Saturday Evening Book Review: Hey, this isn't too hard after all!

Hi guys! First of all, I want to thank everyone for the amazing comments on yesterday's blog. Oddly enough, I am barely grieving now, although I have a feeling it will be back next time I go home.

Tonight I am here to share my usual Saturday Evening Book Review with you all. Both books this week are really exciting finds for me, and also both include techniques that seem much harder than they really are. So without further ado:

Cables Untangled by Melissa Leapman

Likes:

Very visual on how to do all the usual cables

Tips on how to do them and do them more efficiently 

Glossary of different cable stitches and chart symbols

A whole 63 pages of cable pattern panels/motifs you can use in your own patterns

Dislikes:

Some of the patterns are VERY cable intensive.

Her symbols are a bit hard to read in the charts as opposed to others I've seen. If I was going to tackle one of the larger projects, I would definitely enlarge the chart!

Favorite Patterns:

Sleeveless V-neck

Rug with Faux Tassels

Turtleneck

Simple hat and scarf set

Overall, I really like this book, as I do with anything Melissa writes! The patterns are all gorgeous and I think even a beginner could tackle any of these patterns pretty easily with the tips Melissa provides at the beginning. I also LOVE the section in the back with all the different motifs.

Felted Knits by Beverly Galeskas

Likes:

The first section is all about how to felt, what yarns to choose, how to do it by hand vs machine, etc

She seems very knowledgeable about the differences in gauges and yarn types.

Shows the differences in yarns via pictures.

Most patterns are very basic and can be altered to fit your preference.

I never knew you could add novelty yarns to wool yarns and have only the wool felt! Very cool!

Dislikes: 

I wish there were more options for types of projects, but I don't know too much about felting so I am not sure if some projects can/cannot be felted anyways.

Her instructions on how to felt would be nice with more visuals, it's A LOT of text!

Favorite Patterns:

Tab Top Tote

Fur Cuffed Mittens

Fir Trimmed Tote

Overall, if I wanted to try felting the first time, I would turn to this book. I am not sure if I would do any of it's patterns as a first try, but I would use this book as a resource on how to, that is for sure!

In other news, I finished my first Ravellenic Games entry! Presenting Miranda's Bulky Bag, as part of the Bat 'n Tote Backstroke.  I really like how this turned out, especially since it was all improvised! She loves it too. I see more of these in my future, they are super easy. I am also considering publishing the pattern.

Happy Saturday everyone!

~Lisa

PS: I updated my Bio page for anyone interested. Take a look and tell me what you think?