Category Archives: Knitting Books

Entrelac! From Scarf Style

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I just started an entrelac stole two weeks ago:

entrelac start

two weeks into entrelac

And a close-up:

This is an adapted version of Lady Eleanor from Scarf Style: Innovative to Traditional, 31 Inspirational Styles to Knit and Crochet (Style series).

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Lady Eleanor is the first thing I have knitted from this book, but most of the patterns seem pretty well written. Someday I might even do the dragon scarf.

This is a worthy addition to any knitter’s library.

Oh, I’m also running an LSG Ravelry Entrelac – a – long. So, if you are on Ravelry and want to knit or crochet along, join us. Just remember, LSG is where swearing is encouraged – especially at your knitting.

2-at-a-time Socks

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21x-dcHUuVL2-at-a-Time Socks: Revealed Inside. . . The Secret of Knitting Two at Once on One Circular Needle Works for any Sock Pattern! by Melissa Morgan Oakes is one of the best books on knitting two socks at the same time. The only weakness in my mind is that none of the patterns are toe-up!

Truthfully, I’m incapable of doing one sock at a time anymore. I make too many mistakes with any given pattern and it makes it so much easier to have matching socks when you are knitting both at the same time!

I have knitted the Beloved pattern – mostly without the errata (http://www.storey.com/books/book.php/y/5/p/0/order_no/67691), but they look great anyway! I found Melissa’s Ravelry group after finishing the leg – and I hate to frog anything. Yes, I am a lazy knitter.

Her instructions are very clear with really clear photographs. There are some corrections in the errata (linked above). This is a great book and belongs in any sock knitters library – from beginner to advanced.

2-at-a-time Be Mine Socks Done!

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socks2I will be reviewing the book in the near future, but I finished the first pair of socks I knit from the book, 2-at-a-time Socks by Melissa Morgan Oakes!

I love the Rosehip variegations from Mountain Colors Bearfoot. Despite only having about 350 yards a skein, I managed to have a little yarn left over. Very little, but a little.

Now, I didn’t find the errata until about the time I turned the heel, so the corrected chart only occurs on the foot, but I think they look rather nice. And, my husband likes these socks too!

The instructions were very clear, so I can’t not recommend the book! But, I’ll save my review for May. That way, I have time to knit another pair from the book to give an even better assessment.

socks1

It is kind of hard to see the pattern due to my lack of photography skills, but the pattern does show up on this skein of yarn! Hopefully, the picture to the right gives a better view of the way the pattern shows up. It probably shows up best in a solid, but I seem to have a problem with boredom when dealing with single colors.

Oh, and they are mighty comfy on cold feet! I really liked working with the Bearfoot yarn. That is a yarn, that despite the expense, I will be looking at using again. The spinner and dyer really knows how to make a fun to work with yarn.

Of course, I am thinking of investing in learning to really spin in the near future… If only my husband didn’t insist on a walkway through the house.

Note: My email was unaccessible from Friday till this morning, so I am once again even further behind in certain obligations. Sorry!

Drunk, Divorced & Covered in Cat Hair

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Drunk, Divorced & Covered in Cat Hair
Crazy Aunt Purl, the blogger, has written a book many middle-aged women can relate to – even if they are not drunk, divorced and covered in cat hair. Crazy Aunt Purl’s Drunk, Divorced, and Covered in Cat Hair: The True-Life Misadventures of a 30-Something Who Learned to Knit After He Split is one of those books that will not take long to read. It talks about how women reinvent themselves and make both bad and good decisions.

Laurie Perry does not repeat her blog here. It is a different take on her growth from divorced and defeated to single and soaring (with knitting needles). Truthfully, from other reviews, I expected more. I am not a follower of the Crazy Aunt Purl blog – or the Yarn Harlot, for that matter. The book did keep my interest though while I was on bed rest.

There are two parts to the book, the biographical story and a series of patterns. I was, honestly, disappointed in the patterns. You can find very similar patterns online for free. I would have hoped for something a bit more challenging or, at least, unusual. I probably will not be using any of the patterns, but that is not the reason for grabbing this book.

Laurie effectively shows the friendliness of the knitters. Even coming out to California for medical stuff I had to go to local yarn stores and every single one had friendly customers and staff. (You cannot keep a knitter or crocheter from yarn.) The women who knit will be your true blue friends if you let them.

I know that my own Michigan Craft Night group is a varied group that still manages to provide support for all of us. Even with very different life paths and goals! Now, not all of us are knitters, but there is something about crafters that make them supportive of one another. I’m glad Laurie’s friend made her discover knitting and the world of crafty women (and men).

One of the nicest features of the book is the list of book discussion questions she provides.  It is interesting to see how Laurie sees herself within the confines of the book and its discussion – and how she expands it to include larger issues.  This would be a fun book for a book discussion at a Craft or Knitter’s Night.  We all gossip at our get-togethers, why not knit and discuss books?

