Glamour Knits at Home – Erika Knight

Posted on December 30, 2014 by njthomas913 under Accessory projects, home decor

Glamour Knits at Home

I’m going to end the year with an easy book – Glamour Knits at Home by Erika Knight. The sub-title is 15 Sensuous Designs to Knit and Keep Forever and it was published in the US by Potter Craft in 2007. It was first published in the UK, but doesn’t seem to translate well for an American taste level. Looks like it’s out-of-print, but available on Amazon.

You might guess right away that it’s a thumbs down. I mean REALLY – 15 patterns in the whole book! There is only one pattern I even like (more on that later). They seem to be styled for a Victorian boudoir and a dowdy boudoir at that. Even though I’m a fan of antiques, these designs leave me flat. I’m happily removing this from my shelf.

Glamour Knits at Home – back cover

As in the most recent post of another Erika Knight book, there is a color photography section in the front of the book (first 40 pages) and then gray photos and patterns in the back pages.

Lampshade

Here are a couple of the patterns and styling featured.

tea cozy

The one spr

sachets – scented squares

Below is the one spread that I do like as well as the patterns. The use of buttons is quite unique and a good idea for someone who has as large a button collection as I have.

button and lace pillows

http://www.amazon.com/Glamour-Knits-Home-Sensuous-Collectibles/dp/0307394700/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419976256&sr=8-1&keywords=glamour+knits+at+home

Nicky Epstein – The Knit Hat Book

Posted on December 18, 2014 by njthomas913 under Accessory projects, Appliques, Colorwork patterns

The Knit Hat Book cover

While I’m on a blogging roll, I thought I’d go for a small book (only 90 pages long) to end the week – almost end the year!

Nicky Epstein’s The Knit Hat Book was published in 1997. It was probably one of the early knitting books that I owned back in the day when I bought every knitting book published.

The Knit Hat Book – back cover

Should I give it a thumbs up or down? It’s a cute little gem that isn’t taking up tons of space on my book shelf, but is most likely not one that I’ll use in the future. The other tricky little thing is that Nicky autographed it to me and that makes it hard to let go of this book.

What to do, what to do? I’m being ruthless – so – thumbs down!

The book has 25 hats from basic shapes. Some of the styles are a bit dated, but feature Nicky’s clever appliqués and whimsical details.

Pillbox hats

Black Cat Pillbox Hats

She does berets, pillbox styles, simple cabled pull-on caps all in pretty basic yarns.

Roman Cable Hat

Bottom line: If you want to try different hats styles, this book is ideal. It’s out of print, but can be found on Amazon and probably eBay.

Classic Knits – Erika Knight

Posted on December 16, 2014 by njthomas913 under Accessory projects, Pullovers, Vests

Classic Knits cover

I have truly fallen off the “blogging wagon”. Too much life going on, but I’m back and even though I’m away for the winter I have a huge bag of books to review.

Classic Knits by Erika Knight (published by Potter Crafts in 2006) was an easy book. Erika says the book is “a contemporary collection of knitted wardrobe basics”. In other words – a book of patterns. The two-page intro is written in something like 24-point type – not too much to say about the book.

Classic Knits – Back Cover

As everyone knows how I feel about pattern books or books of patterns, it is pretty easy to give this one: thumbs down.

On a positive note, the book has great styling and nice photography.

Tank Top

There are only 15 projects. The first 40 pages have color pages showing the designs in color.

Slouch Socks

The rest of the book – the instructions are all in black and white with photos in a sort of washed gray.

Kelly Cardigan

The patterns have inches and centimeters for sizing and do have an extensive size range. There are no diagrams or schematic drawing.

Bottom line: If you want a book of really simple basic projects – this is a good book. Looks like it is out-of-print, but is available through Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Classic-Knits-Timeless-Designs-Collectibles/dp/0307347192/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1418754252&sr=1-2&keywords=classic+knits

Louisa Harding Duo – more patterns are going!

Posted on October 16, 2014 by njthomas913 under Accessory projects, Kid's designs, Pullovers, Stitch Patterns, Sweaters

Two books (soft back) are on the table today. Both are from talented designer Louisa Harding. Both are out-of-print, but available on Amazon and elsewhere as used books.

