First, the facts:

Title: Weekend Knitting

Author: Melanie Falick

Published by: Stewart, Tabori, & Chang, 2003

Pages: 175

Type: Patterns.

Chapters:

1. Home and Hearth
2. Body and Soul
3. The Charm of Children

Pattern Size Range: Huge variation

First Reaction: Wonderful, tempting patterns.

The In-Depth Look:

(Note, my review is for the original hardcover edition.)

How old does a book have to be before it becomes a classic?

Well, let’s hope six years is enough, because this one deserves to be. I’m not the only one to think so, either, since the publisher has recently come out with a paperback version of the book–a relative rarity in knitting books which are usually published in one format, and that’s it.

It’s worth it, though–especially if it makes this book available to knitters who opted not to pay for the hardcover the first time around.

This is a charming book. Dedicated to knitting projects that you can make in a weekend, it’s filled with fast, simple projects … but that doesn’t mean boring, by any means. The Reverse-Bloom Flower Washcloths, for example–why make your washcloths square, when you can make them pretty chenille flowers? Felted slippers are great, but aren’t they even better when they’re Argyle? Or when the toes curl up like an elf’s? Why knit just an ordinary tote bag when you can knit a checker/backgammon board right into the design so that you have something to do when you get wherever you’re going?

And, really, when’s the last time you saw lace-edged pillowcases? Or a lace seat on a chair?

Yep. Charming.

Even MORE charming? The book is interspersed with sidebars and recipes to make your knitting weekend that much more fun. Hot cocoa, anyone? And let’s not forget to be prepared for guests by having knitting that they can do, too.

I love this delightful book. It’s fun just to flip through it and let your imagination get tickled.

The new paperback edition is available from Amazon.com for $12.89.

Want to see bigger pictures? Here are the links:
1. weekend_0032, 2. weekend_0031, 3. weekend_0029, 4. weekend_0027, 5. weekend_0026, 6. weekend_0023, 7. weekend_0021, 8. weekend_0020, 9. weekend_0016, 10. weekend_0014, 11. weekend_0012, 12. weekend_0011, 13. weekend_0010, 14. weekend_0009, 15. weekend_0008, 16. weekend_0007, 17. weekend_0006, 18. weekend_0005, 19. weekend_0003, 20. weekend_0002

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Review: Weekend Knitting

First, the facts:

Title: How to Knit a Love Song

Author: Rachel Herron

Published by: Avon Books, 2010

Pages: 318

Type: Fiction, Romance.

The In-Depth Look:

You DID know that our very own knit-blogging friend had her new novel published, didn’t you? It came out this week. How to Knit a Love Song.

Romance isn’t my usual genre, but I’m nothing if not supportive of a fellow knitter-writer, so naturally I bought a copy. It came today, and I read the whole thing. (What? Like you didn’t already know that I’m a fast reader?)

The book begins with Abigail driving up to a rusty gate, ready and eager to claim her inheritance. Her dearest friend and mentor has died and left her a cottage … the problem? It’s uninhabitable, and her nearest neighbor (the dreamy cowboy Cade) is hostile, to say the least. His house, her cottage, and the ranch he runs all belonged to his aunt–a woman who seems to have a remarkable similarity to Elizabeth Zimmermann. She, Eliza, is described as being one of the great knitters of the last century, famous for her ingenuity and fearlessness.

Against his will, and hating every minute, Cade lets Abigail sleep in his spare room while she gets her cottage set up, and it doesn’t take long for sparks to fly. Cade is furious about his aunt having broken up his property. Abigail is just relieved to finally have a place to call her own, and a chance to get away from her ex. (Well, more of a stalker, really.) She is determined to turn the cottage into a yarn shop, and Cade is just as determined to prevent it.

Of course, things don’t go as the two of them planned, either of them. There are a series of events that throw them together–a torrential rain, a bat, a stray alpaca, a fire … and they both recognize their attraction.

Are the basic plot points kind of predictable? Well, yes. Except for some minor details like Betty being a natural spinner, and Abigail’s perfect charm for the farmers at Tillie’s, I wasn’t really surprised by any of the things that happened … but that doesn’t change the fact that it was an enjoyable book. You did a great job, Rachel!

