Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders

This is a fabulous book! 

It's now one of my all-time fav knitting books. 

Perfect if you have stash sock yarns you need to use up (like I do, always!)

Read my full review here.

Happy Crafting! 

Overall rating for this book: Excellent: 5 out of 5

Critter Knits by Margrit Lohrer

I just noted Critter Knits on the top 100 free ebooks, over at Amazon today.

 

I've just taken a browse through the book so far, haven't made anything yet obviously.

 

But I did want to share this ebook here, while it's still available for free, that's why I'm posting this now. ;<)

 

 

All 4 and 5 star reviews (60) over at Amazon so that sounds like a good start.

 

 The patterns are adorable from what I've checked out so far.

 

I'm thinking the Cat Wrap is a must and Mr. Cheddar, who is sitting on my lap, agrees!

 

Any critter-lovers out there who also knits, will definitely want to give this one a try.

 

Amazon Kindle link for Critter Knits.

 

Happy Knitting!

 

**PS: On a completely different topic, is anyone else having a problem with their link lists on Blogger? I can't add review links to my sidebar now, only text.

 

I checked the Blogger forums and I thought it would be fixed by now. **

 

 

Overall rating for this book: Very Good. 4 out of 5. 

Stitch 'N Bitch Superstar Knitting by Debbie Stoller

I've been a fan of Debbie Stoller's knitting books since the first Stitch 'N Bitch book was published back in 2004.

 

Since then, there's been several additions to this book series including:

 Stitch 'N Bitch Superstar Knitting Going Beyond the Basics: published in 2010. 

 

And once again, Debbie did not disappoint!

 

 

I love so many things about this book. Debbie Stoller takes on the more challenging techniques and types of knitting: Fair Isle, Cables, Intarsia, Lace, Knitting with Beads, Steeks...and makes it all seem not only doable but fun too!

 

 

Speaking of Fair Isle, I recently tried this type of knitting for the first time, after reading the chapter on Fair Isle in Superstar Knitting and I was FINALLY feeling it was something I could actually do.

Ironically, the pattern I made: Fairly Easy Fair Isle Cardigan was featured in one of Debbie Stoller's previous books: Stitch N Bitch Nation.

 

But just reading the pattern and other articles on Fair Isle had left me with a number of questions that were all answered in Stitch 'N Bitch Superstar Knitting, including how to easily incorporate the yarn "floats' along the back of the knitting.

 

Yes, there are floats in knitting and they have nothing to do with water. ;<)
 If you're a knitter, you'll know what I mean.

 

Here's a photo of my finished results:

 

 

Not too shabby for a first Fair Isle try!!!

 

You can read more about this project here.

 

If I can learn Fair Isle, any knitter can!!! ;<)

 

 

And a big part of tackling this project and completing it successfully was feeling confident enough to try Fair Isle, after reading the instructions in Superstar Knitting.

 

If you've been looking for a easy-to-understand, "go to" guide for taking your knitting to the next level, Stitch 'N Bitch Superstar Knitting is a resource book, you'll refer to again and again. Complete with excellent diagrams throughout that are easy to understand too! And I've seen a lot of knitting books that fall short when it comes to the diagrams!

 

In addition to the instructions for a variety of knitting techniques, the book includes a beautiful selection of 41 original patterns: including something for everyone in the family and incorporating many of the skills you'll learn in this book.

 

I love the Tiptoes (toe) socks, Gretel Tam, Crush Shrug, Leafy Lace Cardigan, Life Aquatic Pullover and Dress to Impress Baby Sweater to name but a few.

 

The only addition I'd like to see in this book is adding yarn weights to the patterns, not just listing the actual yarn that was used in the design as photographed.

 

There are a lot of times that I'm trying to use up a stash yarn or can't find a particular recommended yarn. I find it most helpful if a pattern lists the actual weight/type of the yarn required (worsted, lace, bulky...) so that a substitute yarn can be used successfully too.

 

 

If you're already a fan of Debbie Stoller's work, you'll definitely want to add this one to your collection. And if you've never checked out the series before, Stitch 'N Bitch Superstar Knitting is a great place to start! Would make a thoughtful gift too.

 

 

Overall rating for this book: Very Good. 4 out of 5.

 

 



One Skein by Leigh Radford

I've been knitting up a storm lately!

 

I'm also gravitating toward smaller projects like: socks, slippers, mittens, gloves....recently, as opposed to my usual choices of sweaters, shawls and throws. It's a lot of fun to complete a project in only a couple of days as opposed to (sometimes) the weeks required for larger projects.

 

 

One of the books I've been using for smaller knitting projects is: One Skein by Leigh Radford. 

 

Unlike many of the "one skein" smaller project books available that feature endless variations of scarves and baby hats....this book is filled with a 30 diverse and beautiful quick to knit and crochet projects, with something for everyone.

 

 

 

 

I just finished the Cabled Footies in this book and they turned out great, you can read more about that pattern/project here.  

 

 

Some of the other patterns in this book include:

 

-Unisex gloves (next on my list, will be my first attempt at "real" gloves) ;<)

 

-Tank top (this is so nice, with a unique pattern design)

 

-Candy wrapper sachets (would make great stocking stuffers)

 

-Baby Bolero (with a lovely "luck"motif added to the back of garment)

 

-Bath mitt and puffy (this set looks like a fun project)

 

There is also a section that includes patterns to use up combined, smaller quantities of stash yarns. And a detailed instruction section for all the basics at the back of the book, including the Kitchener Stitch. I appreciate that as it's something I still need instructions to refer to, when completing toes on socks!

 

This book is currently on sale at Amazon for less than $14. so it's a great time to buy one for yourself and perhaps for gifting too. I'm sure it would be a welcome gift for any knitter or crocheter on your list. While you're at Amazon, make sure to click inside the book to see some of the great patterns and gorgeous photos included and the complete index and table of contents too.

                                       

 

Overall rating for this book: Excellent. 5 out of 5.
Updated rating as of Oct. 16/12: Good. 3 out of 5 (see comment below)