Although the designs in these lovely collections are really nice and beautifully designed and styled (especially the Magical World for young ladies), I’m making classifying these books in the Thumbs Down category. My ruthless streak continues!

Modern Classics (published in 2006) has over 20 designs and even after 8 years they are still wearable and easy to knit.

Modern Classics by Louisa Harding

I did love a few of the designs. They would be ideal for anyone making classic sweaters that will be in style for many years to come.

Basic Pullover

Fitted Cardie

Fitted Pullover

Modern Classics Back Cover

The 2nd book, The Magical World According to Miss Millie (published in 2006) is a really fun and flirty collection of patterns. While the majority of the patterns are for little girls, there are 4 featured classic styles for little guys (look at the back cover). The sizing is for ages 3-10.

The Magical World According to Miss Millie

I love the thumbnail index that shows all 20 designs at a glance. Perfect for times when you are searching for a certain style.

Magical World Index

Love, love the pretty shades, bohemian styling and incredible photography.

Ollie & Lily styles

Hat Girls

The Magical World According to Miss Millie – back cover

http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Classics-Twenty-Timeless-Designs/dp/1564776441/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413491399&sr=1-2&keywords=modern+classics

http://www.amazon.com/Louisa-Harding-Magical-According-Millie/dp/B000YFFYQG/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413491450&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Magical+World+According+to+Miss+Millie

Loop-d-Loop by Teva Durham

Posted on October 9, 2014 by njthomas913 under Accessory projects, Colorwork patterns, Stitch Patterns, Sweaters, Vests

My next book is Loop-d-Loop by Teva Durham. It’s also a book by Melanie Falick and published in 2005. In full disclosure, I know and worked with Teva and also know the photographer of this book – Adrian Buckmaster. They are both extremely talented – Teva in design and use of yarns and Adrian in photography. I’m a fan of both of them.

By the way, if you love the quirky styles and interesting designs in the book – it’s out of print, but you can get copies – including mine!

I’m giving this book – thumbs down.

Why you ask? It’s a beautifully created book – I would expect nothing less from Melanie. It has a well-thought out layout and interesting photos. My problem is that none of the projects appeal to me. They are a little over the top and slightly out of fashion. I’m being ruthless in my quest to reduce my overflowing library!

Back Cover

Below is a sweater that Teva original did for Interweave Knits that she is updated. She says it was very popular and I do agree that it looks like an easy one to knit and is one that would look good with jeans or something more dressed up. Teva does add clever details to all her projects and this is clearly one of her signature look.

Lace Leaf Pullover

The last photo is a clever scarf and I really like the braided effect. This doesn’t mean I’m making this book a “keeper”. I just wanted to end with a positive spin!

Braided Neckpiece

Cables Untangled

Posted on September 21, 2014 by njthomas913 under Accessory projects, afghans, Blankets, Kid's designs, Stitch Patterns, Sweaters, Texture & Cable Stitches, throws

Cables Untangled – paperback and hardback

Guess what happens when you have way too many knitting/crochet books? You buy the same book twice. Guilty! The main problem is which to keep. The paperback is lighter and if I’m thinking about books by pounds, I definitely should keep it. On the other hand, the hardback is really nice and firm and is likely to stay intact on the book shelf. Decisions, decisions!

Cables Untangled – trade paperback

Cables Untangled – hardback

I’m not sure which cover I like, but I think the hardback cover is more appealing.

So down to the book – I’ll give this one a thumbs up.

I’ll start by talking about the author, Melissa Leapman. She is a designer, teacher and author. Her hand in this book, published in 2006 is evident though out.

The illustrations are very well-drawn and cover lots of info on creating all sorts of cables. There is info on working from cable charts, although there are many variations used in creating cabling symbols and the ones shown in this book might not be ones a knitter would find in other publications. Techniques and abbreviations are covered throughly. I really like the way the book has been laid out so that all of this important info precedes the patterns.

The charts are also very clear and make the knitting of the projects much easier.

