5 comments about Handknit Skirts: From Tricoter.

1. Lovely knits from Tricoter are back and this collection of skirts offers a range of styles from dressy to casual: some 16 designs knitted in the round, so they're seamless and easy to produce. The emphasis on changing needle sizes rather than increasing or decreasing lends especially well to novice knitters, making HANDKNIT SKIRTS an excellent pick for any general knitting collection. The slightly oversized shape and full-page facing color photos of each finished skirt are particularly inviting features, here.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. I love this book. I have loved their two previous books on sweaters and shawls. I have alwready made a skirt out of one of the patterns. Quick and easy for all knitting levels.



3. As usual, Hiatt and Ward have done a great job. This skirt book does more to describe fit, how to choose pattern and yarn to flatter and details of construction than any skirt reference I have seen in 30 years. They bring their considerable experience in designing and helping real women (not size 4 youngsters) to create and successfully wear a unique garment in their discussions in this book. There is a style to fit anyone's taste and lots of information to allow substitution of yarns that will inevitably go out of production in the next years. Worth the purchase; will be consulted often.



4. I just received this book from amazon today and put my feet up to read it.
   It was just what I was looking for.This is not just a book for the 20- 30 something age level, as some may imagine,,,, I am a mature empty nester~ so,this book is for everyone and covers any age level
   Of course everything depends on your selected yarn, and your particular style~ as most knitted projects should be.
   
   I had been toying with knitting up a few skirts by reading up on Barbara Walker's book but this book gives you far more detail into how to actually * fit* your skirt properly, so it is flattering to the feminine figure and it does include all shapes and sizes.
   
   I can't believe one skirt that is so pretty,,, made out of leftover sock yarns carried with another yarn to tie them all together~ this was truly stunning (and a great use of leftover sock yarns!)
   That is just the tip of the iceburg here, as one may think skirts are just ho- hum and boring (which, truth be told) I did also before receiving this book.
   
   I had ordered some denim yarn to make up a pattern in a knitting magazine I received last year,, and was just about to step into the world of making skirts, but I am certainly happy I read tips on true fitting advice BEFORE I started that pattern ,or I may have had to rip out a lot of knitting.
   I also have begun to sew my own skirts.
   
   I can't say how very much I think that these patterns are REALLY flattering to ALL women not just size 4.
   One could be skeptical until they actually see and try one on but why not give it a try? Its not that hard to knit up!
   Most patterns are basic and go up to a 50 hip,, so there is room for anyone,, and adjustments can be made SO easily as the knitting is very easy,, mostly knit in the round using circ needle size changes to fit rather than other methods ~ How easy is that??
   If a particular pattern does not go up to size 50 or so, keep the needle size larger, its that easy.
   
   They are truly flattering to MOST figures! ( and make you feel pretty and feminine)
   Add to this they are most forgiving in size ,simply because they are KNIT!
   For me , these are design ideas and I probably will take off from that point on after making a few,, and learning the best way for a skirt to fit and hang on my body.
   Its a shame that most people who think they simply cannot wear a hand knit skirt try one at least and actually SEE how flattering they are to the female figure.
   
   ENJOY the book and give it a chance ..its great!!!
   I know I will be using this book for years.
   Great book with very helpful information,,, not like all the new knitting books that are out there today,,,,it covers one subject,,, and one subject WELL.