But, what I really want to know? What happened to Clara after the scene in the alley? And, did Betty ever come back to spinning?

If you didn’t already know, the book is available from Amazon.com both in paper and in a Kindle edition.

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Review: How to Knit a Love Song

First, the facts:

Title: Knitting Daily TV, Series 300 and Series 400

Produced by: Interweave Press, 2009 and 2010

Length: 13 episodes, 5 hours 48 minutes each

Type: DVDs

First Reaction: Informative and wide-ranging

The In-Depth Look:

I’ve had the season 3 set of Knitting Daily TV sitting next to my computer for months. First, my DVD player broke, leaaving only my computer for watching DVDs, which made it difficult to do anything else. Then we moved, and that threw me off for weeks, and finding almost 6 hours of time to watch and review these DVDs–even after I bought a replacement DVD player–just wasn’t easy to come by.

Then season 4 arrived, making me seriously overdue, but lucky for me, it arrived just before a monster snowstorm that shut down my day job for a day and a half. Suddenly, I had plenty of time for watching, so that’s what I did. Over three days, I watched all 8 DVDs–almost 12 hours of video–and so you’re getting an all-for-one review.

Series 300 (Season 3)

• 301 Traditional Cables
• 302 Babies and Children
• 303 Make it Reversible
• 304 All About Alpaca
• 305 Charity Projects
• 306 Fun with Color
• 307 Go Global
• 308 You’re the Designer
• 309 Start Spinning
• 310 Blankets and Afghans
• 311 Stripes!
• 312 Gifts for Every Season
• 313 Eco-Friendly and Green

Series 400 (Season 4)

• 401 Fearless Knit and Crochet
• 402 Fashion Forward
• 403 Knit and Purl Magic
• 404 All in the Finish
• 405 Natural Fibers
• 406 Fiber Tech
• 407 Wild About Wool
• 408 Crazy for Cotton
• 409 Creative Scarves
• 410 New England Knits
• 411 Think Thin
• 412 On the Edge
• 413 Trade Secrets

Having just watched all eleven and a half hours, I can tell you without reservation that these DVDs are interesting, useful, and chock-full of great information. I don’t have access to these on television, so I hadn’t had a chance to see them before.

Well, they did not disappoint.

First, go back and look at the titles for each of the episodes. Look at the range of topics they cover! Cables. Color. Spinning. Wool. Thin yarns. Eco-friendly yarns. Charity projects. Handy tips. Demonstrations on various ways to hold your yarn, or how to try crafts you might not be familiar with. There is a vast wealth of information, here.

The show is co-hosted by Eunny Jang, along with Kim Werker, Liz Gipson, Shay Pendray, and Kristin Omdahl. Each show is split into regular segments showing you specific techniques, or bringing in experts to talk about things like sizing, or how to blend colors. The list of guests is like a who’s who of knitting, with designers, authors, and experts from yarn companies and stores, as well as people with specific expertise.

There is lots of good information in here. The video is easy to watch, with helpful camera angles for demonstrations.

The main difference between the two seasons is that season 4 has a regular crochet segment, and more on-the-spot interviews, and some of the regular faces change, but it is still demonstrably the same show from one season to the next, just with a few different faces.

My one real complaint? The credits. I absolutely believe that sponsors deserve full credit for supporting this great little show. They do. But every single episode begins and ends with a minute or two of almost-identical credits–not just a scrolling list of the sponsors, but an announcement of them, spoken over the repeating theme song jingle. Putting in one of these DVDs and hitting “Play All” meant having to hear that same thing 6 or 8 times per disk. Maddening. Not only does the jingle get annoying after the fifth or sixth repeat, but it means that it takes that much longer to get to the good stuff. It’s like calling a friend with a long, slow voice mail message and having to sit and wait when you just want to get to the beep already, and get on with it.

Because, trust me. There is lots of good stuff on here.

The DVDs can be purchased at Interweave.

Want to see bigger pictures? Here are the links:

Click here to see the key for the icons.

These review copies were kindly donated by Interweave Press. Thank you!

