Saturday Evening Book Review: Out of the Ordinary

Well, I feel like I have been so busy getting my show together that I have neglected my poor blog. But never fear, I have plans for my next few posts so hopefully I will update more.

Tonight I am doing my usual book reviews :) I hope you enjoy my perspectives.

Charmed Knits by Alison Hansel

Likes: 

-The concept. Someone was bound to do it eventually.

-Most of the patterns look relatively easy

-You don't even have to be a HP Fan to make these, colors are always interchangable

-It's just cute. The titles and such are very HP-esque and it's just a magical fun book

Dislikes:
-Some of the patterns are ugly. Even as an HP fan I can't see myself making Molly's Amazing Sweater...like ever.

-Even though it seems that you can size for anyone, many of the photos show kids as models

Favorite Patterns:

Hermiones cabled hat

House Sweater

Invisibility Shawl

Overall if you are a Harry Potter Fan, then you need this book. It is loaded with fun and magical knits for all ages and fans. I think it's a great idea and am glad someone decided to do it.

Pet Projects by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne

Likes:
-As always, the idea. It's a cute idea.

-The practical patterns are very fun looking and creative

-There's a section in the back to "knit your own pet!"

Dislikes:
-Some photos are kinda awkward

-Some ideas are just odd...like the turtle tent or the bunny curtain, but then again, I have never owned these animals as pets, so maybe they do come in handy?

-I wish the animal sweaters were a bit cuter :(

-The colorwork charts are in the back of the book, so you'd have to flip back and forth between pattern and chart.

Favorite Patterns:

-Beanbags for Cat or Dog

-Wire Bird Feeder

-Make your own guinea pig -- really cute!

-Hamster House

Overall the idea is there but I am just a bit on the fence. Many of the patterns are kinda ugly and unappealing  but I don't really think you should force your pet to wear a sweater anyways. 

So things here are going alright. I set up my BFA drawing show tomorrow and I am busy getting last minute things done. Like converting my video. Who knew that Quicktime video couldn't be burned to a DVD?!?! 

It's going to be a long night and day tomorrow...

~Lisa

HP KITTY BOMB!!!

Saturday Evening Book Review @ Bluestem :)

It's finally feeling like Spring here and what better way to enjoy it than by sitting on the patio of my favorite cafe, Bluestem Bistro, listening to live music and knitting! As always, I really should be in studio or something school related, after all my BFA show is in THREE weeks.... But I bet you guys are sick of me talking about my lack of focus haha.

I wanted to share a couple of books with you tonight as well. :)

No Sheep for You  by Amy R. Singer

Likes:

-The beginning is very comprehensive in explaining all the different non-wool fiber types, how they are harvested and spun.

-Explains well how to work with these yarns and how each yarn reacts to washing, wear and tear and etc.

-Great info on how to substitute among each type. 

-Lovely photos and color choices!

-Nice variation of man and woman patterns.

Dislikes:

-I wish there were less color work patterns, I'm not a color work person...

-I also wish there were more non-sweater types, but then again if you are allergic to wool, you're biggest concern is finding sweater patterns.

-A lot to take in, I'd prob want to really be dedicated to reading it all.

Favorite Patterns:

Eileen

River Rock Scarf

Intoxicating -- in my dreams!

Overall, this is a fun book and there are lots of patterns I'd enjoy or know others would. I like the concept, as many patterns usually call for wool yarns and then if you need a non-wool you have to somehow substitute.

Brave New Knits  by Julie Turjoman

Likes:

-The Concept -- patterns designed by knitting bloggers

-Before each pattern there is an at least 1 page bio about the designer and their blog.

-Too many amazing patterns!

Dislikes:

-That's a hard question...

-Not a lot of variety in gender/age that the patterns are for; only a few for kids and men.

-The bios are a bit long, so I didn't really have time to read them right now.

Favorite Patterns:

Seaweed Vest

Silke Jacket

Woodsmoke Scarf

Sockstravaganza

Lenina Cap

Helix Socks

Overall, I like the concept behind this book and may look up some of these bloggers (if they are still around, the book was published in 2010). I like a lot of the patterns as well.

Saturday Evening Book Review...And My Next Project?

It feels like ages since I have posted a knitting book review; I completely blame the library for moving the books and my teachers for assigning me too many projects. All griping aside though, tonight's books are a couple of fun ones!

No-Pattern Knits by Pat Ashforth and Steve Plummer

Likes:

-The idea of knitting squares (modular knitting) seems interesting and intriguing. Definitely something new to me!
-The pictures and instructions are very thorough for every step you need to modular knit. 

