Showing posts with label Knit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Knit. Show all posts

Monday, 16 June 2014

Book Review The Knitter's Guide to Hand Dyed and Variegated Yarn






Photo's from Amazon


For knitters, from advanced beginner to advanced, seeking simple solutions to the common but often unexpected problems that arise when working with variegated yarns. Knitters love the gorgeous colourways of variegated yarn but can be frustrated by the patterns of colour that can develop unexpectedly. In The Knitter's Guide to Hand-Dyed and Variegated Yarn, hand-dyed yarn guru Lorna Miser reveals how to make the most of these stunning fibres, offering proven solutions in an informative stitch-dictionary format. The techniques are all accessible, simple enough even for the advanced beginner and designed to educate knitters about their yarn.



Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Watson-Guptill; Original edition (7 Jan 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 082308552X
ISBN-13: 978-0823085521
Product Dimensions: 27.9 x 21.8 x 1 cm

About the Author

Lorna Miser is the founder and original owner of Lorna's Laces, a well-known brand of hand-dyed yarns. She teaches classes and workshops on knitting technique and knitwear design at yarn stores, knitting guilds, consumer knitting shows and yarn industry trade shows around the country. She is also the author of Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting.
Lorna was inspired to become a knitter by both a mother and grandmother who knit beautiful things. By the late 80's Lorna was raising sheep, llamas and rabbits and making yarn from their fiber. Next she created a popular yarn company, Lorna's Laces, which she sold in 2003. Since then she's spent all of her time designing, teaching and writing. Lorna's designs can be found in many magazines, web sites and through dozens of yarn companies.
                                                                                                                                         

Contents
Preface
Chapter 1
A Look at Multicoloured Yarns
A Panorama of Colour
Types of Variegated Yarn
Spotted or Watercolour Yarns
Short Repeat Yarns
Long Repeat Yarns
Sidebar: Striping or Self Patterning Yarns
Colours in the Skein Versus Knitted Colours
Comparing Gauge Swatches
Choosing the Right Knitting Technique for Your Colourway
Calm Colours
Active Colours
Sidebar: Evaluating Your Yarn
How to Use the Stitch Patterns

Chapter 2 
Making Two Look Like One
Blending Mismatch Skeins
Patterns: 
English Rose Tunic
Shades of Dawn Mitered Shawl

Chapter 3 
A Little Texture Goes a Long Way
Knits and Purls, Cables, Bobbles and Other Textures
Patterns: 
Bobbly Blue-Green Mittens
Primary School Cardigan

Chapter 4 
Knit a Few, Skip a Few
Mixing It Up with Slipped Stitches
Patterns:
Desert Camouflage
City Sister Coin Purse

Chapter 5 
Dipping Down
Stacking Colours with Tucked Stitch Patterns
Pattern:
Autumn Harvest Place Mat
Monet's Garden Quilted Lattice Top

Chapter 6 
Making the Wrong Side Right
Knitting with Float Stitch Patterns
Patterns:
Berry Float Neck Cozy
Blue Ray Socks

Chapter 7
Manipulating Colours
Customizing with Colours
Patterns:
Big Sky Basket Weave Hat
Fiesta Striped Cardigan

Chapter 8
Stripe It Up
Adding Some Zing with Contrasting Solids
Patterns:
Marbleized Baby Sweater
Mighty Mountain Chevron Throw

Chapter 9
Not So Classic Fair Isle
Plain and Fancy Unique and Dramatic
Patterns:
Amethyst Houndstooth Wristlets
Checks and Balances Laptop Case

Chapter 10
Holes are Beautiful
Colour in Lace Stitch Patterns
Patterns:
Green Tea Lace Wristlets
Firestorm Lace Shawl

Chapter 11
Same Colours, Different Yarns
Mixing Weights and Textures
Patterns:
Pomegranate Tweed Tote
Daybreak Textured Throw

Skill Levels
Yarn Substitutions
Knitting Abbreviations
Metric Conversion Chart
Knitting Needle Conversion Chart
Resources
Index
                                                                                                                                          

