Tag Archives: Pattern Books

Review: Faux Taxidermy Knits

Review: Faux Taxidermy Knits post image

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First, the facts:

Title: Faux Taxidermy Knits: 15 Wild Animal Knitting Patterns

Author: Louise Walker

Published by: Interweave Press, 2015

Pages: 127

Type: Patterns, mostly accessories (wearable and home furnishings)

Chapters:

1. Wearables
2. Habitat
3. Techniques

KS: Faux Taxidermy Knits

The In-Depth Look:

It must be hard, being a taxidermist in 2015. As a rule, people just aren’t as interested in decorating themselves or their houses in animal pelts, no matter how beautiful or finely treated. Fur just isn’t what it used to be, what with all this political correctness about animal rights floating around.

So what are you to do if you love the look of a fur wrap, or long to hang a moose head on your wall?

Well, if you’re a knitter … you make one yourself. Problem solved! A perfectly, politically correct solution with nothing harmed outside a sheep’s momentary dignity during its haircut.

There are things in this collection that I think are adorable. The Hedgehog slippers, for example or the Raccoon Hat. The Owl tea cozy is one that I wouldn’t mind having, either, and the Tiger Skin Rug looks quite comfy. I do question the dead pheasants, though, which seem in questionable taste, and thought the knitted Rabbit’s Foot just odd.

The fact remains, though, that the patterns are clever and creative and (mostly) full of a whimsical sense of fun. (Again, the dead pheasants totally threw me.)

You can get your copy at your local shop or by clicking here for Amazon.com.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by Interweave Press. Thank you!

My Gush: Creative.

Review: Botanical Knits 1 & 2

Review: Botanical Knits 1 & 2 post image

First, the facts:

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Title: Botanical Knits: Twelve Designs Inspired by Trees and Foliage

Author: Alana Dakos of Never Not Knitting

Published by: NNK Press, 2013

Pages: 1112

and

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Title: Botanical Knits 2: Twelve More Inspired Designs to Knit and Love

Author: Alana Dakos of Never Not Knitting

Published by: NNK Press, 2014

Pages: 120

KS: Botanical Knits

The In-Depth Look:

It was only as I started writing the review for the new “Botanical Knits 2″ that I realized that I’d never actually reviewed the original, “Botanical Knits,” even though it’s graced my shelves for almost a year now.

The fact that I’d neglected that comes as a shock because both these books are lovely, filled with sweaters, shawls, mittens, gloves, hats, and socks that I would love to have.

The patterns in both collections, are replete with natural kinds of motifs–textural leaves knit into a hat, vines twisting up the front of a sweater, lacy wraps that mimic falling leaves. The “extras” are organic and tastefully add interest to a series of garments that are otherwise straight-forward and wearable. The sweater shapes are all, well, normal kind of sweater shapes–nothing outlandish or so “creative” that they’re not recognizable.

I mean this entirely in a good way–some designers make sweaters that almost require a map to decipher, or that have trailing, asymmetrical pieces that make wearing them challenging. I truly like that, in both these collections, the shapes are fairly basic, with all the joy and fun and creativity coming from the texture and added stitch detail.

For the most part, the garments here are knit in single colors, too. And by “most,” I mean 23 out of 24 designs. The cover shawl on the second collection has a border knit in a contrasting color, but otherwise, all the patterns are made out of one color yarn, adding to their simplicity, giving nothing to distract your attention from the cabled and/or textural motifs.

I like these books, both of them. I would wear almost everything in them if I had the time to make them all, and there are several things I’m practically itching to cast on. (It didn’t hurt that I recently saw the trunk show for Botanical Knits 2 and got to actually touch and see some of these in person–it just made me want to knit them even more!)

You can find these books at your local yarn shop, or buy either Volume 1 or Volume 2 at Amazon.com.
Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

My Gush: No, I’m not going to pick a favorite!

