Sunday, January 27, 2013

Saturday Evening Book Review FINALLY

How long has it been since I did my knitting book reviews? I'm guess at least 9 weeks, if not more. How do I know that? I've re-checked these books twice, and each time for 3 weeks. They are due back this week, week 9. So I guess that means I need to get my butt in gear and review them.  Sorry it took so long guys, I've just been busy blogging about other things!


Likes:
-The super cute intro about what is knitting
-The techniques section has great visuals for beginners
-The sections about how to choose yarns based on colors -- very cool!
-LOVELY photos! 
-The patterns really are simple

Dislikes:
-There are A LOT of pillow patterns. I know that is probably the easiest thing to make for your home, but I still think there are other things to be made also.
-I know it's supposed to be 'simple knits' but I still wish there were some more detailed patterns in here.

Favorite Patterns:
-Stripe Cushion 
-Child's Blanket
-Color Block Throw

Overall, my first impression was that I would not like this book, but after actually reading and flipping through it, I think I would probably pick this as one of my first choices when I go tot knit things for home. I love the pillows and blankets and the sections about yarn choices.

Son of a Stitch 'n Bitch by Debbie Stoller

Likes:
-One of few books I've seen dedicated to men's knits
-The upbeat nature of the patterns
-Discussions of history of men's knits, as well as shaping and such

Dislikes:
-Some of the patterns are just gimicky, like the beer bottles
-I wish it had more basic techniques. I guess she expects you to have already read the first book

Favorite Patterns:

Overall, this is not my favorite Stitch 'n Bitch book, but I do like a lot of the sweater patterns, and if I was knitting something for my Dad, I'd probably look here. The Stitch 'n Bitch books are always a treat to pick up and leaf through :)

It's been one heck of a week guys, but I survived. Studio work is going to be rough, but I enjoy it. I spent over NINE hours today making work, and I feel great about it! I really hope this momentum can keep up as the semester progresses.

I've been doing some pretty awesome stuff with yarn and ink for my drawing class, I can't wait to share it all with you in the near future. I'm finally liking my drawing projects and I can visualize my senior show coming together for the first time in a long time. 

On the knitting front, I did finally finish those fingerless mitts, but I may submit them somewhere, so no photos yet. The Dragonflies sweater hasn't been touched in a few weeks, because of the mitts and some headband orders. Hopefully it will get picked back up this coming week-- I miss it!

Have a great weekend and a good week everyone!

~Lisa




5 comments:

  1. Thanks for the great review! I've never seen either book. I love the idea of knitted pillows but when I see someone in my house squash a pillow in half and lay on it on the floor I realize there is no point in even entertaining the thought.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh man, I need to get kitty a little book like that!
    Have you seen this book yet: http://www.amazon.com/Could-Pee-This-Other-Poems/dp/1452110581 It is a spoof book of poems that are "written by cats"

    ReplyDelete
  3. Here are some great excerpts from the book: http://mediumlarge.wordpress.com/2011/03/15/even-more-excerpts-from-i-could-pee-on-this-and-other-poems-by-cats/

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for the book reviews! I just bought some little pillows at Ikea for knitting a cover. You sound very, very busy. Take good care of yourself.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Another great set of reviews! I keep meaning to check out Son of Stitch and Bitch, because I have two brothers and sometimes am at a loss for what to knit them. The other book sounds great, too: knitted pillows sound like fun!

    ReplyDelete

Even if you are just saying Hello, I always love hearing from you :)