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Review: Knitting Daily Seasons 3 & 4

First, the facts:

Title: Heirloom Knitting: A Shetland Lace Knitter’s Pattern and Workbook

Author: Sharon Miller

Published by: Shetland Times Ltd, 2002

Pages: 295

Type: Design and Patterns.

Chapters:

1. Introduction
2. Knitting Advice
3. Patterns
4. Design
5. Projects
6. Miscellany

Pattern Size Range: N/A

First Reaction: Lace knitter’s nirvana

The In-Depth Look:

Do you like knitted lace? Does knitting lace make your heart beat faster? Do you drool over Wedding ring shawls?

This may well be the book for you.

It’s not full simply of patterns for shawls and such that you can knit (though it has them). No, this is a complete compendium of Shetland Lace. And when I say “complete” I really mean complete. Exhaustive, in fact. If you have a question about Shetland lace chances are the answer is in this book.

Sharon Miller starts off with a history of lace knitting in the Shetland isles, and then moves into technical details about knitting techniques (cast-ons, yarn joins, and the like). Next comes stitch patterns. Dozens of lace patterns, sorted by type (centers, borders, edgings) and difficulty. This alone makes this a great resource.

But wait, there’s more! (As they say) The next section is a thorough, detailed examination of how these shawls (and other lace garments) are put together. The proportions, the construction, how to handle the designs at the corners. Everything. And then this is folowed by a collection of her own designs, which are always fabulous. Not just shawls, but christening gowns and lace edgings.

Oh, this is beautiful stuff.

Now, it must be said that most of the illustrations are in black and white, but this doesn’t hurt the book at all, since most of the illustrations are showing off the LACE, and that’s most easily done by white-on-black photographs. There are some color photos, though, if that’s important to you. The index is thorough, the details are incredible.
I should tell you, this is NOT a cheap book. In fact, I think it’s the most expensive book I have in my library, at something like $45. But I will also tell you that this is one book I will NOT give up. It’s fantastic. The lace is inspiring, the patterns exquisite. It’s worth every penny.

This fantastic, if somewhat expensive, book is available at amazon.com.

(Sorry, no links for bigger pictures.)

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Review: Heirloom Knitting

First, the facts:

Title: Nature’s Wrapture: Contemporary Knitted Shawls

Author: Thies, Sheryl

Published by: Martingale & Company, 2009

Pages: 80

Type: Knitted wraps, shawls, scarves.

Chapters:

1. No chapters, per se, but mostly a list of patterns.

Pattern Size Range: Not really applicable.

First Reaction: Text.

The In-Depth Look:

Here’s what the author has to say:

“Nature’s Wrapture incorporates fascinating aspects of nature–color, contours, textures, and patterns–with classic and updated shapes that flatter all body types, resulting in a real sense of inspired style. From the elegant and sublime to the practical, this collection has broad appeal not only for the knitter but also for the wearer.”

Like you’d expect from the title, this is a book of twenty shawls, wraps, capes all inspired by nature, with names like “Bumblebees,” “Waterfall,” “Heavy Rain,” and “Supernova.” They come with helpful difficulty ratings and run the gamut of designs–simple triangular shawls, cowls, rectangular wraps. Some of them have nice extra touches, like i-cord ties, or sewn-on rings for closure. An armhole slit, or a drawstring … things you might not expect. The designs call for a variety of yarns, too–hand-dyed, solids, lace-weight, wool, bamboo … they’re not boring. The pictures–which you know are important to me–are good ones. Illustrative without being too “arty.”

I liked the advice for wearing them, too:

“Remember, they can be draped over the shoulders, worn backward with ends hanging down the back, or hung on one shoulder and cinched with a belt at the waist. They can be tied, knotted, closed with pins and rings from your jewelry box, or held in place with shawl pins, clasps, and buttons…”

This nice little book can be bought at Amazon.com.

Want to see bigger pictures? Here are the links:
1. wrapture_0012, 2. wrapture_0011, 3. wrapture_0010, 4. wrapture_0009, 5. wrapture_0008, 6. wrapture_0005, 7. wrapture_0004, 8. wrapture_0003, 9. wrapture_0002

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This paperback review copy was kindly donated by Martingale & Company. Thank you!

