Tag Archives: Pattern Books

Review: Knitting Reimagined

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

First, the facts:

Title: Knitting Reimagined: An Innovative Approach to Structure and Shape with 25 Breathtaking Projects

Author: Nicky Epstein

Published by: Potter Craft, 2014

Pages: 175

Type: Patterns

Chapters:

1. Directions
2. Cool Construction
3. Woven Weaves
4. Stitch Impact

The In-Depth Look:

One of the things I love best about Nicky Epstein’s books is her curiosity. She’s a true “thinking knitter” and obviously one who not only wants to know how and why things work, but wants to know everything, without limits.

In fact, “limits” is one of the last things I would think of when thinking about her books. Because all of them (certainly all the ones I’ve seen, anyway) are all about options. Lots of options. Different ways to play with shapes or edgings or embellishments. New techniques to play with. Variations on old techniques. To say she’s creative is almost an understatement.

So, it’s not surprising to get a book whose subtitle claims it’s “an innovative approach to structure and shape.”

She says herself in the introduction that,

I consider Knitting Reimagined the destination I’ve arrived at after a thirty-year journey on a less-traveled road… One of my priorities–and passions–over the years has been creating unique designs. I have never adhered to the adage that ‘everything has been done in knitting.’ … there comes a time to break new ground, a time for experimentation and improvisation, and a time to rethink and reimagine typical structures and shapes in hand-knitting.

What follows is a series of experiments in design. Garments–because just about everything is a garment of some kind–with unique shapes, different construction, assymmetrical lines … There are coats, wraps, sweaters, ponchos, dresses, some of which have fairly traditional shapes but unique stitch patterns. Some have a unique style of construction. And some are totally unique in, well, pretty much everything.

As garments to be worn, I think some of these efforts are more successful than others, but as exercises in knitting creativity? Genius, really. And isn’t that the point? I love the idea of stretching the possibilities of a fabric that’s already stretchy and malleable, expanding techniques in an ongoing explosion of knitting possibilities. How can you not love a craft that has been around for centuries but is still creating new things to do? And how can you not love the people right up there on the cutting edge … and I don’t mean a steek. If some of these designs are more wearable than others, well, that’s not what high-fashion is about, and it’s not what pure creativity is for, either. Sometimes you go the extremes just to prove you can.

Nicky Epstein is great at that.

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

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

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

My Gush: Unique as always!

Other posts for this author:

Comments Off on Review: Knitting Reimagined

Tagged Nicky Epstein, Pattern Books

Review: Cozy Knits

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

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

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.

Other posts for this author:

Knitting Architecture

Comments Off on Review: Cozy Knits

Tagged Accessories, Pattern Books, tanis gray

Review: Two New Books for New Knitters

Posted on January 12, 2014 by --Deb | Comments Off

Both of these books arrived on my doorstep at almost the same time and since they seemed to compliment each other so well, they’re sharing a review.

First, the facts:

Title: All About Knitting

Author: (None given)

Published by: Martingale Press, 2013

Pages: 191

Type: How-to and Patterns

The In-Depth Look:

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

First, the facts:

Title: Learn to Knit, Love to Knit

Author: Anna Wilkinson

Published by: Potter Craft, 2013

Pages: 144

Type: How-to and Patterns

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

Both these books are remarkably similar.

They’re both how-to books for new knitters.
They both give basic instructions about techniques ranging from casting-on through color-work and cables.
They both supplement the instructions with patterns for projects–bags, hats, sweaters, gloves, and so on.
They both have project patterns that are simple–not too scary for a new knitter–but interesting enough to challenge them with the new techniques learned along the way.
They both have good illustrations for the techniques as well as photographs of the projects.

Really–remarkably similar. “Learn to Knit, Love to Knit” interweaves the how-to throughout the book so that you could theoretically work your way through from page one until the end, learning as you go. “All About Knitting,” on the other hand, front-loads all the technique instruction at the beginning of the book and groups the patterns together later on. It also includes a small stitch gallery of 40 stitch patterns at the end.

Both books seem to have well-written instructions and are clearly designed by people who enjoy knitting and want to share it (though only “Learn to Knit, Love to Knit” comes with an author’s name on it).

Comments Off on Review: Two New Books for New Knitters

Tagged anna wilkinson, How-to, Pattern Books

Review: Tudor Roses

Posted on December 9, 2013 by --Deb | Comments Off

First, the facts:

Title: Tudor Roses

Author: Alice Starmore

Published by: Calla Editions, 2013

Pages: 175

Type: Knitting Pattern/Coffee Table

Chapters:

Not chapters so much as a list of patterns

The In-Depth Look:

This book is like one of those myths you hear about–something beautiful and distant that is whispered about in awed voices but never really experienced. Alice Starmore’s Tudor Roses. One of those books that goes for hundreds as a used book. Something impossible to find.