-I never knew about all the interesting garter stitch shapes you can make just by increasing and decreasing!

-The section on color - really fun :)

Dislikes:
-I wish they weren't all garter stitch shapes. I wish there was a way to do them stockinette, or if there is, I wish the book talked about it.

-I don't really like any of the patterns provided :(

-Personal preference -- The looks of squares put together into a sweater/top/object just looks tacky to me.

Favorite Patterns:

Sweater

Overall, I am not going to lie, I didn't read it all. There is a lot of text in this. I think that it's great for anyone who doesn't like patterns and likes to experiment, but for me I don't know if I'll ever try it (or maybe for a hat?). It's a fun idea just not my style. 

The Knitter's Book of Socks by Clara Parkes

Likes:

-This is so much more than just a book of socks and techniques; it's very comprehensive. 

-The primary focus is the yarn types good for socks, which is nice because that isn't seen too often in books.

-It's really thorough with lots of options and explanations

-I want to knit pretty much every pattern.

Dislikes:

-The price ($30 US)

-Random, but I don't like any of the patterns on the cover...

-It's a lot to read; I still haven't finished it but man I want to.

-Why are all the color work patterns for socks always so ugly??

Favorite Patterns:

Elm

Kensington

Prana

Buddleia

Rocaille

Overall, I want this book. BAD. I like the majority of the patterns and the information is very very useful. I love the photos and the layout and it's just a really good book. I highly recommend it for the avid sock knitter. 

Spring Break has arrived, and although I do not have class, I will be in studio pretty much every day this week. But besides studio, I will also be knitting away. My dragonflies sweater is done with the body and half way down one sleeve. My goal is to get it done this week and then start a new project. 

I can't decide what to knit though! I purchased a copy of the Spring Knitscene, and desperately want to knit Salacia, although it is very much out of my comfort zone. I was dead set on this and then I went to knit night and looked through Kennita's new book, Easy Openwork Tops , and liked EVERY pattern in it! Especially the one shown below (none are on Ravelry yet), which would be perfect for my lace yarn from last summer. And then of course there is my massive pile of sock yarn, which is calling my name after reading through that book! What are your thoughts? I'd love to know!

Which will win???

The semester is rolling along, only 4 more weeks until my drawing BFA show and I am still unsure what I will actually be displaying. That's a very scary thought. But for now, I am going to enjoy my week off and keep on knitting!

~Lisa 

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!

Comforts of Home: Simple Knitted Accents by Erika Knight

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:

-Tassel Throw

-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:

Celtic Beanie

Hacky Sack Hoodie

Look Sharp Socks

Wheel on Fire

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

2013: The Year of Socks?

Last night I got back to Manhattan, with one week left until school starts back up.  I had completely forgotten that I had checked out some knitting books from the library here to review on my blog...6 weeks ago. So, I am very overdue for a Saturday Evening Book Review. I apologize. You guys will get one this week for sure.

I don't have any novels I am working on right now, so before bed I decided to read through on of them to get myself back into the book review mood. And after reading through the whole book, I decided that I really need to knit more socks!

Toe-Up Socks for Every Body by Wendy D. Johnson

Likes:

-This book is really comprehensive. It explains construction, technique and everything in between for both the novice and experienced sock knitter.

-Wendy is such a great writer!

-The photos are just lovely.

-She really explains her reasoning for what she does, such as why she recommends 2 needle sizes for cabled socks.

Dislikes:

-I wish I liked more of the patterns.

-A couple of my favorites are designed for men's feet....

-Even though her first book (Socks from the toe-up) has plain vanilla socks, I wish this did too, so that newbies/designers could have that as a reference. 

Favorite Patterns:

Basket Case

Crocus

Fair Isle Socks

Norwegian Rose

Diamonds and Cables

Overall, I love this book, just as I do her previous one. The photos are gorgeous and there are so many stunning patterns. Plus, I love toe-up socks so this is perfect! She really explains everything so well and allows the knitter to do what they want with her patterns.

____________________________________________________

After putting this book down last night my brain started thinking about all the sock yarn I still have that I could be knitting socks with. Me and socks have a love hate relationship. I love to knit them and I love to wear handmade ones, but the process always drags on and on and usually after I finish one pair I just need a break from them before I can start another. Which is why my sock yarn stash isn't really going down. 

It also doesn't really help that some of my favorite bloggers are knitting socks right now:

Andi has some amazing striped socks going on right now, as always!

