Book Review: Knits that Breathe

©  Zoë Lonergan

I've had the great pleasure of working with Julie Turjoman in the past. She's the author of Brave New Knits, in which she brought together designers both new and established from around the internet.

This time, she's published a book full of her own beautiful designs! Happily, I was able to cross paths with Julie at TNNA a few weeks ago, and she agreed to send me an e-copy of Knits that Breathe so that I could review it here for you all. AND host a giveaway! But more on that shortly.

Knits that Breathe: 12 Breezy Projects to keep you cool is a book that you want to get. Inspired by knitter's desires to keep on knitting even in the hot hot heat, this book is filled with sweaters/tops for women that are graceful and pretty.

“[L]ife in a warm and humid climate, an unpredictable internal thermostat, or sensitivity to animal fibers – KNITS THAT BREATHE has you covered.”

I like this book because:

• It has a fibers resource guide: I LOVE charts, and this one gives nine different fibres, and info like drape, hand, elasticity, source, antibacterial, strength, and more. VERY interesting.
• Large size range: “More than half of the projects are sized up to a 54" bust or larger, with special instructions where necessary to achieve optimal fit.”
• Gives you sweaters you can knit for the HOT weather for those of us who love to knit sweaters, and don’t like the idea of working solely on accessories in the summer.
• Each pattern has a nice intro, clear diagrams/schematics and the  ebook has links from each pattern to its accompanying page on Ravelry
• The book is styled in such a way that I want to just have it on my shelf; it’s aspirational and achievable beauty, making THIS summer-hater think more kindly on the season



©  Zoë Lonergan

• These patterns are the sort of designs that can suit a very wide age range of women.

If I had to pick a favourite pattern: hard to choose, but I think the Flutterbye Silk Tunic is a good example of what this book has to offer.
This design shows you what a silk lace yarn can do. It's for more than just shawls; it has the drape and beautiful sheen to make a top that can in turns be a relaxed casual piece and a more formal, feminine piece depending on how you style it.

Knits that Breathe group on Rav

Buy the book in hard copy or ebook form

But wait! You could win a copy of the ebook.
I highly recommend you enter yourself into this giveaway. It's a great book.
To enter the giveaway, just comment on this post with your favourite warm-weather fiber (eg: cotton, silk, bamboo, linen, etc…)
Please remember to leave me a way to contact you, preferably your Ravelry ID should you have one.

The winner will be drawn and announced Wednesday May 28.
Good luck everyone!

Blog Tour: Vintage Inspired Baseball Knits

Full disclosure: Allyson Dykhuizen of the Sweatshop of Love is one of my designer buds.
She's awesomecool, very fun, creative and talented.

Even setting that aside, her new book Vintage-Inspired Baseball Knits would have caught my attention. And let me tell you why:
-I always love a thematic collection. This one has the specific focus of baseball history. Allyson researched historic baseball sweaters and other team-wear; her passion for the game is palpable in this collection.
-six patterns for only $9.99! That's amazing!
-you can purchase Vintage-Inspired Baseball Knits as an ebook or hard copy. I love that!


You can purchase the book on Knit Picks as well as Ravelry. The book is $9.99, and individual patterns can be purchased for $4.99.

Here's a quick run-down of the patterns included:

Trolley Dodger 

© Knit Picks

A cuddly and wearable cardigan, this garment harkens back to team sweaters baseball players used to wear.

Georgia Peach

© Knit Picks

This sweater has some very cool button placement, creating a neckline that'll keep you good and warm on a chilly game night!

Also: make sure you visit the ravelry pattern page to see some cool pics of baseball players wearing this very sort of garment. Well-designed, Allyson!

Stadium Blanket

© Knit Picks

I love the beautiful, crisp lines of this blanket! A very useful knit to have at your side through an early-in-the-season game. Knit in your team's colours, make it larger or smaller, this is a great customize-able pattern.