5. I enjoy making skirts - their construction is basic, and they're much easier to fit than slacks or pants -yes, I'm referring to sewing here, but it applies to knitted skirts as well. Most sewing classes start by making a skirt -it's about time that carried over into knittng. Once someone can knit a scarf or a hat, they have the skills to make a skirt (in my opinion). So, I was very excited to see a book that was full of (dedicated to) knitted skirts.
   FINALLY, inspiration for knitted skirts!
   OK, I'll take a moment to talk about the actual book/binding -yes, it's a hardcover, but poorly bound in my opinion. And the size is awkward (tall and slim -just over 11 1/2" tall, but only 6 1/2" wide) -I'm supposing they wanted to immitate a pencil skirt -at least that's the impression I'm left with -can't think of any other reason to make this book that size -awkward, but I won't take off any points for that.... because...
   INSIDE this awkwardly sized/bound book, there are 16 Beautiful Knitted Skirts !
   For instance, there's "Katerina" -a darling child sized (2 to 6 years) skirt that's a very quick knit. And, there's "Bella" -which includes some beading, and in their words "creates the gentle flared silhouette with the beads themselves" -I agree. There's "Naomi", with it's "bold use of color and crisp, geometric lines", and "Felicity", with it's "sophisticated" and "slim" look. There's "Madeline", the "basic ribbed skirt" that reminds me of the traditional knitted skirt, and is classy, with "visual interest as well". And, there's "Paloma" -if I had to choose a favorite (now that's hard, because I'm drawn to at least 10 of these styles)... but, if I had to choose just one, this would be it! "Paloma" was one of those 'thinking ouside the box' creations that "evolved as it was knit" -the "wrong" side actually became the "right side", and the tails that were left from the yarn changes actually became a feature (a lovely eye-catching feature) -and became a vertical fringe down one side of the front of the skirt. Well, I was going to end there, but had to include another favorite (I have many, but I'll stop with this one) -"Elaine". The "Elaine" skirt has a "touch of black net peeking out at the hemline", but even more beautiful is it's flared shaping at the bottom, that is set apart by a row of "mother-of-pearl buttons with seed-beading". I love using button-art on projects, and it is a wonderful detail on this skirt. In fact, this ("Elaine") is the one that is pictured on the front of the book.
   OK, I have to talk about yarn. I find that for most knitting pattern books, the yarn that is given is usually unavailable by the time the book is published (or I purchase it), or if I can find the yarn, it's usually outside my budget. So, altho they do give the details of the yarns that were used (and they may still be readily available), they are also generous with their gauge information, for example "A yarn or combination of yarns that, when held tog as one, knits to 19 sts over 4" in St st on size 7 needle". THAT is the information that I want to know - give me enough gauge information so that I can find a suitable substitute -and I feel they do that -which, in my opinion, makes these patterns TIMELESS.
   ALSO, with the sizes given, none of these skirts would fit me -is that a problem? Emphatically, NO! The construction of these skirts is basic and most shaping is done with changing needle size...
   SO, Basic/Simple pattern/construction + Good Gauge information = any size you want, with any yarn that you like (within limits, we want to wear these beautiful skirts).
   Again, skirt construction (whether sewing, knitting, crocheting...) - skirt construction is basic and simple, and easily adjusted for fit - more so than any other garment (in my opinion).
   These skirts are eye-catching. They are also skirts that will be worn - yes all of them -all of them could be worn, and would look beautiful, and timeless. No 'over the top' skirts here. And there is not one that is too plain...
   Now, that's not an easy task, but they did it, and bravo for that !
   Yes, I am very pleased that I purchased this book - I'll even forgive the awkward sizing of the book, and it's poor construction -because it's full of diamonds... Finally, a book dedicated to knitted skirts -and all of them could be worn, and would look classy and/or beautiful... Yes, I'm very pleased, and although I like each and every skirt in this book, I do leave room that some might not find every skirt to their liking, but I would be quite surprised if they did not like most.

2 comments about Knitwear in Fashion.

1. This book will be inspirational to anyone who aspires to be a knitwear designer, in the fashion-forward sense of the idea. It's not a pattern book, but it does have lots of pictures of runway models in things you'd never wear, including those infamous Alexander McQueen numbers. It also has knitted-fabric-as-art pieces, altho not the installation that was a knitted house complete with knitted furniture and vacuum cleaner.

   It includes a few pages of knitwear in fashion history, as well as a few pages on the technology of knitting. Handknitters might not get as much inspiration as machine knitters, but there's plenty of ideas to take and use in your own original pieces. There's easily a dozen sweaters with elements I'd adapt for my own sweaters.

   Who would buy this book? A knitwear designer, someone with money to burn and/or who loves to see fashion shows. However, do recommend it to your local public or academic library! then put yourself on the list to check it out.




2. Two new titles are excellent artistic presentations. Sandy Black's Knitwear In Fashion reviews some of the works of the radical new designers creating knitwear styles. From avant-garde deconstructions to eye-catching new clothing and blends of traditional with modern knit styles, KNITWEAR IN FASHION showcases some of the best from modern knit fashion artists.

2 comments about The Knitted Teddy Bear.