It’s therefore such a treat to see her coveted, out-of-print books coming back into circulation, like her Fair Isle book, or the one on Aran Knitting that were brought back by Dover Publishing a few years ago.

This one, though? I expected something similar–a nice, useful recreation of the existing book just, you know, affordable this time. Something you didn’t need a second mortgage to get your hands on.

What I got instead, though is … amazing.

This edition may be one of the most beautiful knitting books I’ve ever seen.

The first reaction, before I even had it out of its Amazon box was “Wow, it’s heavy.” And then I actually SAW it and, well, “Wow” is the word.

This is lush and glossy and just quite simply beautiful. Rich with detail and absolutely gorgeous new photographs it’s … impressive. Stunning, even.

It’s not an exact duplication of the old, 1998 edition. It says right on the copyright page that it “is a revised and expanded reimagining” of the older edition.

Now, not being either a millionaire nor someone who thought ahead enough to buy the 1998 edition, I can’t compare this directly, but what I can tell you is that all fourteen patterns here are inspired to Tudor-era women. Comparing to the list on Ravelry, there are duplicate patterns (Anne Boleyn, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Parr, Elizabeth I, Elizabeth of York, Jane Seymour, Katherine Howard, Katherine of Aragon, Mary Tudor, Margaret Tudor), as well as four new ones (Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort, Lady Mary, Mary Queen of Scots).

Since it is just the Tudor women, though, that means neither the Henry the VII or VIII pattern is here. This is a shame because they’re both stunning patterns that are otherwise unavailable, but … like she said up-front, this is a reimagining.

Each pattern is introduced by a little fiction autobiography–accurate in detail, but fiction in that they were written for the book by Jade Starmore. Each is also beautifully photographed–I mean, really beautiful, even if a couple of them are rather dark for seeing details.

I can’t speak to whether the patterns are identical to the original editions, or if they’ve been modified beyond possible yarn and color availability, but the patterns that are shown are gorgeous, they really are. There’s no question Alice Starmore is a master at color design.

The book–did I mention it’s big? As in, this is decidedly not a book you’ll be tossing into your knitting bag. Knitting one of these patterns means you’re going to be making friends with someone with a good copy machine because trying to work directly from the original … let’s just say I think this is by far the largest and glossiest knitting pattern book I’ve ever seen. It dwarfs every other book on my bookcase. (The only other one that comes close is The Principles of Knitting, and that one is only bigger in page count.) I wouldn’t want to be marking this book up with highlights or notes as I knitted a pattern, either. This is the kind of knitting book you display on the coffee table next to a vase of flowers and an artfully laid skein of coordinating yarn. Because it’s gorgeous. Just as beautiful as the patterns inside.

Truly, this is a stunning book. Maybe not the most practical from a knitting perspective because of its rather unwieldy side, but so what? The details and images inside the pages? Gorgeous. And (unlike the older edition) it’s readily available at Amazon.com or your local bookshop.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

My Gush: Wow. One of the most beautiful knitting books I’ve ever seen.

Other posts for this author:

Comments Off on Review: Tudor Roses

Tagged Alice Starmore, Pattern Books

Review: Green Gables Knits

Posted on December 4, 2013 by --Deb | Comments Off

First, the facts:

Title: >Green Gables Knits: Patterns for Kindred Spirits

Author: Joanna Johnson

Published by: Slate Falls Press, 2013

Pages: 46

Type: Patterns

Chapters: No chapters, just patterns.

The In-Depth Look:

It no longer surprises me that just about everything that comes out of Joanna and Eric Johnsons’ Slate Falls Press is a treat to look at. The three previous books this husband-and-wife team have produced before this (links below) were wonderful children’s stories supplemented by knitwear and truly gorgeous illustrations, so the fact that this slim book is strictly knitting patterns is new for them.

But that’s all right. Even if the hand-painted characters of earlier books are missing, this collection of eight knitting patterns is still a treat for the eyes. This book is just beautiful to look at. It’s small–just 45 pages and conveniently sized to fit into your knitting bag without weighing you down–but you can tell it was put together with real affection, both for the patterns as well as for the inspiration.

Joanna obviously loved the Anne of Green Gables books as much as I did, because not only does each pattern perform an act of homage to the characters in the book, but the photos are beautifully atmospheric. The models are just enough in character that you can immediately identify them without their being too real (or fake), trying so hard to be authentic that they take away from the patterns. But, really, how often do you find photos in a knitting book so lovely that you’d want to frame them and hang them on the wall? Because, seriously, beautiful photos.

