October 19, 2004
Books & Mag
In the past few months, there have been a few books that I have had my eye on that I have heard were just fabulous. Finally after looking at the majority of new books out there I finally decided to get the two of the latest knitting library must-haves. Ann Budd's Book of Sweater Patterns was one of them. An excellent way to generate some stash busters along with 1000 Sweaters. That book has some great style elements that you mix and match. What a great idea for a book.
My Knitting mag arrived (still no knits for me). Inspiring articles and insider pics, but nothing which warrants renewal for me.
But I have to say that Scarf Style was just so surprisingly good. I didn't think a scarf book could contain so many great and unique knits (and I mean unique in a good way). Along with the cover scarf, here are a few of my favorites: Backyard Leaves, Forbes Forest (and yes I know they are both green), and Ruffles (and I don't mean the potato chip). I would like to try more difficult stitch patterns and techniques and feel like small projects are the way to go for me.
And from Last Minute Knitted Gifts which is another fantastic book, there is this simple Hourglass sweater. The model is wearing it in this pic with some cute animals. The bunny and elephant are my favorites. There is also this beautiful chevron scarf knit with Koigu. I have not had the opportunity to knit anything using the chevron pattern or Koigu. So this one is definitely climbing up the list of must-knits. Also featured is a pashmina cowl. It may be my only chance to knit with such a luxurious fiber as I would never be able to knit an entire sweater with it due to cost. I think this is a great little project for fiber de lux. There are a many other projects that included in this book as well. I was a little peeved that the tank pattern in the last picture is not featured in the book though. I was also really impressed with a section on wrapping hand knit presents which displays so many great ways to present them. Oh yeah, this was a books about gifting and not about knits for yourself, lol. I'll have to knit myself some presents too I guess.
And from Debbie Bliss Seven, I just love this Isabelle poncho. I am really intrigued by the construction of Sandie. The sleeves and yoke are worked as one piece. I gotta try that. There are many other cute knits in there too.
Posted by froggy at October 19, 2004 12:47 PM
I've wondered if the projects in the gift book were good. Thanks for posting about it. I too love the scarf book. Just too much to knit!
Oh gosh, I wish I hadn't seen the photos for Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I caught wind of this book a few weeks ago but couldn't find an 'insider' shots so I forgot about it. Now, well, now I want one. Mmm. Xmas gift from hubbie maybe. That's a good way to sneak it in! ;0)
Can't wait to see what you decide to do!
You know I saw all those books at Stitches, but thought nah...I don't need any more knitting books. Bad mistake. I want that scarf book! There are some very cool patterns in it. Love the ones you picked also! I have the Ann Budd's book & the 1000 sweaters book. Both are really clever and fabulous. Internet shopping for the scarf book...here I come. :-)
So jealous that you have your copy of Joelle Hoverson's book already!!! But thanks for the preview of the photos... can't wait til my copy arrives!
I've been wondering about the scarf and knitted gifts book. Once again, you are fabulous about posting tons of photos. Thanks!
I've just ordered the last minute knit gifts book site unseen, and wasn't sure I would like it. But, now after your little sneek peek, I know I will love it.
I also want the scarf book too. Been holding off...Once Crafter's Choice has it available, maybe, just maybe, I will order it.
Hey Froggy,
I have Last Minute Gifts and at first wasn't really moved by the book. I only really liked the toys and the scarf, but looking at it a second time, made me think twice. The author is a sweet person. She owns Purl in Soho (NY). The store is small, but it is filled with beautiful yarns.
I recently ordered the scarf book and the Knitter book of Sweaters. Returned the book of sweaters, but can't wait to see the scarf book. I like your choices and you are making me a big fan of green. :)
I like that isabelle, pretty yarn color they have it in too
I recently saw scarf style in the store. It was MUCH better than I thought it would be. I totally agree with your review - and it would have come home with me except I was limiting myself to buying only the book I went to the store for. Oh well it is next in line on my list.