1. I was given this book last Christmas, and I'm slowly working my way through all the patterns. The instructions are straightforward and practical, and the bears are easy to make and don't take a long time; they all turn out beautfully. You can make them with or without clothes - the clothes take a little bit of time and can be a bit fiddly, but the bears look fine just dressed with a ribbon. There are big and small bears, and many of them can be made up from odds and ends of wool left over from other projects. For a particular project eg. one of the larger bears, I'll buy wool specially. They make great presents, and this book would make an excellent gift for anyone that likes knitting, even those I'd say without too much experience. One of the best Christmas presents I've had for a long time!



2. This book has the most beautiful patterns. The bears are adorable and fairly easy to put together. These make great gift for showers and birthdays. They truely are heirloom peices.

5 comments about Baby Knits: 32 Original Designs for 0-3 Year Olds.

1. Any knitter knows how hard it is to find good patterns for toddler sizes. Debbie Bliss fills this gap with 32 original patterns, ranging from the tradition of arans and fair isles to the trendiness of western and Chanel-inspired designs. The difficulty levels range from basics even a beginner could complete, to expert, which would challenge the most experienced knitter. Since the patterns will not go out of style, and since the difficulty levels will allow the knitter to "grow" with the book, I would advise even knitters with no small children to knit for right now to get this book for their libraries



2. The pictures are beautiful and the patterns are creative. The jacket on this book implies that the patterns in the book are "easy" patterns. I am afraid they are far from easy! This book is geared toward the more advanced knitter. If you are comfortable with more complicated knitting techniques you will find this book a great source for knitting ideas.



3. I own this book and have used it to make baby gifts. Be warned that the sizing is quite generous....my average sized daughter was still wearing a sweater from this book supposedly meant for a 12 month old baby when she fit into a 3T!



4. I am a relatively new knitter, and I bought this book because I had heard good things about this designer. I did think that several items in the book were cute, but for the most part, the designs seemed overly complicated and hard to follow. I would probably not make sweaters as complex as the ones shown for myself, let alone for a small child that would only wear a sweater a handful of times.



5. The patterns in this book are clear, accurate, and well laid out. The designs -- sweaters, hats, jackets, and playsuits -- are varied and beautiful, classic without being dull. They are written in the traditional way, without charts or diagrams, but there is a glossary of abbreviations. There are no basic knitting instructions.
   I have made several things from this book and, while some are challenging, all the projects can be made by a competent knitter without difficulty. I have never had to go back and read over the directions several times to make sense of them, as one has to do with some books. The photographs of the garments are attractive and clearly show how the finished piece will look.
   Projects include a bunny suit with matching hat and slippers (use bobbins for this one!), a really quick and easy fisherman's rib set, a rose-patterned cardigan, a whimsical cowboy shirt sweater, and a number of traditional European styles. None looks the least bit old-fashioned, even though the book is nearly 30 years old. I expect my grandchildren, if I ever have any, to be just as cute in the bunny suit as my children were!
   Some knitters hesitate to knit for little children because they grow out of their clothes so quickly. This book could make them reconsider. Knitting for babies and little children is such a pleasure! And sometimes it is nice to try out new methods on a small project. Then, if Baby outgrows the sweater before it wears out, set it aside for the next child, or the next generation!

5 comments about Great Knitted Gifts.

1. This book has some beautifull knits in it, and I don't think it's too complicated for the average knitter. However, the yarn they use for all the projects is some specially made yarn just for them? I think? Because I can't find it to order it anywhere, and they don't really give any equivalents other than the weight (worsted, DK, etc.) The colors they use are so beautifull that it would have been nice to be able to match them exactly.



2. I agree with the other ladies....a bit frustrated by this book as I consider myself an intermediate knitter but I still need to know quantities when it comes to buying yarn for a project and numbers on the graphs are a simple thing for the authors to include, one less step for us knitters. This book was a gift, and I am returning it, just not enough inspirational ideas for me. Gonna try something called Holiday Knits.



3. The yarn requirements are in the very back of the book and are listed in ounces with the standard of 70 yards/ounce. Not terribly easy for beginners. Also most of the patterns are made with very few or only one size.



