Friday, December 5, 2008

Hot Knits 30 Cool, Fun Designs to Knit and Wear


Inside...
So, this book is rated R. My teenage daughter and her boyfriend noticed these details right off. Who knew 18 yr-olds wanted to look at a knitting book? Must have been a slow day on the satellite t.v.

Not for beginners - 6 projects for ADVANCED beginner, 18 Intermediate and 6 Advanced.

So hurry up and get your skills up to speed so you can start cookin with gas.

Very stylish textures, shapes. Exciting Colors and varieties of yarns. Ruffles, leather lacing and fringed borders. Yummm.

The Yarn...types and colors too numerous to list - check out the book. 30 projects!

The Book...
a modern mix...fun to make and stylish to wear.
Contents: Long mohair duster -- pull-over with ruffled borders -- bulky sideways-knit sweater -- chenille pullover with flared cuffs -- long-sleeved square-neck pullover -- colorblock sweater -- delicate v-neck pullover -- figure-flattering cardigan -- short-sleeved cotton pullover -- sleeveless ribbed dress -- updated Fair Isle sweater -- A-line raglan pullover -- quick-to-knit jacket -- shaped v-neck tank -- tunic with plunging v-neck and mandarin collar - short-sleeved two-color top -- V-neck lace tunic -- cropped summer T -- protrait-necked pullover -- textured tunic -- sleveless funnel-neck top -- zippered hoodie -- shaped-to-fit tube top -- single button textured cardigan -- bulky cabled pullover -- sporty zip-neck pullover -- contoured sleeveless shell -- fringed pullover -- sleeveless shell with self-trim -- empire waist turtleneck with heart medallion -- sweater assembly -- yarn choice and substitution -- material resources -- instructional resources -- index

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Simple knits for little cherubs














Inside....
Erika Knight's introduction to simple knits for little cherubs frames the patterns in this book perfectly with her description of the collection. Vintage. Retro feel. Nostalgic. Evocative as snapshots in a family album, treasured. Wow! And they are! for children aged two to five years, perfect silhouettes of classic sweaters, vests, fluffy bolero, mittens on a string and simple socks. Knight begins with an instruction guide on measuring! Oh so crucial before committing the time and yarn to a project made with hopes, dreams and wishes for the best childhood. Heirloom.

The Yarn...
Samples:
Short-sleeved sweater pg 26
Yarn: Fine yarn (4 ply) e.g. Jaeger Matchmaker 100 percent merino wool
Gauge: 28 stitches and 36 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) measured over stockinette stitch using US 3 (3.25mm) needles

the blanket pg 100
Yarn: Medium wieght yarn e.g. Rowan wool cotton (50% merino/50% cotton)
Gauge: 22 stitches and 30 rows to 4 inches (10cm) using US 6 needles (4mm)

The Book...
Contents: introduction -- yarns and colours -- equipment & tension -- sizing -- classic sweater -- short-sleeved sweater -- denim pinafore -- firl's games sweater -- fluffy bolero -- dressing gown -- scottie dog cardigan -- fairisle border cardigan -- boy's diamond pullover -- reinbdeer zipper cardigan --- stripy hat -- stripy muffler -- mittens on strings -- simple socks -- patched blanket -- velvet rabbit -- pyjama bag -- top dog -- erika's tips -- substituting yarns -- suppliers - acknowledgments

Knit Christmas Stockings! 19 Patterns for Stockings and Ornaments

Inside...
Gwen Steege edited Knit Christmas Stockings! and compiles a jolly variety of holiday cheer complete with color chart instructions, felting information and guides for beginning knitters. All instruction sheets are very easy to read, laid out in a format that is clearer than many patterns with tiny font. Large photos and colored-in charts are also a big help to new color-work knitters.

The Yarn...
Samples:
Mix-and-Match Socks pg 60 (Worsted Weight version)
Yarn - Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Superwash, 100% wool, worsted weight, 3 1/2 oz (100g)/200yd (183 m) skeins
Gauge - 20 stitches = 4 inches (10cm) on US #8 (5mm) needles in stockinette stitch

Star Brocade pg 78
Yarn - Plymouth Galway, 100% wool, worsted weight, 3.5 oz (100g) 210 yd (192 m) skeins
Gauge - 20 stitches = 4 inches (10cm) on US #6 (4.0mm) needles in stockinette stitch

The Book...
CONTENTS: Stockings Up! -- Winter Wonderland -- Rustic Lodge -- Christmas Sampler -- Furry Felts -- Pampered Pets Mix-and-Match Socks -- Jester's Bells -- Star Brocade - Snazzy Argyles -- Gifted Stocking -- Victorian Flowers -- Mini-Socks -- A Heart, a Star a Tree -- Mni Felted Mitts and Socks -- Ski Sweater Ornaments -- Contributing Designers -- Index