Tag Archives: Accessories

Review: Highland Knits

Posted on April 27, 2016 by --Deb | Comments Off

First, the facts:

Title: >Highland Knits: Knitwear Inspired by the Outlander Series

Published by: Interweave Press, 2016

Pages: 111

Type: Patterns

Chapters:

(No chapters, just patterns)

The In-Depth Look:

It’s true that the OUTLANDER series is a huge hit–and why not? A sexy time-travel romance with Highland flair and great knitwear … what’s not to love?

This collection of sixteen patterns knows exactly how you feel.

Mostly accessories–cowls, shawls, gloves, and so on–this collection is filled with knits with the feel of the fashions in the TV show.

For the most part, these projects all seem quick, easy to get from your needles to your wardrobe in no time flat. A number of them are knit in chunky yarns that knit up fast–and if that’s not historically accurate? Well, it’s stylish and warm, and isn’t that what matters?

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: Easy to tackle, Highland inspired.

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Tagged Accessories, clothing

Review: The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting

Posted on September 21, 2015 by --Deb | Comments Off

First, the facts:

Title: The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting: Techniques, Stitches, Projects

Author: Faina Goberstein & Simona Merchant-Dest

Published by: Interweave Press, 2015

Pages: 175

Type:

Chapters:

1. All About Slip-Stitch Knitting
2. Traditional Slip-Stitch Patterns
3. Woven Slip-Stitch Patterns
4. Fancy Slip-Stitch Patterns
5. Reversible Slip-Stitch Patterns

The In-Depth Look:

Slip-stitch knitting is one of those techniques that is very simple to do, but often misunderstood, because it seems like it’s hard. (It’s not.) What this technique is, though, is versatile.

Faina Goberstein and Simona Merchant-Dest have compiled a collection of both slip-stitch stitch patterns and patterns for sweaters and accessories using them.

I love collections like this because they give you the knowledge to create your own things–how to do slip-stitch patterns, what to do with it, why you want to use it, what its advantages are, and so on. But then, just in case after reading all that, you’re feeling a bit tired or lazy, they just go straight ahead and put it all into ready-to-go patterns, just for you.

The designs are great, too. Some are simple, some are complex. There are large things like sweaters, but also small things like hats and scarves if you want to carefully get your feet wet. There’s more than one thing in here that I would be happy to make, but that doesn’t surprise me. I’ve liked Faina Goberstein’s patterns for ages and they hit a nice balance between “innovative” and “classic”–my favorite combination.

You should definitely check this out. You can get this lovely book at Amazon.com.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

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

My Gush: Clever and stylish.

Other posts for this author:

Casual, Elegant Knits

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Tagged Accessories, clothing, Faina Goberstein, simona merchant-dest

Review: Slip-Stitch Knits

Posted on June 22, 2015 by --Deb | Comments Off

First, the facts:

Title: Slip Stitch Knits: Simple Colorwork Scarves, Cowls, and Shawls

Author: Sheryl Thies

Published by: Martingale Press, 2015

Pages: 64

Type: 12 patterns for slip-stitch

Chapters:

No chapters

The In-Depth Look:

This is a nice, slim book (just 64-pages) of slip-stitch knitting patterns … which, I know, doesn’t tell you anything you can’t get from looking at the cover.

The beauty of this book is that it gives you a dozen patterns that play with color and colorwork using slipped-stitches for knitting. You knit with just one color per row, but end up with creative, fun garments to wear. And by garments, I mostly mean thing things to wrap around your neck–scarves, cowls, and shawls.

The book starts with some basic instructions and a how-to for reading slip-stitch charts, and then dives immediately into the patterns. There’s a close-up of each stitch pattern to kick off the patterns and extra notes as needed for special techniques.

Personally, I think the scarves are the winners here, with the cowls a close second. I’m not in love with any of the shawls, but I appreciate the stitch-work, nonetheless.

Like I said, this is a nice little book, with equally nice patterns. Check it out at Amazon.com.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

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

My Gush:

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Tagged Accessories, Sheryl Thies

Review: Wanderlust

Posted on April 13, 2015 by --Deb | Comments Off

First, the facts:

Title: Wanderlust: 46 Modern Knits for Bohemian Style

Author: Tanis Gray

Published by: Interweave Press, 2015

Pages: 183

Type: Patterns, men and women

Chapters:

1. Scarves & Wraps
2. Cowls & Shawls
3. Hats
4. Mittens & Wristers
5. Matching Sets
6. Sweaters

The In-Depth Look:

Let’s explore this one with bullet points, shall we?

First–the size of this collection is amazing. Forty-six patterns in one book? When you consider that most books seem to range between 12-20 patterns, the fact that this book has nearly 50 is astounding.
All the patterns were designed for one specific yarn: Cascade’s Longwood, a superwash, medium-weight yarn which makes everything in here machine washable. (Though, of course, you can always substitute another yarn if you like.)
The patterns are all for men or women (or both)–so everything, including the sweaters, are for adults.
Shawls, scarfs, hats, gloves, sweaters–all the things you’d expect. Great patterns. Lots of variety.
On a purely personal level, I’m finding it impossible to read or write about this book without humming the Paul McCartney song.

Seriously, Tanis Gray pretty much never disappoints, and she knocked it out of the park with this one.

