press announced today its annual,
highly anticipated hurt book sale, beginning today at 10 a.m. MDT at
http://www.hurtbooksale.com/hurt. More than 125 craft books will be deeply
discounted and sold online only on a first-come basis until inventory runs out.
This is a great time to pick up bargains on both hardbound and softbound
books about beading, jewelry making, knitting, crocheting, felting, spinning,
weaving, needlework, and other popular crafts.
Hurt books are still in good condition but imperfect in quality and have minor
dings such as a scratch on the cover or a bent page.
The savings run deep and some books will be combined for greater discounts.
For example, the knitting titles Scarf Style and Wrap Style from the popular
Style series will be available at 50 percent off individually ($10.98 each) or for
$15 plus shipping if ordered together—that's over 65 percent off the retail
price!
Other sought-after titles to be marked down for the sale include The Beader's
Companion by Jean Campbell and Judith Durant, The Knitter's Companion by
Vicki Square, Felted Knits by Beverly Galeskas, and Beaded Embellishment by
Amy Clarke Moore and Robin Atkins, as well as rarer titles such as the
Weldon's Practical Needlework volumes—the perfect gift for needlework
history buffs and a fantastic value at 50 percent off the original price of $30
each.
Hurt books cannot be combined with normal products at check-out and phone
orders will not be accepted. All sales are final and books are nonrefundable.
About Interweave Press LLC
Interweave Press, a unit of Aspire Media, is one of the nation's leading craft
media companies, with businesses in magazine and book publishing,
interactive media, broadcast programming, and events for craft enthusiasts.
The Interweave Press Publishing Group features 14 subscription magazines
and many more special interest publications. Interweave Press has more than
200 books in print and annually publishes about 30 best-selling, how-to craft
books on the same subjects as the company's magazines. Additionally,
Interweave Press operates eight annual craft enthusiast events and has an
extensive Internet presence that includes nearly 30 websites. Linda Ligon
founded the company in the 1970s when she began publishing Handwoven
and Spin-Off magazines. Since then, the company has grown to employ more
than 100 people throughout the country, with corporate headquarters
located in Loveland, Colo. For more information on Interweave Press, please
visit www.interweave.com or call (970) 669-7672.
SOURCE: INTERWEAVE PRESS LLC
July 06, 2007
Kids Learn To Knit
A great Knitting book for kids is Kids Learn to Knit by Lucinda Guy and Francois Hall.
From book description:
"Learning to knit can be enormous fun for five-to-ten-year-olds - especially when helped along by frisky animal characters whose antics make each lesson a delight."
From the inside cover:
"Using simple language and witty animal characters, each stage of knitting is set out in a series of lessons; each lesson is then followed by a project to try out new skills."
It has great illustrations and directions. Projects include:
Knit-stitch flag (basically a small garter stitch square with a felt start sewn on)
Happy Herbie (a small dog that is really cute)
Hooting Henry (a stockinette stitch owl)
Striped Garter Scarf
Knitted Book Cover (I may make one of these for myself!)
Flitting Flo (a butterfly to practice decreasing and increasing)
All-Together Bag (it uses all the stitches and techniques in the book and is another project I may have to do myself)
by Lucinda Guy and Francois Hall. From book description:
"Learning to knit can be enormous fun for five-to-ten-year-olds - especially when helped along by frisky animal characters whose antics make each lesson a delight."
From the inside cover:
"Using simple language and witty animal characters, each stage of knitting is set out in a series of lessons; each lesson is then followed by a project to try out new skills."
It has great illustrations and directions. Projects include:
Knit-stitch flag (basically a small garter stitch square with a felt start sewn on)
Happy Herbie (a small dog that is really cute)
Hooting Henry (a stockinette stitch owl)
Striped Garter Scarf
Knitted Book Cover (I may make one of these for myself!)
Flitting Flo (a butterfly to practice decreasing and increasing)
All-Together Bag (it uses all the stitches and techniques in the book and is another project I may have to do myself)
April 19, 2007
Finishing Techniques For Hand Knitters
Finishing Techniques for Hand Knitters by Sharon Brant shows how to get professional looking knitted sweaters, cardigans and jackets.