Review: Pick Your Stitch, Build Your Blanket

Review: Pick Your Stitch, Build Your Blanket post image

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First, the facts:

Title: Pick Your Stitch, Build Your Blanket: 80 Knit Stitches, Endless Combinations

Author: Doreen L. Marquart

Published by: Martingale Press, 2015

Pages: 98

Type:

Chapters:

Introduction
Getting Started
The Blocks–80 Stitch Patterns
Sampler-type Afghans
Single-Pattern Afghans
Vertically Patterned Afghans
Horizontally Patterned Afghans
Knitting Basics
Assembly Basics
Useful Information
Stitch Index

KS: Pick Your Stitch, Build Your Blanket

The In-Depth Look:

Tell me, how do you feel about stitch dictionaries?

Personally, I love them, because I not only enjoy browsing the variety of patterns and textures that knitters have created out of knits and purls, but I love finding just the right one to knit into a sweater or a blanket.

Except, not everyone knows how to do that—which is what inspired Doreen L. Marquart to write this book.

She says in her introduction that she often recommends the 365 Knitting Stitches a Year Perpetual Calendar to the customers of her yarn shop, but that, “a vast number of knitters don’t know how to adapt and use these stitch patterns to actually knit an afghan. … I’ve completed the necessary calculations for 80 of the stitch patterns from the calendar so that no matter what yarn or needle size you use, as long as you use the same yarn weight and needle size for each block, your finished blocks will be identical in size after blocking. … Once you discover how easy the entire process is, a whole new world of possible uses for the calendar will be at your fingertips. Let the fun begin!”

She starts by explaining how to figure out how many blocks you’ll need for your afghan, depending on the block size and how big you want the finished project to be. Then she immediately dives into the blocks—80 different stitch patterns adapted into small blocks (30 stitches for 48 rows) or large blocks (46 stitches over 80 rows). Right away, you’ve got full-color visuals of exactly what your own blocks would look like, complete with garter stitch borders all around. The patterns run the gamut from basic texture (like seed stitch) to lace to cables.

The rest of the book is broken down into types of afghans, starting with the sampler type—the kind of afghan made up of different blocks assembled into one blanket. The three afghans that follow vary by color palate, but are leave plenty of choices to the knitter—you don’t have to use the same stitches she used, after all!

The next section is for single-color afghans—afghans made entirely in one color, one stitch pattern, then come the vertically or horizontally-patterned afghans. These are more specific patterns—giving you precise instructions on how to make the afghan you’re looking at. There is some basic explanation on how to combine the different stitches, but it mostly comes down to a paragraph or two at the head of each section. I’m not sure I would find this enough explanation if I were uncertain about how to do this, but the idea is to be creative, right? To guide without too much hand-holding?

The afghans given are lovely, and they come along with notes and hints about construction.

All in all, a good book to help knitters figure out what to do with those stitch dictionaries … and to keep warm at the same time! You can get your copy here at Amazon.com or at your local bookstore.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by Martingale Press. Thank you!

My Gush: Practical and helpful!

Review: From Folly Cove

Review: From Folly Cove post image

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First, the facts:

Title: From Folly Cove

Author: Julia Farwell-Clay

Published by: Classic Elite Yarns, 2015

Pages: 54

Type: Patterns

Chapters:

No chapters, just patterns!

KS: From Folly Cove

The In-Depth Look:

I’ve been trying to get to this review for a week, all while my review copy has sat on my table, looking charming and appealing as I continually rushed past it. I have absolutely no excuse because this slim little volume of patterns is great.

The collection from Julia Farwell-Clay gets its name from the Folly Cove Designers, a group, she says, “of mostly women who collaborated to hand print textiles in Gloucester, Massachusetts, beginning in the 1940s.” She says, “I have a long standing appreciation of their work, and for how those women (for the most part) fit art and craft into their lives alongside family and practical concerns of life on Cape Ann during and after the Second World War.”

Every pattern in the book is inspired by the work and personalities of the Folly Cove women. There are ten patterns in all (eleven if you count the Iarrobino Butterly Vest and Cowl as two separate patterns). Sweaters, a couple wraps, a skirt, a dress, a hat … they’re lovely. I could cast on for Hetty’s Garden Coat right this minute, and the Meteori shawl is something I would happily make, too. I wouldn’t exactly say no to any of them, actually, even if I don’t have the figure to wear the knitted dress.

