Friday, 20 December 2013

Book Review Chic and Simple Sewing


Photo from Amazon


Christine Haynes clear and encouraging instructions on sewing basics will guide any novice seamstress through the preliminaries with ease. But the main purpose of this book is to teach readers how to make modern, stylish and fun clothes they'll want to wear every day, without spending a fortune in the process. Including a classic shift, an A-line skirt and a slinky wrap dress, Haynes's full-sized patterns are designed to flatter any figure and each - of over 20 - stylish projects has endless variations, so crafters can create their own personalized clothes and feel proud wearing them.


Spiral-bound: 128 pages
Publisher: Potter Craft; (7 Oct 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0307451097
ISBN-13: 978-0307451095

About the Author
Christine Haynes is a regular Renegade Craft Fair and Felt Club participant and her designs can be found in boutiques from Los Angeles to London. Her work has been featured numerous publications.

                                                                                                                                                   


Contents

Chapter One
Lets get started
Learning the basics
Sewing Area
Essential Tools
Sewing Machine
Taking your Measurements
Using the Patterns
Cutting
Finding Your Style
Fabric
Colour, Prints, and Textures
Notions and Finishing Details
Belts
Basic Techniques
Basic Stitching
Pressing
Finishing Details

Chapter Two
Spring
The Classic Wrap Dress
The Baby Doll Dress
The Sunday Dress
The Modern Circle Skirt
The Tie Shoulder Shift Dress
The Trench

Chapter Three
Summer
The Sundress
The Retro Shift Dress
The A-Line Skirt
The Wrap Top
The Strapless Dress
The Date Dress

Chapter Four
Fall
The Indian Summer Dress
The Baby Doll Dress
The LBD
The Tie Front Strapless Dress
The Wrap Skirt
The Jacket

Chapter Five
Winter
The Opera Dress
The Back to School Shift Dress
The Halter Dress
The Nightie
The Cape

Glossary
Resources

                                                                                                                                                   


Chic and Simple Sewing is available from Amazon

Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.



Thursday, 19 December 2013

Book Review Design It, Knit It


Photo from Amazon

Debbie's knit designs are truly blissful! With more than 20 knitting projects and patterns intended for children, women, men and the home, this collection is truly for everyone. Bestselling author Debbie Blisss designs are fun, easy to create and make perfect gifts. In addition to the delightful original designs, which include hats, gloves and home decor items, theres also an introduction that covers everything from selecting yarns and determining gauge to reading charts and patterns. This is a must-have guide for knitters of all skill levels who desire breathtaking designs and high-quality yarn!

Spiral-bound: 160 pages
Publisher: Sixth & Spring; (7 Aug 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933027762
ISBN-13: 978-1933027760

Debbie Bliss is one of the foremost designers and authors of hand knitting patterns in both the UK and US and increasingly in Europe and Asia. Her bestselling books have earned her a dedicated army of fans who adore her stylish, easy-to-make designs. Her most recent books, Simply Baby, Essential Baby and Essential Kids, all demonstrate her flair for creating beautiful, practical and stylish garments for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. In 2008 she launched Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine - which was a sell out; and is now published each Spring and Autumn. She has designed knitwear for Baby Gap but now concentrates on developing her own range of yarns and designs highly wearable garments with universal appeal. Renowned for its quality, Debbie's yarn range is widely available throughout the UK, US and Canada.
                                                                                                                                                       

Contents
Introduction

Chapter One
Designing for the Body
Garter Stitch Coat
Ribbed Jacket
Trapeze Coat

Chapter Two
Designing with Colour
Colour Band Sweater
Fair Isle Cardigan
Tweed Jacket with Contrast Lining

Chapter Three
Designing with Texture
Herringbone & Cable Jacket
Multi Texture Throw
Bobble & Cable Sweater

Chapter Four
Designing for Kids
Smock Dress
Zipped Sweater
Garter Stitch Jacket with Vent

Chapter Five
Designing with Details
Button Detail Top
Cable Band Cardigan
Cardigan with Ribbed Sleeves

Chapter Six
Design Workbook
Patterns Silhouettes
Knitter's Graph Paper
Stitch Gauge

Abbreviations & Glossary
About the Yarns
Yarn Resource List
                                                                                                                                                         
Design It, Knit it is available from Amazon


Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.