Sharon Brant in her book, Finishing Techniques for Hand Knitters: Give Your Knitting that Professional Look, covers knitting techniques to help take your knitting from looking homemade to handmade, a true item of quality.
She does this by first covering those things you need to do before you even get started knitting like selecting yarn, knitting a gauge swatch, and taking correct measurements. She even tells you how to calculate the amount of yarn you need for a project so that you don't run short before you complete it.
Then Sharon covers the basics you need to know for creating a great looking garment. She shows a couple of cast on methods and shows how to get even knitting. She also discusses shaping by using increasing, decreasing, and short rows.
The garment assembly chapter is probably the most important chapter in the book. If you don't get this right, all your knitting efforts are wasted. So Sharon covers techniques on sewing in yarn ends, blocking, adding pockets, grafting, picking up stitches, and adding bands to a cardigan.
Then she covers knitting buttonholes, adding zippers, and seaming the garment. Each of these areas is covered with clear step-by-step pictures and directions.
She even has a section on taking care of your garments which tells you how to hand wash and machine wash to avoid ruining them.
Other chapters in the book cover alteration to finished garmets which covers making changes to already knitted garments and embellishments which covers adding beads, fringe, sequins and pompoms.
The last chapter is a chapter of patterns that include a lace-edged pullover, a basic sweater, a lined jacket, a cardigan, a drawstring bag, and a cardigan with a zipper. Each use several of the techniques covered in the book.
Finishing Techniques for Hand Knitters by Sharon Brant is a good choice for your knitting library. It covers the important techniques needed to make you garments look great!
Sharon Brant in her book, Finishing Techniques for Hand Knitters: Give Your Knitting that Professional Look, covers knitting techniques to help take your knitting from looking homemade to handmade, a true item of quality.
She does this by first covering those things you need to do before you even get started knitting like selecting yarn, knitting a gauge swatch, and taking correct measurements. She even tells you how to calculate the amount of yarn you need for a project so that you don't run short before you complete it.
Then Sharon covers the basics you need to know for creating a great looking garment. She shows a couple of cast on methods and shows how to get even knitting. She also discusses shaping by using increasing, decreasing, and short rows.
The garment assembly chapter is probably the most important chapter in the book. If you don't get this right, all your knitting efforts are wasted. So Sharon covers techniques on sewing in yarn ends, blocking, adding pockets, grafting, picking up stitches, and adding bands to a cardigan.
Then she covers knitting buttonholes, adding zippers, and seaming the garment. Each of these areas is covered with clear step-by-step pictures and directions.
She even has a section on taking care of your garments which tells you how to hand wash and machine wash to avoid ruining them.
Other chapters in the book cover alteration to finished garmets which covers making changes to already knitted garments and embellishments which covers adding beads, fringe, sequins and pompoms.
The last chapter is a chapter of patterns that include a lace-edged pullover, a basic sweater, a lined jacket, a cardigan, a drawstring bag, and a cardigan with a zipper. Each use several of the techniques covered in the book.
Finishing Techniques for Hand Knitters by Sharon Brant is a good choice for your knitting library. It covers the important techniques needed to make you garments look great!
April 17, 2007
Very Easy Circular Knits
Very Easy Circular Knits by Betty Barnden takes the mystery out of knitting in the round.
Betty Barnden shows with clear pictures and easy-to-follow directions how to knit with circular needles in her book Very Easy Circular Knits: Simple techniques and step-by-step projects for the well-rounded knitter.
It seems that most standard knitting patterns are written to accommodate knitting flat pieces and then seaming them together. For example, a sweater is often constructed by knitting the front and back separately and then seaming them together along with the sleeves.
For those of us that hate seaming and want to limit its use in our knitting as much as possible, it can be frustrating having to convert patterns to one for knitting in the round. Also, some techniques and stitch patterns are knitted differently in circular knitting vs. flat knitting.
Well, Betty takes the mystery (and frustration) out of circular knitting. Not only does the book show you how to cast on and knit in the round. It also offers tips and step-by-step instructions for knitting all types of items including bags, gloves, mittens, socks, and sweaters.
