Day: January 7, 2008

Dewey has been blogging about the knitting books she’s been perusing and using. I’ve looked through a lot of knitting books for instructions and patterns. Since most of the knitting books are straight forward pattern books so I don’t necessarily count them as books consumed as would others. I have barely knit anything from them, but I save a plethora of patterns. I intend to knit thing from the following books in any case. This is just a simple list of knitting books that have helped me in the past or more likely, books that have really nice patterns. Links to Ravelry (or Amazon).

Stitch and Bitch: A Knitter’s Handbook by Debbie Stoller – The first knitting book that I ever bought. Not too crazy about the patterns, and I’ve found other resources for techniques. Still a really good resource that I often go back to remind me of techniques.

The Knitting Answer Book by Margaret Radcliffe – A technique book that is a treasure. On my wishlist since it has directions, advice, and tips for so many knitting related topics.

Interweave Knits magazine – I’ve browsed Vogue Knitting too, but this is probably the best all around knitting magazine on the market. It consistently has magazines that are wearable, well designed, of different gauges, yarns, styles, etc. It’s multi-faceted and well edited. It seems to have actually gotten better since 2005/6 since I want to knit even more tings in the recent issues.

Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Haverson – This is just a pretty book with simple, quick, and nice patterns. I find myself constantly taking it out of the library. One day I’ll knit the Hourglass Sweater, Chevron Scarf, and that Child’s Placket Neck Pullover.

Mason-Dixon Knitting by Kay Garinder and Ann Shayne – Patterns for useful things! I love the washcloths and really want to make some towels and blankets one day off this book. Not to mention the baby knits.

Sensational Knitted Socks and More Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch – I am knitting a pair of socks from SSK now. Really clear instructions with socks that be customized hundreds of ways. Some of best sock knitting books I’ve encountered.

Favorite Socks ed. Interweave Press – Really nice sock patterns from IK. Embossed Leaves and Ribbed Stockings are the top of my list.

Folk Socks by Nancy Bush – The Scottish Kilt stockings call me often among other lovely sock patterns in this book.

Folk Mittens by Marcia Lewandowski – A variety of well designed mitten patterns from around the world. I’m taken with a lot of these patterns.

Scarf Style ed. Interweave Press – One day, I’ll knit that entrelac stole.

Hats On by Charlene Schurch – Schurch’s designs are well written. I love knitting hats and there are lots of traditional hat patterns in this one.

Anything by Elizabeth Zimmermann – I’ve looked through most of the books, but I don’t own any of them yet. There are a lot of fun patterns, but EZ patterns are more like schematics. Still lots of useful tips.

Fitted Knits by Stefanie Japel – I am going to knit the vest from this soon. I love form fitted sweaters and tops. The patterns are easy to understand for the most part.

Knitting Nature by Norah Gaughan – A designer with a distinctive style, there are some really nice patterns in this. I like the hats in this.

Charmed Knits by Alison Hansel – As a HP fan, how could one not like some of these patterns? I want to make a Weasley Sweater, though I don’t think it’s exactly my style. The House Sweater, socks, and various other accessories are really nice too.

One Skein by Leigh Radford – Who doesn’t like a good stashbuster book?

One Skein Wonders – Some of the patterns are only so-so, and it really isn’t one skein for some of them. Still, 101 patterns for small projects.

Simply Baby by Debbie Bliss – I have no idea why, but I have a penchant for baby knits even though I have no intention of having children in the near future or know anyone who is expecting. DB’s baby patterns are probably her best though. I even want to knit the teddy bear from this book.

Handknit Holidays by Melanie Falick – Really good gift ideas and a couple of very nice quick knits. I don’t like knitting bags, but that counterpane bag is in my queue.

Socks Socks Socks – Patterns are not as good as the above sock books, but the techniques section has some good info for beginners.

Rowan Scottish Knits/Scottish Knits by Sarah Dallas et al. – I love Rowan yarns. Sarah Dallas patterns are sometimes really nice too. Wish I had more resources to those patterns.

Knitting Classic Style by Veronik Avery – I am consuming this now. So many nice garments. Like many, I am enamored with the Military Cardigan.

Will post more when I have consumed more pattern books as I do often.

Challenge runs between today January 7th to December 20th to read four big books of approximately 450 pages regular type (or 750 large print). Cross posting books from my other challenges as usual. I do not have page counts of all these books, but on my honour or guestimation, they be chunky:

  • Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky – 656p
  • Little, Big by John Crowley – 538p
  • Complete Poems and Plays by T. S. Eliot – 608p
  • Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy – 472p

Alternates/Bonus:
Lord of the Rings Book II and III
Aristocrats: Caroline, Emily, Louisa, and Sarah Lennox, 1740-1832 by Stella Tillyard – 462p
Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks – 483p
The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco -502p
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
…and probably a lot more.

All the books I read over 450 will be countd towards this challenge.