Monday, 16 December 2013

Book Review Socktopus

Photo from Amazon



Sock knitters now have something to really get their needles into with this inspirational book packed with invaluable tips and 17 fabulous projects. Bespoke socks are a joy that once experienced will make it hard for the wearer to ever return to the one-size-fits-most items of old. Full of clear, helpful instructions on a range of advanced techniques, knitters will be intrigued and enlightened by this handy book. Ideal for the aspiring, experienced knitter who wants to move on to the Holy Grail of perfecting the sock, Alice Yu explains the differences between types of yarn, plies and fibre and breaks down the anatomy of the sock, to help readers understand how to master each element. From toe shaping, heel shaping and on to sizing the sock to fit a foot precisely, all the information you will need is here. Any specific techniques in the projects are illustrated with clear step-by-step images and Alice s clear, concise instructions will ensure that confidence builds quickly. The inner sock-designer diva will be unleashed!



Publisher: GMC (7 Oct 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1861088523
ISBN-13: 978-1861088529

London-based Yu’s yarn shop, sock yarn line, and role as co-founder of the Knit Nation knitting exhibition are marvelous gifts to the international knitting community. In her first published collection of patterns, she explores the wit and whimsy of knitted socks, demonstrating a flair for matching color with design. A few of the patterns will be familiar to avid sock knitters, but many are brand new, and the designs range from simple to intricate. One of the nicest features is the step-by-step photographic guides to unusual or unexpected techniques, such as the Channel Island cast on and Kihnu Vits braid. Sock knitters of all levels will appreciate Yu’s exciting and attractive patterns.--Library Journal

About the Author

Alice Yu is a Canadian expat, living in London with her husband and black pug Deuce. Socktopus started out as a sock club and hand-painted yarn shop, but has now grown into the Socktopus Club and the Knit Love Club as well as one half of Knit Nation, London's summer knitting and spinning exhibition. Alice originally practiced as a lawyer in the City of London and has lived in London for 12 years.



                                                                                                                                               


Contents
Pattern Gallery
Introduction

Chapter One
What makes a Good Sock?
Fibre
Common Sock Fibres
Yarn Construction
Sock Yarns from Around the World
Sock Fit and Anatomy

Chapter Two
The Patterns
Totally Vanilla

Kandahar
V Junkie
Kwalla
Farmer McGregor
Shr'Tugal
2Luvcrew
Vorticity
Rumpled
Crowley
Om Shanti
Mince Pie Mayhem
Hundred Acre Wood
De Stijl
Fiori Di Zucca
Caretta Caretta
Spring Shoots

General Information
Standard Abbreviations
Resources
Yarns
                                                                                                                                                             


Socktopus is available from Amazon



Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.



Thursday, 12 December 2013

Book Review Knitting on the Edge





Photo from Amazon


The now-classic collection of 350 edgings, borders and trims by acclaimed designer Nicky Epstein is available in paperback! Taking the traditional rib to new heights, Nicky features improved ribbed edges, ruffles, lace, fringes, flora and garters. Line-by-line instructions accompany each of the stitches. Decorate cuffs, customize a sweater and develop unique patterns using ideas such as the feather lace ruffle, belle epoque, garter stitch weave, sea scallop edge and sugar drop.

Paperback: 172 pages

Publisher: Sixth & Spring (7 Oct 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1936096013
ISBN-13: 978-1936096015


About the Author
Nicky Epstein is the author of several best-selling titles. She is one of today's hottest knitwear designers and has gained worldwide recognition for her abundant creativity, ground breaking sense of style and informative workshops. Her designs have been featured in Vogue® Knitting and other knitting publications.