She also offers advise on knitting stitch patterns differently. In flat knitting stockinette is knitted on one side of the fabric and purled on the other side. However, when knitting in the round, you only have to knit. Betty shows you this and also how to knit other stitch patterns such as garter, reverse stockinette, ribbing, seed stitch and more.
There is also a great chapter on color work techniques in circular knitting. Betty shows how to do Fairisle in easy to understand language with great, informative photos.
The projects are arranged in order of techniques discussed in the book that go from basic to more challenging. The final pattern is a sweater pattern that can be knit for all members of the family.
I like a few of the patterns in the book including the sock pattern, glove pattern, drawstring purse pattern, and toy collection which has a kitten puppet, teddy bear puppet, mouse, and snake.
The sock pattern is especially nice because it takes you through turning the heel and knitting the instep row by row.
So if you are looking for an introduction to circular knitting but have been intimated by the thought of knitting in the round, Very Easy Circular Knits by Betty Barnden may help get you past these fears. It has great looking photos and graphics. Plus the step-by-step instructions are great!
Betty Barnden shows with clear pictures and easy-to-follow directions how to knit with circular needles in her book Very Easy Circular Knits: Simple techniques and step-by-step projects for the well-rounded knitter.
It seems that most standard knitting patterns are written to accommodate knitting flat pieces and then seaming them together. For example, a sweater is often constructed by knitting the front and back separately and then seaming them together along with the sleeves.
For those of us that hate seaming and want to limit its use in our knitting as much as possible, it can be frustrating having to convert patterns to one for knitting in the round. Also, some techniques and stitch patterns are knitted differently in circular knitting vs. flat knitting.
Well, Betty takes the mystery (and frustration) out of circular knitting. Not only does the book show you how to cast on and knit in the round. It also offers tips and step-by-step instructions for knitting all types of items including bags, gloves, mittens, socks, and sweaters.
She also offers advise on knitting stitch patterns differently. In flat knitting stockinette is knitted on one side of the fabric and purled on the other side. However, when knitting in the round, you only have to knit. Betty shows you this and also how to knit other stitch patterns such as garter, reverse stockinette, ribbing, seed stitch and more.
There is also a great chapter on color work techniques in circular knitting. Betty shows how to do Fairisle in easy to understand language with great, informative photos.
The projects are arranged in order of techniques discussed in the book that go from basic to more challenging. The final pattern is a sweater pattern that can be knit for all members of the family.
I like a few of the patterns in the book including the sock pattern, glove pattern, drawstring purse pattern, and toy collection which has a kitten puppet, teddy bear puppet, mouse, and snake.
The sock pattern is especially nice because it takes you through turning the heel and knitting the instep row by row.
So if you are looking for an introduction to circular knitting but have been intimated by the thought of knitting in the round, Very Easy Circular Knits by Betty Barnden may help get you past these fears. It has great looking photos and graphics. Plus the step-by-step instructions are great!
January 29, 2007
Getting Started Knitting
Getting Started Knitting by Jennifer Worick, review columnist for Yarn Market News, is a great resource for the beginning knitter. In this article, I review this book.
Getting Started Knitting is a beginning knitting book but takes knitters well past the usual first knitted scarf project. I especially like the section "A Tour of The Yarn Shop" in the first chapter. It can be overwhelming the first time we enter a yarn store. There are so many types of yarns and knitting notions. It is often hard to make sense out of it all. But Jennifer walks you through what you will find in a typical one and explains all this.
I also like the "Fiber Facts" section in the first chapter. She covers some of the major fibers used in yarn such as wool, mohair, cotton, and acrylic. She tells you about characteristics of each fiber type as well how to wash the finished knitted item that uses them.
The second chapter goes over the basics of knitting including casting on, the knit stitch, the purl stitch, gauge, ribbing, binding off, joining a new ball of yarn, and blocking. She even has a section on setting up your knitting space and storing your yarn stash.
The second chapter has basic patterns such as the garter stitch scarf, a novelty yarn scarf, a poncho, wrist warmers, and leg warmers. All of these are great, easy patterns to get the beginning knitter started.
