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?

Ravellenics Update #1

As many of you know, the Olympics started last Friday in London. I was home that weekend so I was able to catch the opening ceremonies, which will probably be all I catch since I don't have cable at my new apartment. 

I was a little hesitant to join in with the Ravellenic Games, simply because I didn't want to get overwhelmed. But after a bit of persuasion and thinking I decided to give it a try! What better excuse to knit all day and get some stuff done? 

I am currently on Team Catitude, a team set up by the Ravelry group "My Knitting Has Cat Hair in it". I have only been a part of this group for about a week, but they seem like a fun bunch and I can't to get to know some of the members.  I have decided, for the time being, to participate in three different events. 

Event 1: Bag 'n Tote Backstroke

My 13 year old sister is finally at that age where she needs a purse, and last weekend she asked me if I could knit her one. Of course I said "Yes!" and promptly led her to my computer to let her look at my stash on Ravelry.  Naturally, she picked out the weirdest yarn possible: Lavendar Whorl Handspun. For those who may not remember, this yarn is a combo of Ivy's spinning and my plying and is an loosely plyed, bulky yarn.  I was hesitant to cast-on at first, because I didn't think this yarn would make a good bag, but now I am really glad I did!

Miranda's Bulky Bag is an improvised design that I am knitting like a toe-up sock and plan to make like a messenger bag (with the flap that goes over the front). As fast as this is going, it should be done by the weekend...if I have enough yarn. I think I will also publish this pattern if it works out. 

Event 2: Sock Put

Something I already had started, my Dark Rainbows Ribbed Socks are coming along very fast now that I have a real excuse to work on them. I am about half way up the foot of both and hopefully will be at the heel by the weekend. I am really liking this pattern now that I have it down and the color is really popping with it. I can't wait to finish these bad boys!

Event 3: Charity Rowing

As most of my older readers may remember, I am huge into Relay For Life, and I plan on doing it again this coming year. One of my team mates thinks we can get in cheap at a craft fair, so I have been knitting these winter headbands like crazy on my work breaks. It only takes about 2 days  ( 4 half hour breaks) to make one band, which means my stock is already up to about 12! WOW. As you can see above, I haven't added the borders and decor to most of them yet, my focus is more on getting the bodies done.  The borders are to be done in handspun, handdyed yarn so that will make them even more special.  My goal for this event it to have 14 done by the time the Ravellenics are over. 

So, anyone else participating in the Ravellenics? What team are you on, what's your event(s)? I'd love to hear about what you are all up to, it's always so much fun to read and comment on all of your amazing work, just like I hope it's fun for you to do so with mine. Happy Tuesday!

~Lisa