With so many general knitting and pattern books recently available, it's no surprise that the ever-enlarging market would expand to include more specialized guides. But what may be surprising is the fact that a book on a specialty topic like edgings could turn out to be as useful and lush as this one. Knitwear designer Epstein offers a reference book with instructions for 350 different edgings, everything from ruffles to laces and fringes to floras. The instructions are easy to follow, but it is the amazingly crisp photographs of the different edgings executed in colorful yarns and set against pure white backgrounds that will get knitters' hearts pounding. This book is so inviting and so easy to use (simple triangle symbols explain from which direction the patterns are knit) that knitters may find themselves edging projects already in progress. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

"[This] embraces a love for detail. You'll turn to these pages time and time again."--"Vogue Knitting."
                                                                                                                                                        

Contents
Introduction
Texture
Size
Notes
Ribs
Ruffles
Lace
Fringes
Flora
Points and Picots
Patterns
Stitches
Abbreviations
Techniques
Acknowledgements
Resources
Index
                                                                                                                                                      

Knitting on the Edge is available from Amazon


Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.


Tuesday, 10 December 2013

Book Review The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs






Photo From Amazon




This stitchwork classic features 500 designs ranging from traditional patterns to original motifs and crocheters of every level will find essential information and inspiration on every page. Each design features a close-up colour photograph, a diagram showing each stitch and its placement and easy to follow instructions. A pictorial index displays a thumbnail view of every design for easy selection and navigation. No wonder The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs is considered a must-have reference for crocheters!

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Lark; Revised edition (7 Jan 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1454701374
ISBN-13: 978-1454701378


About the Author
Linda Schapper's artistic vision is expressed in a wide range of media, from patchwork quilts and crochet to painting and liturgical textiles, all of which are characterised by a folk-art style. She has travelled and taught extensively in more than 30 countries, had some 100 exhibits of her patchwork quilts and written eight books, four of them on crochet. Linda lives in Orlando, Florida.
                                                                                                                                                

Contents
Introduction
Basic Stitches
International Crochet Symbols
Pictorial Index
Single Crochet
Single Crochet and Chains
Double Crochet and Chains
Single Crochet, Double Crochet and Chains
Treble Crochet, Double Crochet, Single Crochet and Chains
V Stitches
Simple Shells
Shells - Filet
Shells - Symmetrical
Shells - Overall Patterns
Shells and Chains
Shells - Staggered
Shells - Small Lace Patterns
Shells- Fantail
Shells- Treble Crochet
Shells - Large Lace Patterns
Clusters
Clusters - Inverted Shells
Wraparound Stitches
Staggered Stitches
Y Stitches
X Stitches
Picots
Bobbles
Puff Stitches
Puff Stitches Combination
Popcorn Stitches
Dropped Stitches
Post Stitches
Horizontal Stripe Patterns
Vertical Columns
Multi Stitches
Miscellaneous
                                                                                                                                                       

The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs is available from Amazon


Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.


Friday, 6 December 2013

Book Review Granny Squares


Photo from Amazon


Discover the world of granny squares with this imaginative new book. These small, crocheted squares can be made in a huge variety of patterns and colourways that become the building blocks for an array of different projects. Large, small, tight, loose, multi-coloured or monochrome; the design potential of a granny square is endless. Small and portable, you can take them anywhere with you, but, be warned, making them is highly addictive! Eight basic granny square designs are presented and then fashioned into 20 stunning projects for the home. The projects have an appealing retro vibe, taking you back to hazy bygone times and the feel-good comfort of home-made furnishings. From storage baskets to traditional throws, these colourful and cheerful creations are sure to bring a smile to your face. Beginners to crochet need not worry. Granny squares are a perfect way to get started with crochet as they are quick, easy and versatile. All the basic instructions you will need are given in a clear and easy-to-follow style.

Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: GMC; Reprint edition (7 May 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1861089708
ISBN-13: 978-1861089700



About the Author

Susan Pinner was born into a highly creative family and grew up in a home that was always full of paint, paper, clay, fabric and yarn. After attending art college in Birmingham, she worked mainly as a self-employed designer, pattern maker and illustrator. She has been a regular exhibitor at craft shows for many years and has her own workshop, producing childrens wear, bridal wear, hats and dolls. She has taught crafts at City & Guilds level and creative design in a mental health unit, helping patients prepare to return to work. Her long-standing love of crochet, colour and yarn has led her to write this, her first book for GMC Publications. Sue is a keen blogger and records her latest thoughts and creations at shropshirescrappersuz.blogspot.co.uk

                                                                                                                                                  

Contents
Introduction
Gallery of Projects

Getting Started
Tools
Yarns
Basic Crochet Techniques
Basic Granny Square Shapes
Colour, Design and Inspiration
Sample Designs

The Projects
Circular Stool Covers
Tablet Computer Case
Notebook Cover
Star Coasters
Felted Flower Bag
String Shopping Bag
Garden Seat Cover
Hexagon Daisy Bath Mat
Hexagon Bed Pillow
Camping Blanket
Hexagon Blanket
Flower Light Shade
Lace Light Shade
Lace Jar Cover and Coasters
Hexagon Mini Cushion
Double Bed or Sofa Blanket
Cube Storage Seat Cover
Bolster Cushion Cover
Mug Cosy
Traditional Cushions

Abbreviations
Conversions
Suppliers
Resources
                                                                                                                                                

Granny Squares is available from Amazon



Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.


Thursday, 5 December 2013

Book Review Crocheted Keyrings and Charms



Photo from Amazon



Your keys will be glamorous and eminently findable if you attach them to one of these cute keyrings. And once youve catered for all your keys and those of your friends and family you can move on to making charms to hang from bags, mobile phones, numerous other gadgets and anything else you fancy. A new title in the popular Cozy series, Crocheted Keyrings and Charms features 30 projects that will appeal to all ages and will make wonderful, useful gifts. Each project is clearly set out with easy-to-follow patterns and concise instructions, providing you with all the know-how you need. Projects include: Russian Doll, Owl, Cupcake, Apple, Campervan, Penguin, Cat, House, Crown, and Chicken.

  • Paperback: 156 pages
  • Publisher: GMC (7 April 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1861089902
  • ISBN-13: 978-1861089908

About the Author
Born in Devon, UK, Emma learned how to knit as a child, and has always been happiest when creating projects in her spare time. In the past few years she has started designing crocheted items as she is particularly drawn to its sculptural quality. She runs a successful blog and Etsy pattern shop, which gives her a good idea of the type of projects that are popular with yarn enthusiasts. Emma trained as an art curator and museum manager, and is now the head of a museums service. She lives in Greater Manchester with her husband and young son.
                                                                                                                                          

Contents

Russian Doll
Otto Owl
Cutie Cupcake
Apple Slice
Jolly Campervan
Parker Penguin
Eartha Kitten
Homey House
One's Royal Keyring
Spring Chicken
Lulu Ladybird
Betty Bunny
Super Sneaker
Terry Tortoise
Little Monster
New Leaf
Rex Lion
Garden Shed
Incy Wincy Spider
Strawberries
Sports Shirt
Precious Flower
Archie Dog
Kimono Doll
My Mini Car
Pirate Flag
Bubble Fish
Four Leaf Clover
Space Rocket
Techniques
Reading Charts
Abbreviations
Conversions
                                                                                                                                                   

Crocheted Keyrings and Charms is available from Amazon


Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.