The following three chapters introduce progressively challenging knitting techniques along with patterns that use these techniques. In the third chapter there is a cute baby blanket in the shape of a stop sign that uses increase and decrease explained in the chapter.
What I really like about the patterns in this book is a section in them called "Need to Know". This part of the pattern lists all the techniques along with the page number where they are explained so you can successfully knit the pattern.
If you are a beginning knitter that wants a book that walks you through more and more challenging projects while giving you explicit directions, Getting Started Knitting by Jennifer Worick, is a good choice. It not only covers the basics in an easy to reading style, it also helps the knitter learn more advanced knitting techniques with some great looking and fun patterns.
Getting Started Knitting is a beginning knitting book but takes knitters well past the usual first knitted scarf project. I especially like the section "A Tour of The Yarn Shop" in the first chapter. It can be overwhelming the first time we enter a yarn store. There are so many types of yarns and knitting notions. It is often hard to make sense out of it all. But Jennifer walks you through what you will find in a typical one and explains all this.
I also like the "Fiber Facts" section in the first chapter. She covers some of the major fibers used in yarn such as wool, mohair, cotton, and acrylic. She tells you about characteristics of each fiber type as well how to wash the finished knitted item that uses them.
The second chapter goes over the basics of knitting including casting on, the knit stitch, the purl stitch, gauge, ribbing, binding off, joining a new ball of yarn, and blocking. She even has a section on setting up your knitting space and storing your yarn stash.
The second chapter has basic patterns such as the garter stitch scarf, a novelty yarn scarf, a poncho, wrist warmers, and leg warmers. All of these are great, easy patterns to get the beginning knitter started.
The following three chapters introduce progressively challenging knitting techniques along with patterns that use these techniques. In the third chapter there is a cute baby blanket in the shape of a stop sign that uses increase and decrease explained in the chapter.
What I really like about the patterns in this book is a section in them called "Need to Know". This part of the pattern lists all the techniques along with the page number where they are explained so you can successfully knit the pattern.
If you are a beginning knitter that wants a book that walks you through more and more challenging projects while giving you explicit directions, Getting Started Knitting by Jennifer Worick, is a good choice. It not only covers the basics in an easy to reading style, it also helps the knitter learn more advanced knitting techniques with some great looking and fun patterns.
January 16, 2007
How To Knit Cable Purses
Knit cable purses make an ordinary knitted bag extraordinary. By adding a cable to a simple purse pattern, the bag goes from plain to chic.
Knit cables are often found on knitted garments such as sweaters or scarves. They offer rich texture in a way that looks complicated but isn't once you master the basics of knitting cables.
There are many cable stitch patterns that can be used on a knit purse to jazz it up. Just find a basic knit purse pattern or make up your own and then add some cables to it.
Free Knit Cable Purse Patterns
Or if you want a knit cable purse pattern, check out these two free knit cable purses:- Yarniverse has a knit cable purse pattern with two cables. The purse is whip stitched to handles when it is complete.
- Knit Picks also has a free chunky cable purse pattern on its website. The purse has two types of cables on it.
Books With Knit Cable Purse Patterns
There are a couple of great cable-oriented knitting books with each having a pattern for a knit cable bag.- Inspired Cable Knits: 20 Creative Designs For Making Sweaters and Accessories by Fiona Ellis has a knit cable yoga bag. This book has some incredible cable knits including sweaters and blankets and scarves that will keep you knitting cables for time to come.
- Cables Untangled: An Exploration of Cable Knitting by Melissa Leapman has a little bag with handles. The bag is knit with Classic Elite Yarns's Bazic which is auperwash wool worsed weight yarn. This book also has a great cable stitch pattern dictionary divided into cabled ribs stitch patterns, cabled panels, and allover cable patterns.
January 12, 2007
Blue Moon Fiber Arts Rockin' Sock Club 2007
Due to a bank's stupid, stupid decision, members of the Blue Moon Fiber Arts Rockin' Sock Club 2007 have been refunded their money for their memberships in the company's year long sock knitting club.
In a crazy decision by Blue Moon Fiber Arts' bank, who thinks that sock knitting yarn clubs must be illegitimate, the bank has refunded the money paid for the Rockin' Sock Club 2007 memberships.