Which isn’t to take away from the patterns. There are eight of them: Anne’s Carpet Bag, Matthew’s Vest, Marilla’s Apron, Diana’s Hat, Rachel’s Table Runner, Miss Stacy’s Shawl, Anne’s Sweater, and Gilbert’s Scarf. I might quibble that Marilla wouldn’t have been likely to wear such a frivolous confection of a lacy apron, but this is a solid collection of patterns that fit. Nothing too fancy or too impractical for the practical inhabitants of Avonlea, but still beautiful enough to satisfy Anne’s craving for lovely things. (And I’m betting the handle of the carpet bag isn’t wonky enough to require a special knack for carrying it, either.)

To round it all out, there are also archival photos to help tie the new patterns to their inspirations–pictures of Lucy Maud Montgomery as a girl, the house she grew up in, and so on. Just enough to remind us of what Anne’s world might have looked like.

Really, for such a slim book, this is filled with a lot of charm. You can find your copy at Amazon.com or your local yarn shop.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

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

My Gush: Lovely and now I want to re-read the books for the zillionth time.

Other posts for this author:

Comments Off on Review: Green Gables Knits

Tagged Joanna Johnson, Pattern Books

Review: Cascadia

Posted on November 15, 2013 by --Deb | Comments Off

First, the facts:

Title: Cascadia

Author: Amanda Milne and Fiona McLean of KnitSocial

Published by: Cooperative Press, 2013

Pages: 108

Type: Patterns

Chapters:

Not so much chapters as a list of patterns.

The In-Depth Look:

Living on the east coast of North America, I confess that I’ve never really given that much thought to the Pacific Northwest. I mean, I’ve heard it’s lovely, but other than thinking in a vague kind of way that it would be nice to visit someday, it hasn’t shown up much on my personal radar. (Sorry, West Coast.)

That said, these eleven patterns are cozy and comfy in a way that makes visiting sound eminently appealing. Sweaters, mostly, but some wraps and socks as well. They’re all “livable” patterns–the kind you’d reach for over and over, every day, rather than something you’d only pull out of the drawer once in a while.

I thought it was a nice touch, too, that each designer gets a page of introduction to go along with the actual pattern, rather than being relegated to a few thumbnails at the back of the book. (Though, for a couple of them, I wanted to know about the knits they were wearing in their photos … but, presumably, I can track down any of those designs on my own later on.)

All in all, a nice collection of practical, attractive knitwear–along with some really lovely scenery. Maybe I’ll need to sharpen up some of those vague future vacation plans.

This book can be purchased at Cooperative Press.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

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

My Gush: Cozy and comfortable.

Comments Off on Review: Cascadia

Tagged Amanda Milne, Fiona McLean, Pattern Books

Review: Hitch

Posted on November 5, 2013 by --Deb | Comments Off

First, the facts:

Title: Hitch: Patterns Inspired by the Films of Alfred Hitchcock

Edited by: Stephannie Tallent

Published by: Cooperative Press, 2013

Pages: 174

Type: Patterns

Chapters:

Not so much chapters as a list of patterns.

The In-Depth Look:

We all know that Hitchcock was a master of suspense when it came to making films. Without drifting into horror, he ramped up the level of suspense and mystery as his characters struggled to find the burglar, catch the spy, or escape the birds.

But, stories and tension aside, one of the other things Alfred Hitchcock’s films had was style. The camera work, the shooting angles, the lighting … they were beautiful to look at even as your throat closed with worry. And, the clothes? Well, the wardrobes were always gorgeous.

Which is why there’s no mystery at all as to why someone decided to make a collection of knitting patterns inspired by his films. Twenty-nine of them, covering the range of sweaters to hats to wraps to socks. Most are for women, though there’s at least one sweater for men here. All of them hark back to the classic sense of style of a time when women wore gloves and men wore hats and–no matter what threatening things were going on in the background, everyone dressed and looked sharp.

This book can be found at Cooperative Press.

Want to see pictures? Click here.

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

My Gush: Not nearly as scary as Hitchcock would probably prefer.

Comments Off on Review: Hitch

Tagged Pattern Books

Review: Knitting Architecture

Posted on November 4, 2013 by --Deb | Comments Off

First, the facts:

Title: Knitting Architecture: 20 Patterns Exploring Form, Function and Detail

Author: Tanis Gray

Published by: Interweave Press, 2013

Pages: 159

Type: Patterns

Chapters:

1. Form Follows Function
2. The Details
3. Materials

The In-Depth Look:

It’s really such a comfort to know that I’m not the only person who gets distracted by stunning details in the buildings I walk past. I often take more photos of architecture than I do of the people I’m with, and there have been many times when I’ve been tempted to translate a beautiful sculptural detail into a knitting design.

Well, now I don’t have to, because that’s the point behind this book by Tanis Gray.