Tuesday, 3 December 2013

Book Review Sock Yarn Studio





Photo From Amazon


                                                                                      
Knitting socks and knitting with hand-painted yarns are two hot trends. But what are knitters to do with leftover sock yarn? Or when they burn out on knitting socks? Sock Yarn Studio comes to the rescue with a delightful mix of projects from one-skein hats, mittens and scarves to multi-skein wraps, sweaters and more, created with fingering or sport-weight sock yarns. And there's plenty of helpful advice for selecting yarns and knitting smart with tricky hand-paints and self-patterning yarns.



Product details

Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Lark; 1 edition (5 Sept. 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1454702850
ISBN-13: 978-1454702856
Product Dimensions: 1.6 x 15.2 x 23.5 cm


Praise for Sock Yarn Studio: "What a refreshingly unusual premise, showing what happens when you take the 'sock' out of 'sock yarn.' Carol sees the vast creative potential for these finer yarns and, aided by a team of talented designers, shows just how exquisitely sock yarns can render anything you'd want to knit. The designs are beautiful, fresh, and inspiring. Best of all? Now we have twice the excuses to stock up on sock yarns."
--Clara Parkes, Publisher of "Knitter's Review" and author of "The Knitter's Book of Yarn" and "The Knitter's Book of Socks" 
"I am a huge fan of working with finer yarns--they offer so much versatility! In this book, Carol and her fellow designers have thoroughly uncovered possibilities with the ever-popular sock-weight yarns and presented them in a way that makes me want to pick up needles and knit (finely) away!" --Trisha Malcolm, Editorial Director, "Vogue Knitting" "Colour and what you can do with it. Sock yarns beyond the sock. Mitts, shawls, hats, socks, little sweaters-and so much more! Carol has put it all together in this engaging collection." --Pam Allen, co-owner of Quince & Co. and former editor of "Interweave Knits""" "If you're a fan of sock yarn...you'll probably be interested in some of these projects to help trim your stash (and make room for some new goodies!). This book might also make a gateway into sock knitting for people who love the look of sock yarns but are a little intimidated by actually knitting a sock." --About, com Knitting

About the Author
Carol J. Sulcoski is the author of Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarns and co-author of Knit So Fine (both published by Interweave Press). Her designs have been published in Vogue Knitting, KnitSimple, St-Denis Magazine, KnitScene and various other books and magazines, and her technical articles frequently appear in Vogue Knitting. She also founded Black Bunny Fibers (blackbunnyfibers.com), an independent dyeing business creating unique hand-painted yarns and fibres, and her patterns can be found on ravelry.com and patternfish.com.
                                                                                                                                              
Contents
Preface
Understanding Sock Yarn

Chapter One
Lisatra Short Cowl
Roselein Hat
Calico Scarf
Fortunate Cowl
Compostela Scarf
Deux Violettes Gloves
Vert Lace Cap
Habitude Lace Scarf
Golden Lace Baby Cardigan
Poppy Beret
Anu Baby Hat

Chapter Two
Thornapple Wrist Warmers
Fair Isle Peacock Hat
Roxy Legwarmers
Kitteh Mittens
Cushington |Square Pillow
Furbelow Shawl
Gumdrop Raglan
Alexander Street Hat

Chapter Three
Bliss Caplelet
Autumn Walking Scarf
Varese Shawl
Hodgepodge Wristers
Chambourcin Halter
Lizalu Blanket
Nuit Blanche Stole
Newkirk Intarsia Vest

Photo's of some of the projects in the Sock Yarn Studio Book.

Lisatra Short Cowl

The photo's are from Ravelry


The photo's are from Ravelry


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The photo's are from Ravelry


The photo's are from Ravelry


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The photo's are from Ravelry


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The photo's are from Ravelry


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The photo's are from Ravelry


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The photo's are from Ravelry


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The photo's are from Ravelry


The photo's are from Ravelry


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The photo's are from Ravelry


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The photo's are from Ravelry


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The photo's are from Ravelry


The photo's are from Ravelry


The photo's are from Ravelry


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The photo's are from Ravelry


The photo's are from Ravelry


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The photo's are from Ravelry


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The photo's are from Ravelry


The photo's are from Ravelry


                                                                                                                                               


Sock Yarn Studio is available from Amazon

Disclosure: The lovely people at GMC Group sent me this book to review. I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers.