This book can be found at Amazon.com or at one of your local shops.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

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

My Gush: Great book, amazing value.

Other posts for this author:

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Tagged Accessories, tanis gray

Review: No-Sew Knits

Posted on December 1, 2014 by --Deb | Comments Off

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

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: .

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Tagged Accessories, kristen tendyke, Pattern Books

Review: Modern Country Knits

Posted on November 23, 2014 by --Deb | Comments Off

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)

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!

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Tagged Accessories, clothing, Pattern Books, susan gibbs

Review: First Frost

Posted on November 15, 2014 by --Deb | Comments Off

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

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:

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Tagged Accessories, clothing, Lucinda Guy, Pattern Books

Review: Twigg Stitch

Posted on November 3, 2014 by --Deb | Comments Off

First, the facts:

Title: Twigg Stitch: A New Twist on Reversible Knitting

Author: Vicki Twigg

Published by: Interweave Press, 2014

Pages: 167

Type: Totally new technique, with patterns

Chapters:

Twigg Stitch Techniques
The Projects
Stitch Dictionary

The In-Depth Look:

It’s not every knitter who gets to invent an entirely new knitting technique.

Vicki Twigg writes in her introduction that, “the inspiration for this particular stitch pattern happened in the fall of 2011. Looking at the structure of two-color rib, a technique in which the knit and purl stitches are different colors, set my mind working. I love the way the rib creates stripes that can be as dramatic or subtle as you want. … I challenged myself to see if such ribs could be double-sided so that both front and back were equally beautiful.”

With enough experimentation, she came up with a technique that created a two-sided rib fabric that was different colors on both sides … and went from there.

What follows is something that resembles brioche stitch and has similarities to double-knitting, but which is different than both of them. Twigg stitch makes a single-weight fabric and works every stitch on each row, but makes a reversible fabric that is different on both sides.

Remarkable, really. Elizabeth Zimmermann coined the word “unventing” for discovering new techniques, and here, Vicki Twigg took a happy accident and ran with it. The how-to portion of this book gives extensive instructions on how to work the Twigg stitch. She explains methods for holding the yarn (right hand, left hand, or both). She gives multiple methods for casting on and off, ways of decreasing and increasing, and working in color patterns.

There is a stitch dictionary filled with variations on the original basic rib, as well as multiple patterns for scarves, hats, and other accessories taking advantage of this nifty new technique.

You’d think after centuries of knitting, people would be running out of new ideas, but as Vicki Twigg proves here … there’s always something new to discover.

You can get your own copy at your local shop or here, at Amazon.com.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

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

My Gush: Nothing new under the sun, and this one is unique!

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Tagged Accessories, How-to, Reference, vicki twigg

Review: Knockout Knits

Posted on August 25, 2014 by --Deb | Comments Off

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

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

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Tagged Accessories, laura nelkin, Pattern Books

Review: Wonderlace

Posted on August 2, 2014 by --Deb | Comments Off

First, the facts:

Title: Sleepy Eyes Knit: Wonderlace

Author: Gina House

Published by: Signature Book Printing, 2013

Pages: 80

Type: Lace patterns

Chapters:

A listing of patterns rather than chapters.

The In-Depth Look:

This charming book of lace patterns is a self-published creation of the author, Gina House. It’s actually her second book. Her first was the small, spiral-bound “Dreamscape” in 2009, and the greater publishing experience shows in the new book. The new book is hardcover and more a “real” book in terms of heft and detail, filled with glossy photos and nice, large charts for knitting.

All the patterns (13 of them) come with written instructions as well as charts. The charts themselves are helpfully, generously sized–no need for squinting or magnifying glasses to read them. The key for the symbols is included on each page, too, to make flipping back and forth to the glossary unnecessary.

The patterns are all fairytale-inspired lace projects, mostly shawls, though there are other things, too–socks, a hat, fingerless mitts … even a washcloth and little black bag perfectly sized for carrying tarot cards or a cell phone. (And, speaking of tarot cards, there’s also a knitting-inspired card spread to try for readings, if you’re into that kind of thing. I can’t remember the last time I pulled my own tarot cards out, but there’s something nice about the idea of a card spread designed just for knitters, don’t you think?)

Gina has also produced her smaller, earlier “Dreamscape” book of 12 lace designs. I actually like the small, spiral-bound size because it would be easy to stash in a knitting bag. (How often can you ever say that about a knitting book?). I like the designs here, too–a lot of hats and scarves. I’m not fond of the dark, moody photos, though, which I think take away from the projects. You can see them clearly enough, but, well. I’ve never been a fan of over-artistic photos of patterns in knitting books. The important thing, though, is that the text and charts here, too, are easy to read.

I love that this Wonderlace is a Kickstarter-funded project, as well–something I hadn’t realized until I saw the list of backers lovingly named at the end of the book.

Wonderlace can be found at Amazon.com or at Gina’s Etsy page–you can get either hard-copy or PDF versions of either of her books.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by the author. Thank you!

My Gush: A book the author should be proud of!

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Tagged Accessories, lace

Tag Archives: Accessories

Review: Highland Knits

Review: The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting

Review: Slip-Stitch Knits

Review: Wanderlust

Review: No-Sew Knits

Review: Modern Country Knits

Review: First Frost

Review: Twigg Stitch

Review: Knockout Knits

Review: Wonderlace

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