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Review: Nature’s Wrapture

First, the facts:

Title: Aran Sweater Design

Author: Janet Szabo

Published by: Big Sky Knitting Design, 2006

Pages: 175

Type: Design.

Chapters:

1. A Brief History
2. Anatomy of an Aran
3. Materials
4. Learning the Ropes (and Honeycombs and Diamonds)
5. Creating a Design
6. Putting it All Together
7. Useful Aran Knittin gTips
8. Constructing an Aran
9. Dropped-Shoulder Arans
10. Peasant Sleeve Arans
11. Set-In Sleeve Arans
12. Raglan Sleeve Arans
13. Aran Vests
14. T-Sleeve Arans
15. Wide-Saddle Arans
16-19–Patterns

Pattern Size Range: N/A

First Reaction: Amazingly informative.

The In-Depth Look:

I’ve practically lived and breathed this book for the last couple of weeks and finally realized I had to write a review of this book to tell you why.

I had decided to tear out an aran I knitted in 2006 and reuse the yarn, and I spent so much time looking for the right pattern when I decided that I should just design my own … and this was the book I immediately reached for.

Why? This book tells you simply everything you need to know to put together an Aran sweater.

It starts by examining the construction of traditional sweaters, the kind of yarn that is ideal–important, basic beginnings. Then it discusses different kinds of cables–honeycombs, diamonds, braids … what makes them different from each other.

But then it gets really good–it talks about how you put them TOGETHER. Proportions. Row-counts. Frequency of repeats. Reasons some cables look better with certain cables rather than others. This entire section is masterful.

Next, the book examines the different constructions–saddle-shoulders, top-down, bottom-up, raglans, set-in sleeves, and so on, along with tips you need to know. This is followed by in-depth detail about how to actually KNIT a sweater in whatever shape you might want.

There are a handful of fully-designed sweaters at the back. They’re perfectly nice, attractive and all, but to me, they are not the point of the book. The object of the book is for you to be able to design your own Aran … why follow someone else’s pattern?

Honestly, there isn’t a technique that I can think of that’s not in here–not that you’re likely to need, anyway. The style is entirely accessible and readable–it feels like having a good friend sitting next to you, helping you along. It does not get bogged down with technical jargon, but it doesn’t dumb-down anything.

My one complaint? There are no cable patterns in the book, which I think is an odd lapse. Since the book is giving you all the tools you need to knit your own Aran, why are there no cable stitches to see you on your way? I understand that the object is to concentrate on the construction, and that there’s no way you could have all the cable stitches you might want. There’s simply not enough room. But, still… it seems to me that the book would have been better served by using the space at the back given to sweater designs for cable stitches instead.

That said … don’t let that stop you from buying this book. You SHOULD buy this book. It’s a masterpiece. Entirely approachable yet utterly informative. And if you need cable patterns? You can’t go wrong by checking out Szabo’s “Cables Volume 1: The Basics.”

This amazing book is available from Amazon.com.

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• Cables Volume 1: The Basics

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Review: Aran Sweater Design

First, the facts:

Title: Sock Club: Join the Knitting Adventure

Author: Charlene Schurch & Bet Parrott

Published by: Martingale & Company, 2009

Pages: 80

Type: Women’s Socks

Chapters:

A list of patterns, grouped by the method for changing size:
Changing elements within a repeat
Changing spacing between pattern elements
Changing the number of background stitches around a centered element
Changing the number of pattern repeats
Changing the gauge by changing the needle size or the yarn weight
Adding a small motif between pattern repeats

Pattern Size Range: Not really applicable, but it’s one of the few sock books that acknowledges different sock sizes.

First Reaction: Some fun patterns.

The In-Depth Look:

Sure, it looks like just another book of sock patterns, but is it?

Not entirely.

Yes, of course, it IS a book of sock patterns. Twenty-three of them. Most of the patterns were available as part of a “sock club.” You know the kind, where a designer or yarn-seller sets up a club where, once a month, every member gets specially-dyed yarn and a brand-new, exclusive pattern, just for the members. Most if not all the patterns in this book saw light of day in just that way.

Except … most sock patterns come in one size. Maybe two, but here? The authors tell you right up front that they wanted to do better than that because one has a narrow 5.5-shoe foot, and the other wears a 10.5 EE. They’ve obviously been frustrated over the years over the lack of fitting patterns and wanted to make sure that the patterns in their book would fit just about everyone.