This isn’t a big book. It’s at that in-between size of being bigger and classier than a pamphlet of patterns, but not quite a full-blown, full-scale “book.” You’ll find this collection at yarn shops, not at book stores. This makes sense, of course, because it’s produced by Classic Elite Yarns and so it goes where the yarn is. It’s beautifully put together, too, with gorgeous photographs which are reminding me how long it’s been since I was up to the north-east corner of Massachusetts.

Incidentally, I only just noticed that–as an added bonus–there is an eBook download code inside the back cover, which means you get a digital copy with your paper copy purchase–that’s always a plus for me. I love paper books, but there’s something really convenient about being able to carry things on my tablet or phone.

You can find this charming book at your local yarn shop or here at Ravelry. Here’s a link to Julia’s website where she talks about the book.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by the author and Classic Elite Yarns. Thank you!

My Gush: Classic in all sorts of ways.

Review: Rustic Modern Knits

Review: Rustic Modern Knits post image

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First, the facts:

Title: Rustic Modern Knits: 23 Sophisticated Designs

Author: Yumiko Alexander

Published by: Interweave Press, 2014

Pages: 127

Type: Patterns

Chapters:

No chapters, just a list of patterns

KS: Rustic Modern

The In-Depth Look:

Billed as having “23 sophisticated designs,” you know right away that this collection isn’t going to be just standard sweater shapes. And when you know the author’s last book was Rustic Modern Crochet, you know she’s going to be looking at her knitting in a different way.

She focuses here on accessories that are unique and different—taking design elements from crochet to make things that have interesting shapes and dimensions—something outside the usual knitting designs.

What follows is a collection of accessories—wraps, hats, scarves, vests, mitts—all with something different. Asymmetrical construction, a blend of stitch patterns and texture … variety is the name of the game.

I like the designer’s way of playing with color, and she has a good eye for shape and pattern, unusual though some of them are, her designs work. And by “unusual” I mean new and innovative rather than that vaguely polite, damning-with-faint-praise thing people do when they tell you your hideous new coat is “nice.” There are a couple designs I don’t quite “get” (the Midnight Tendril shawl being first on the list, if only because I can’t see the point. It looks fun to knit but utterly impractical to wear.) Mostly, though, the designs are pretty and interesting and unique—at least three of them are immediately on my “I would make that” list.

You should definitely check this out.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by Interweave Press. Thank you!

My Gush: Modern, yet comfortable.

Review: No-Sew Knits

Review: No-Sew Knits post image

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First, the facts:

Title: No-Sew Knits: 20 Flattering, Finish-Free Garments

Author: Kristen TenDyke

Published by: Interweave Press, 2014

Pages: 175

Type: Patterns

Chapters:

1. The Basics
2. Interchangeable Stitch Patterns
3. Lace
4. Cables

KS; No-Sew Knits

The In-Depth Look:

A new book from Kristen TenDyke (author of Finish-Free Knits), this time focusing on handknit sweaters that don’t require you to sew anything together.

She says the book was inspired by the knitters who came to her book signings, whose most often asked question was “what is the easiest pattern?”—a question she kept in mind while putting this new book together.

Here she provides 20 sweater designs, many with options for customizing them to meet not only your needs, but your skill level. While this book is by no means limited to beginners, she has kept them in mind by making sure the instructions are accessible to everyone. The easier patterns are near the front of each chapter, list the necessary techniques at the beginning of each pattern, and try to avoid the dreaded “and at the same time” throughout.

The first chapter, “The Basics,” is filled with four basic sweater constructions in familiar stitch patterns. “Interchangeable Stitch Patterns” covers exactly that—patterns that can use any of six different stitch patterns, so you can customize to your heart’s content. “Lace” and “Cables” are obviously filled with sweaters in those stitch patterns.

Throughout the book, there are periodic tips to help you on your way, whether you’re an experienced knitter or not. She also takes entire pages to discuss certain techniques with all their advantages and disadvantages. Picking up stitches. Edging. Provisional cast-ons. Seamless set-in sleeve caps. Bust darts. … You get the idea.

The designs themselves are all for sweaters, and all have just enough going on to be interesting to knit without being overly difficult or too impractical to wear. I liked her conversational asides about why certain design choices were made, or how to modify things. She’s giving you the tools you need to make educated choices about whether you follow her pattern or make changes to suit yourself. And the idea of an entire chapter with interchangeable stitch patterns? Genius!