If I had one beef about the book, it’s the size of the photographed stitch patterns in the Cable Stitch Pattern Dictionary. I wish they were a larger size. That said, there dictionary is extensive and organized by yarn color of the swatches to group patterns such as allover cables and cable panels neatly into sections.

Some of the projects I like are following. Note that the ones I liked the best are all home decor. I wasn’t such a fan of the fashions, although there was one really nice man’s sweater.

Sampler Afghan

Aran-style Afghan

Entwined Cables Pillow

Cables Untangled – backcover paperback

Cables Untangled – backcover handback

http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Untangled-Exploration-Cable-Knitting/dp/0307586480/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1411333946&sr=1-1&keywords=cables+untangled

Handknit Holidays – Another Melanie Falick book

Posted on September 6, 2014 by njthomas913 under Accessory projects, afghans, Blankets, Colorwork patterns, Kid's designs, Stitch Patterns, Sweaters, Texture & Cable Stitches, throws, Toys & Animals

Another Melanie Falick book – Handknit Holidays seemed like a good one to review. I thought for sure that this one would be an easy in and out book and I could pat myself on the back having removed another book from the sagging bookshelf. The first section featuring all sorts of holiday designs made me think that this was just another book of patterns that don’t interest me. Delving further into the book, I changed my mind. I might later change my mind but for the first pass this book is staying.

Looking on Amazon, looks like this book published in 2005 is available in a digital format.

Final answer: Thumbs Up!

What’s good? The photos are “Melanie worthy”, good clear layout of patterns plus a good section at the end on Special Techniques and Abbreviations (although no illustrations). Betty Christiansen who’s work I’ve admired worked on this book with Melanie.

Back Cover

What follows are a number of patterns that made me think twice about “deep sixing” this volume.

Community Afghan – the intro suggest this as a project for a group. Squares are all knit in garter stitch.

Cardinal Joy Hoodie – Given in 3 chest sizes, it’s pretty hard to figure out the actual size child this would fit. Hoodies are perfect for kids of all ages and this one (I’d do without the pocket design).

Log Cabin Socks – This look like they’d be really fun to knit. I’m not sure if they’d be practical to wear with shoes, but would be great under boots.

Snowy Triangle Scarf – The modular construction of this scarf (and hat) looks like a really knitterly project. Nice way to try out the technique without making a really big project.

http://www.amazon.com/Handknit-Holidays-Knitting-Year-Round-Christmas-ebook/dp/B009SYI0BU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1410039446&sr=1-1&keywords=handknit+holidays

Knit 2 Together

Posted on August 30, 2014 by njthomas913 under Accessory projects, Colorwork patterns, Kid's designs, Sweaters, Toys & Animals, Vests

Knit 2 Together by Tracey Ullman and Mel Clark (STC Crafts/Melanie Falick, 2006)

I’ve been singing “And Another One Bits the Dust” all morning. What does that tell you about this book? I didn’t like it, but I didn’t hate it. It has a few redeeming qualities, but not enough to earn a spot on the Nancy J Thomas bookshelf!

Final answer: Thumbs Down. This book is not going back on my shelf. Thank goodness! I’m making headway (or slight headway).

Let’s start with the back cover.

Take a look at the “bloomers” on the right called Witches Britches are probably the worst pattern in the book. Who would wear them? The suit on the left is OK, but I’ll be honest that it won’t fit my lifestyle or the many of the people that I know.

I should talk a little about why it’s an interesting, well-formed book. First lets start with Melanie Fallick. She doesn’t publish bad books. Knit 2 Tog has rhyme and reason for being. It has fun essays by comedian, Tracey Ullman. It has good technique info from Mel Clark. The book has tricks and tips throughout. It’s has an understandable layout and decent photos of the projects.

I think the patterns are the book’s downfall. Not so unusual, but a fact. I found two patterns I will most likely copy and knit. Otherwise I shake my head and say – no, no, no. No Knit Two Together to wear with a friend. No Gym Slip Dress in extra fine Merino. No Baby Cape. No Sailor Pants in 100% cotton – Really!