4. I got this book from the library and absolutely had to have it for myself! It's a great book for two reasons, it can be used for handspun yarn and it has a nice variety of knitted items with a variety of knitting skills. Wonderfully inspirational book.



5. I first saw this book at the Library. I enjoyed it so much that I kept checking it out. When I saw it on Amazon.com I figured I'd better get my own copy, and let someone else enjoy the Libraries copy.
   The patterns are different and therefore make unexpected gifts. I have made up several as gifts and they all where well received.
   I like the fact that the authors encourage you to expand your ideas and go for change.
   I know this book will bring me many years of pleasurable knitting ideas.

5 comments about Two Sticks and a String: Knitting Designs Inspired by Nature.

1. Rare is the time when one finds so many great designs at once that I can barely wait to try my hand at half of them on first sight! "Two Strings and a Stick" is just such a treasure. It's an inspiration for the intermediate to advance knitter who is looking for fun and unusual contemporary knit designs. I am especially impressed by the timeless but cutting edge quality of the items....appropriate for a fifty something like myself as well as a younger woman.

   If the patterns are inaccurate, as indicated by the review above...I will happily make the changes just so that I can be seen in these gorgeous sweaters! The only down side with this book (as well as most other knit books) is that the patterns are not indicated for those of us who like to knit in the round from the top down...otherwise..it's a keeper...as in...get me to a yarn shop ASAP!




2. This book is not for the novice knitter. The patterns vary from Aran to Novelty. I have read the various critiques of this book and I feel that it has been unfairly rated. It would be great if all patterns were written perfectly yet this is not a perfect world. The biggest mistake that knitters make is that they do not check their gauge when substituting yarn choices. The pictures and graphs are excellent in this book and it has far outranked many of the knitting publications of the last two years. If you want some patterns which are left of the classic mainstream, order this fabulous paperback!



3. Do not be fooled by the (I think) unfortunate title of this book. The projects are neither folksy nor primitive. Rather, several are among the most sophisticated and challenging I have ever seen. Gorgeous collection for the experienced knitter.



4. There are some exceptionally creative shapes and designs in "Two Sticks and a String." If you are a moderately experienced knitter, you can be inspired by these patterns and even adapt the shapes to other designs of your own.

   In particular, there is a "Bamboo Jacket",two vests (a flat Aran and a more traditional vest with colorwork) and a folded shawl that have shapes that are intriguing. While you may not like the color or texture or pattern, this is a matter of taste: I decided I liked this book for the creativity it shows, and it looks to be a useful reference.




5. Two Sticks and a String? How about "110 Needles and an Intarsia Carriage"? It would be very simple to knit most of these basic shapes and designs on a bulky knitting machine with intarsia carriage. The great color combinations and striking pattern placements are what make these designs unique. Highly recommended to all owners of those workhorses of the knitting design industry, the Brother 230, 260, or even 270 knitters.

No comments about Harmony Guide to 440 More Knitting Stitches (The Harmony Guide to).

No comments about It Girl Knits: 30 Fresh Styles for the Young and Fabulous.

No comments about Knitted Babes.

2 comments about Very Easy Circular Knits: Simple Techniques and Step-by-Step Projects for the Well-Rounded Knitter.

1. I love this book!! It has a wide variety of projects, including hats and mittens and gloves, socks, pillows, and toys, and more!! Beginners will be treated to lots of pages on specific knitting techniques for knitting in the round, and the wide variety of projects will please anyone who loves circular knitting.



2. This book gives a very detailed explanation of how to knit with both circular needles and double pointed needles. It does NOT cover using 1 or 2 circular needles to make small tubes for socks, etc.
   
   I found the directions easy to understand, and the pictures are excellent. I finally understood how to cast on and knit with double pointed needles by using this book. I also discovered that I hate dpns and don't ever want to knit on them again!! Using 2 circular needles is much easier.
   
   The author really covers just about everything that you'd need to know. The patterns are nice, but since many of them are on dpns, I probably won't be making many, but that is not the fault of the book. The stitch patterns in the last section are really nice. They are all written in the round, and she has a nice variety.
   
   Using this book has inspired me to knit my hats in the round with 16" circular needles. And, someone suggested usins 11" circular needles for the decreases at the crown in the place of dpns. Sounds good to me.
   
   If you'd like to learn about knitting in the round, this is a great resource.