Knickerbocker Tee

© Knit Picks

Here's an example of some of the cool research done for the book:

"The New York Knickerbockers were one of the first ever baseball teams, and were the first team to wear uniforms, which back then were glorified pajamas and nothing like the uniforms we see players wearing today. Somewhere along the way baseball merchandizing took off, and now female sports fans are in a world of bedazzled pink crop tanks and short shorts." (source)

Harnett Tank

© Knit Picks

A great summer tee, this piece is named after after Ann Harnett, the first woman to join with the All-American Girl’s Professional Baseball League. What you can't see in this pic is the cute racerback straps! 

Baby Babe Ruth

© Knit Picks

This adorable onesie will make for fantastic photos to look back on when the little one is old enough to join little league!

I'm sure you're all keen to win a copy of one of these patterns.
To enter the giveaway, please comment on this post, letting me know your favourite of the six patterns from Vintage-Inspired Baseball Knits and your ravelry ID (or other way to contact you!)
I'll random-number-generate the winner on Monday March 4, and your favourite pattern will be sent to your directly!

Before you go:

Check out this great little video with Allyson

And follow along with the rest of the blog tour!

Mon Feb 18 - Magical Grammar
Wed Feb 20 - Under the Red Umbrella
Fri Feb 22 - The Yarniad
Sat Feb 23 - Voolenvine

Mon Feb 25 - Canary Knits
Wed Feb 27 - Adaly Myles Place
Fri March 1st - Subway Knits

ISLAND: Jane Richmond Blog Tour and Giveaway

© Nicholas Kupiak

I've been a Jane Richmond fan for years. Her work is consistently impressive, wonderfully wearable, and fashionable.
Her aesthetic is on display in her new book, ISLAND.

More than just a knitting book, ISLAND is a visual and creative experience showcasing the majestic beauty of Vancouver Island. Filled with designs & fibers that are true to Jane's classic and modern aesthetic, ISLAND not only makes you want to knit, it also inspires you to lose yourself in an adventure of your own.

This really is more than a knitting book.
Flipping through this book will transport you, and put you in the best of moods. It's like a coffee table book; fantastic photography dominates the first half, with the pattern instructions and details following in the back.

And these patterns exhibit that wearable and fashionable Jane Richmond aesthetic .

© Nicholas Kupiak

There's five pieces in total:

Arbutus
A beautiful, one-skein cowl, (check out all the lovely FOs on Ravelry!), this piece plays a great little knitting trick: it appears to be wrapped around in layers, but utilizes short rows to achieve this effect instead.  

Grace
Fingering-weight knits always steal my heart, and Grace is no exception. It's a pretty, simple cardigan, one you can imagine yourself wearing all the time. It has a wide size range, from 30"-50" bust measurements.

Renfrew
This toque is knit from the bottom up, but inside out. Very cool! I love this idea, as it maximizes the use of knit stitch. You also get instructions for a shorter, beanie version and longer, slouchy version with this pattern.

Strathcona
An all-season accessory, this light and airy scarf will be at your side the whole year round.

Rathtrevor
A pair of fingerless mitts that anyone would love, Rathtrevor are sized to fit an average woman's hands. They make a lovely pair with the Strathcona scarf!

Good to Know:
-ISLAND is a beautifully photographed book with five new patterns from Jane Richmond
-you can purchase each of the patterns individually as pdfs on Ravelry
-there are ebook and print versions
-ISLAND is available for purchase online at Ravelry, and on Amazon.com, Amazon.ca and Amazon.co.uk
-you get a selection of adaptable and unique accessory and garment patterns
-listen to this episode of the Pagan Knitter podcast for an interview with Jane about ISLAND
-read details about the book on Jane Richmond's site
-read info about the design process for each pattern here

Giveaway
You can enter to win a signed copy of ISLAND!
Just comment on this post with your favourite pattern from ISLAND to be eligible. And please remember to leave your contact info so I can let you know if you've won!

Contest closes January 29th. Winner announced January 30th.

Follow along with the ISLAND blog tour for more chances to win signed copies of the book!