This book is a must have for any knitter who loves to knit with hand dyed and variegated yarn.
In this book you will find ten of the most common and simplest techniques that can improve the away colours in variegated yarns look after they have been knitted.  You will lean that the same techniques work for all kinds of multicoloured yarns, whether hand dyed or commercially dyed.  
This book is an excellent reference book for any knitter who wants to know more about knitted fabrics.  This book is full of really good ideas on how to knit with hand dyed and variegated yarn for the best effects.
This book also have some lovely patterns and a stitch directory that offers different stitches to use in order to make your patterns unique. The book also teaches you how to choose the right knitting technique for you colourway.  This book should be in any knitters library that loves to work with hand dyed yarn and variegated yarn.


The Knitter's Guide to Hand Dyed and Variegated Yarn is available from Amazon


Book Review Finishing School




Photo's from Amazon

The word finishing fills many knitters with dread. Some even abandon projects rather than complete the necessary steps to achieve beautiful, wearable garments. Now, notable knitter and designer Deborah Newton shares her expertise and love of finishing techniques in an on-the-page master class. Deborah patiently takes her student-readers step by step through the ins and outs of blocking, seaming, edging and embellishments, giving them the confidence and skills to create professional-looking knitwear. In addition to Deborah's expert instructions, the book includes patterns for 12 sweaters, jackets and scarves, many with variations.

Hardcover: 164 pages
Publisher: Sixth&Spring; 1 edition (20 Oct 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1936096196
ISBN-13: 978-1936096190


About the Author
Deborah Newton has been a knitwear designer for more than 25 years and her designs have appeared in numerous publications including Vogue Knitting, Threads, Knitter's Magazine and McCalls. She also teaches around the country, most recently for Vogue Knitting's annual VK Live Event in New York City.
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Contents
Introduction

Chapter One
Finishing 101
Choosing Projects Well
Using a Schematic Drawing
Swatching for Success
The Finishing Tool Kit
Getting Ready to Finish

Chapter Two
Blocking Basics
To Block or Not to Block?
Surfaces and Tools
Blocking Methods
Workshop
Lace Case Study
Two Scarves, One Pattern
Yarn Smarts
Workshop
A Tale of Two Yarns and Two Tunics
Blocking Stitch Patterns

Chapter Three
Seaming Seminar
Three Simple Rules
Seaming Basics
Joining Shoulders
Vertical Seams
Sleeve Caps
Workshop
Sleeve Cap Seaming
Eyelets and Cables Pullovers
Workshop
Stitches Meet Rows
Cabled Patchwork Scarf
Workshop
Creative Joining Variations
Three Kids' Sweaters

Chapter Four
Edging Intensive
The Basic Approach
Picking Up Stitches
Types of Edging
Trimming the Trims
Binding Off Edgings
Parts of a Sweater
Workshop
Mitered Magic
Striped Tweed Cardigan Vest
Sewn On Edges
Workshop
Sewing a Cabled Band
Cowl Neck Pullover

Chapter Five
Extra Credit: Buttons, Zippers, Pockets and More
Getting Closure
Buttons
Zippers
Workshop
Zip It Up! Fitted Colour block Jacket
Embroidery
Pompoms, Tassels, Fringes and More
Collars, Cuffs and Cowls
Pockets
Workshop
All The Trimmings
Plaid Accents Cardigan

Chapter Six
Continuing Educations: Special Finishing
Alterations: When Good Sweaters Go Bad
Incorporating Other Fabrics
Workshop
Super Simple Linings
Swatch Purse
Felting
Workshop
Felting Fun Asian Inspired Vest
Workshop
Everything Old is New Again
Upcycled Bucket Bag
Workshop
Fearless Steeks Fair Isle Cardigan
Workshop
Custom Couture
Embellished Cardigan
Final Note on Finishing

Patterns
Resources 
Cast On How To
Index

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Finishing School is a must have book for any knitter to have in their knitting library.  This book
is full of tips, tricks advice and techniques on how to of finishing a garment.  Each chapter in the book have sections look at different techniques and give you a how to on correcting the issues.  There are lots of cheats as a quick referent to when doing a finishing technique.  
This book really is helpful when it comes to finishing a knitting project.  The book also shows you how to work with and adapt a schematic.