So, the patterns themselves not only come in several sizes–most of them, anyway–but they are sorted into groups by what you would need to do to change the size. That’s practically unheard of! (In fact, I can’t think off-hand of another sock book that does that.) As a perennially “loose” knitter with narrow feet, whose standard stockinette socks are knit over 44 stitches, believe me, it’s nice to have someone who’s already thought through the sizing options and can give me hints to make socks that actually fit.

Each sock comes with a “skill level” and gives the the finished circumference and size right up front. They cover the gamut of sock methods, too. Cuff-down, Toe-up. Short row heels, traditional flap heels, etcetera, etcetera. That makes for a lot of variety. Most of the patterns come with sidebars with suggestions about how to re-size if necessary, or about construction, how to choose the right kind of yarn for that pattern … helpful stuff.

The patterns themselves? Not only are the construction techniques varied, but so are the socks. Lace, cables, color, texture–they are all here. All the socks are for women, in theory, though they could easily be adapted for men, if you so desired. (See? Those sizing options are already coming in handy.)

The pictures are good knitting-book pictures, in that they show the items in a graceful, tasteful, attractive way, without looking like they’re trying to hide something. (I admit, that’s actually harder to do when photographing socks, but I have seen suspicious sock photos!) The patterns are listed out in the Table of Contents, though there’s no Index. The section on techniques in the back is only four pages long, but I this book assumes you’ve already knitted a sock or two and focuses on providing new patterns, rather than detailed instruction about the concept of turning a heel–nothing wrong with that.

This book is available from Amazon.com.

Want to see bigger pictures? Here are the links:
1. sockclub_0015, 2. sockclub_0014, 3. sockclub_0012, 4. sockclub_0009, 5. sockclub_0008, 6. sockclub_0007, 7. sockclub_0006, 8. sockclub_0005, 9. sockclub_0003, 10. sockclub_0002

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This paperback review copy was kindly donated by Martingale & Company. Thank you!

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Review: Sock Club

First, the facts:

Title: Mason-Dixon Knitting

Authors: Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne

Published by: Potter Craft, 2009 (paperback edition)

Pages: 158

Type: Patterns, Design.

Chapters:

1. Being a Beginner
2. Knitting Around the House
3. Log Cabin Knitting
4. Fambly Projecks
5. Over the Top, Or True Artists
6. Community Knitting

Pattern Size Range: Not really applicable

First Reaction: Fun. Chatty. Great Pictures.

The In-Depth Look:

As if this book wasn’t good enough the first time around?

Yes, you’re probably thinking, “Didn’t you review this already?” Well, yes I did, in 2008, right around the time that I interviewed Kay and Ann to promote their second book.

But now, Mason-Dixon Knitting is back, this time a little lighter, and a little more economical, because this time, it’s not a hardcover.

Inside the covers? So far as I can tell, it’s exactly the same … which is to say, fabulous.

Ranging from the simple (“Warshcloths”) to the sublime (those Log Cabin afghans), this book absolutely lives up to its subtitle of “The Curious Knitters’ Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes and Pictures. Created for Knitters Everywhere who Share the Give’em Hell Spirit of Just Picking up the Needles and Making Stuff.”

Really, that says it all.

First, the tone of this book is friendly and accessible–like Kay and Ann just dropped in for coffee and are pulling amazing, simple things out of their knitting bags to show you what they’ve been up to. And what a great batch of stuff it is.

The signature item has to be the Ballband Warshcloth. (Yes, the “r” is deliberate.) Taken from the ballband of the Peaches & Creme yarn they use to make it, this pattern has exploded with popularity and has been knit by literally thousands of people–and it’s encouraged by these two to help stave off the dreaded “Precious Knits Syndrome” that makes a knitter want to treasure forever whatever they’ve made–even when it’s meant for wiping dishes. If you’re scrubbing tomato stains, you’re not going to look at your handknits in exactly the same way again.