Knitters around the world are outraged at this blatant discrimination against knitters everywhere. Thousands of knitters knit socks every day and sock yarn is one of the most popular types of yarn that they use.
There are tons of Sock Knitting Books out on the market and even more sock yarn available. How could this bank be so stupid to think a sock knitting club could be anything but legitimate?!?!
You can read the letter sent to Blue Moon Fibers Arts Rocking' Sock Club 2007 customers and the outrage expressed by knitters everywhere on the Yarn Harlot website.
In a crazy decision by Blue Moon Fiber Arts' bank, who thinks that sock knitting yarn clubs must be illegitimate, the bank has refunded the money paid for the Rockin' Sock Club 2007 memberships.
Knitters around the world are outraged at this blatant discrimination against knitters everywhere. Thousands of knitters knit socks every day and sock yarn is one of the most popular types of yarn that they use.
There are tons of Sock Knitting Books out on the market and even more sock yarn available. How could this bank be so stupid to think a sock knitting club could be anything but legitimate?!?!
You can read the letter sent to Blue Moon Fibers Arts Rocking' Sock Club 2007 customers and the outrage expressed by knitters everywhere on the Yarn Harlot website.
January 03, 2007
Knitty Gritty
Knitty Gritty: 25 Fun & Fabulous Projects by Vickie Howell contains projects from the DIY Network's Knitty Gritty television show.
This is a fresh and fun knitting book. From the clear photos and diagrams to the funky and fashionable knitting patterns, Knitty Gritty: 25 Fun & Fabulous Projects is a great tribute to the popular knitting show hosted by Vickie Howell.
The first part of the book covers knitting basics including yarn, tools and supplies, and how to knit the basic knitting stitches. This section has clear and easy to understand pictures, diagrams, and instructions.
The second part of the books is split into two sections of knitting projects.
Wearable Knits includes some great knitting patterns. I especially like the Rock Star Bag, which is knit and then embellished with duplicate stitch. The bag is then felted for durability.
The Lace Sampler Shrug is a great way to learn different lace stitches while creating a great garment to wear.
The Garter Pocket is a fun and easy knitting project. This garter is meant to hold lipsticks and other essentials when you don't want to carry a purse.
The Great Gauntlets are knitted with cables and go up past the elbow to keep arms warm.
Home Decor and Knitting Gifts is the second knitting pattern section.
The Backgammon Board is felted and uses i-cord wound up into spirals for the games pieces.
The Sampler Afghan is a great way to learn new knitting stitches while knitting a fun and funky throw.
For the more advanced knitter, the Teddy Sweater includes fair isle and steeking in an adorable garment for a teddy bear.
The last section of the book covers dyeing your own yarn. It gives directions and the materials needed to make your own unique yarn.
If you enjoy Knitty Gritty, the television show, you will be happy to own Knitty Gritty, the book.
This is a fresh and fun knitting book. From the clear photos and diagrams to the funky and fashionable knitting patterns, Knitty Gritty: 25 Fun & Fabulous Projects is a great tribute to the popular knitting show hosted by Vickie Howell.
The first part of the book covers knitting basics including yarn, tools and supplies, and how to knit the basic knitting stitches. This section has clear and easy to understand pictures, diagrams, and instructions.
The second part of the books is split into two sections of knitting projects.
Wearable Knits includes some great knitting patterns. I especially like the Rock Star Bag, which is knit and then embellished with duplicate stitch. The bag is then felted for durability.
The Lace Sampler Shrug is a great way to learn different lace stitches while creating a great garment to wear.
The Garter Pocket is a fun and easy knitting project. This garter is meant to hold lipsticks and other essentials when you don't want to carry a purse.
The Great Gauntlets are knitted with cables and go up past the elbow to keep arms warm.
Home Decor and Knitting Gifts is the second knitting pattern section.
The Backgammon Board is felted and uses i-cord wound up into spirals for the games pieces.
The Sampler Afghan is a great way to learn new knitting stitches while knitting a fun and funky throw.
For the more advanced knitter, the Teddy Sweater includes fair isle and steeking in an adorable garment for a teddy bear.