Friday, 29 November 2013

Book Review Sock Knitting Master Class


Photo From Amazon




With patterns divided into two sections by top-down and toe-up construction, Sock Knitting Master Class explores techniques, such as cables, twisted stitches, lace, stranded colorwork, entrelac, shadow knitting, and intarsia worked in the round. You'll discover inventive ways to start and end socks, shape heels and toes, and knit soles. With Sock Knitting Master Class, you?ll be knitting like the pros in no time! 

Sock Knitting Master Class is an all-star assembly of the most inventive and exciting designers working with socks today, including Cookie A, Kathryn Alexander, Nancy Bush, Cat Bordhi, Priscilla Gibson-Roberts, Anne Hanson, Melissa Morgan-Oakes, Meg Swanson, Anna Zilboorg, and many more! As a bonus, you will also learn how each yarn contributes to the overall design from Clara Parkes. From best-selling author, Ann Budd, Sock Knitting Master Class offers a one of a kind opportunity for knitters to learn from the best and brightest in the knitting world, while sporting the latest and greatest in sock fashions. 

On a bonus enclosed DVD, Ann showcases all you need to know to knit fun, inventive socks, including a few special tricks and tips from this master sock knitter. You’ll find the DVD a great companion to learning both top-down and toe-up techniques.
Finalist in the About.com Reader's Choice Awards for Best Knitting Book of 2011. "Budd's latest book is a trove of expertise, with patterns from 15 of the craftiest sockistas around, no surnames necessary...Every project adheres to the holy trinity of custom sock knitting--fit, comfort, aesthetics. And if you can't get enough of this collected wisdom in words alone, a 95-minute sock tutorial by Budd is included on an accompanying DVD." - "Cheryl Krementz, Yarn Market News" "Ann Budd is at it again. She's pulled together another great collection of patterns, this time from master sock designers. There are 17 sock designs, and there isn't one I wouldn't love to wear." - "Cindy Koepke, Knitcircus" "It seems like just about all the big names in knitting -- particularly sock knitting -- are featured in Ann Budd's excellent new book "Sock Knitting Master Class."..In addition to the fantastic patterns, which offer a wide variety of options for both toe-up and top-down knitters (and even one sock that goes both directions!), an introductory section covers just about all you'd ever need to know about some of the design choices that go into making a sock." - "About.com Guide to Knitting" "If the designers aren't enough to draw you in, there's much more in here for sock novices and sock aficionado alike. With topics like sock design, toe up and top down construction, and the best bind offs for toe-up socks, this book will take you from zero to sock in no time." - "KnitPurl yarn shop (Portland, OR)" "This book is a really valuable collection of patterns and techniques that any sock knitter will use again and again." - "Jenny, KnitPicks.com" "I'm really glad to have this book because it has so many patterns, from lace to cable to colorwork, and the socks are all beautiful. Also, the techniques have plenty of charts, diagrams and photographs to make learning easy." - "Pamela MacKenzie, MyCentralJersey.com" "The facts alone will mak An excellent and comprehensive book on knitting socks. It's exhaustive. The answers to any questions you may have had about knitting and designing socks is in here. Ann has written an excellent introduction and challenging intermediate book for those looking to expand on their skills. There's a free DVD included with Ann Budd professionally demonstrating the different techniques of sock knitting and design. She explains the different knitting needles you can use and the differences between toe up and toe down construction. Also the 'frightening' kitchener stitch is demonstrated by Ann really slowly and clearly. She's an excellent teacher. She's funny, easy to understand and you feel confident when listening to her advice. There are both toe down and toe up socks in here. There are 10 top down designs to follow and seven toe up socks in the book. The first 47 pages are devoted to explaining yarn and gauge, heels and toes. There are sock patterns in here from Cookie A, Nancy Bush, Cat Bordhi, Ann Budd herself and Melissa Morgan-Oakes amongst others. The standard of the book is extremely high and it's all been excellently produced, including the DVD. The photography and colours of the sock designs are beautiful. You feel really inspired as you flick through. This book explores such techniques as cables, twisted stitches, lace, stranded colorwork, entrelac, shadow knitting, and intarsia worked in the round. It's such a lovely guide to intermediate sock knitting.-sewingisforgirls.blogspot.com