Ditto for knitting a rug, like the very cool, spiralled Circle of Fun rug or the Dizzy Rug. Or the more-square Tailgate Rag Rug, or Snazzy Bath Rug, because, again, if you’re going to walk on it, you can’t treat it like a holy relic. (Although, personally, I’d still insist on no muddy shoes. Slippers, bare feet, socks, though? All okay.)

And, oh, let’s not forget the blankets. There are lots of blankets–all beautiful. Take the Log Cabin blanket, for example. In fact, there are several to choose from, depending on which color and layout you prefer, but the basic structure remains the same. Just like with quilting, you start with a center square and start knitting strips outward. The color possibilities are endless, as are the practical applications. That “Snazzy Bath Rug” I mentioned a couple minutes ago? That’s a Log Cabin knit–just, in sturdier yarn than the one designed to go on your bed.

I love the Mitered Square Blanket, for example, and the Flying Geese Blanket–squares bordered by lots of tiny triangles flying in formation–is really lovely, too. My bed would be honored to have any of those. Especialy since it doesn’t look like I’m going to be finishing my most-recent patchwork quilt any time soon–since it’s been heaped in the corner for six years now. But knitting? Knitting I still do.

There are other knits for your home here, too. Like the Bubble Curtain–inspired by bubbles rising in champagne, or the Big Dotty Cushion for your nearest piano bench (or whatever other hard seat you might have nearby). Don’t forget the Moses Basket cozy for a new baby, either–which is definitely the type of knit you DON’T want used for scrubbing dishes or being trod on. That’s the kind you want to keep as an heirloom.

It’s true, most of the patterns are the mostly-square variety, but there are a couple clothing items as well. The Heartbreakingly Cute Baby Kimono is an adorably fast knit for a baby. (I know, I made one of these for my niece-in-law a couple years ago.) And the Mason-Dixon After Dark nightgown/robe set are both really lovely. (And, possibly, help lead to the baby who’s going to need that sweater and Moses Basket?) Add in some shawls and some creative use of Potholder loops, and … well, lots of patterns.

What’s nice is that they’re more or less simple patterns, as in simple to DO, but not boring-simple. I mean, a square is knitting’s fundamental shape, but making these is anything but boring. Either the construction is unique, or the color combinations are. Or the way they’re pieced together. But it’s not like making endless swatches (ugh).

Then, between the patterns, you get the fun stuff. (As if the patterns weren’t enough fun.) Wondering about what you can tune your television to while you knit? Catch the “Must Knit TV” segment. Worried about making newbie mistakes? Check out the list of “Mistakes You Will Definitely Make,” and let me tell you–you will. (At some point or another, I’ve done every single one of them.) Don’t miss the “Places We Have Tried to Knit and Failed” list, either.

The text is breezy, light, neighborly. Friendly. And even more, there are a few times when Kay and Ann step back and let another knitter talk for a page or so–about why they love lace, or how important it is to finish your knits neatly, or how an endless creativity is a great thing for a knitter (or anyone). See? Going back to that friends-over-for-coffee analogy–not only do Kay and Ann come by and show you all these amazing things, they let other people talk, too. (I bet they even brought the coffee cake.)

Now, the last few, technical details. The pictures are great and give you a crystalline idea about what the knits really look like. (This is always important, even in a book where many of the items are meant to lay flat.) There are schematics and helpful sketches where relevant. In the book’s back matter, they not only have a list of abbreviations, but a list of sources for inexpensive yarn, and a list of the authors’ favorite knitting books. See? I told you these are good friends.

And–I really, really love this–not only are all the projects listed in the Table of Contents, they are also mentioned in the Index, AND there’s a separate index just for the projects in the book. This is unheard of organizational bounty so far as I’m concerned. THREE complete listings of the projects. I’m in love.

Interested? Check it out at Amazon.com.

Want to see bigger pictures? Here are the links:
1. m-d_0006, 2. m-d_0005, 3. m-d_0007, 4. m-d_0004, 5. m-d_0008, 6. m-d_0011, 7. m-d_0009, 8. m-d_0012, 9. m-d_0013

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This paperback review copy was kindly donated by Potter Craft. Thank you!

Other reviews for these authors:

• Mason-Dixon Knitting: Outside the Lines (Book #2)
• Also–an Interview! Part 1 and Part 2

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Review: Mason-Dixon in Paperback