The book is well written and easy to understand as well as the illustrations and pictures.  I am sure that even the more experienced knitter will find this book invaluable.  this book is like having a knitting expert sitting with you telling you how to finish a garment professionally.  This book is perfect for anyone that want to knit a garment or learn to knit a garment! 



Finishing School is available from Amazon


Book Review Knitting Reimagined






Photo's from Amazon

Rethink traditional knitting with this groundbreaking collection of 25 sophisticated patterns for beautiful sweaters, jackets, and accessories from one of the most influential voices in knitwear design. Award-winning author Nicky Epstein offers knitters of all skill levels adventurous, wearable projects that showcase innovative and clever construction and garment details. From a tunic created by weaving sections of knitting to a jumper featuring braided sleeve details, these patterns all offer interesting new twists on classic handknit designs. The stitches are easy, but the eye-opening results will challenge the way knitters think about this age-old craft. Each chapter focuses on one type of treatment, including innovative shaping, weaving, and braiding, directional knitting, or cutting-edge ways to use edgings and colourwork. Distilling her more than 25 years of knit design know-how, Nicky shares all the tricks of her trade in this gorgeous volume.

Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Potter Craft (7 May 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0385346255
ISBN-13: 978-0385346252

About the Author
Nicky Epstein, one of today's hottest knitwear designers, has gained international recognition for her innovative work, whimsical sense of style, and informative workshops. She has authored numerous books, including Knitting in Circles, Knitting Block by Block, Nicky Epstein's Knitted Flowers, Knitting On the Edge, Knitting Over the Edge, Knitting Beyond the Edge, and Knits for Barbie® Doll, among others. Her designs have also been featured in Vogue Knitting and many other knitting publications, as well as on television and at art exhibitions.
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Contents
Introduction
How to Use this Book

Chapter One
Directionals
Reckoning Rectangles Shawl
Renaissance Castle Tunic
On the Block Topper
Je Ne Sais Quoi Cape
The Deep End Shawl
Royal Lace Coat with Hood
Welted Button Tuck Cardi

Chapter Two
Cool Construction
Weekend Warrior Wraparound
Nouveau Wrap Cardigan
On the Edge Dress
Glory Rising Circle Cardigan
Directional Vest
Shape Shifter Vest

Chapter Three
Woven Weaves
Crisscross Weave Tank
Braided Vitality Pullover
Etiquette Unchained Pullover
Pixilated Weave Drapelette
Chaos Couture Pullover

Chapter Four
Stitch Impact
Spring Forward Dress or Tunic
Buttons and Bows Manteau
Dressage Pony Poncholette
Spirits Fly Pullover
Victory Fair Isle Pullover
Quintessential Cable Pullover
Edging Epilogue Dress

Abbreviations
Knitting Techniques
Resources 
Index

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Knitting Reimagined is a book full of chic, wearable but very unique atypical garments that will appeal to knitters of all skill levels.  In this book the stitches used are easy as well as the techniques used to make the designs with the results of the knitted garments structures and shapes are unconventional and unexpected.  This book has 25 original designs using a variety of forward looking techniques that really will transform your yarn into sophisticated and adaptable knitting garments.  The designs are varied from tailored to bohemian, structured to unstructured.  They are also made with a variety of yarns including handspun, hand dyed, novelty and cashmere.  The book is well written with detailed instructions and diagrams, stitches, shapes, angles, openings, lengths, button closures, tucks, twists layering and much more!  Thee are also skill levels and approximate time frames to complete each project.  this book is for anyone that is looking for that something different to knit.

Knitting Reimagined is available from Amazon


Book Review Vampire Knits








Photo's from Amazon


From Twilight mania to Vampire Diaries, never have the undead been so adored. Vampire Knits is the first collection of knitting projects for dreamy, mysterious vampires and the fans who love them. These appealing and easy-to-knit projects range from cool sweaters to cosy pulse protectors, a fang sweater to blood bottle cozies. Gloves inspired by Twilight's Bella Swann, blood red jewellery and a beautiful diary cover are just a few of the timeless items crafty vampire fans have been clamouring for. The projects are fun to make and evoke the spirit of beloved undead characters. The book includes sections with names such as Protect Me!, Just Bitten, Vampire Style and Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf. Affordable, fun and well-designed, this book is an easy purchase.


Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Potter Craft; Original edition (7 Nov 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 030758660X
ISBN-13: 978-0307586605


About the Author
Genevieve Miller is a Southern California native who learned how to knit when she was 12. After reading Twilight, she was inspired to design her own knits for the first time.
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Contents
Introduction

Chapter One
Project Me
Pulse Protectors
Silver Bullet and Blood Head Scarf
Bellissima Mittens
Under Cover of Midnight Hooded Cowl
Vampire Diary Protector
Love Bites ~ For Him

Chapter Two
Just Bitten
Tourniquet Scarf
Rampage Fishnet Gloves
Bloody Socks
Descent Into Darkness Wrap
Lore Hoodie

Chapter Three
Vampire Style
Countess Bathory Scarf
Palm Readers
Sittio Stockings
The Prim Reaper's Corset
Be Still My Breathing Heart Capelet
The Black Veil
Sidhe Lace Shrug
Little Fang Sweater

Chapter Four
Bloody Accents
Got Blood? Pillow
Vampire Totes
Glamour Earrings and Sangria Bracelet
Blood Bottle Cozies

Chapter Five
Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf
Paw Warmers
Shapeshifter Shrug
Werewolf Hat
Imprint Pillow

Knitting Abbreviations
Metric Conversion Chart
Special Skills
Contributing Designers
Index

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Vampire Knits is the perfect book for anyone that loves to knit and that loves anything to do with vampires.  Vampires of all kinds are used for inspiration for the projects in this book.  You will find more than 25 projects to make, wear and give.

I found some pictures on Ravelry of the patterns in this book

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Blood Bottle Cozies

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Be Still My Beating Heart Capelet

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Bellissima
                            
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Bloody Socks
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Descent into Darkness
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Countess Bathory Scarf
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Glamour Earrings

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Got Blood Pillow
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Little Fang sweater

Screen_shot_2010-09-11_at_9
Lore Hoodie
Love_bites_rotate_small2
Love Bites-for Him
Alicemitts_small2
Palm readers, New Moon inspired Alice Cullen fingerless mittens
Screen_shot_2010-09-12_at_12
Paw Warmers
Screen_shot_2010-09-12_at_9
Pulse Protectors
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Rampage Fishnet Gloves
Screen_shot_2010-09-09_at_10
Imprint Pillow
Screen_shot_2010-09-09_at_6
Silver Bullet & Blood Head Scarf
Screen_shot_2010-09-11_at_5
Sitio Stockings
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The Black Veil
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The Prim Reaper's Corset
Forks_photo_shoot_2_small2
Vampire Totes
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Werewolf Hat
Sangria_1_small2

Sangria Bracelet

Shape_shifter_as_shrug_small2
Shape Shifter
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Sidhe Shrug
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Tourniquet scarf
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Under Cover of Midnight Hooded Cowl
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Vampire Diary Protector

Vampire Knits is available from Amazon


Book Review Take The Fear Out of Cables





Photo's from Amazon

To a knitter with basic skills, the idea of making cables can be daunting. To allay their fears, they need an experienced knitter to demystify those beautiful curves and twists. Jill Wright is delighted to help. Her new book of easy-to-intermediate cabled patterns is specially designed to ease the reader into fashioning cables without qualms. The 10 projects start off with the basics and advance a little with each progressive design. Along the way, the reader gets the fun of knitting a belt, scarf, clutch, gaiter, mitts, baby blanket, cushion, vest, shrug and sweater - all with lovely cables and all without fear!

Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Leisure Arts (7 April 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1609004132
ISBN-13: 978-1609004132


About the Author
A firm believer in challenging oneself and trying to overcome ones fears, Jill Wright created the designs in Take the Fear Out of Cables with the goal of helping knitters realise that cable patterns are not as difficult as they might look. 'My Mother taught me to knit at age 6, and I have always loved cables, the more complex the better'. Jill says, 'I love to make all things from scarves to socks, bags to sweaters, hats to shawls. As long as I'm knitting something, I'm happy'. Her designs have been published in numerous magazines and books. For more about Jill, look for her as Woolcrafter on Ravelry or visit her website, www.woolcrafting.com.
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Contents
Introduction
Meet the Designer

Let's Get Started
Simple Cable
Reading a Chart
Cable Needles
Another Way to Work a Cable
Belt
Scarf
Felted Clutch
Hat
Fingerless Gloves
Car Seat Cover
Cushion
Vest
Wrap
Sweater
General Instructions
Yarn Information

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Take the Fear out of Cables is for any knitter that wants to learn how to knit cables.  The book is well written and will teach you that cable patterns are not as difficult as they might look.  The pictures below are from Ravelry website.

Com
Belt

Com
Car Seat Cover


Take The Fear Out of Cables is available from Amazon


Book Review Once Upon a Knit








Photo's from Amazon

Once again Genevieve Miller taps a wide range of contributors from knitwear designers to students to create a collection of 30 wearables, accessories and toys that can be knit for adults or kids. Inspired by the recent resurgence of fairy tale and fantasy characters, these projects draw from traditionally storybook tales as well as popular television shows. Projects range from a Big Bad Wolf Hat to Grimm Stockings and a stuffed Dragon Hatchling.


Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Potter Craft (7 April 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0385344945
ISBN-13: 978-0385344944


About the Author
Genevieve Miller is a south California native who learned how to knit when she was 11. Genevieve is the author of Vampire Knits and a contributor to Knits for Nerds. She lives in Pasadena, California, where she can be found reading fairy tales, knitting or teaching kids how to knit.
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Contents
Introduction

Chapter One
Into The Woods
Ruby Red Riding Hood
Little Red's Basket
Huntsman's Glove and Scarf
Entwinded Forest Throw
Ballerina Fairy Tutu and Wand
Jack and the Bean Socks
Yellow Brick Road Bag
Woodland Friends Hat

Chapter Two
Princes and Princesses
Siren Shawl
Briar Rose's Blanket
Snow White Shrug
Charming Cardigan
Rose Red Wrap
Bookish Belle Mitts
Fairest of Them All Top
A Little Princess Skirt
Cinderella Play Set
Proper Princess Topper

Chapter Three
Something Wicked
Maleficence
Raven Shawlette
Dark Dream Socks
Candy Witch Fingerless Gloves
Modern Chain Mail Hoodie
Dragon Softie
Queen of Hearts Beret
Rumpelstiltskin Infinity Scarf
An apple a Day
Elsa Snow Vest

Knitting Abbreviations
Skill Levels
Standard Yarn Weight System
Special Skills
Contributing Designers
Index

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Once Upon a Knit is for anyone that loves to knit and that still believes in the magic of fairy tales.
I found all 28 pictures on Ravelry of the patterns in the book


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A Little Princess Skirt
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An Apple A Day
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Ballerina Fairy Tutu & Wand
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Bookish Belle Mitts
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Candy Witch Fingerless Gloves


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Briar Rose's Blanket


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Charming Cardigan
                                                              
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Dark Dream Socks
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Dragon Softie
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Cinderella Play Set
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Entwined Forest Throw
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Fairest of Them All Top
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Huntsman's Gloves & Scarf
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Jack and the Bean-socks
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Little Red's Basket
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Malificence
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Modern Chain-Mail Hoodie
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Proper Princess Topper
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Queen of Hearts Beret
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Raven Shawlette
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Rose Red Wrap
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Ruby Red Riding Hood
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Rumplestiltskin Infinity Scarf
Screen_shot_2013-05-13_at_8
Siren Shawl
Screen_shot_2014-02-05_at_11
Snow White Shrug
Screen_shot_2014-02-04_at_11
Woodland Friends Hats
Screen_shot_2014-02-04_at_12
Yellow Brick Road Bag
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Elsa Snow Vest
I love the designs in this book and I think they are inspiring.  The book is well written with lovely photo's
Anyone that loves to knit and also love the magic in fairy tales then this book is a must have.



Once Upon a Knit  is available from Amazon


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