J A N U A R Y
8th - Vancouver Yarn
10th - KD Quilts
14th - Canadian Living
17th - Celtic Cast On
22nd - Canary Knits
24th - Hey Jen Renee
29th - The Yarniad
31st - Knitted Bliss

F E B R U A R Y
5th - French Press Knits
7th - Truly Myrtle
12th - Noodlehead
14th - Miso Crafty
19th - SweetGeorgia
21st - A Playful Day

Book Review: History on Two Needles by Annie Modesitt

As readers of this wee bloggy might know, my daylight hours are spent as a museums professional; my degree in Art History & History is always pleased to be trotted out and put to some use.

So you can imagine that I was totally stoked when I first saw the new publication by Annie Modesitt and the wonderful Cooperative Press, History on Two Needles: exploring art history through modern handknits.

And then, even more so when I was approached to review it!


Full disclosure: I've been a fan of Modesitt's ever since my knitting days began, lo those seven odd years ago. Her Corset Tank Top is one of the first patterns I ever made twice, I loved it so.

So, herein lies my humble opinion on this accomplished designer's labour of love.

In the introduction, Modesitt reveals her long-time desire to create garments based on historical images, uniting her interests in history, art, and knitting.
Each of the seventeen patterns is accompanied by a handful of historic snippets, from the political and personal lives of storied royal and aristocratic figures to details about garment shaping, use, and manufacture.
With a Masters degree in Costume and Set Design, I can't think of who better to write a book on historical costuming and knitting patterns than Annie Modesitt!

One of the strengths of this book is in it's information regarding fashion history. Art's function in this book is as direct visual inspiration for the patterns, from the Ancient Snake Goddess with the impossibly corseted waist to the Woman in Red by Tissot (1864).
Modesitt takes you on a wonderful road from static garment images to vibrant (and in most cases) invitingly challenging knitwear, learning about historic fashion and garment design along the way.

Invitingly challening? Yes, indeed.

Check out what she does with novelty yarn in the beautiful Nottingham Hoyle Ruff.
I would wear this beauty in a heartbeat. I feel a bit shamefaced at any earlier anti-novelty yarn comments I may have made... That shows me!
Oh yes, and note in the same photo the beautiful colourwork hat, Admiral Anja. That's another on my list of faves.  I love the combination of texture and colour, and the fantastic functionality of an earflap hat.

Check out the Sutton Hoo Helm!  This is, in the designer's own words, "...a challenging knit, not to be taken on lightly!"

And I can't leave off this review without pointing out the very lovely and wearable Maiden Cape. In what I think is a stroke of total cleverness, this shoulder-hugging piece has built-in sleeves, to prevent it from slipping right off the wearer.
Clever and pretty!

So here's The Low Down
You will want to buy this book because:
-it has tidbits of costume-history, guiding its very interesting design
-you can purchase patterns individually, but really, $16.95 for all seventeen patterns? That's a steal!
(to receive both the print and digital copies, it's $26.95 + shipping)
-it has a vast amount of information for the knitter on how to read patterns
-it contains challenging knits, interesting techniques, and extremely unique patterns
-it contains a vast array of techniques and skills; from embroidery, beading, felting, bobbles, lace, zippers, colourwork (the list really does go on!

The folks at Cooperative Press have been kind enough to offer a giveaway of the digital copy of the book.
Comment on this post to enter: just please make sure to let me know your Ravelry ID, and which of the seventeen patterns from History on Two Needles would be your first to knit!
The giveaway will remain open until Thursday, December 20th.
The winner will be drawn with a Random Number Generator, and announced on the 21st.
Good luck!

Classic Books and Why You'll Like Them

Recently, Dover Publishing approached me with a request for some book reviews.
Yes indeed! I exclaimed. And shortly thereafter, I had two lovely new knitting books in my hands.

I'm very appreciative for the opportunity to review these publications, because they're both classic knitting books which, shockingly, I've not had the chance to peruse.

First up is the commemorative edition of Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac. Yes, I can hear your collective jaws drop. I have actually never flipped through this seminal work.
To mark the centenary of Zimmermann's birth, this edition of her month-by-month pattern book includes a fabulous introduction by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee.
This may be my favourite snippet from her writing:

"It was recognition. I was a skinny, weird, bookish Canadian teenager who knit all the time, and there I was, felling better about myself because I had finally found another person on earth who seemed to feel as I did... [s]he said things I thought but didn't say. Things like that knitting made her feel clever, that solving knitting problems was like solving real problems, that it was challenging, exciting, fun, engaging and even funny".¹

There's also the wildly popular adult version of the February Baby Sweater by Pamela Wynne.
It's tucked away back there, near the end of the book :)

The second lovely that I was sent is the new and expanded edition of Alice Starmore's Aran Knitting.