The book ends with Knitting Basics that have small photos in circles (not easy to understand if you are a beginner) of lots of easy techniques. I think other books do it better. Illustrations are better than photos for how-to info. I do like Mel’s Picks for recommended reading. A good list!

Baby Baseball T with mitts

Santa Cruz Hoodie

The the two patterns above are the ones that I like. Both are pretty fast knits on a DK (baby) and Chunky (hoodie) yarns.

Below are two additional patterns that I’d rate as a thumbs up.

Luxe Neck Warmer

Mel’s Mouse Family

http://www.amazon.com/Knit-Together-Patterns-Stories-Knitting-ebook/dp/B008ZR9484/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1409429116&sr=1-1&keywords=knit+2+together

Knitting Books – What was I thinking duo?

Posted on August 26, 2014 by njthomas913 under Accessory projects, Overview of Yarns, Stitch Patterns, Sweaters, Texture & Cable Stitches, Vests

Ocean Breeze – Silk Knits

I was going to do each of these books separately, but a quick review of each made me realize that these are just a couple of books of patterns. I’m disposed to dislike books that are just patterns put together in some form to create a book. I have lots of magazines that full of patterns, but lets not go there. Once I get a handle on my books, magazines might be next.

Are these books staying on my shelf? Thumbs Down.

Let’s start with Ocean Breezes – Knitted Scarves inspired by the Sea by Sheryl Thies (published in 2007 by Martingale).

The premise is nice and scarves photographed in nature as still-life images is interesting. The scarves are OK. I like the cover scarf – mostly the edging. I also like these two scarves. Does this make keeping this book worthwhile – nah!

Moving on to Silk Knits – 20 Designs in Fabulous Fibers by Elaine Eskesen (published in 2007 by Martingale). This book has a bit more meat. It includes info on working with silk, the types of silk and a history of silk. The big “but” is that as I looked over the patterns, I couldn’t really find patterns that I found very interesting. The chapters of the patterns is broken down by season – spring, summer, fall, winter. Below is the one pattern that I do like, but not sure I’d make it or have a place to wear it.

Silk Knits back cover

knit circle vest

http://www.amazon.com/Ocean-Breezes-Knitted-Scarves-Inspired-ebook/dp/B00HANSOOE/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1409084658&sr=1-1&keywords=ocean+breezes+knitted+scarves+inspired+by+the+sea

http://www.amazon.com/Silk-Knits-Designs-Fabulous-Fibers-ebook/dp/B00I0GHKP4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1409084725&sr=1-1&keywords=silk+knits+20+designs+in+fabulous+fibers

Knitting Beyond Scarves – Melissa Leapman

Posted on August 21, 2014 by njthomas913 under Accessory projects, Sweaters

I thought that I’d go for an easy book this week. I wanted one that I could skim through and move on. What can I say – I’m still in summer vacation mode.

What did I decide about Knitting Beyond Scarves: Thumbs down!

The back cover says it all: Take Your Knitting to the Next Level. Actually the book starts out with all the basics – casting on, the knit stitch, and binding off. The book is packed with simple info for a knitter who wants to go “beyond the scarf”. The illustrations are very clear and easy-to-follow. The explanations are well-written and organized in a logical step-by-step fashion. For the $19.95 cost, you could learn a ton from this book.

OK – now that I’ve told you what I like about the book. Now for the down side. I love Melissa Leapman – her books, her designs and her bubbly personality. The designs featured in this book are either too simple, ho-hum or really not great. The one design I do like is the striped hat below. It’s adorable. Some of the skirts in the circular knitting and increase and decrease sections miss the mark in many ways. The purple A-line skirt in a novelty yarn doesn’t do it for me. The sweaters and accessories wouldn’t “wow” most knitters I know. I was surprised that the book was published in 2006. I thought at first glance that it might have been published in the 80’s or 90’s.

For someone who wants to learn new techniques and have a “go-to” book to help them along the way, this book is perfect. I feel like it’s not one that I would use and it should have a new home and get off my shelf!

http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Leapmans-Knitting-Beyond-Scarves/dp/0823026140/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408645875&sr=8-1&keywords=Knitting+beyond+scarves

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