Thursday, August 13, 2009

Book Reviews

Here's a couple more of my favourite books. They are knitting books, but still books :)

I was at Soper Creek Yarn on the weekend and picked up some sock wool (Christmas presents, don't tell). Tina's are a really good price and she has nice selection. I also treated myself to a new book. It was a bit expensive but Grandma talked me into it. Like she says; " you'll use most of the patterns for presents anyway"

Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush. I have some of her other books and this one doesn't disappoint. I have a number of these old patterns, but the originals don't give gauge or real wool suggestions. Nancy has done all the hard work of "translating" the old patterns into modern knitting English and modern wool suggestions. I can't wait to try it.

Knitting Circles Around Socks
by Antje Gillingham. This book has revolutionized the way I make socks (and sleeves for that matter). Anyone who has wanted to make socks but thought they were too fiddly and take too long -read this book!! I now whip out socks two at a time. I may even make a pair for Daddy's size 11 feet :)

Knitter's Almanac by Elizabeth Zimmerman. I've had this book for a number of years. I sometimes just read it. Elizabeth has such a nice "chatty" style, it's like hanging out with a friend who just happens to be a knitting guru. This book is great for your knitting confidence. Elizabeth encourages you to feel your knitting and not be a slave to a pattern. She is also a big believer in circular knitting; i.e., having as few seams as possible. This not only makes the finished project more comfortable to wear/use, it means fewer ends to sew in and seam.

2 comments:

Niki said...

I've requested knitters almanac from the library...i need all the knitting confidence I can get :)

We are having a stupendous cucumber year, but like you are still waiting for red tomatoes.

Have a wonderful weekend
Niki

Paula said...

Look for any of Elizabeth's other books too. She was a great writer/knitter. Oh to have even half her talent. Her daughter Meg Swansen has good books too. I spent yesterday making pickles (and melting). I hope to make fruit relish this weekend. Colin starts the tomatoes in the greenhouse, so we have had red ones for a couple weeks now.

PS, Niki, I put your book in the mail today.