Teach Yourself Visually – Knitting Design
Teach Yourself Visually – Knitting Design
Tag Archives: wraps
Knitting in No Time by Melody Griffiths
Knitting in No Time by Melody Griffiths
A quick read and discard for today. This is one of those books that made me say – “what was I thinking when I bought this one”. It’s more of my dislike of a book of patterns rather than a book of substance.
This UK book was published in 2006 and I did like that it’s broken down into clear chapters with projects such as accessories, wraps, jackets and bags. It makes it easy to find something you might want to make.
Knitting in No Time – Back Cover
A definite – Thumbs down on this book.
Pull-On Hat and Hand Warmers
I thought that the hat and hand warmers is an easy good looking project. Each project has a tip box which is especially good for beginning knitters.
Chevron Poncho
Another nice project and good use of a variegated yarn. It’s made in a Noro yarn that’s readily available throughout the US.
Circular Sweater
I must be on a Noro yarn fan jag! The above sweater is knit from the top down and pretty easy to make in stockinette stitch. A good “bang for the buck” where the yarn does the work.
Cable Illustrations
The book ends with about a dozen pages of techniques. These are well-done and especially good for new knitters.
Summer Lacy Shawl
This is my favorite project in the book. I saw it as more of a throw when shown photographed over a chair on the intro spread. I was surprised when I found that the actual project is called a “Summer Shawl”. At 24 1/2″ wide and 45″ long, it could easily be made a little wider and used as a throw. It’s made in a DK weight (lighter than worsted weight).
The book could have used a few home decor items or those for baby/kids, but I’m sure that the editors plan for this volume was to stitch with women’s fashions.
Quartet of STYLE books
Interweave STYLE books
I had a brilliant revelation this week. I first pulled out Scarf Style and Wrap Style to look a duo and then I thought – why not! I would look at all four of my Style books at the same time. Each time I seriously look at my bookcase, I realize that I’m really moving at a snail’s pace in trying to move my books along. Four books settled seems like a great idea!
Frankly as these books are mainly pattern books, it was pretty easy to whip through them. In full disclosure, Pam Allen, a designer and editor and I go way back to my early days at Vogue Knitting. As an aside – Caitlin Fitzgerald one of the dreamy models in these books, is Pam’s daughter is now an acclaimed actress (notably in Masters of Sex on Showtime). She was once an intern for me at Lion Brand Yarns. History, history!
I’m going to try to cover these by the publication date.
Scarf Style – Interweave – 2004
Scarf Style – back cover
Scarf Style is a nice collection of knit and a few crochet scarves. There were only two scarves that I thought I might make that follow. I’m going to make copies of these and move this book on to a better home.
Bright Stripes by Kristin Nicholas
I love this side-to-side scarf and will make it.
Zigzag Stripes by Debbie Bliss
I’m a sucker for chevron patterns and this is a nice pattern for kids and adults.
Wrap Style – Interweave – 2005
Wrap Style – back cover
I’m not wearing and probably not knitting wraps and shawls these days so this was an easy pass.
Wandering Aran Fields by Norah Gaughan
If you love cables – this is a beautiful piece. I just wouldn’t have a place to wear it.
Lace Style – Interweave – 2007
Lace Style – back cover
A nice book, but no “must have” patterns for me!
Folk Style – Interweave – 2007
Folk Style – back cover
A lot of color work. There is only one pattern I really love and it follows.
Modern Quilt Wrap by Mags Kandis
Bottom Line: I’m going to pass on all these books and make more room in my book shelf. I failed to say at the beginning that these books have good Design Notebooks at the end of each and the designers who created the projects are a “who’s who” of creative designers from the knitting world.
Love the wraps and shawls, but I don’t think I would make any of them. One that I love by Norah Gaughan follows.
nancyjthomas 