Pumpkin just finished the Belle Epoque Socks from the book I just reviewed, and boy are they lovely!

More stripes from Karen, man I love these!

Alicia has the cutest booties (and hat) on her needles right now. 

And who can resist Pinkundine's textured rainbow socks??

So... what does this mean for me? Well I really want to use up some of my sock yarn this year, and I really want to have more pairs of handknitted socks as well, especially since a couple of my pairs right now don't fit me the way I'd like anyways. That is one of my mini-goals for the year- figure out how to make socks fit my foot better. 

What's first on the list? I have no idea. There are so many yarns and socks I want to knit! But I do have a couple of designs in my head I want to experiment with also, so maybe that can be my jumping off point for the year of socks.

~Lisa

Saturday Evening Book Review (it's been awhile...)

Well, it hasn't been a while since I posted, but it has been awhile since I did a book review. Which is funny, because I've had these books sitting on my living room floor for 3 weeks waiting to be picked up. Proof of how busy I've been!!

French Girls Knits by Kristeen Griffin-Grimes

Likes:

-The intro is written really nicely.

-The photos are gorgeous!

-Tips are scattered throughout to help with things that you may have issues with.

Dislikes:

-Honestly, I love the French theme, but it goes a bit far...

-I wish it was more than just garments (sweaters).

Favorite Patterns:

-Cybele - WANT

Anjou

Paloma

Nadine

Overall, well there's another book I want in my library. I can seriously picture myself wearing almost all of these sweaters!!!! It's a super cute book and the author really has a passion for French style.

Boutique Knits by Laura Irwin

Likes:

-The authors says that these patterns use "Uncommon Techniques" -- that's a nice refresher.

-The photos include close ups of the cute details of the items.

-Most of the patterns require hooks and buttons and therefore there are detailed explanations of how to use these. 

Dislikes:

-As mentioned above: Most patterns require buttons and hooks and I just think that these make them look kinda showy and gaudy. 

-Most of these are a just 'too pretty'

Favorite Patterns:

Alpaca Silk Bow Scarf

Hoodie Devoted

Ruffled Neck Kerchief

Overall, this is a cute book, but most of the patterns are just too fancy for me. There really isn't anything I could see myself wanting to knit and wear.

So I hope that those reviews weren't too opinionated  I hope you don't base your choices off of the stuff I say, they are my personal opinions after all. 

So in other news, I have the next week off. I am actually not super excited about this, mostly because I finally was getting into my painting and now I have to take a week's hiatus to be home :( 

I'm not kidding guys, I haven't been this excited about a painting in the three years I've been in college. I am in love with this painting and I'm in love with oils and I am just in love. Why must Thanksgiving break be here? Why must I be stuck at home working? Ahh the life of a college kid.

I hope you are all enjoying your weekend and have a great week!

~Lisa

Saturday Evening Book Review: I LOVE HATS!

Hi fellow bloggers. I feel like I am a bit inconsistent with my book reviews, but school and life and well everything is just a bit much right now. But rest assured I will keep doing these reviews as long as there are books to choose from at my library. Yes I've reviewed A LOT but there still seems to be a fair selection which may even be growing.

Take, for example, the first book I am about to review. It has a 'new' sticker on it! That alone was calling my name. And let me just say, it's probably one of the few books I've looked at where I literally want to knit EVERY PATTERN! What is it you say? Well...

Weekend Hats by Cecily Glowik MacDonald and Melissa Labarre

Likes:

-The premise. As mentioned in the intro, they asked designers to make hats they'd love to wear or give as gifts. Also, they talk about how hats are a great 'break' project that can only take a weekend.

-The photos are just lovely!

-Instead of only listing a certain yarn brand/type, they say the weight required, so you can switch out.
-The tips and techniques listed with patterns are great ways to learn new skills for new hats!

Dislikes:

-Honestly, the only dislike is that it's an expensive book which means my wallet will not be happy when I break down and buy it!

Favorite Patterns:

-I can't list them all, that'd be too long! So check out here: Linky. I really cannot just choose a few.

Overall, LOVE this book! I am on a hat spree and this will just feed that addiction if I cave and buy it :)

Exquisite Little Knits by Iris Schreier and Laurie J. Kimmelstiel

Likes:

-The idea of patterns for luxury yarns.

-The way the book is divided by yarn type. Especially since it's sometimes hard to nail down patterns specifically for certain yarn types (like ribbon, lattice etc)

-The intro to each section explains the yarn type.

