Traditional Knitting

Posted on September 15, 2019 by njthomas913 under Cardigans, classic sweaters, Color Knitting, Colorwork patterns, Historial knitting books, Kid's designs, Pullovers, Sweaters, Vests

Traditional Knitting – Cover

I’ve been stuck with a book that I just couldn’t sit down to review. It was published in 1981 and written by Gwyn Morgan. My guess is that it was originally written in the UK as the patterns have centimeters given first in measurements. Spoiler alert – I’m not keeping this one.

Traditional Knitting – back cover

Nice traditional designs that would be appropriate for current casual wear!

Knitting History

The book begins with an historical overview.As the subtitle suggests there is history of Ireland, Scotland and England.

Guernsey and Fair Isle sweaters

The patterns are traditional styles with projects for kids, women and men.

Shetland colorwork charts

The charts in the patterns are a plus for making the sweaters.

Guernsey charts

Nice that the patterns also include stitch charts for ease in knitting.

Cardigans and Vests

For knitters who love lots of stitches and color patterns this book is perfect. I’m probably not going to use this again so it will travel on to another knitter!

https://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Knitting-Patterns-Ireland-Scotland/dp/0312813147/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=traditional+knitting+Patterns+of+Ireland%2C+Scotland%2C+and+England&qid=1568579979&sr=8-1

A Textile Traveler’s Guide – Peru & Bolivia

Posted on June 25, 2019 by njthomas913 under Color Knitting, Historial knitting books, Travel, Uncategorized

A Textile Traveler’s guide Peru & Bolivia – Cynthia LeCount Samake

After my long hiatus, I’m happy to review this 150-page book packed with useful information written by my friend, Cynthia LeCount Samake. It was recently published by Thrums Books with Linda Ligon at the helm (of Interweave fame). I’ve been to both Peru and Bolivia with Cynthia many times and as I read the book, it was like taking a trip down memory lane.

Before you travel to Peru or Bolivia or both, this is a “must-have” book to review and pack in your suitcase. You can find everything from “getting there” to favorite hotels to affordable restaurant choices. Basically everything you might need to navigate both countries. It’s like having your personal travel advisor at your fingertips!

Am I keeping this book? How could I not! I feel like it’s part of my history and one that I could refer to again and again.

Peru & Bolivia – back cover

Colorful socks hand knit from a Peruvian market

Be sure to look for colorful textiles at various markets. You’ll find newer textiles as well as vintage pieces. Most are one-of-a-kind irresistible textiles including socks, hats, woven pieces and bags.

Cynthia LeCount Samake

Cynthia has the “street creds” to write this book. Her many trips to both countries has made her an expert. I was so happy to see so much practical information included.

Have a true cultural exchange!

Cynthia makes good suggestions on what to bring to give as gifts to people you’ll encounter as well as appropriate ways to give them out appropriately. Sharing your skills with others is a great way to immerse yourself into the culture. The photo on the lower right was taken on one of my trips to Peru. I was showing a knitter one of the hat I had knit.

Chinchero dying workshop

Even if you are not a knitter or weaver, a day at the village of Chinchero dying yarn outside over an open fire is a memorable experience.

Machu Picchu

Everyone who goes to Peru wants to visit the famous Machu Picchu. It’s an obvious choice, but you’ll find at the end of your trip it won’t be the only memorable part of your visit. Below are an amazing array of colorful hats from a market at Machu Picchu.

Bolivia Highlights!

I’ve spent much of the the review talking about Peru, but Bolivia is an “not-to-be-missed” experience. Shopping for textiles in La Paz is a treat. Be sure to read the information on Artesania Sorata started by American, Diane Bellomy.

Weekend Knitting – Melanie Falick

Posted on September 1, 2018 by njthomas913 under accessories, Accessory projects, Cardigans, Color Knitting, home decor, Shawls, sock knitting, Sweaters, Uncategorized

Magazines Out!

I spend time this past week in the 90 degree heat in my office revamping and decluttering. This group of 13 magazines are now sadly gone, but I feel lighter!

Weekend Knitting – Cover

I love Melanie Falick’s work and that must be why I added this book to my library. This beautifully photographed book was published in 2003 by the imprint where Melanie worked. Now that I’ve got ruthless, I can see that it’s got to go.

Weekend Knitting – Back Cover

Chair Cushions – Kristin Nicholas

As soon as turned to this page, I knew that these were Kristin creations! She has a colorful style that is not hard to spot. Love these, but I would never make them.