Pet Peeves: Knitting Stitch Dictionaries and Electronic Books

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I received several new stitch dictionaries which I will be reviewing individually soon, but they are all going to get dinged for one reason:

No charts.

Knitting charts make knitting cables, laces, and other patterns so much easier! They are so much easier to refer to than written out instructions. I understand that it increases the cost of creating a book, but I, for one, am willing to pay as much as $5.00 to $10.00 more for good charts. I don’t think it should cost that much to do charting since so many magazines do include charts in their patterns.

A good stitch dictionary is a knitter’s best friend!

The other rant I have is that so many knitting reference books and stitch dictionaries are only available in hard copy. I mean, consider how technical so many knitters really are, why not have it so I can carry a really complete series of books – like Barbara Walker’s books – on my laptop, PDA or phone? How much more yarn could be sold if, while traveling, I finish one project and cast about for another but don’t want to buy a heavy book – or a book I already own – to start it?

Yes, this rant is partially from my current circumstances, but, I don’t think I’m alone in this thought. What are your thoughts about it?

Socktoberfest 2007 – Starting Sock

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Since it is October, and for some reason I have taken to the color orange, I have decided to start with a pair of socks for me:
Starting Orange Socks

I like the contrasting grays, greenish grays, and blacks with the oranges. It isn’t too orange.

It’s Koigu from one of our local yarn stores – I can’t find the tag for which colorway – being knit on #1 KnitPicks fixed circulars. I have discovered that I love doing toe up two at a time. (I think this is because it is easier to mask mistakes I make in the pattern by simply doing the same mistake on both socks at the same time!)

Oh, come now, what knitter doesn’t occasionally want to just push through when the design won’t really be hurt by that little mistake? Lace can be so forgiving!  (Of course I am doing a cable this time…)

I’ve decided to do a modified version of the April 7 365 Knitting Stitches a Year Perpetual Calendar pattern – Cable Fabric for the design. I’m anxious to see how it turns out since it is an 8 row repeat and I usually try to stick to 4 row repeats.

After this one is done, I have to do my friend’s purple socks that she wants done like the black and red socks I did for my mother.

Socktoberfest 2007 to Distract – and What Kind of Knitter?

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I have a lot of medical stuff happening this month. I will be out of the office for half of October and my workplace is not realizing that I will not be there if they give me certain projects. I am pretty sure it is part of the end of financial year silly – so I am stressed there as well. Usually, they are a lot more aware of reality than right now. I’m pretty sure it will pass.

I need to distract myself – and, of course, I am behind in writing up book reviews – so, I have decided to participate in Socktoberfest 2007. Lolly Knitting Around started this in 2005 and since I didn’t knit socks that much till this year, I didn’t participate before. Now, I have two new books to inspire:


Vogue Knitting The Ultimate Sock Book

New Pathways for Sock Knitters

Vogue Knitting The Ultimate Sock Book: History*Technique*Design (Vogue Knitting) and New Pathways for Sock Knitters: Book One are both good books, but, in the little time I have had to look at them, Cat Bordhi’s book beats the Vogue Knitting The Ultimate Sock Book: History*Technique*Design (Vogue Knitting).

New Pathways for Sock Knitters: Book One has a better breakdown on technique and an index – which is sorely lacking from Vogue Knitting The Ultimate Sock Book: History*Technique*Design (Vogue Knitting). A generic table of contents does not replace an index!

I will be doing in-depth reviews of both books once I have a chance to try a pattern from each during Socktoberfest 2007!

And, now to the type of knitter I supposedly am:


What Kind of Knitter Are You?


You appear to be a Knitting Guru. You love knitting and do it all the time. While finishing a piece is the plan, you still love the process, and can’t imagine a day going by without giving some time to your yarn. Packing for vacation involves leaving ample space for the stash and supplies. It can be hard to tell where the yarn ends and you begin.http://marniemaclean.com
Take this quiz!

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Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitter’s Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes, and Pictures

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In a surprise even to me, I’m actually writing a review of a knitting book again. Of course, this is MLO Knitting.

Mason-Dixon Knitting

I’ve had Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitters’ Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes, and Pictures by Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne but have not been able to review it because I’m too busy trying out the different projects. This book is jam-packed with knitting goodness.

