Knitting Nature
Although I always gravitate toward Norah Gaughan’s designs in VK and Interweave, I didn’t even know she was writing a book until I read about it over at Lolly’s. I ran out to get it after work the same day, and it did not disappoint. It is full of unique yet eminently wearable designs, from tanks to sweaters to skirts and accessories. There are at least five patterns I would start right now, if time permitted. I loved reading about the patterns in nature that inspired her designs. I was a biology major in college too – but I never thought about it this way! It just goes to show that there is always a way for a person to blend her passions and talents. I’ve read at the knitalong that there are problems (some minor, some major) with some of the patterns. I haven’t tried any myself, but I kind of hate to hold that against the designer. Maybe that’s crazy. It’s also crazy how hard it is to find out anything about Norah Gaughan on the internet. Berroco recently posted a Q & A with her about the new book, for subscribers to its KnitBits e-newsletter, but as far as I can tell, she flies below (or above) the radar. Her book was a window into her mind – I only wish she had a blog or website to continue the story.
Yarn Girls Guide to Beyond the Basics
Okay, I’m a sucker for buying this book. Or am I? After all, the patterns are all the kind of thing you could come up with by using The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns, a worsted gauge, and body-conscious measurements. But the Yarn Girls do the hard work for you! The book is filled with classic yet modern, simply constructed garments with easy-to-follow patterns. There are winter weight sweaters (a beautiful cabled turtleneck is at the top of my project list), summery tanks and short-sleeved sweaters for in between, as well as accessories and throws. The yarns are fairly common - Berroco, Karabella, Filatura, Blue Sky, to name a few. This book has many more patterns in smaller gauges as compared with their first book - a welcome change for those of us who shudder at the sight of anything bigger than 4 sts to the inch. But, some of the patterns are a little too simple – for example, there’s one for a moss stitch scarf. There is also a section of patterns for ponchos, and personally - I think that ship has sailed. Still, if you want patterns for wardrobe staples you will actually wear, I would recommend it.
The Purl Stitch
I think I was the last knitter on earth who didn’t how to increase in ribbing, but not anymore! In the two weeks since I bought this book, I have found answers to knitting problems I could not find anywhere else, or that I could not understand in any other book. Sally Melville has a way of explaining things that makes them seem so logical and easy. And even though the book has a fairly instructional style (not to mention the fact that I usually just look at the pictures), I enjoyed reading the short anecdotes between the patterns and lessons. I apologize to all the Sally Melville fans, but I really only bought this book for the great Kersti ribbed pullover pattern! So it has been the surprise knitting book hit of the year for me.
I’m at a little bit of a project crossroads, so forgive me for the lack of knitting progress stuff! I’m headed to Mass. this weekend, so hopefully Webs can help me embark on a new zingy project.