And thanks for the insights into the Last Minute Knitted Gifts book. I haven't seen it yet but I am intrigued by your description. It may also be a must have.
Thanks for the reviews, froggy. That scarf book does look good... usually I run a mile from any knitting book with scarf in it's title.
I also love green.. and was taken by both those green scarves.
Excellent choices! I love those scarves too, and not just because they're green. I'll be waiting for pictures of you knitting all those wonderful items.
Fun stuff! There's nothing like new books for getting your knitting mojo going again. :)
I like all of those books too. Does the Debbie Bliss book use some handpainted yarn?
so much to knit, so little time...
thanks so much for writing about last minute knitted gifts. i hadn't seen it and was wondering about it. now i know i'll have to get a copy!
Too many patterns to knit, too little time. Thanks for sharing about these books...while I don't usually buy from Barnes & Noble, because I prefer to support my local knitting store, they must be very up to date in their collection, because they carry almost all the books you describe! Good luck picking a project - ha!
Great Additions! I've been debating about the Gifts book as I have not seen it "in person."
Can't wait to see the projects you choose!
Thanks for the good tips! I really like those scarves and that poncho...
Great book reviews!I think I may be convinced to do Sandie as my next project...got to go out and buy Debbie Bliss 7....:)
i love scarf style too! there's a knitalong for it somewhere that i'm thinking of joining. and thanks for showing pics from the knitted gifts book - i'm definitely getting it!
I have lusted after Scarf Style for awhile *rhyme* and my friend let me borrow it the other day... I am hoping to get it for my bday. What a great book. I definitely have to check out the Last Minute Gifts. I have it on my wishlist, and I am so glad that you showed us the great pics. Thanks, Froggy!
Take care :)
I love scarf style! I just finished my ruffles a couple of days ago, it was a wonderful knit once you get the pattern down. It is incredibly long though (I ended up shortening mine a bit). You'll love it!
I am moved by the debbie bliss seven...and I love the pashmina cowl...thanks for the tip!
:)
I love the scarves from Scarf Style. I was trying to translate a leafy lace pattern to turn into a scarf just this weekend. I think I need this book.
I think you and I should get together. Of the plethora of new books out there, those are the same 2 books I have on my (personal) holiday list to buy! Great books, great patterns, great pictures too.
I've heard a lot of good things about Scarf Style and I hadn't had a chance to see knitted Gifts yet. Thanks for the review!
I too have the Last Minute Knitted Gifts book--got it this weekend. How many times can one read a knitting book without knitting anything in it? (It sounds rhetorical but the answer is daily. So far. But I desperately want the hourglass sweater.) There is however errata--you can get it at http://www.purlsoho.com
Go there first!
I love all those patterns, now I have to go out and get those books! Those are beautiful scarves!!!!
Hey froggie, what a great little book tour! I love the animals. They look like quick fun knits for new babies - more interesting than binkies! (which is what I'm making now.) The jacke is lovely, too and looks great on you. Now that I'm finally in the area we will have to meet up. E-mail me if you want to knit sometime...
okay, we must have been seperated at birth! i'm waiting for my LYS's shipment of knitted gifts and scarf styles to come in this week!!!! can't wait!
I just bought both of these books and love them! (Scarf Style and Knitted Gifts) I had just returned Stitch and Bitch (too cutesy/hip) and Weekend Knitting (beatiful book but not many patterns I had to try). The two green scarfs in Scarf Style are my favorites. Knitted Gifts has some unique things in it, such as the yoga bag and the animals. And I also love the section on unique wrapping ideas.
Cool books, Froggy! ^_^ I'm glad you reviewed them here with photos... I have a much better idea about the contents of those books now - and I am really in love with both of them now. I've heard great things about Scarf Style, and now they are both definitely on my knitting wishlist. Oh, so many books, so little time!
Because of your pictures, descriptions and photos, I was able to decide how to use some book gift certificates that I received for my birthday. I just received Scarf Style, Ann Budd's book of Sweater Patterns, and Last Minute Knitted gifts and am thrilled with all of them. :)
