Recently in Book Reviews Category
As promised, here's a better view into the book. I tried picking out projects to showcase. In the end I just took a pic of every project.
I've created a photo album for them so you can flip through at your leisure.
My favorite projects (it was really hard to pick just a few): Swedish Heartwarmer Shawl, Over-the-Knee Socks, and the openwork version of Winter Solstice Table Runners.
I've been anticipating this one since it came up on my Amazon recommended list. My local Barnes & Noble had a copy so I took a look at it this weekend.
I was quite underwhelmed. It's another of those Rowan/Jaeger books with limited sizing. The designs were -- "eh". I expected more creativity than I saw in the book. Honestly, there is not a single design in the book I'd want to knit.
The book had one noteworthy positive thing in my opinion though. It has the best illustration of the tubular cast on I've seen. Now, it's probably not worth buying a whole book just for that, but I felt I should share it since I'm being rather critical on the book as a whole.
This is my kind of book! When I first heard of the book I thought "How many edges can I possibly be interested in?"
But the title is something of a misnomer. It's full of decorative stitch patterns that can be used in a variety of ways. There are ribs, ruffles, lace, picots, fringes and cables. If you like the Stitch-a-Day or 500 Knitting Stitches type books you will LOVE this one.
I can see using some of the ribs around the waistline of a sweater to make it shapely. Many of the cables would be beautiful in any part of a garment -- not just the edge. Some of the stitch patterns would be lovely along a shawl or scarf -- making a gift really special.
The photographs are clear and the samples are large enough to really be able to see what's going on.
If I had one complaint it would be that there are no charts. I can see myself charting the more intricate patterns if I planned on using it in a design. I'm a visual learner -- charts help me learn and memorize a stitch pattern.
I'm guessing I'm not the only one who really likes this book. Amazon has had it for 3 months now and is still selling it at full retail price.
So I finally got my Amazon order! I think I placed the order almost 2 weeks ago. Sheesh! Every time I'd check it would say shipping in the next day or so. I'm not sure why, but at least it's here!
Knitter's Handbook by Montse Stanley
This is a perfect example of why I love blogging. Had it not been for reading some blogs I never would have purchased this book. None of my nearby bookstores carry it so I've never seen the inside.
Boy am I glad I got this one! It's is CHOCK FULL of charts, instructions, and tips. Heck, there must be over 20 cast-ons alone! One that I was very happy to see - the K2 P2 tubular cast on. I've been wanting to start using that cast on when I'm doing ribbing but I was having trouble tracking down a good site. The illustrations in this book are very clear. They're mostly black and white but they use a bit of color to indicate the part they want you to pay attention to. It's very helpful.
One thing I didn't realize until I got the book in the mail - it's 318 pages! Yes, 318 pages of techniques and instructions. Seriously, if you don't have this book you really should consider purchasing it. Amazon sells it for 14 bucks. You cannot go wrong.
Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns by Ann Budd
I like this one too! She gives 6 basic sweaters -- set in sleeves, drop shoulder, saddle shoulder, raglan (bottom-up), round yoke (lopi style) -- in 6 gauges and 15 sizes.
Like her first book, there are examples throughout the book -- 18 sweaters in all.
When I blogged about ordering this book someone commented that they didn't consider buying it because all the info can be found for free. That might be true. But for $18 I'll pay to have it spiral-bound and all in one place.
When reading it occurred to me that this is the perfect companion to 1000 sweaters. Why? Well, I've heard 2 main complaints about 1000 sweaters. First, the gauge is all 5.5 spi. And secondly, the sizing doesn't go up very high. I could see someone using the ideas in 1000 sweaters and executing them via the gauge/size guidance of Sweater Patterns.
At least, that's my plan.
Secret Pal Gift
I finished my Philly Knitters Secret Pal gift last night! I even washed it and blocked it. Well, it's still drying. But this means no Saturday night frantic knitting before the Stitch n Bitch. Yay!
What's next? I need to figure out the right needle size for my Cascade for the Phildar Hoodie. I'm hoping I can run to a LYS today because I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to start! It seems like everywhere I turn bloggers are working on this sweater. I feel like the runt duckling in the back of the pack running to catch up saying "Slow down guys, I'm coming!"
Yarn Pictures
And yes, I still have no pictures. Tomorrow? Maybe. I'm not even going to insult you with a promise at this point. *slaps hand*