The last section of the book covers dyeing your own yarn. It gives directions and the materials needed to make your own unique yarn.
If you enjoy Knitty Gritty, the television show, you will be happy to own Knitty Gritty, the book.
December 28, 2006
Friday Night Knitting Club
The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs is a wonderful novel that follows the fictional lives of members of a knitting group at the Walker and Daughter yarn and knitting store in New York City.
I could hardly put this book down. The Friday Night Knitting Club is a touching and poignant story. This wonderful tale celebrates the lives of women from all walks of life who meet to knit each week at a fictional New York City yarn store, Walker and Daughter.
But it is much more then a book about women knitting. The yarn store is a backdrop for the stories of strong, independent women who love and support each other through tough times and good times through relationships and break ups.
Georgia Walker is the self-reliant business owner of Walker and Daughter, the knitting store where the novel takes places. She is raising a teenage daughter, Dakota, an entrepreneurial in her own right, as a single mom.
The other women in the group: Anita, Cat, KC, Peri, Lucie, and Darwin, have their own stories that weave together with each others and forms the close bonds between them.
The book is expected to be adapted to a film of the same name starring Julia Roberts. It is scheduled for release in 2008. I'm looking forward to seeing Julia portray Georgia Walker in the film. Both are strong, independent women (who love to knit!).
Non-knitters, inspired by the book and who want to learn how to knit, will enjoy a basic garter stitch scarf pattern at the back of the book. This is an easy pattern and a great introduction to knitting.
And for knitters, the book's setting and analogies of knitting to life will really touch home. We already know how knitting brings families and people together. The book reinforces this in a way we can identify with.
I think The Friday Night Knitting Club is a wonderful book for both knitters and non-knitters alike. It offers a touching story about independent women supporting each other that will be hard to put down, even for knitting!
I could hardly put this book down. The Friday Night Knitting Club is a touching and poignant story. This wonderful tale celebrates the lives of women from all walks of life who meet to knit each week at a fictional New York City yarn store, Walker and Daughter.
But it is much more then a book about women knitting. The yarn store is a backdrop for the stories of strong, independent women who love and support each other through tough times and good times through relationships and break ups.
Georgia Walker is the self-reliant business owner of Walker and Daughter, the knitting store where the novel takes places. She is raising a teenage daughter, Dakota, an entrepreneurial in her own right, as a single mom.
The other women in the group: Anita, Cat, KC, Peri, Lucie, and Darwin, have their own stories that weave together with each others and forms the close bonds between them.
The book is expected to be adapted to a film of the same name starring Julia Roberts. It is scheduled for release in 2008. I'm looking forward to seeing Julia portray Georgia Walker in the film. Both are strong, independent women (who love to knit!).
Non-knitters, inspired by the book and who want to learn how to knit, will enjoy a basic garter stitch scarf pattern at the back of the book. This is an easy pattern and a great introduction to knitting.
And for knitters, the book's setting and analogies of knitting to life will really touch home. We already know how knitting brings families and people together. The book reinforces this in a way we can identify with.
I think The Friday Night Knitting Club is a wonderful book for both knitters and non-knitters alike. It offers a touching story about independent women supporting each other that will be hard to put down, even for knitting!
December 26, 2006
Continental Knitting - Book Review on YNotKnit
YNotKnit: Step-By-Step Instructions for Continental Knitting & Knitting Basics by Jill Wolcott and Susan Wolcott.
This spiral-bound knitting book is a great introductory book for knitters wanting to learn to knit using the Continental style of knitting.
Continental knitting, sometimes referred to as "picking", is a style of knitting where the yarn is held in both hands while holding the knitting needles. The yarn is then pulled through the knitting to form the stitch.
Jill and Susan have an informative section in the book specifically covering the history and myths about Continental knitting. And they also write why they like Continental knitting better then English knitting.
English knitting, sometimes referred to as "throwing", is a style of knitting where the yarn is held in the right hand. The yarn is wrapped around the needles in order to form the stitch.
Throughout the book Jill and Susan offer knitting advise and tips along with clear instructions, line drawings, and black and white photos.