As an art history/museum nerd, the first thing that made me gasp was the beautifully illustrated history of aran knitting. Really, who could resist a book that makes the tie between the Book of Kells and knitting?

With information about the how tos, the wherefores and whys regarding this style of knitting, Aran Knitting is an attractive and incredibly useful book. Definitely a classic must-have for the cable-loving knitter.

I'm sorry, I must go: I have cables to drool over.


¹ Introduction to Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac; Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, pg. xiv

New Obsessions: Or, I Desire Sharper Needles

Because I do not have hobbies enough: here you see some recent additions to the canary library re: crafty happiness.
I did my "research" and picked out two well-reviewed guides. The top one you see here is by Aimee Ray, titled "Doodle-Stitching: Fresh and Fun Embroidery for Beginners."

Being an impatient being I immediately plunked myself down on the couch after this book's arrival and whipped out the ol' embroidery floss and sewing basket. In a few easy-to-follow steps I began stitching like a crazy woman, and completed a cutesy bookmark in an evening (subsequently gifted to the mère for Card-and-Chocolate Day on the 14th).


The second book pictured here is slightly different, and I can't wait to use it! It's "Sublime Stitching: Hundreds of Hip Embroidery Patterns and How-To" by Jenny Hart. Included are even more stitch step-by-step instructions, as well as a significant compendium of reusable iron-on transfers to follow for your own embroidery experimentations! I'm particularly enamoured by the wee pies and other foods that I'm sure will make their way on to a very unfortunate apron very soon.


And certainly, it never hurts to add some cursin' fun to your otherwise outwardly conventional & conservative crafting. "Subversive Cross Stitch: 35 designs for your surly side" has some rather hilariously juxtaposed sentiments. You can check out some of the designs featured in the book here, along with some other, rather delightful, additions.

Book Review: "Stitch n' Bitch Nation"

Book Review: "Stitch n' Bitch Nation" by Debbie Stoller.

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0761135901/702-6282090-6084833?v=glance&n=916520&v=glance

Stoller strikes again with another great knitting book. With even more projects than her first book (more in number, more challenging and more interesting), "Stitch n' Bitch Nation" doesn't disappoint. I can only repeat my adoration here as for her first knitting book.

______________________________

On a slightly related note, here is the link to corrections for Stoller's books
"Stitch n' Bitch: A Knitter's Handbook"
"Stitch n' Bitch Nation" and
"Stitch n' Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker"

http://www.bust.com/knithappens/oops.shtml

Book Review: "Stitch n' Bitch"

Book Review: "Stitch n' Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook" by Debbie Stoller

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0761128182/702-6282090-6084833?v=glance&n=916520&v=glance

My love of knitting began with this book. I was always a crafty/artsy sort of person, and so naturally drawn to knitting I decided to teach myself (and truly, I was living under a rock and entirely unaware of the "knit-revolution" going on around me). I came across this book, with it's clear instructions, helpful illustrations and projects geared towards learning (and a few with rather instant knit-gratification). I was in love.
I've made many of the projects from this book (and Stoller's others as well). It's a great introduction to the knitting world, if at this point getting slightly dated (I know, I know, it's only 2 years old, but the times are moving fast!)
I haven't come across a more fun, clear and interesting introductory book to knitting than this. Definately a great starter for any knitter-in-training!

