'n Style Book Reviews
The twisted-stitch technique is easy to describe: knit stitches are worked into the back loop, and the twisted stitches that result are quite pronounced. The stitch is abbreviated k1b (knit one back), but a description can’t do justice to the exciting results. Patterns are sharp and strong. The word crisp also comes to mind. You won’t be able to resist the socks (called stockings in the book), and the cardigans and vests will make you want to quit your day job to stay home and knit. Stockings are a great way to learn this technique, because knitting in the round means you’re always seeing the front of the work. The charts are easy to follow, though you may want to make enlarged photocopies if you find them too small or if you want to cross off the rows as you complete them without damaging the book itself. There are a total of 174, charts in case you want to design your own projects. You’ll find a treasure trove of patterns with names like Fish Bones and Small Chain, Rooster Steps, Tulip Chain, Triple Band with Squares, Alpine Path Necklace, and Double Measuring Tape. Most of the names are accurate descriptions of the pattern’s appearance, but we’re still wondering how Burning Love in a Triangle got its name! |
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The Yarn Garden: 30+ Knits Using Plant-Based Fibers by J. Marsha Michler • Krause Publications • www.mycraftivitystore.com ISBN 978-0-89689-827-1 This book will make you consider cotton, linen, nettle, hemp, bamboo, Lyocell (cellulose fiber made from wood pulp), seaweed, corn, soy, banana silk (made from waste from weaving mills), Rayon, and Modal for year-round knitting. These fibers are a great choice for warmer climates and seasons, and are eco-friendly. The first page of this book shows balls of yarn enticingly arranged in baskets used to hold berries or veggies, an appealing invitation to flip through the pages and pick a yummy project. Some projects, such as the lace-knitted beaded linen belt, one-skein leaf-shaped neck warmer, and the frilly boa, are quick and easy. Others require more time, but none of the projects are difficult. Some favorites include the Wild Blueberry dolman sleeve shawl with kimono-style neckline, Mountain Flora man’s vest that can also be worn by women as a sleeveless top, and the chic cable-filled Chocolate Dust capelet knit in sport-weight bamboo yarn. Knitting for a son, husband, or boyfriend? Check out the preppy necktie on page 96. The author covers fitting, finishing, care, and customizing, as well as other important information at the start of the book, and has included a useful resource guide for those knitters who don’t have easy access to a yarn store. |
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 Socks à la Carte 2:Toes Up! by Jonelle Raffino and Katherine Cade• North Light Books, an imprint of F+W Media, Inc. www.fwmedia.com• ISBN 978-1-4403-0426-2 Close on the heels of the popular Socks à la Carte, and by popular request, Socks à la Carte 2 switches to projects knit from toe to cuff. This sequel provides more information about casting on, a newly positioned elastic band that holds pattern pages (as well as a sock in progress), and projects worked up in SWTC’s new solid color TOFUtsies yarn so pattern detail is more prominent. The book is a veritable buffet and, just like at a buffet, you get to pick and choose. Here’s how it works: You’re the designer. Select a foot pattern, and one for the body and cuff. Flip the pages to see the sock you’ve envisioned. The wire binding allows the book to lie flat, split (flip) pages make it quick and easy to change your mind and visualize the outcome. Pick yarn and needles, and you’re ready to roll. Toe-up socks allow for adjustments as you go, because you can try on the sock while it’s in process to ensure a perfect fit. Shorten or lengthen the leg and/or cuff and you can customize any design. Pattern names are sometimes descriptive (Short Row Toe with Afterthought Heel, Standard Toe with Origami Heel), often fanciful (Pixie Dust, Scribble Lace, Whozit, Victory!). Diagrams are excellent, the layout is appealing with text spaced so it’s easy to read, and the photography is absolutely beautiful. |
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 Lily Chin’s Crochet Tips & Tricks ISBN 978-0-307-46106-3 Lily Chin’s Knitting Tips & Tricks ISBN 978-0-307-46105-6 by Lily Chin• Potter Craft • www.pottercraft.com ISBN 978-1-59668-3 Here are two great little books that may be small in size, but are big in content! Lily Chin’s name on the cover should be all you need to pick up one or both. Spend just a few minutes flipping through the pages and you’ll find great information, as promised in the full title of each book: “...Tips & Tricks, Shortcuts and Techniques Every Knitter [or Every Crocheter] Should Know.” Lily uses a pair of triangles, one filled with billiard balls and one filled with marbles, to illustrate the concept of “gauge.” It’s the best we’ve ever seen! Time-saving shortcuts abound. Beginners will benefit, as will more experienced yarn mavens. Lily offers great advice culled from her decades of experience. There are no photos, no projects, just well-written text, simple and clear illustrations and diagrams, all of which add up to a wealth of information. This pair of books is dedicated to the author’s recently-deceased mother and sister, and are a fitting tribute to these two women who nurtured Lily’s creativity. |
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