Egg Cozies

Cute idea, but my least favorite project. I’m not sure that anyone even eats eggs this way any more.

Fingerless Gloves

Ok – now for my favorite project! I love the idea of fingerless gloves with actual fingers. Most of the ones I’ve made just end at the knuckles with a bind off.

Brioche Scarf

Perfect Pie Shawl

I’m including the above 2 pics which are modeled by Caitlin Fitzgerald. If you’ve never heard of her, just Google her name. She’s now an acclaimed actress and dated Aidan Turner (of Poldark fame). My interest in Caitlin is personal. I did work with her Mom – knitting designer, Pam Allen. Also, Caitlin did a short internship with me at Lion Brand. She’s a great gal and I’m thrilled that she’s succeeded in her career.

Knitting in Literature

The book did add some unique touches such as a list of books that feature knitting plus a recipe for cookies and hot chocolate plus a side bar on making tea.

Melanie – thanks for your great books! The knitting world is a better place because of them.

Debbie Bliss – times 4!

Posted on May 22, 2018 by njthomas913 under Baby Books, Blankets, Cardigans, classic sweaters, Color Knitting, Jackets, Kid's designs, Knit and Purl Stitches, Sweaters, Texture & Cable Stitches

Quick Baby Knits

Today I’m trying something new! I have 4 booklets that are from 80 pages (3 of them) to one at 128 pages. They all come to us from the British Designer, Debbie Bliss. She is especially known for amazing photography, classic styles and wonderful kids/baby knitting patterns.

I am lumping this group together. What do they have in common? Three are published in 1998/1999 and the longer one in 2002.

Quick Baby knits – back cover

On one of my London trips, I visited Debbie’s yarn shop and visited with Debbie.

Debbie Bliss’s shop

Autographed book

While I visited her shop, got one of the books signed by Debbie.

Nautical Knits for Kids

Debbie is also known her oversized kid’s knits.

The Family Collection

A nice booklet of designs for babies, kids, women and men.

Cotton Knits for all seasons

The largest of these books includes 25 projects. Cotton is versatile and as the booklet title suggest – great for many seasons.

So why am I moving these 4 booklets off my shelf? The main reason is that they ultimately are books of patterns and not patterns I would probably ever use. Sorry Debbie!

https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Baby-Knits-Over-Designs/dp/0312202512/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1527019878&sr=8-2&keywords=Quick+Baby+Knits

https://www.amazon.com/Nautical-Knits-Kids-Debbie-Bliss/dp/1570761078/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1527019929&sr=1-1&keywords=Nautical+Knits+for+Kids

https://www.amazon.com/Family-Collection-Knitwear-Designs-Children/dp/0091863570/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1527020003&sr=1-2&keywords=The+Family+Collection+Debbie+Bliss

https://www.amazon.com/Cotton-Knits-Seasons-Debbie-Bliss/dp/157076218X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1527020053&sr=1-1&keywords=Cotton+Knits+for+all+Seasons

Knitted Gifts – Ann Budd

Posted on April 19, 2018 by njthomas913 under accessories, Accessory projects, Color Knitting, home decor, Knit and Purl Stitches, Knits For Pets, Toys & Animals

Knitted Gifts – cover

I’m conflicted about this 144 page book published by Interweave Press in 2009. It’s definitely a book of patterns – some good, some bad and some that you have to ask – why? There are a few I like, but not sure it’s worth keeping the book. The cover hat and mitts are really nice and a good selling point for the book. I do have many good things to say about Ann Budd and her editing/designing, but what was her contribution to this 37 project book?

In the end, I think I’ll move this one along. I can’t justify it’s space on what I’m hoping will be a much reduced shelf of essential knit and crochet books.

Knitted Gifts – back cover

There are some fantastic designers who contributed to the the book. Then I have to point out two projects on the back cover are in the category that I called “Why?” The knit hobby horse (really!) and the ballet-style slippers (sort of OK).

Easy Ribbed Socks

I thought I’d start off with a project I like.

Lace Scarf by Nancy Bush

Love this project. It might be one that I might even make. Nancy Bush is a real pro at traditional designs.

Felted Oven Mitts

This project is a great way to use up leftover 100% wool or rough wool that you might not want for a wearable.

Fair Isle Napkin Rings

The napkin rings are something that doesn’t seem to be a terrific project. I couldn’t quite figure out the order of the projects. Didn’t seem like the groupings were by easy, intermediate, etc or by quick, more involved, etc. Strange to be sure.

