Wendy Knits

Last night I stayed up late finishing Wendy Knits by none other than our prolific knitblogging buddy -- Wendy!  I have to say that this is a knitting book unlike any other that I have read.  It's not a pattern book (although it contains 20 great patterns) and it's not a book of knitting tips (although it contains a ton of great knitting tips).  So what is it?  I would have to say that it's the story of a knitter. 

My favorite chapter may be the first chapter titled "I Knit, Therefore I Am."  What it really is, is the story of the genesis of Wendy the knitter.  We all have that story -- the tale of how the wool and needles called us and I find that fascinating. 

The following chapters cover different aspects of Wendy's knitting life -- everything from how she got started blogging to what it means to be a fiber snob to knitting for charity.  Some things may be well known to loyal readers such as myself and some will be new, but everything is interesting and much is sprinkled with useful tips.  Almost an entire chapter is devoted to needles (and other tools) and their storage!

The patterns may be recognizable to her readers too.  We have seen the beautiful "chocolate mint chip" sweater take shape, and now here is the pattern!  (Made with Koigu -- drool. . .)  Wendy's gorgeous Grape Arbor Shawl is included too.  In fact, projects range from the easiest of all -- a garter stitch dishcloth -- to more complicate lace, cables and colorwork.  There is truly something for everyone here.

And one final note.  I have to tell you that I loved the final chapter on spinning.  I'm not sure why.  Maybe it's because that's where I'm at right now in my fiber journey -- discovering the joy of turning fiber into yarn -- but I found her enthusiasm for this subject was really apparent. 

Handknit Holidays

I've been meaning to review Melaine Falick's Handknit Holidays for awhile now and with the holidays right around the corner, I couldn't wait any longer.

The first thing that struck me about this book is how pretty it is. I don't know about you, but I love looking through my knitting books. Gazing at the pictures -- dreaming about all the future project possibilities! And this book makes me happy when I look through it. There are lots of big, beautiful photographs that show off the projects very nicely. In fact, most projects include several photos -- a big plus in my opinion!

Okay, so the pictures are pretty, but what about the projects themselves? Well, there are about 50 projects altogether and I would say that of that 50, there are more than a dozen that I want to knit! Now that's a good percentage. And I would venture to guess that there are projects that would interest almost every knitter. Everything from gloves and scarves to pillows, tree skirts and socks. There are big projects and quick little things which would make excellent, tasteful gifts.

I was really impressed with the number of designer's who contributed to this book:

• From Jo Sharp there is a pattern for some absolutely gorgeous pillows. I'm also in love with her Holly Leg Warmers.
• Leigh Radford , of Alterknits fame, has some cute little ornaments -- which would also make cute gift toppers, I think!
• Veronik Avery's Lace Photo Mats look quick and classy and would be excellent for making a framed picture into an extra special gift. I'm also quite taken with her Winter Solstice Table Runners. And I think my first knit from this book might be her Sugarplum Pullover!
• Iris Schreier, of Modular Knits fame, has contributed a couple nice scarf patterns.
• Norah Gaughan's Crisscross Shrug is not my thing, but I do find the design very unique and interesting.
• Annie Modesitt's Wire Menorah/Votive Sleeves which are knit with wire strung with beads would make fun quick gifts.

There are also a few items from some designers I'm not that familiar with that really stood out. Cindy Taylor's Over-the-knee-socks have a fabulous motif running up the back! I may never knit these, but I love looking at them. Then there is Priscilla Gibson-Roberts Swedish Heart-Warmer Shawl. The colorwork and rich colors are really eye-catching! There is Jolene Treace's River Forest Gansey -- a wonderful cabled sweater perfect for the boy or man in your life. And finally, I have to mention Suzanne Atkinson's Evergreen and Christmas Rose Gift Bags -- great little stranded bags.

I really can't do this book justice with words, the number and variety of patterns is incredible and the photography makes them all the more desirable. I want to make so many things in here! So really, check out Handknit Holidays, I don't think you will be disappointed!

Scarf Style

Today I want to talk about my favorite book of 2004 -- Scarf Style from Interweave Press. Now you may be thinking -- scarves?!? Who needs another book of scarf patterns? -- but I have to tell you that this book completely won me over the first time I paged through it. Here's why. . .

First of all there are the number and diversity of patterns. This book pretty much has it all! Lace, intarsia, stranded, cabled, textured, beaded. . . you get the idea. There are even some crochet patterns thrown in for the non-knitters or those of us who want to try our hand at a something new.

In addition to the variety of patterns, the book is easy on the eyes. Ther pictures are big and beautiful and there are additional small photos highlighting diferent aspects of each project. The patterns are easy to read (even with my less than perfect eyesight) and free of errors -- at least the three patterns I've tried. Charts are provided for the patterns that include lace, cables and colorwork and they are also large enough to be easy to read.

One final thing that I liked about this book was the "design notebook" in the back that gives you tips to help you to create your own scarves. That's a nice addition that I really hadn't seen in other scarf books.

There are a lot of patterns in this book that I have made or plan to make, which makes it just about the most used knitting pattern book that I own. I've started the "Backyard Leaves" scarf by Annie Modesitt, which is a beautiful lace pattern. I completed a version of the "Misty Garden" scarf by Jo Sharp, knit with Angel instead of the recommended yarn. And last night I started the infamous "Ruffles" scarf which is a fun little project. Once again I'm substituting -- this time some lovely Brooks Farm Harmony.

This brings me to my final point. Who doesn't have a few balls, hanks or skeins of yarn picked up here and there laying about in their stash? Scarves are the perfect solution for getting all these smaller bits of yarn used and loved! And with this book, there is enough variety that you will surely be able to match that lovely, lonely skein or two with an equally lovely pattern.