I seem to go into a shop determined not to buy anything, “Just look Emily” I tell myself, “Your not here to buy just LOOK!”. Before I know it I have several books in my hand or I am writing down the ISBN number to see if I can get it on line.
Needless to say it happened again. I know I have more patterns and books then I can finish in a life time, bbbbut here I am all excited about the three new books I just got. One a bought at “Why Not Knit” the other two I saw at the library in McKinney, Texas and wrote down the ISBNs. These two I am sure are classic books and you’ll say to yourself I seen them before so bare with me and my enthusiasm.
“Natural Knits for Babies and Moms” by Louisa Harding is a darling book of sweaters and Kimono, and all things a babies up to 12 months could need. However, I did break one of my cardinal rules; I wanted it for only one pattern inside. It has the greatest maternity sweater call the Bump Sweater. The Sweater uses short row shaping in the front to provide extra room as mom gets bigger. Plus, the sides are kept together with ribbon ties that can be let out too. I thought it would be great cotton top for Emily’s birthday! I got the pattern and yarn and started right away. The yarn is natural Silk Aran from Classic Yarns. It is a mix of light blue and specks of yellow, dark blue, and cream. It will look great with jeans! It took about three days to get the front done when I became concerned that I did not have enough yarn. Well I was right! I am four balls short. The balls are only 71 yards. The salesperson gathered the yarn for me and she asked how much I needed, I told her 870. However, somewhere along the line math got in the way because I have 10 balls at 710. So here I am front done and not enough. Since it was 11 p.m. when I discovered this I went up stairs to my stash found a 100% Cotton Twist from Berroco in mint green. I am sure Emily will look great in this too. I must say I was disappointed. The pattern is so great I am on my way again. I do recommend the book however, but I would get it from the internet at $14.93 instead of the $21.95 I spent. (I also will be checking the amount no matter what from here out).
The Second book I got was “Classic Knits for Kids” by Debbie Bliss. I know your think that there is a theme to my knitting lately. Well it’s true I have been getting a lot of baby stuff to do but this book has several patterns for boys as well as girls. I was looking for a Aran Cardigan for Laura and there is the cutest one called “Aran Cardigan with lace Edging. I think I will do it in Eco classic (from my stash, I am trying at least not to buy). This book is in keeping with my rules. I think I could make every sweater in the book besides wanting to adopt every child there!
Third but not last is again at least feels like a classic book. The copy write has it published in 2006. Lion Brand Yarn’s “Vintage Styles for Today” edited by Nancy Thomas and Charlotte Quiggles offers more than 50 patterns to knit and crochet. It offers eight chapters from cardigans and jackets to the chapter named The Home Front: Blankets, Throws, and More.
I am interested in making the “Go Anywhere Cardigan” for Zack and the, “The Poet Shrug” for me. The shrug has a picot edge and nice texture but what I really like is that it is like a shawl but with sleeves. I really like shawls and wear woven shawls all the time. However I really don’t look good in knitted shawls. I think they make me look older and heaver. The sleeve gives me the form I need and the shawl gives me the warmth I want especially in air conditioned places. I am sure there is something in this book for everyone. There is even the cutest dog sweater. All three of the books can be found on the internet and offer good instructions as well as explanations of basic techniques needed to complete the patterns.
Hope you enjoy the books and Good Knitting
Okay Okay So I forgot I got two more books this week too!
I have seemed to have forgotten that I really got five books this week! It was just a little oversight. Apparently I was overcame by the cotton fumes from all the new yarn. But now that I have a clearer mind I can see the little pile next to my bed that I have been reading at night. Paul tells me that all the yarn shops in the area are now calling me to see if I have the books and yarn they need to restock their shelves. I really did not think that was all that funny. Hmmm.
So back to the book reviews. The two missing books are really nice. There is “Great Knits for Kids”, by Debbie Bliss and “Celtic Knits” by Debbie Bliss. Oh my! Another theme; Debbie Bliss!
“Celtic Knits” is one of Debbie’s best. She has over 25 different patterns. There is Fair Isle knits, Arans, Lace, and Chenille for adults to babies. There are patterns for your head to your toes. She has beautiful photos of the projects and great directions with extra instructions on basic information, knitting terms both for the UK and US. I think the Lace and Cable Tunic will look great on Brittney. I like the way each project is highlighted and the directions appear clear and easy to follow.
The Last of the book for this review is “Great Knits for Kids” by Debbie Bliss again she offers 27 classic designs. This book is for infants to ten-year olds. There are some lovely cables and bobbles that make the most darling combinations. Each looks warm and inviting. All have a challenge or two in the pattern but what better way to enjoy a weekend of knitting. I hope to use this book into the future when Alaina is bigger and some of my other projects are done. So I promise that is all I bought this week. I will keep off the internet late at night when I shop for these little beauties and try to show some restrain when I visit a yarn shop.
Though I don’t promise either. Happy Knitting.