All in all, a great book with good designs and helpful information. You can get your copy here at Amazon.com!

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by Interweave Press. Thank you!

My Gush: .

Review: Modern Country Knits

Review: Modern Country Knits post image

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First, the facts:

Title: Modern Country Knits: 30 Designs from Juniper Moon Farm

Author: Susan Gibbs

Published by: Sixth & Spring Books, 2014

Pages: 144

Type: Patterns

Chapters:

(No chapters, just a listing of patterns)

KS: Modern Country Knits

The In-Depth Look:

In the interests of full disclosure, I’m telling you right now that I’ve known Susan since 2008 when I joined her fiber CSA for what was then known as the Martha’s Vineyard Fiber Farm. I’ve been reading her entertaining blog since about forever. I’ve watched as she transitioned from producing yarn from her personal flock of adorable sheep and goats to a commercial line of yarn that I’ve consistently loved knitting with. I’ve also test-knitted for her several times and done some pattern editing for her, all the while impressed at her enthusiasm and energy.

So, really, the fact that Susan now has a book out is almost unsurprising, because of course she’d write a book, too. I’m starting to think there’s nothing she can’t do.

Now, for this review I’ve got an added advantage of having spent several hours today at Knit in Newtown, PA for a book-signing/trunk show where Susan showed live samples of just about every garment in this book. This means I can tell you that they’re just as gorgeous in person as they are in the pages of the book. (Because, really, you can’t always be sure about that kind of thing, can you?) There’s nothing quite like seeing live samples on live people to boost your confidence in the designers.

So, if all this makes me biased, well … there are worse things to be biased about, because this book is a winner.

Modern Country Knits is filled with an assortment of sweater and accessory patterns, all for women. Sweaters, hats, mitts, dresses, shawls … it’s the usual kind of assortment. Some of the patterns might look familiar because they’ve been lifted from earlier Juniper Moon Farm pattern leaflets, but most of them are new. (And if you haven’t been as obsessive about following Susan’s farm grow and expand as I have, you probably haven’t seen most of these, but even if you have, they are her most popular patterns to date for a reason.)

Seriously, this is a great book with good patterns and really beautiful photos. (Just the kind I like, too, because they’re great to look at but actually show off the garments without looking like they’re trying to hide anything.) And of course there are schematics to go with the patterns, and stitch charts as needed … everything you need.

It’s entirely true that I might be biased, here, on behalf of my friend, but don’t let that stop you from checking out this book! Run to your nearest shop or go straight to Amazon.com to get a copy.

(Because, honestly, if I’d hated the book I’d try to be tactful and not hurt anyone’s feelings, but I’d still let you know I was disappointed … and, obviously, that is NOT the case here. This is an honest-to-goodness rave. Just because I’m biased doesn’t mean I’m wrong!)

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by Susan Gibbs. Thank you!

My Gush: Love it all–just because I’m biased, doesn’t mean I’m wrong!

Review: First Frost

Review: First Frost post image

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First, the facts:

Title: First Frost: Cozy Folk Knitting

Author: Lucinda Guy

Published by: Interweave Press, 2014

Pages: 127

Type: Scandinavian-inspired knitwear for the whole family.

Chapters:

1. Folk Colors
2. Folk Textures
3. Folk Traditions

KS: First Frost

The In-Depth Look:

I’ve always had a soft place in my heart for Scandinavian-themed knitwear. I blame my best friend for the start of it. Having a Norwegian mother, she always had the best hats, sweaters, and mittens in the winter. Their home had some of the most charming design accents, too. So it’s really no wonder that several of my first “real” knitting projects were Scandinavian-styled sweaters.

In the years since, I’ve branched out into other looks and techniques, but still … put a stranded colorwork snowflake on a handknit, and you’re going to get my attention.

Which is exactly what this book does.

The theme here is “folk” and not specifically “Scandinavia,” but in effect it’s much the same in this collection of lovely patterns. Sweaters, hats, home decor … even one of the cutest knitted squirrels I’ve ever seen. (Not to mention a gnome.) There’s something here for everyone and I loved almost all of these patterns.

