Something’s Knot Kosher
8.0
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Funerals can be patchy affairs for Martha Rose and her close-knit circle of friends--especially in...
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Mostly Mittens: Ethnic Knitting Designs from Russia in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Mostly Mittens starts off with a very interesting (brief) summary of the history of the Komi people, why they knit in the fair isle style, how the patterns came around, and lots of very interesting history about this fantastic art.
The book is basically all knitting graphs. A knitting graph is like graph paper with squares filled in to represent which stitch is knit in which color. There are basic instructions at the beginning of the book, then each pattern gives the tools needed and the graph, but the basic instructions are the same for all of them.
The patterns are all unique and intricate, but very easy to follow once you understand what you’re doing. Fair isle is very relaxing and fun, not to mention warm since the extra threads add a second, third, and at times a fourth layer of warmth to the mittens.
Many knitting books try to teach people how to knit, or try to offer pictures and explanations of certain more advanced stitches in knitting. This one does not—and it’s something I appreciate. The book is aimed for the educated knitter who knows how to use double-pointed needles, read a pattern, and understand the difference between a inc 1 and a M1 etc. It’s nice to read a book that is aimed for the level I’m at, rather than one that tries to take a brand-new knitter and make them a pro overnight. There is a list of abbreviations in the back, because all knitters abbreviate slightly different. There’s also a list of resources in the back.
My only complaint is that the basic instructions aren’t written in a very clear manner, nor are the instructions for the knit-on cast-on. Luckily the photos and drawings are wonderful, and you can pretty much understand the concept. Plus, if you’re using this book, you are already pretty experienced.
In the back there are four hat patterns, and instructions to take the mitten graphs and turn them into hats! With 36 mitten graphs, 4 sets of hats, and a million color variations, imagine what you could do with this book!
Basically, this book makes my fingers twitch and my mouth water. I’ve got to get me some fingering weight wool and size two double-pointed needles…
Recommendation: Intermediate to Experienced knitters who don’t mind using small needles. No size 15 for these! Size 0-3 are the ones you’ll use.
Learn to Crochet, Love to Crochet
4.0
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Anna Wilkinson encouraged a new generation of crafters to take up knitting with her debut book,...
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated One-Skein Wonders® for Babies: 101 Knitting Projects for Infants Toddlers in Books
Apr 27, 2018
I love knitting and crocheting but I’m not the most patient long-term project minded person. I also really like pictures. Generally I decide what to make (knit, sew, cook) based on the picture. That’s one thing I really like about this book: all the patterns have at least one picture (usually more) plus diagrams! I also really like the page-layout and the color-blocks.
This is perfect for anyone who wants a quick project for a precious little one.
Hoop Dreams (1994)
9.5
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Movie Watch
Every school day, African-American teenagers William Gates and Arthur Agee travel 90 minutes each...
Yazzy's Amazing Yarn
Cathey Graham Nickell and Emily Calimlim
7.0
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Yazzy is a creative girl, always sketching out her next adventure. She loves yarn, and she loves to...
picture book children's picture book contemporary fiction
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Cowl Girls: The Neck's Big Thing to Knit in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Everyone needs something to keep their neck warm when it's cold, and long rectangles are a little old and, honestly, a little boring. There aren't that many different ways you can knit a scarf. But there are a million different things you can do with a Cowl, a million different looks you can go for, and a million different variations you can do with each of the 41 patterns in this book.
If you can't tell by the photos on the cover, they're all pretty unique. Tweak decor and color schemes and you have literally endless possibilities.
Along with the cowl patterns, there are some pointers and some tips on what makes a good cowl, different ways you can knit them, how to convert patterns, and a page of resources.
I am so excited about this book. Although there are some situations that certainly call for a scarf—and some scarves that demand to be worn—cowls are an exciting change that meet a need and manage to look stylish and fresh at the same time. Cowl Girls will escort you into "the neck's big thing to knit."
The patterns themselves are diverse and versatile. There is a pattern in here for everyone, hitting every style you could possibly aim for. The difficulty level ranges from beginner to advanced.
Recommendation: Beginner through advanced knitters.
This book is not for beginners. the descriptions and directions are very thorough, they are still complex and intense. The author describes the different kinds of knit fabrics as well as outlines the best way to create buttonholes, hems, seams, etc to avoid puckering or stretching.
I received an ARC copy from Quarto Publishing Group - Creative Publishing International and Creative Publishing international via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
One Ball of Wool
Book
Using just one ball of wool, cotton, silk or variegated yarn, you can make any of the huge variety...