Book Review: "The Happy Hooker"

Book Review: "Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker" by Debbie Stoller

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0761139850/702-6282090-6084833?v=glance&n=916520&s=gateway&v=glance

Perhaps I love this book because I learned to take my first baby steps into knitting from the
Stitch n' Bitch series. I find the teaching method to be clear and concise (if you look past the silly wording - I suppose it's trying to be 'hip') and the illustrations very helpful. The projects are also very well suited to learning: there are your basics (like the "One Skein Scarf" - my first forray into crochet) your not-so-basics (like the "Sweet Pea Shawl" - my second project from the book) and the stunningly beautiful yet slightly challenging projects (like my very recently completed "Prepster" jacket). I really love how eachc pattern includes the yarn weight - that makes for very easy substitutions (the only time I've ever knit something with the suggested yarn was the "One Skein Scarf", got to love that Paton's Classic Wool!)
All in all, a great book from which to learn crochet - can't wait for the next one, Ms. Stoller!

Book Review: "Alterknits"

Alterknits: Imaginative Projects and Creative Exercises
by Leigh Radford

Flipping through this book was thoroughly disappointing. Not very radical, and really a little boring. None of the projects jumped off the page, and any that were even ok would be easily designed by myself anyway (lace-up scarf / wrap). The inspirational quotes are kind of cheesy, this really isn't my kind of knitting book. Too polished, hoity-toity and boring.

Book Review: "Scarf Style"

Book Review: "Scarf Style: Innovative to traditional, 31 inspirational styles to knit and crochet"
by Pam Allen - editor of Interweave Knits

http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/1931499543/ref=sr_11_1/701-6078845-8597129?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance

My latest obession, "Scarf Style" has so many patterns in it that catch my fancy that I knew I had to buy it as soon as I picked it up. A few patterns are a little freaky for my taste (Kathryn Alexander's "Color on Color" is not only something I would never wear or knit, its something that I can't imagine anyone wearing).
Among the highlights are Teva Durham's "Turtleneck Shrug" which is perfect for keeping you warm without being an ever-lasting knitting project, Kathleen Power Johnson's "Lady Eleanor Entrelac Stole" (which is a more epic project I hope to take on for next fall) and my very favourite, Nancy Bush's "Ene's Scarf" (which I'm currently planning 3 of - all for me!)
Another great aspect of the book is the "Design Notebook" at the back with advice on such topics as ideas for creating your own scarf, choosing yarn, knitting in different directions, how to knit garter stitch on the diagonal, and so on. An entirely excellent book, I would reccomend it to anyone who has gotten tired of the basic scarf and would like some unique and challenging patterns, as well as some twists on traditional fashion must-haves.

Book Review: "Knitting Over the Edge"

Book Review: "Knitting Over the Edge: the second essential collection of over 350 decorative borders"
by Nicky Epstein

I didn't think there could be more, but Epstein doubled the fun with her second book of decorative knitting ideas. With the same layout and approach as the first book, "Knitting over the Edge" adds to the creative storehouse of the first with new ribs, cords, appliques, colours (my favourite) and a section titled "nouveau". My absolute favourite page in the book is 134, with a colour chart for bunnies and one for sheep (how cute would those sheep be with some bead work in their coats? See what I mean about inspiration!)

Book Review: "Knitting on the Edge"

Book Review: "Knitting on the Edge: the essential collection of 350 decorative borders"
by Nicky Epstein

http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/1931543402/qid%3D1145905371/701-6078845-8597129

An excellent collection of some very creative things to do with knitting, Epstein's book is a must-have for knitters who enjoy personalizing patterns or even adding some finishing touches and flair to their own designs. I love looking at books that inspire as well as challenge, and I find this book has both. Beautiful colour images throughout, with clear instructions and great examples.

Book Review - "Weekend Knitting"

"Weekend Knitting: 50 Unique Projects and Ideas"
Melanie Falick

http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/1584792914/sr=8-4/qid=1145904195/ref=sr_1_4/701-7243947-7165957?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=gateway&v=glance

A singular book, "Weekend Knitting" combines knitting-appropriate books and movies, with quotes and recipes interspered throughout the text. While I did find a handful of patterns that I was interested in making (the Nursury Rhyme Finger Puppets are very cute), I was more interested in the book's helpful hints, such as the "Gentle Hand Massage" outlined on page 101 and and "Knitter's Gift Basket" with suggestions for knitter gifts on page 149.
The book made me wish I had my own home to decorate with yarn! (page 41).