-The patterns have zoomed in pictures of what the yarn you need looks like. 

Dislikes:

-Here we go again, but it's mostly scarves and accessories. Don't you guys get the feeling that a lot of my 'dislikes' are the same from book to book????

-Many of the patterns seem a bit ugly, but maybe that's just the colors in the photo?

Favorite Patterns:

Flying V Scarf

Hip Hugger Belt

Scalloped Aegean Scarf

Overall, this is just another one of those novelty books filled with small stuff. There are so many out there that they all seem the same now! 

So today was probably the most unproductive I've been all year. I slept in until 11 and then my parents came up for the football game and that literally killed the whole day. But...KSU WON! We are not 8-0 for our season. Heck yes baby!

Oh AND my parents brought gifts. Pumpkin bread and money to order myself one of these bad boys! I cannot wait to get it, I've been needing a swift forever and these look super duper nice!

I hope everyone is having a graet weekend. I don't think I'll get anything done tomorrow either, I am just not feeling it? Do you ever feel that way? Like you have SO MUCH to do but you'd rather wait and be busy all week then do it on the weekends? That's me this weekend for sure. I am however knitting up a new still life for painting. But that barely counts as homework if it involves watching Netflix during it.

~Lisa

Book Review at Last.

Well, it's been a good 3 weeks since I even did a book review. And now it's late, go figure. Sorry guys, life has been hectic and I haven't really felt like doing them. That and the book selection at the library is starting to run low on books. I know right? That's not supposed to happen!!

Knitted Comfort for the Sole by Lena Maikon and Leisure Arts

Likes:

-The creative take on some of the sock patterns. Many of them are very unique and something I would never think of.

-They have foot tracing sizes in the back for the slipper patterns.

-There are visuals/photos for pretty much every technique you may not know how to do.

-There is something for everyone.

Dislikes:
-Although very creative, (in my opinion) most of the patterns are rather ugly. Maybe it's the yarn they used?

-All the patterns do not list a specific yarn brand, just the type needed. While this may seem good, I think it could also be an issue because some people may not know how to match the type to an actual yarn.

Favorite Patterns:

Fluffy Slippers

Wavy Sea Socks

Summer Net Socks -- Really creative idea

Overall, I was a bit disappointed in this book. Yes the ideas are creative and a lot of people probably love them, but for me it's just a little too wild and weird.

One Skein by Leigh Radford

Likes:
-Unlike the 'one skein wonders' books, the photos are WITH the projects.

-Patterns for every age, gender etc.

-A very lovely intro on where the author got her inspiration.

-Divided by type of project you are making

-Like a lot of books, she explains where her inspiration for the projects came from

Dislikes:

-Well, hmmm? 

-The only thing I can really think of is that a lot of one skein books tend to repeat similar ideas. This is not different. I have seen many similar patterns elsewhere

Favorite Patterns:

Labyrinth Circle Rug -- Great for scraps!
Unisex Gloves

Rib and Cable Quartet

Geometric Accessory Bags

Overall, I really like this book and the patterns it presents. They are all simple, cute and fun! I really want to make one of those rugs :)

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. I have had a pretty productive one so far, not really school productive, but productive none the less.

~Lisa

Saturday Evening Book Review and a Productive Weekend

I hope everyone had a successful and great week! Mine just flew by, I can't believe it's already 11:30 PM on  Saturday night!

I have a couple of books I want to share with you tonight, since I haven't in awhile, so here goes.

Knitting Loves Crochet by Candi Jensen

Likes:

-The overall concept of combining knitting and crochet into one pattern.

-The author is versatile.

-Explains techniques so those who do not know them can easily understand -- there are pictures!

Dislikes:

-Most of the patterns that are primarily crochet involve granny squares and/or flowers. I KNOW there is more to crochet than that!

-See above, but basically I do not like a lot of the patterns in this book. 

Favorite Patterns:

-Designer Jacket

-Open-work V-neck Cardigan

-Shaped Cardigan with Shell Sleeves

Overalll, I like this book and how it includes both techniques, but I don't like many of the patterns and I feel like it is lacking for those looking for primarily crocheted patterns.

Ten Secrets of the Laidback Knitters by Vicki Stiefel and Lisa Souza

Likes: 

-Chapters divided by tips or 'secrets' and all of these secrets are so diverse! There's a section on roving, a section on color, a section on socks, etc.

-The 2 ladies talk about their experiences with these 'secrets' like it's a normal conversation.

-Lovely patterns!

- Amazing Photos!