Because here we have twenty designs inspired by beautiful buildings or techniques. Sweaters and wraps, mostly, but socks mittens, hats, and bags make an appearance as well.

Each pattern comes with an introduction (and photo) of the inspiration, whether a building or a detail of carving or tile. (Actually, my only regret is that the photos of inspiration aren’t bigger, but that could just be because I really do appreciate eye-catching architectural detail.) The photos of the actual patterns, though, are good–they illustrate the knitwear nicely, being attractive without being too “artistic” (i.e., deliberately obscuring flaws by having models leaning sideways while holding large books in front of the sweater … because that happens, you know)

The best part of this collection, though, is that the knitwear is actually wearable. Nobody’s trying to make you look like a building, or being so true to the original inspiration that they forget they’re designing something to be worn by a human being, rather than being lived in by one.

All in all, a gorgeous book, which can be found 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: Lovely and eye-catching.

Comments Off on Review: Knitting Architecture

Tagged Pattern Books, tanis gray

Review: Fair Isle Style

Posted on October 27, 2013 by --Deb | Comments Off

First, the facts:

Title: Fair Isle Style: 20 Fresh Designs for a Classic Technique

Author: Mary Jane Mucklestone

Published by: Interweave Press, 2013

Pages: 159

Type: Patterns

Chapters:

Not so much chapters as a list of patterns.

The In-Depth Look:

I’ve always loved Fair Isle designs in general. The interplay of colors, the patterns that could be delicate or bold … not to mention the centuries of tradition behind it. Knitting for warmth as well as style. Well, really, what’s not to love?

Except, to a modern eye, Fair Isle can look … dated? Busy? Old? Tired? You know, when it’s done badly, or when the colors are shades that simply should not be mixed together. Or when it’s the same pattern, same sweater, same shape as everyone and their brother has seen over and over and over.

Which is exactly why books like this are so appreciated. Mary Jane Mucklestone has taken a traditional technique and, along with a group of talented designers, come up with a collection that takes Fair Isle somewhere new. Not to one of those really new design locations where things get weird, but just somewhere a little closer to 2013 than to 1913. You’ve got sweaters, mittens, gloves, hats, bags … all the things you would really expect when someone mentions “Fair Isle,” but the designs don’t feel old or dated or scented with moth balls. Nor do they feel so new and edgy that they’re sharp enough to cut holes through the yarn and traditions that brought us here.

Like just about all the books in the “Style” collection, this does not disappoint. It gives an assortment of lovely patterns that look to be a pleasure to knit, all while harking comfortably back to a long-standing knitting tradition. For a 21st century knitter, what more do you want?

This book can be found at your local book 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: Creative and Classic at the same time.

Other posts for this author:

Comments Off on Review: Fair Isle Style

Tagged Mary Jane Mucklestone, Pattern Books

Review: The Art of Seamless Knitting

Posted on September 29, 2013 by --Deb | Comments Off

First, the facts:

Title: The Art of Seamless Knitting

Author: Simona Merchant-Dest and Faina Goberstein

Published by: Interweave Press, 2013

Pages: 183

Type: Patterns and How-to

Chapters:

1. All About Seamless Knitting
2. Make it Fit!
3. Lace Patterns
4. Cable Patterns
5. Textured Stitch Patterns

The In-Depth Look:

So many knitters hate sewing seams. There are lots of reasons for that. They might not enjoy it, they might only be interested in doing the actual knitting part, they might not have the time to sit and carefully piece together pieces of their garments. They might simply not be very good at it. So, for them, seamless knitting is ideal–but it’s not just for knitters who dislike sewing. Knitting a sweater in one piece can give you the chance to try it on as you go, checking fit and length while you still have time to fix things.

This isn’t the first book, of course, focused on seamless knits, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good one. It comes with lots of useful information about adapting patterns into seamless knits, tips and tricks to make it all work–not just a page or two, but dozens of them–and in between are the patterns for (mostly) sweaters knit with nary a seam in sight. Lace, cables, textures … they’re all in here.

All in all, this is an attractive and useful book with some really nice patterns and even better how-to kind of instructions. Well worth checking out.

This book can be found at Amazon.com.

Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.

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

My Gush: Useful and attractive.

Comments Off on Review: The Art of Seamless Knitting

Tagged How-to, Pattern Books

Tag Archives: Pattern Books

Review: Knitting Reimagined

Review: Cozy Knits

Review: Two New Books for New Knitters

Review: Tudor Roses

Review: Green Gables Knits

Review: Cascadia

Review: Hitch

Review: Knitting Architecture

Review: Fair Isle Style

Review: The Art of Seamless Knitting

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Archives

Contributors

Meta

Tag Archives: Pattern Books

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Tags

Archives

Contributors

Meta