The first part of the book covers the basics of knitting, continental knitting, knitting needles, casting on, holding the yarn, the knit stitch and purl stitch.
The book offers exercises and projects to do to practice and improve each new skill.
The exercises including the garter stitch, purl garter stitch, stockinette stitch, a knitting sampler, and an increase - decrease bow.
The projects include a garter stitch scarf, a garter edge scarf, a ribbed scarf, a sampler necktie scarf, a basic garter face cloth, and a ruffled scarf.
So if you are looking for an introductory guide to Continental Knitting, YNotKnit: Step-By-Step Instructions for Continental Knitting & Knitting Basics is a good choice. I especially like the spiral binding in this book. It makes it easy for the book to lie flat while open. Jill and Susan's enthusiasm about knitting and Continental Knitting really show through in this informative book. Despite the fact that the book does not have color photos, the drawings and black and white photos are clear and easy to use. Continental Knitting has never been before been made so easy to learn!
This spiral-bound knitting book is a great introductory book for knitters wanting to learn to knit using the Continental style of knitting.
Continental knitting, sometimes referred to as "picking", is a style of knitting where the yarn is held in both hands while holding the knitting needles. The yarn is then pulled through the knitting to form the stitch.
Jill and Susan have an informative section in the book specifically covering the history and myths about Continental knitting. And they also write why they like Continental knitting better then English knitting.
English knitting, sometimes referred to as "throwing", is a style of knitting where the yarn is held in the right hand. The yarn is wrapped around the needles in order to form the stitch.
Throughout the book Jill and Susan offer knitting advise and tips along with clear instructions, line drawings, and black and white photos.
The first part of the book covers the basics of knitting, continental knitting, knitting needles, casting on, holding the yarn, the knit stitch and purl stitch.
The book offers exercises and projects to do to practice and improve each new skill.
The exercises including the garter stitch, purl garter stitch, stockinette stitch, a knitting sampler, and an increase - decrease bow.
The projects include a garter stitch scarf, a garter edge scarf, a ribbed scarf, a sampler necktie scarf, a basic garter face cloth, and a ruffled scarf.
So if you are looking for an introductory guide to Continental Knitting, YNotKnit: Step-By-Step Instructions for Continental Knitting & Knitting Basics is a good choice. I especially like the spiral binding in this book. It makes it easy for the book to lie flat while open. Jill and Susan's enthusiasm about knitting and Continental Knitting really show through in this informative book. Despite the fact that the book does not have color photos, the drawings and black and white photos are clear and easy to use. Continental Knitting has never been before been made so easy to learn!
December 23, 2006
Sock Knitting Book
Are you looking for a sock knitting book? There are many knitting books available and many of them have knitted sock patterns in them. But books specifically geared to sock knitting offers many choices of sock patterns to knit, so it easier to find just the right pair of socks to knit.
If you are just starting out knitting socks, you might enjoy Socks Socks Socks: 70 Winning Patterns From Knitter's Magazine Sock Contest. In this book, there is a section on the "anatomy-of-the-sock" which explains the different parts of knitting a sock.
Socks Socks Socks: 70 Winning Patterns From Knitter's Magazine Sock Contest is also a great book for experienced knitters who are looking for challenging sock patterns with different types of stitch patterns.
Many knitters knit socks because socks are a portable knitting project. Unlike a knitted sweater, a sock easily fits in a purse or bag so that you can knit on your socks no matter where you are. Sensational Knitted Socks is a popular sock knitting book that offers many knitted sock patterns.
Many knitters attest that knitted socks are far superior to regular store bought socks. They can be knitted to size, so the socks are neither too small nor too large. And the feel and warmth of knitted socks just can't be beat!
Most knitted socks are knitted with sock yarn, which is yarn that is typically 75% wool and 25% nylon. The nylon gives the socks a little bit of elasticity, while providing the warmth and comfort of wool.
Some knitter use reinforcing yarn or reinforcing thread along with the sock yarn at the toes and heels. This helps prevent the socks from wearing out too quickly.
Many knitters have "second sock syndrome" which is the tendency to knit only the first sock in a pair of socks. In order to avoid this, I recommend knitting both socks at the same time. Just use two circular knitting needles. A great book that teaches this technique is Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles: a Manual of Elegant Knitting Techniques and Patterns.