Glossary

Interweave Press is really good at featuring clear illustrations of techniques. The 6-page glossary is a good addition to the book.

Sweaters from New England Sheep Farms

Posted on August 14, 2017 by njthomas913 under Cardigans, classic sweaters, Color Knitting, Colorwork patterns, Jackets, Pullovers, Sweaters, Texture & Cable Stitches

Sweaters from New England Sheep Farms – cover

I’ve been carrying this book around for sometime while reading the 8 stories about various sheep farms around New England. After all it is summertime and I’m moving in “slow-mo”.

One of the joys of reading Sweaters from New England was that many of the small yarn dyers are familiar to me as many have shown their wares at yarn shows I’ve attended. I found their stories engaging. But back to the essentials and more about the book!

Sweaters from New England Sheep Farms – back cover

Candice Eisner Struck wrote and published this book with Down East Books in 1999. It’s a combo of 26 designs (mainly sweaters for women and men) and stories about the farms that produce the yarns for the designs.

I think it is a gem at 128 pages. The sweaters are a bit oversized (long and loose) as was the style of that time, but could be easily updated for more modern styling.

Does this book belong on my book shelves? Sadly, the answer is NO. I’m not going to make the sweaters and although I enjoyed the read, it wouldn’t be a “must have” for me.

Man’s pullover from Morehouse Farm yarn

When I read the story about Morehouse Farm and Margrit and Albrecht Pichler who ran the farm, I couldn’t help thinking about Margrit’s death in 2015. A great loss to many of the Morehouse Farm fans. From looking at the current web site page, it appears that the Merino yarns are still being sold and that the business still prospers.

Stories of the farms

Candice did a very good job of describing her farm visits. Her journeys made the reader feel that they were along for the ride. She interviewed the owners and talked about how the yarn came into being and the dye or not-dyed process. Some of the owners used fleece from their own sheep. Some did not raise their own animals.

Rockport Gansey pullovers

The classic pair about are perfect for a man or woman!

Charts

I was very impressed with the in-depth written patterns and charts. Again, Candice is very precise and there are good examples of her skill throughout the book.

Sources

For those who want to make the sweater patterns in other yarns, there is a page of suggested commercial yarn companies along with 2 pages for making substitutions.

Books given away!

My blogging is going so slowly that I decided that a bunch of “pattern only” books had to go. I hope that they will find a good home with an avid knitter!

https://www.amazon.com/Sweaters-New-England-Sheep-Farms/dp/0892724463/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502739713&sr=8-1&keywords=sweaters+from+New+England+Sheep+Farms

Folk Mittens

Posted on June 28, 2017 by njthomas913 under accessories, Accessory projects, Color Knitting, Colorwork patterns, How-to info

Folk Mittens

Folk Mittens published in 1997 (one of my oldie-but-goody stash) by Marcia Lewandowski is the latest on my chopping block! A lovely book to be sure, but I’m not likely to be making ethnic mittens any time soon.

Folk Mittens – back cover

Marcia is a Minnesota gal who at the time of the book was living in Bolivia. I looked her up on Ravelry and it seems that many of her posted designs are very Andean inspired so she may well be still living in the Andes.

Mitten Shapes

This page of mitten shapes and thumb styles is really a good addition and great for a novice mitten-maker.

Basic Mittens

For those want to start out with the basics, classic mittens are perfect!

Ethnic Mittens

The majority of the mittens in the book have ethnic roots and are real beauties.

Colonial New England Mittens

Love these mittens with the clever inserted hearts!

Andean Mittens

A nod to Marcia’s adopted homeland in Bolivia.

mini_mittens

Fun tiny mittens are a nice ending to the book.

How to Knit – Debbie Bliss

Posted on June 13, 2017 by njthomas913 under accessories, Accessory projects, afghans, Cardigans, classic sweaters, Color Knitting, Colorwork patterns, Designing, home decor, How-to info, Jackets, Kid's designs, Knit and Purl Stitches, Stitch Patterns, Sweaters, Texture & Cable Stitches

How to Knit – Debbie Bliss

I’m starting this book review in a quandary – to keep or not to keep. On first pass, I was ready to chuck this one. As much as I love Debbie Bliss (fantastic UK designer), I didn’t think this book offered enough to keep on my shelf. On 2nd pass, I’m conflicted.