About the Author
Ann Budd is the best-selling author of The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns and The Knitter’s Handy Book of Sweater Patterns. She is also the author of Getting Started Knitting Socks, Interweave Presents Knitted Gifts, Knitting Green, and Simple Style, and co author of Bag Style, Colour Style, Lace Style, and Wrap Style. She is a book editor and the former senior editor of Interweave Knits. She lives in Boulder, Colorado.
                                                                                                                                           

Chapter One
Fit 
Comfort
Yarn and Gauge
Needle Choice
Heels
Toes
Aesthetics

Chapter Two
Projects
Top Down Construction
Top Down Cast On
Top Down Bind Offs
Asymmetrical Cables 
French Market Socks
Almondine 
Happy Go Lucky Boot Socks
Thigh High Stripes
Rose Ribs
Twisted Stitch Stockings
Knot Socks
Mock Cable and Lace
Slip n Slide
Toe Up Construction
Toe Up Cast Ons
Toe Up Bind Offs
Up down Entrelac
Bulgarian Blooms
Stealth Argyles
Terpander
Half Stranded Socks
Pussy Willow Stockings
Toe Up Travellers
                                                                                                                                               

Sock Knitting Master Class is available from Amazon

Disclosure: I buy knitting books from on-line shops with my own money, I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers. 



Tuesday, 26 November 2013

Book Review Designing Knitwear




Photo From Amazon


This work aims to offer the reader instructions on how to create their own knitted designs. It provides information on finding inspiration, working with colour, learning to see, using dressmaker details and finishing techniques. The reader is encouraged to develop their own original patterns.
Readers of Vogue Knitting and Threads are familiar with Newton's beautifully crafted knitwear, as are readers of mass circulation periodicals like Family Circle and Woman's Day. Here Newton systematizes her approach to designing handknit garments and, in the process, shares information she searched for in vain when she was a fledgling designer. Using 16 of her original designs as teaching tools, Newton takes the reader from idea to finished garment, emphasizing creative swatching and a lighthearted "what-if?" approach as the creative process begins, followed by solid documentation and detailed garment schematics as the design takes its final form. This is not a how-to-knit book. The author assumes her reader has the knitting skills required to put to good use in-depth information on design sources, yarn characteristics, working with silhouette and fit, and designing with stitch patterns, color, and graphics. Highly recommended.
- Janice Zlendich, California State Univ. Lib., Fullerton
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author
Deborah Newton is one of the top knitwear designers in the United States. She sold her first sweater to McCall's magazine in 1982 and has since designed and produced hundreds of knitted garments for magazines and books. She also designs knitted fabrics for the Seventh Avenue garment trade.
                                                                                                                                              

Contents
Chapter One
Learning to See

Chapter Two
Designing with Yarn

Chapter Three
Fit and Silhouette

Chapter Four
Designing with Knit and Purl

Chapter Five
Colour and Graphics

Chapter Six
The Comfortable Classics

Chapter Seven
Themes and Samplers

Chapter Eight
Dressmakers Details and Finishing Techniques
Addendum: Pushing the Limits
                                                                                                                                            

Designing Knitwear is available from Amazon

Disclosure: I buy knitting books from on-line shops with my own money, I am not being paid for writing this review. All my reviews are honest and on things that I genuinely love and would recommend to my readers. 



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