There are even several books on vintage knitted sock patterns. Two books by Nancy Bush, Knitting Vintage Socks: New Twists on Classic Patterns and Folk Socks: The History & Techniques of Handknitted Footwear are great books to get you started knitting traditonal socks.
And if you just can't stop knitting socks, a book with plenty of patterns to keep you busy is The Sock Journal: Knit the Year in Socks.
A sock knitting book, no matter which you may have or how many you have, can keep you knitting this wonderful footwear for years to come.
Tags: Knitting, Socks, Knitting Books, Sock Knitting Book, Knitting Patterns
If you are just starting out knitting socks, you might enjoy Socks Socks Socks: 70 Winning Patterns From Knitter's Magazine Sock Contest. In this book, there is a section on the "anatomy-of-the-sock" which explains the different parts of knitting a sock.
Socks Socks Socks: 70 Winning Patterns From Knitter's Magazine Sock Contest is also a great book for experienced knitters who are looking for challenging sock patterns with different types of stitch patterns.
Many knitters knit socks because socks are a portable knitting project. Unlike a knitted sweater, a sock easily fits in a purse or bag so that you can knit on your socks no matter where you are. Sensational Knitted Socks is a popular sock knitting book that offers many knitted sock patterns.
Many knitters attest that knitted socks are far superior to regular store bought socks. They can be knitted to size, so the socks are neither too small nor too large. And the feel and warmth of knitted socks just can't be beat!
Most knitted socks are knitted with sock yarn, which is yarn that is typically 75% wool and 25% nylon. The nylon gives the socks a little bit of elasticity, while providing the warmth and comfort of wool.
Some knitter use reinforcing yarn or reinforcing thread along with the sock yarn at the toes and heels. This helps prevent the socks from wearing out too quickly.
Many knitters have "second sock syndrome" which is the tendency to knit only the first sock in a pair of socks. In order to avoid this, I recommend knitting both socks at the same time. Just use two circular knitting needles. A great book that teaches this technique is Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles: a Manual of Elegant Knitting Techniques and Patterns.
There are even several books on vintage knitted sock patterns. Two books by Nancy Bush, Knitting Vintage Socks: New Twists on Classic Patterns and Folk Socks: The History & Techniques of Handknitted Footwear are great books to get you started knitting traditonal socks.
And if you just can't stop knitting socks, a book with plenty of patterns to keep you busy is The Sock Journal: Knit the Year in Socks.
A sock knitting book, no matter which you may have or how many you have, can keep you knitting this wonderful footwear for years to come.
Tags: Knitting, Socks, Knitting Books, Sock Knitting Book, Knitting Patterns
December 15, 2006
Yarnplay
Yarnplay: Colorful Techniques and Projects For The Creative Knitter by Lisa Shobhana Mason.
This is the first knitting book by this talented knitting pattern designer and teacher residing in Austin, Texas. Lisa really makes an impact with her artistic use of bright bold colored yarns in a multiple of yarn styles.
Most of the patterns use several colors of yarn. Some of the patterns are
knit with monochromatic shades, while other use stripes and still others use two contrasting colors together.
The book includes a variety knitting patterns in beautiful yarns including those for knitted hats, knitted scarves, knitted sweaters, knitted vests, and knitted home decor including a knitted afghan and knitted washcloths.
Yarnplay: Colorful Techniques and Projects For The Creative Knitter by Lisa Shobhana Mason.
This is the first knitting book by this talented knitting pattern designer and teacher residing in Austin, Texas. Lisa really makes an impact with her artistic use of bright bold colored yarns in a multiple of yarn styles.
Most of the patterns use several colors of yarn. Some of the patterns are
knit with monochromatic shades, while other use stripes and still others use two contrasting colors together.
The book includes a variety knitting patterns in beautiful yarns including those for knitted hats, knitted scarves, knitted sweaters, knitted vests, and knitted home decor including a knitted afghan and knitted washcloths.
Yarnplay: Colorful Techniques and Projects For The Creative Knitter by Lisa Shobhana Mason.
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