Tag Archives: Accessories

Review: Knitted Mitts and Mittens

Posted on April 16, 2014 by | Comments Off on Review: Knitted Mitts and Mittens

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First, the facts:

Title: Knitted Mitts & Mittens: 25 Fun and Fashionable Designs for Fingerless Gloves, Mittens, and Wrist Warmers

Author: Amy Gunderson

Published by: Stackpole Books, 2014

Pages: 120

Type: Mittens!

Chapters:

KS: Knitted Mitts & Mittens

The In-Depth Look:

Sometimes, all you really want in life is warm hands. Especially after the winter we all just had. But, we’re knitters, so we don’t want the same old, boring mitts that everyone else is wearing. We want ours to be unique, creative, colorful … and did I mention warm?

The author says in the introduction, “When I was approached to do this book, my first thought was ‘Gloves? Gosh, how in the world can I come up with 25 distinctive designs for hands?’ Mitts seemed inconsequential, with little room for fun and exploration. But the more I started sketching out designs and playing around with different ideas, the more smitten I was with the concept … This book was designed with every knitter in mind. Fingerless gloves and mittens are the perfect project for quick gratification, to learn a new technique, and to knit on the go.”

All of which is quite true, and one of the beauties of this book is that it does provide such a variety of techniques–which is perfect it you want to try something new without committing yourself to a big, sweater-sized project.

You can learn more by checking out the book’s look-book, but also by coming back tomorrow to read my interview with Amy Gunderson.

You can get your copy at Amazon.com or your favorite book store.

But, wait–there’s more! I’ve got a copy of this book to give away, and it could be yours! Tune in tomorrow for my interview with Amy for your chance to win!

Want to see bigger pictures? .

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

My Gush: Fun collection of hand-warmers.

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Review: Cozy Knits

Posted on February 15, 2014 by | Comments Off on Review: Cozy Knits

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First, the facts:

Title: Cozy Knits: 50 Fast & Easy Projects from Top Designers

Author: Tanis Gray

Published by: Interweave Press, 2013

Pages: 183

Type: Accessory patterns

Chapters:

1. Heartfelt Hats
2. Warm and Wonderful Mittens
3. Cuddly Cowls & Scarves
4. Snuggly Sweaters, Shawls and Shrugs
5. Quick and Clever Gifts

KS: Cozy Knits

The In-Depth Look:

I have no excuse for having let this charming book sit, unreviewed, on my desk for over a month.

As explained in the introduction, Tanis Gray’s “…first love is creating knits that are simple and fun to knit and just as much fun to wear. To put together the ultimate collection of quick and cozy projects to knit, I reached out to some of my favorite designers … Among these fifty projects, you’ll find dozens of mittens, hats, and other accessories; sumtuous sweaters, scarves, shawls, and cowls; colorful accents for the home; and lots of ideas for quick and clever gifts for everyone on your list, including little ones and the hard-to-knit-for.”

Really, it’s a great book. Fifty patterns, first of all, which is a lot. Most of them are quick patterns, easy to make quickly so you can wear them. The range of difficulty, too, covers the full range from new knitters to those with more experience. In fact, my best friend just finished the Weekend Away gaiter/cowl as her second-ever knitting project, complete with lace pattern and chart-reading, and all.

Honestly, my only regret is that it took me so long to point you in the direction of this lovely book.

You can get your own copy at your local yarn shop or at Amazon.com.
Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

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

My Gush: Too good to have left sitting on my desk.

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Review: Knitting Outside the Swatch

Posted on November 29, 2013 by | Comments Off on Review: Knitting Outside the Swatch

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First, the facts:

Title: Knitting Outside the Swatch: 40 Modern Motifs

Author: Kristin Omdahl

Published by: Interweave Press, 2013

Pages: 143

Type: Patterns and motifs

Chapters:

1. The Motifs
2. The Patterns

KS: Knitting Outside the Swatch

The In-Depth Look:

In her introduction, the author talks about how much she likes knitting motif swatches. “They’re small and quick to make, allowing you to experiment with new stitch patterns and techniques, without a big commitment in time and yarn. Best of all, they’re so versatile. Create a beautiful embellishment to a sweater with a single flower motif; seam together an assortment of squares to create an afghan; transform a circular motif into the crown of a hat; trim a shawl with a lacy motif for a striking edging. The possibilities are endless.”

