Saturday, May 19, 2012

Saturday Evening Book Review Take 1

Hello my faithful readers. Tonight I want to introduce you to something new I am going to be doing hopefully every Saturday night!

The Saturday Evening Book Review

The idea came to me when I was at the local library looking for books with patterns to use my lace yarn on. Our library has this very extensive selection of knitting books, at least 3 shelves. I sat down and looked through some prospective ones before picking a few out (and in the end, I didn't even use any of them as a pattern choice...). So now I think I am going to go every week and check out a couple knitting books that sound like fun! 

By posting reviews each week it will give me an opportunity to learn some new techniques and discover new patterns, as well as for you guys to learn about new books, patterns, designers etc that you may not have had a chance before. I hope you find these reviews as insightful and helpful as I do!

Tonight's book list includes Stitch 'n Bitch: Superstar Knitting, Luxury Yarn One Skein Wonders, and Feminine Knits. 

**Disclaimer: I am not being paid for these reviews, they are simply my personal feelings and ideas. Also, I have likely not knitted any of the patterns in these books, so the reviews are more about the books themselves and not the patterns**

Like:
  • The helpful and somewhat extensive sections on color work knitting, lace, cables, beads and general tips.
  • The diagrams they use to explain all of the above
  • The photos of the patterns
Dislike:
  • I really wish there was something I could think of that I disliked, but there really isn't. Overall I love the Stitch 'n Bitch books are always such a joy to read!
Favorite Patterns:
Luxury Yarn One Skein Wonders by Judith Durant, editor

Likes:
  • The variety of patterns for a variety of knitters and skill levels
  • The patterns are organized by weight of the yarn
  • The photos are really nice.
Dislikes:
  • I wish the photos were on the same pages as the patterns and not in a separate section in the front
  • I know it is luxury yarn, but they use very specific brands, and some use specific yarn types, that I feel could be harder to find for some knitters.
Favorite Patterns:

Feminine Knitsby Lene Holme Samsøe


Likes:
  • The project pages have photos of the garments on the model as well as laid out so you can see it's general shape. I wish more books did this!
  • The patterns are really pretty and even though this book is from 2004 (?) it seems like they would still be in style
  • The back has yarn recommendations for substitutions.
Dislikes:
  • Most of these patterns are not for beginners
  • Quite a few of the patterns seem to be designed for 'older' people (no offense...)
Favorite Patterns:
That's it for today's review! I hope you all enjoyed reading my thoughts and are having a great weekend!

~Lisa

5 comments:

  1. Good idea to do book reviews! I used to get books from the library and review them too (unfortunately I deleted that blog years ago, kinda wish I'd kept them now).

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  2. All all of these books are ones I wanted to check out when I visited the library. Love this idea! Great start!

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  3. Love the idea of book reviews! The Caravan socks are gorgeous :)

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  4. This is such a great idea Lisa. There really are so many wonderful knitting books out there and it can be near impossible to sift out the best. I'm really intrigued by that second one- will have to check it out.

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  5. What a great idea! I can't wait for more - I am totally bookish :)
    I have the first one and the third looks lovely - of course I am old! ;)

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