Not that I’m surprised, considering how much I enjoyed her pair of Northern Knits books, which hit the same chord of inspired designs that reflected the Scandinavian appeal I like so much without slavishly sticking to the traditions rather than modernizing.

Really, there’s nothing here not to like.

Go get yourself a copy at Amazon.com or your local shop.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by Interweave Press. Thank you!

My Gush: Fun and charming and whimsical and warm.

Other posts for this author:

Review: Knockout Knits

Review: Knockout Knits post image

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First, the facts:

Title: Knockout Knits: New Tricks for Scarves, Hats, Jewelry, and Other Accessories

Author: Laura Nelkin

Published by: Potter Craft, 2014

Pages: 144

Type: Accessories patterns

Chapters:

1. Wrapped Stitches at Play
2. Get Your Lace On
3. Beaded Beauties

KS: Knockout Knits

The In-Depth Look:

You can tell this book began as a labor of love. The author tells us right up front that she is “obsessed with innovative knitting techniques” and “adores playing with stitch patterns and constructions that explore the mechanics of knitting.”

This book reflects that. It’s a playful collection of accessories that push knitting boundaries. How can you resist an author that says that “each section begins with an introduction explaining the technique, why I love it and why I think you will, too.”

Well, to some knitters, that’s practically a challenge.

The first section of the book talks about wrapped stitches–not the kind you use to knit short rows, but multiple yarn-overs to make elongated stitches. You know, the kind of yarn-overs that allow you to play with stitches without puckering the fabric. Part two deals with lace–one of my favorites. Chapter three is all about adding beads to your knitting. This includes helpful tips on the two primary ways of getting beads into your knitting, though the author is quick to point out that you can knit any of the designs in this section without the beads if you happen not to like them.

The designs themselves run the usual gamut of accessories–hats, shawls, mitts, socks–but also knitted jewelry, in cuffs and necklaces. Personally, I like almost all of them (and am trying not to be jealous of the hair one of the models has).

The author warns you right up front in her introduction: “Consider yourself warned: By knitting the designs in this book, you are embarking on a potentially addictive–and definitely creative–journey!”

This lovely book can be found at your local shop or at Amazon.com.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

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

My Gush: Great accessories

Review: New American Knits

Review: New American Knits post image

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First, the facts:

Title: New American Knits: Classic Sportswear Patterns

Author: Amy Christoffers

Published by: Interweave Press, 2014

Pages: 127

Type: Patterns

Chapters:

No chapters, just a list of patterns.

KS: New American Knits

The In-Depth Look:

I think it’s pretty clear that my favorite kinds of knitting patterns are the ones that are unique but are eminently wearable on a regular day. Crazy shapes and weird ruffles or whatever are interesting but we don’t live in Edwardian England anymore. Most of us need to be able to actually do things and dangling sleeves and such only end up getting in the way (even when they look marvelous).

So, books like “New American Knits” are my favorites. Pretty, classic shapes but with interesting details to make them look special but not get in the way.

The author says in the introduction:

“The ‘American Look’ is simple and practical. The term comes from the style of the 1930s and 1940s–the moment in fashion when American designers stopped looking to Europe for inspiration and created a style that was uniquely their own. The American Look is fresh and modern, even by today’s standards; tailored and unfussy but with whimsical details. Think Katharine Hepburn or Lauren Bacall looking relaxed and casual, crisp and tailored, all at the same time. New American Knits is about applying traditional knitting skills and textile motifs to contemporary wearable knitting. It is nostalgic but not vintage, with textures and colorwork motifs adapted and applied with an eye toward creating a modern wardrobe.”

Accordingly, Amy Christoffers has filled this book with patterns–sweaters, wraps, hats, and the usual assortment of accessories–that look fun to knit but will be easy to throw on and wear for years to come.

I liked the touch that each pattern is named after an American artist–not all of whom I’d heard of. But as the author says in the introduction, she hopes we’ll be inspired to check them out.

All in all, this is a great book–full of practical and beautiful patterns.

You can find your copy at your local bookstore or at Amazon.com.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by Interweave Press. Thank you!

My Gush: Classic and wearable.