How to Knit – back cover

The back cover could have added a little more info for the reader? What were the publishers thinking?

Great illustrations

The illustrations in this How-to are very clear and would be easy for a novice to use.

Aran Workshop

This section comes pretty early in the book – Chapter 3 as a matter of fact. It’s really Debbie Bliss’s favorite style so I’m not surprised to see it covered extensively.

Cable Workshop

In the middle of the Aran chapter, this simple cabled sweater is a simpler version of some of the other knits.

Lace Workshop

The best thing about this chapter is the 23 lace stitch pattern samples.

Edgings

Love the edgings. This makes the book a winner. I just used the leaf edging for a project. Wish the instructions were charted and not so UK centric with yf terminology that is not used by US knitters.

Entrelac illustrations

Ok – I know you’re asking – what the hell is Entrelac. Not a common technique, but these illustration make it very clear.

What did I decide? I might keep this book for awhile and see if I refer to it before moving it along. My copy is a bit worn and I probably couldn’t sell. I do think the UK vs US make it less valuable for a new knitter, but then again – I’m not a new knitter.

https://www.amazon.com/How-Knit-Definitive-Step-step/dp/1855856964/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497383208&sr=8-1&keywords=How+to+Knit+Debbie+Bliss

Teach Yourself Visually – Knitting Design

Posted on March 10, 2017 by njthomas913 under accessories, Accessory projects, Cardigans, classic sweaters, Color Knitting, Colorwork patterns, Designing, How-to info, Jackets, Kid's designs, Knit and Purl Stitches, Pullovers, Sweaters, Vests

Teach Yourself Visually – Knitting Design

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Knitting Around the World

Posted on March 8, 2017 by njthomas913 under accessories, Accessory projects, Color Knitting, Colorwork patterns, Designing, Essays - knit & crochet, Historial knitting books, How-to info, Texture & Cable Stitches

Knitting Around the World

I would love to blame the complexity of this book for my lack of blogging, but truth be told, I finished the book some time ago. I have no valid excuses other than life!

This slim volume was put together by the editors of Threads Magazine in 1993 and includes a wealth of material for those interested in the history of the knitting craft.

Knitting Around the World – back cover

Knitting Around the World includes more than a dozen different topics that were once articles in Threads Magazine.

Aran Knitting – Alice Starmore

Starting out with the renown Alice Starmore and Aran knitting is a great way to introduce the reader to historical knitting. Alice, who lives in the Outer Hebrides in Scotland and has written extensively on the subject is the perfect person to author this feature. Included on the next few pages are Aran cable patterns and an outline of how to design an Aran pullover.

Bohus Stickning – Margaret Bruzelius

The less well known Bohus Stickning from Sweden is written by an old associate of mine who seriously researched this colorful knitting style. With charts on the following pages, the reader can easily experiment with Bohus knitting.

Another Swedish knitting technique

Also called “two-strand knitting”, this technique seems mainly used for sturdy mittens and socks. A pattern for the socks shown in the photo is included in the book.

Illustrations drawn and photographed

After Fair Isle knitting and Argyles, there is a short article with illustrations and photos of techniques for managing stranded knitting by author, Maggie Righetti. I have included here as an example of the clarity used in Threads Magazine on each subject. They always go above and beyond to make the reader understand techniques.

Historical Shetland Lace

I loved the inclusion of historical articles with photos, illustrations and a workshop on creating simple versions of the knitted lace.

Knitting from the Faeroe Islands

While not as well known as knitting techniques from the British Isles, this is nevertheless and interesting style of knitting and well-written piece of history.

Fair Isle Tam making – Alice Starmore

Knitting Around the World begins and ends with Alice Starmore – coming more or less full circle.

Should I keep this book? I’ve thought long and hard on this one. The subjects are interesting and varied. Would I knit from the book – probably not. I’m hoping the next knitter who gets it will love it! Sadly, it’s not going back on my shelf.

https://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Around-World-Threads/dp/1561580260/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1489005645&sr=8-3&keywords=knitting+around+the+world

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2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019 – The years I read my knitting books!

Category Archives: Color Knitting

Traditional Knitting

A Textile Traveler’s Guide – Peru & Bolivia

Weekend Knitting – Melanie Falick

Debbie Bliss – times 4!

Knitted Gifts – Ann Budd

Sweaters from New England Sheep Farms

Folk Mittens

How to Knit – Debbie Bliss

Teach Yourself Visually – Knitting Design

Knitting Around the World