Dislikes: 

-There is really A LOT to read...I mostly skimmed it :/

-Even though you get it in pretty much every book, it'd be nice if there was a glossary of basic knit terms for newbies.

Favorite Patterns:

-Jive Sweater -- Yes another top I want to make. Argh. Maybe 2012 can be my year of sweaters!
-Smoked Jewels Hooded Shawlette

-Wild Linda's Camisole -- why is this NOT on Ravelry! It's adorable!

-Perfect Harmony Socks

Overall, a very fun book I wish I had more time to read. I like the photos and a majority of the patterns. I am really glad I write these reviews so that I can go back to them later for pattern ideas.

So back to the realm of reality, I also wanted to share with you some stuff I have going on.  I feel like I have barely talked about my art lately, and maybe it's due time I gave you all an update as to where I am at! I 'finished' (or at least will not be working on for a while) my first knitted still life painting last week:

(I promise the yellows are NOT that intense in reality)
Still some touch ups needed, but I need a break from this. 

My teacher says that it is still an abstraction of what I am seeing, but it works.  She wants my next one to be REAL and exactly as I see it. Lets just say it's torture so far.

I also FINALLY figured out my drawings.  For now I am sticking with the trees, although the final drawings have no actually tree-made marks on them. I am not giving away my secret yet, but I'll show you an example of one of the four I made today.

We have been messing around a lot with wash in my figure class and it made me want to try it on these too. I am so glad I did, because I absolutely love how this is going and am enjoying make these!

Finally, to add to the productive weekend, I started and am 3/4 of the way done with my kitty ears hat (my actual hat will get on Ravelry when I remember to photograph it!)! I am knitting it in a pretty purple Cascade 220 and loving every second. I cannot wait to get it done! I also was able to start and finish a quickie birthday gift for a friend of mine tonight while I watched The Lorax.  It's a scarf/wrap type thing.  It's super quick and super cute!

I wish I could say I designed the pattern, but I did not. I saw it at Wildflower the other night and knew it'd be the perfect quickie gift! Basically, you knit 8 inches of seed stitch, sew the ends together to form a tube, then attach tassels which go around your neck to form the scarf.  It took longer to braid the tassels (optional) then it did to knit the tube!  

Wow, that was a very long post, but I wanted to share everything with you all since I have been so productive lately (I blame the fact that STBBF is out of town this weekend....). Tomorrow promises to be productive as well; I have some figure homework and a major overhaul of my apartment to get done, as well as laundry! AHHH!!!! 

Happy weekend everyone!

~Lisa

Saturday, Ermm Sunday Book Review

Hi Guys. I had a pretty uneventful evening, but I just felt like holding off my book review until this morning. So I hope that is OK. :) (it's gonna have to be!)

Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting by Lorna Miser 

Likes:

-The preface; she talks about how she knits literally everywhere and how it has brought her so many great friends, experiences and memories.

-Each pattern has a story behind it, usually something from her life that inspired the pattern.

-The photos are to die for!

-Even though she is the founder of Lorna's Laces, many of these projects do not require that yarn.

Dislikes:
-There are a lot of patterns I'd never make.

Favorite Patterns:

-Michele's Southwestern Motif Sweater - This is going into my queue RIGHT NOW! I am not joking, I NEED this sweater!

MultiDirectional Socks

Three Cozy Kittens

Shanna's Cable and Lace Vest

Overall, I do really love this book,and given the chance I'd add it to my library in a heart beat. There are quite a few pattern's I'd never make, but there are quite a few I would too. 

Mother of Purl by Edith Eig

Likes:

-Includes the basics for knitting and getting started, with great photos!

-All the different chapters on different topics, such as:

• Having knitting socials
• She really knows her yarns and explains with great detail how to choose the right one.
• The great detail she goes into with shaping for sweaters.
• The future of knitting

-She tells stories of celebrities she has worked with in her shop.

Dislikes:

-A lot of the patterns are very fancy, 'chic' looking, nothing I'd ever wear (but I get why a celeb would)

-The patterns just list the yarn, not the yardage, weight, etc. That doesn't do me any good if I need to sub. 

-I don't feel like the models do a great job of displaying the patterns.

Favorite Patterns:

Summer Tank

Dress in Segue

Overall, I love her stories and tips for knitters, but the patterns leave a lot to be desired. I almost feel like this book was meant to brag about how she has worked with celebrities and her shop in LA.

So that's it for my reviews. I haven't had a chance to knit more since Friday, but I spent all yesterday at studio and got my still life set up!

