Thursday 15 August 2013

Book Reviews - Knitting

This is a scheduled post as I'm on holiday with limited internet access so I won't be able to reply to comments straight away. I do appreciate them though :-)

Today I'd like to share with you two of my favourite knitting books. The first one is Socks from the Toe Up. I love this book so much that's actually come on holiday with me!






DSC_0386


This book is a must for anyone who loves knitting socks or wants to learn. I've seen it recommended in so many places

DSC_0387


The first part of the book describes various cast on's, cast off's, heel techniques and information about how to knit socks whether you choose magic loop, two circular needles or DPN's. There is also information about how to design your own sock

DSC_0388


Then you move on to the pattern section. It begins with a few plain vanilla socks to ease you in gently

DSC_0389


But it then goes on to give you over 20 beautiful sock patterns, complete with recommendations on whether they would suit a variegated or plain yarn best

DSC_0391


There are loads of photos on ravelry if you want to see the other designs :-)

***

The other book I'd like to share with you today is a book of stitch patterns. I expect the vast majority if not all knitting pattern designers have a similar book to refer to. Mine is 400 Knitting Stitches: A Complete Dictionary of Essential Stitch Patterns

DSC_0392


I just adore this book. Each swatch has a clear photo and instructions on how to make it. I find it almost mind boggling how many completely different patterns you can get from just a handful of stitches

DSC_0393


As you can see in the photo below there are also charts if you find them more useful :-)

DSC_0394


There are sections dedicated to lace, cables, twisted stitches and slipped stitches as well as lots of different cast off techniques too

DSC_0395


It's just wonderful from a knitting-geek point of view but I imagine for a knit-wear designer it can be inspiring

DSC_0396


In my opinion every knitter should have a book like this on their bookshelves, it's so useful and interesting to see what you can do with a couple of sticks and some yarn.

Once again I've included some Amazon links if you feel tempted to buy either of these books. By clicking through them I will get a small percentage of any money you spend. I won't be offended if you choose to buy them elsewhere, they are good books though and I would recommend them regardless.


 


Thank you to everyone that's visited my blog these past couple of weeks. I hope you've enjoyed these scheduled posts, I'm looking forward to being able to catch up with you all again soon. TTFN x

6 comments:

  1. I hope you enjoy your holidays. I'm totally comfortable with my way of sock knitting: top down. And I also have always done the heel like we learnt it in school decades ago. I knit socks because I need them, so nothing fancy. But your second recommendation looks great to me. Wouldn't it be great to knit a sampler afghan?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not sure if I'd be brave enough to take on a knitted afghan, I find crochet ones daunting enough lol. A sampler knitted afghan could look amazing though

      Delete
  2. I've always wanted to get a copy of Wendy's book ... and now that I have finally taken the jump into sock knitting I should probably make the investment. I'm glad to hear you have enjoyed this book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oo you should, it's very good for knitters new to socks. I really want to knit some of the more intricate designs but I keep buying multicoloured sock yarn which won't show the patten up as well lol

      Delete
  3. You are the second knitter to rec Wendy's book! Deb of A World of Imagination loves it. I will put it on my la hanau wish list.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yeah I've seen it mentioned in quite a few places and bought is because of it's good reviews. Really pleased I did :)

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting, I love comments :-)

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...