Monday, August 26, 2013

"Mood" by Hunter Hammersen


 

This picture was taken from Ravelry. Here is the link for the pattern - HERE
Get a copy of the book "Silk Road Socks" from Amazon -HERE

I did a review for this book about a week ago.
I loved all the patterns in this book so much it didn't take me long to try one.
I will update you in about a week.

Here is beginning, so far I like the pattern -


Monday, August 12, 2013

"Betty Lou Lace Cardigan" - done!

I finished my future grandchild's baby sweater. My daughter just got married and I am already talking grandchildren! That's because I know I will make a great grandmother!

All the info about the sweater, pattern and yarn are on this post - HERE.

I changed the sleeves and did a button instead of a tie.

My only problem is choosing which button to put on???
I am leaning towards the first one.




Friday, August 9, 2013

Knitting book reviews -

4 Stars!

ABOUT THE BOOK -
Today's knitters are avid—and busy. Although they love to knit for friends and family, and enjoy trying out new patterns and stitch techniques, they're constantly faced with the challenge of finding enough time to complete their projects. Great Little Gifts to Knit solves this problem. Jean Moss, author of Sweet Shawlettes, has designed 30 fun, fresh, beautiful patterns that incorporate traditional knitting techniques from all over the world: from Fair Isle and Aran knits to Peruvian intarsia patterns and Japanese shadow knitting techniques. Beautiful, clever, and, most of all, quick to knit, these projects offer knitters a chance to learn and experiment with new techniques—all in projects that can be made in less than a weekend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -
One of Britain's leading knitwear designers, her innovative combinations of texture, colour and styling have been widely influential over the years. A self-taught knitter, she has been producing her own unique collections of handknits for more than twenty years, as well as designing for Rowan Yarns and many international fashion houses such as Ralph Lauren, Laura Ashley and Benetton. She teaches in the UK and Europe and is a regular visitor to the US.

 Visit her at her website - HERE




MY REVIEW -
I thought this book was pretty good as far a patterns go. There were some unique ideas. There were a few patterns I would never make but that is always the case. There also a few that I loved!

There were several pictures for each patters, good knitting charts, and clear directions.
The chapters are divided into - Baby, Hers, His, & Home

Most of the projects seem fairly simple so I think this would be a great book for new-ish knitters! Also most of the items in here were small so much quicker knitting for a beginner. I prefer knitting books that are more for advanced knitters so this book was really not for me but there were a few I would knit.

Here are some of my faves. -
Nice simple hats -
 Socks, of course -
 And my favorite, isn't it gorgeous?

This author, Jean Moss actually has quite a few knitting books out there, I was impressed! I think this is my first one by her. I do  look forward to seeing more.


Thank you Netgalley and Taunton Press for sending me this book to read and review.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5+++ Stars!!!!!

ABOUT THE BOOK -
If you've ever dreamed of being whisked away on a magic carpet to a land where you could knit stunningly beautiful socks all day...well, we can't quite make that dream come true. But we can supply you with sock patterns to knit if you ever do get there! Inside you'll find 14 amazing new sock patterns, each inspired by a different style of oriental rug. An in-depth primer on top-down sock construction, thorough lessons on chart reading, detailed information on how to resize any sock pattern, and tips to customize your socks to perfectly fit your feet help ensure your knitting success. You'll also find a wealth of information on the history of the Silk Road and the beautiful textiles produced in the region. Silk Road Socks will be a welcome addition to any sock knitter or textile artist's library. Author Hunter Hammersen is a prolific and talented sock designer whose designs have found their way onto countless knitters' needles. Visit the Silk Road Socks website for more information on the socks in this book, knitalongs and other bonus features.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -

Author Hunter Hammersen is a prolific and talented sock designer whose designs have found their way onto countless knitters' needles. She is a knitter and perpetual student living in Cleveland, Ohio.








MY REVIEW -
This is like the cream of the crop of sock books!!!! Excellent! I can't think of one single negative thing. As an experienced sock knitter, I can tell you I loved every single one of these patterns. They were all so beautiful and original.

This book is not for knitting beginners (which I like, since I am experienced). There are lots of beautiful pictures. The patterns seem easy to follow with nice charts.

I am actually going to be starting one of these... mmm maybe tonight. I will post pictures of course.

This was a library book, but this one is definitely a keeper so I will probably end up ordering it!

Here are a couple of my faves -


I reviewed "The Knitters Curiosity Cabinet" - HERE by the same author, which I also rated 5 stars.

If you are a sock knitter and are looking for some great new unique ideas this is the book for you.
This is the kind of book that you just start at the beginning and go through and knit every single pattern!

Get yours from Amazon - HERE
and from B&N - HERE