I may add a ball or 2. Who knows.

I can't wait to start painting this thing! It will be so much fun!  I hope the weekend treats you well, and if you are in the states, happy Labor day tomorrow! No classes for me (but lots of studio!)

~Lisa

Sorry guys, I couldn't help it!

Saturday Evening Book Review

It's Saturday! And I am having such a great time relaxing right now. Listening to Train (best band ever), just ate a salad for dinner, took a nice nap before that, and going to hang out with some friends in a bit! How can this day get any better?

Well by reviewing books of course!  Tonight's reviews are both books that I really enjoyed looking through a while ago, I hope you enjoy them too!

Sock Yarn One Skein Wonders by Judith Durant (editor)

Likes:

The intro is super cute, talking about stashes and sock yarns and such

There are things in here I never thought you could do with ONE SKEIN

It's divided by the type of project you want to make.

Since it's sock yarn, the opportunities for colors and designs are endless.

Lovely photos!

So many innovative ideas for things other than clothes!

Dislikes:

There are a lot of flowery things...I am not a flower person.

Seriously, that is my only complaint

Favorite Patterns:

Gambit Unisex Scarf

Hera Headband

Vidia Socks

Twist and Slouch Hat

Overall, I WANT THIS BOOK! It's perfect for a sock yarn hoarder like me. The patterns are cute and easy and amazing.

Closely Knit: Handmade Gifts for the Ones You Love by Hannah Fettig

Likes:

The book is divided into sections on who the gift would be for

She uses hourglass symbols to tell you how long each may take to make

As she was writing the patterns, she tried to think of the person they would be for....she discusses this in the section intros, which adds to the book.

Dislikes:
There are a decent amount of 'embroidered' items...not a fan.

I don't really like the layout, some of the pages are too flashy and the graphics are a bit much.

Favorite Patterns:

Cap-Sleeved Eyelet Top

Earflap Hat

Multi Directional Hat and Scarf

Overall, this is not my first choice for a book with gifts, but the patterns I do like are ones I would knit in a heartbeat for myself :) If I needed a quick gift though, I'd probably turn to one of last week's books.

School starts here in 2 days! YAY! I am dying with anticipation! 

~Lisa

Sunday Morning Book Review

Hi everyone! I am sorry I have been so quiet on the posting front, and the commenting front for that matter. I have just been out of it and blogging hasn't been on my priority list. As the summer winds down, things are starting to become mundane and I am just ready for school to begin so I can get on with my SENIOR YEAR! WOOT!

But back to blogging, I just wasn't feeling it last night, mostly because I was dead tired and bit woozy from the night before (I was up until 3 because of a concert).  So I am going to share my book reviews with you all this morning.

Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson

Likes:

-Whole sections on color theories/picking colors and knitting basics

-The book is divided by how long it should take to finish the projects (ie - 2 hours or less, 2-4 hours, etc)

-The intros to each pattern are very insightful and helpful in explaining the pattern and why she designed it. 

-Some of the patterns (ie: the hats) are mix and match, so you can add or change parts of them to suit your needs.

-The section on how to wrap your gifts!

Dislikes:

-ummmmmmmm

Favorite Patterns:

Gusseted Floor Cushions -- I want these for my apartment!

Hourglass Sweater

Soft Drawstring Pouch

The Purl Scarf

Overall, I checked this book out because a couple people at Wildflower have been using it lately for projects and it intrigued me. I really like the concept and I would make most of what is in this book in a heartbeat, even if for myself. The author adds some extra sections that really make this book work.

More Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson

Likes:

-She talks about how to personalize each pattern with your own touch, via color, fiber, etc.

-The photos in this, and the first, are all so amazing and lovely and colorful

-Once again, divided into sections based on time they'd take

Dislikes:
-I wish it had more 'extra' sections like the first book

Favorite Patterns:

Beret

Sideways Fingerless Gloves

Soft Baskets

Big Lace Scarf

Overall, I checked this out because it was right next to the first and I figured why not read both? I like the patterns in the first one better, and there were more things I'd knit in it as well. I feel like a lot of the stuff in this one is more for children, so if you have kids to knit for, it's a good choice. There are also a lot more 'random' type projects as well.

So, this coming week is my last week before classes start and I don't have to work. I am hoping to get some knitting done, as I have a couple patterns I want to get published. I also am planning to blog a bit more, for there are 2-3 non-meme themed blogs I have been putting off posting. I hope everyone had a great weekend!

~Lisa

(By far one of my all time favorites!)

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?