Tag Archives: book review

Books with double the fun!

I love my job! I have the pleasure of finding books at Knit Picks.  Today is double exciting because we have new books to share and it’s book sale time! With 40% off, it’s hard to resist!  Here are some knitting, crocheting and tatting books that have caught my eye.

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KNITTING

Vogue Knitting: Very Easy Sweaters is a classic book of sweaters. 50 Projects! You’ll be able to find something for anyone in here – many of the projects are plus sized as well.  The projects include light weight, cabled, striped & colorwork, as well as stockinette and dramatic shapes.

For the colorwork fans, Interweave has come out with a new book Fair Isle Style.  Mary Jane Mucklestone brings you 20 fresh designs from several designers. Projects include scarves, gloves & mittens, socks, sweaters, a skirt, and many more. The sweaters and skirt include plus sizes, which is a plus (no pun intended!). Not only is it a book full of projects that focuses on  fresh, modern uses of color, it’s a book about knitting the Fair Isle technique.

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CROCHET

Wedding Crochet is filled with 20 romantic and feminine crochet designs. Though the title says “wedding” there are many projects in here that can be used for everyday wear.  There are wraps, shawl, lacy cardigan, little girls shrug, belt, necklace, long gloves and corsage.  Wedding specific projects some short veils, favors, garter, and ring bearer pillow.  I have my eye on the lacy cardigan.  its beautiful!

Treasury of Holiday Crochet has 84 gifts and home accents for holidays all year round. Projects include Halloween Masquerade mask, Chanukah throw, American flag afghan, ornaments, Christmas stockings, Father’s Day tie, Easter dress and basket and oh so much more!

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TATTING

The last two new books are tatting books.  Tatting is a new adventure for me and I love it! I love the design options that are available.  Needle tatting is my preferred method.  We have lots of tatting tools as well as hankies for your tatting pleasure!

Celtic Tatting has 12 original designs using the graceful loops and whorls of Celtic knots. In this book you will find edging, a Celtic flower, butterfly, heart & cross.  You will find projects using these designs in earrings, a collar, bookmark, doily and a decorative frame

The title Festive Snowflakes & Ornaments says it all.  It includes 14 snowflakes and 4 motifs.  You can hang them as snowflakes or attach them to ornaments to create an unique, dazzling look.  These are perfect for decorating your house or to give as gifts.

There are so many more new books available that I could go on for days!  Check out the rest of the new books here. We’ve included images of the projects to help you in choosing the perfect books for your library!


The Light Basics Collection is Truly Timeless

Oh how I LOVE Kerin’s new Light Basics collection. I can very clearly remember the minute we unpacked all of the knit samples in the office. As each garment came out we all reached out to touch the beautiful, springy fabric of each garment. I definitely gave the Light Basics Pullover an extra squeeze and even a little hug to with a big grin on my face because that Capretta (as I’ve said before) just knits up into SUCH A GORGEOUS fabric!

Each piece in this collection is designed to be a simple, easy to knit and timeless addition to your wardrobe.

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The Light Basics Tee is knit in the so soft, machine washable Comfy. This piece is definitely meant to be in regular rotation as an everyday garment. I could see myself sitting in a meeting at work, going for a morning stroll or spending time with a passel of children all day in this tee. I love the longer length of the torso (no skin peeping to be had!) and the gentle v-neck.

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I think this shot shows what a wonderful transition piece shawlettes can be. The Light Basics Garter Shawlette is knit in a fingering weight yarn so it’s a little bit heartier than the traditional lace shawl but light enough that it can easily be tucked inside of a jacket or on top of a cardigan without adding unnecessary bulk. I think of shawlettes as the perfect companion to sleeveless tops on cold mornings that promise to warm up into balmy afternoons. They keep those shoulders toasty in the morning and fold away perfectly into a purse as the sun comes out.

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Like the Tee, the Light Basics Shell is one of those everyday pieces that really shine. It’s deceptively simple with some wonderful little finishing touches that make it a garment that will continue to wear well through many trips through the washing machine. Applied i-cord and a folded hem means that all the edges are nice and crisp and will stay that way over time. Plus, the subtle Stellina shimmer in Glimmer gives this sleevless top a little extra sweetness.75107_19

The Light Basics Pullover is the garment that I’m totally drawn to right away. The luscious Capretta fabric and the beautiful Cream color makes this the perfect neutral garment. The shaping is so lovely and the finishing so smooth that it almost looks store-bought. It would be easy to add any sort of embellishing colorwork, swap out the yarn or choose to swap out the high turtleneck for the alternate crew neck instead. 51089D_6

And, really, I can’t think of a single day when I couldn’t wear a nice little beanie. I love the length of the Light Basics Garter Ridge Hat which leaves room to fold the band up and instantly makes this a very versatile hat, perfect for just about any shaped noggin.

 

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The proverbial “icing on the cake” in this collection is the Light Basics Cardigan. The elegant shaping, simplicity and fitted nature of this pattern means that it’s the perfect layering piece. Pop it over a light tank top for the spring or tuck it under a cozy jacket in the fall and you’re good to go on any adventure. Just check out the finished edges on this one! I love the crisp lines and the tidy bottom band. Gorgeous.

Sigh, there are so many pieces that I would LOVE to start but they’ll all have to wait until after the holidays pass and I have some more time to work on my own projects. Which one would you cast on for RIGHT NOW if you could? I think I would have to grab my needles and find the buttons for that Cardigan first, but I bet I couldn’t finish it before I just had to cast on for the pullover too!