And so we come to a book that is part stitch directory–with 40 different motif swatches to try–and part pattern book, because she not only gives you ideas one how to join or what to do with your motifs, but she gives ten patterns to make for shawls, wraps, sweaters, and hats. And did I mention the tips for inspiration?

To me, the author’s background in crochet is very distinct here, as many of these designs almost look as if they could have been crocheted–something about the shapes and the joining methods reminds me so strongly of the things my grandmother used to make, except, well, these are new. There are techniques and ideas here my grandmother would never have thought of–but I’m sure she would have loved them.

This book can be found 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:

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Review: Scarf Style 2

Posted on September 22, 2013 by | Comments Off on Review: Scarf Style 2

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First, the facts:

Title: Scarf Style 2: Innovative to Traditional, 26 Fresh Designs to Knit

Author: Ann Budd

Published by: Interweave Press, 2013

Pages: 175

Type: Scarves, cowls, wraps..

Chapters:
No chapters, just patterns.

KS: Scarf Style 2

The In-Depth Look:

The introduction to this book begins, “Who knew back in 2004 when Pam Allen wrote the first Scarf Style that scarves–and their cousin shawls, cowls, stoles, and wraps–would inspire such creativity among knitters? Instead of being the obligatory first project for beginners, scarves have been elevated to fashion necessities that run the gamut from rustic and casual to sophisticated and elegant. Whereas scarves were once uninventive garter-stitch rectangles, they now include rectangles, tubes, and mobius strips knitted from every direction and in every imaginable stitch pattern.”

She has a point, too, because I’ll be honest–when I think about knitting scarves, my first thought is “boring.” I’ve been knitting for quarter of a century (yikes!) and think I have knitted a grand total of three scarves–certainly no more than five–because, yes, those rectangles start feeling endless.

And then a book like this comes along that makes me think, maybe it’s not that boring after all?

Twenty-six patterns in all, here, with a variety from basic rectangular scarves to cowls and shawls. There’s some color-work, some cables. There are lacy wraps and thick mufflers, scarves with texture … in other words, NOT boring. In fact, they’re really quite lovely!

You can find your copy at Amazon.com or your local yarn or bookshop.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

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

My Gush: Lovely and NOT boring.

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Review: Northern Knits Gifts

Posted on October 1, 2012 by | Comments Off on Review: Northern Knits Gifts

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First, the facts:

Title: Northern Knits Gifts: Thoughtful Projects Inspired by Folk Traditions

Author: Lucinda Guy

Published by: Interweave Press, 2012

Pages: 127

Type: Patterns

Chapters:

Not chapters so much as a listing of patterns

KS: Northern Knits Gifts

The In-Depth Look:

Like her earlier book, Northern Knits, this book takes its inspiration from the folk traditions of northern countries with strong knitting traditions. Only this time, it’s all about making gifts.

Things to wear like scarves, mittens, socks, slippers, hats–as well as a sweater or two. Also things for your house, like a blanket or a pillow or an (adorable) door stop. Even a doll.

Like before, the knitting techniques are varied–fair isle, twined knitting, lace. It makes for a wide range of possibilities if you’re looking for new techniques to try, or just to have something different to do.

I like this book. The designs are creative and attractive, with folk-style touches to make them special–these aren’t just any old pair of mittens for a holiday gift. They’re fun and reminiscent of the old classics, the old-world kind of styles that you don’t see much anymore and that aren’t exactly daily wear … unless the style is captured in a festive scarf or a hat for those cold winter days. Accessories that can add flair to an outfit. Gifts that are truly special, not just the same-old handknits. Because, sadly, there are people who don’t necessarily gift hand-knitted gifts the respect and admiration they deserve … but these? These patterns would make some really wonderful gifts. (Like that red-and-white twined scarf? If anybody wants to make me one, that would be really great.)

I really rather love this book. I bet you will, too. Be sure to take a look!

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

This review copy was kindly donated by . Thank you!

My Gush: A treat!

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