Projects included are:

  • Ballband Dishcloth – A nice, quick gift to those who can appreciate the work put into it. It is so easy you can use it as a test gift to see if folks will appreciate it. Of course, Kay and Ann do warn that many people who receive these gifts are afraid to use them because they are “so nice.”
  • Chevron Stripes Hand Towel & Moss Grid Hand Towel – Match these with a Ballband Dischcloth and you have a nice set for a housewarming.
  • Dragon Jacket – A knitted applique that can be sewn onto anything the knitter likes.
  • Flower Jacket – Another applique.
  • Big Dotty Cushion – Need some cushions for your couch or bed? Try this and see what is said.
  • Bubbly Curtain – Not my style but may appeal to some with the proper motif in their home. Perhaps cover the kitchen window to make a complete kitchen set with the dishcloth and hand towels?
  • Mason-Dixon After-Dark Nightie & Robe – Kay and Ann show that knitted items can be sexy without being racy. I don’t know if I’ll try this or go with something from one of the new lace knitting books.)
  • Mason-Dixon Washcloth – Another addition to the growing set of towels and washcloths – but this time in a star configuration.
  • Felted Boxes – Felting? I still haven’t tried it, but these boxes may make me as I have a constant need for containers – all those knitting implements, not to mention computer items.
  • Joseph’s Blankie of Many Colors, Courthouse Steps Denim Blanket, Moderne Log Cabin, Moderne Baby Blanket, Absorba the Great Bathmat, Tailgate Rag Rug, & Snazzy Bath Rug - This was the concept I used for the blankie for my nephew’s Easter blanket.
  • Flying Geese Blanket – Just like the quilt design it makes a lovely lap blanket that could easily be adapted into a larger version.
  • Superfancy Potholder Loop Rug, Dizzy Rug, & Dishrag Rug – Scraps you have around that are long enough to turn into strips that you tie together? Knit them up into a neat new and useful item.
  • Circle-of-Fun Rug - Using a combination of triangles and semi-circles, make a round rug that you can use just about anywhere depending on your color choice.
  • Mitered Square Blanket – Lots of yarn from projects about the house that you need to use up? Make up bunches of squares and sew them together to create a unique scrap yarn blanket or design with all new yarn and colors.
  • Nina Shawl - colors and pattern combine to make a unique shawl – your choice of color, but follow Nina’s pattern.
  • Baby Bib O’ Love & Baby Genius Burp Cloths – A friend or relative having a baby? These are quick to knit lovely and unique gifts to give.
  • Keepsake Blanket- A baby blanket that builds on everything you learn in this book. You can stretch your skills or stay within your comfort level to make a unique blanket that someone will cherish for a long time. This would also make a lovely lap blanket for an elderly person or someone confined to a wheelchair.
  • Moses Basket, Ambitious Grandmother Version & Moses Basket, Stovetop Version - A basket liner with lace. The Grandmother version includes the lining, the Stovetop version is just the edging. (Personally, I think a blanket would be a better bet, so I will not be doing this project as the basket just wouldn’t be sturdy enough to be trusted.)

    • Every single one of these patterns are on my to-do list – or has inspired an already existing project. The only one I probably won’t do is the Ballband Dishcloth as I prefer medallion dish and face cloths. I decided I can use up some of my collection of cotton yarn in making a burp cloth and bib for the inevitable baby showers that I get invited to. Even if I can’t make it, who can object to receiving a handknit bib and burp cloth set?

    Each set of projects is attached to a set of instructions for technique. The most complex technique involves a wee bit of lace work – but not enough to scare off a beginner. If you are looking for a great book for your collection or to give as a first project-centric book to a beginning knitter.

    The techniques include log cabin knitting, mitered knitting, lace knitting, and color technique. You will need an accompanying technique book for some knitting instructions. Kay and Ann tried to include as much as they could, but there is limited space when doing a project-centric book. You only need the basic knit and purl so any primer should be ok.

    I highly recommend adding Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitters’ Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes, and Pictures by Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne to your collection of knitting books, and if you are a librarian, you might consider this book for your general knitting collection.

Books! Knit 2 Together

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Knit 2 TogetherSo I was shopping to get my fix of cotton yarn to create dishcloths and various other things when I see a woman with a magnificent hand-knit doctor’s bag. She and I get to talking and she tells me about Tracey Ullman’s book Knit 2 Together: Patterns and Stories for Serious Knitting Fun (co-authored by Mel Stull).

I had seen the book, but hadn’t really given it much thought since it was next to the Victorian Lace book I had been looking for. What a mistake! This book is awesome. It has a number of cool patterns but the really cool part of it is Tracey and her coauthor’s (Mel Stull) observations about the (obsessed) knitter.

Now, I’m not going to say that I am obsessed – the wall of yarn means nothing. Absolutely nothing. I don’t have the yarn I need to start my Master’s… But back to the book. I was able to find it from a local independent bookseller who discounts his in-stock books for $17.60 (US). It normally retails at about $27.60 (US), I believe. It is worth the higher price in my mind.

Of course, my husband believes me to be some sort of media junkie. Just because I like DVDs, Books, and craft supplies. I only rarely buy music! Really!