No comments about Debbie Mumm's cozy Northwest Christmas.

5 comments about The Knitting Sutra: Craft as a Spiritual Practice.

1. a lovely fresh book full of knitting stories from the heart. A knitting book with no patterns that held my interest from page one. I really became involved in the life of this fascinating and surprising lady.



2. The books I've read on knitting and spirituality fall into two categories. Some are fluff, consisting mostly of nice stories that are enjoyable to read but lacking in real spiritual content. Others are extended essays on integrating knitting into a regular discipline of contemplation, very helpful but somewhat impersonal. In this book, a serious spiritual seeker tells her story in great depth, and how knitting has impacted her in her quest. I enjoyed it thoughourally and would recommend it to anyone who is a knitter and/or a spiritual seeker.



3. Susan G. Lydon has written two brilliant and startlingly beautiful books. Parlaying her skills into a series of moving, insightful, humorous, loving and honest autobiographical vignettes, she has captured many emotions and corralled a wealth of feelings into a refreshing package, like a gift. Her work is also deceptively simple. A chapter begins with a thought about knitting and life, recalling the feelings present as one embarks on something new. At chapter's end, she hands us a completed project of sorts, shimmering with the pearls of wisdom she knit into our collective consciousness along the way. I was hoping for many more installments from her, but alas, she has passed on from the breast cancer with which she did battle in the pages of the second book. Seek out and read these.



4. This wonderful, and unusual, book shows us how our passion can lead us inward, to the spirit. Susan Gordon Lydon is a knitter, a teacher, and an inspiring writer. The making of crafts, she says, brings us into the circle of women who, throughout human history, have poured their passionate souls into the making of serviceable and beautiful things. "I knit because I love to knit," she says, "because the process of designing and then fashioning a piece of clothing with my hands is something that has excited and inspired me since childhood." Fired with her passion, she knits constantly (whenever she's not writing), finding that she needs to keep several projects going at one time in order to satisfy her need for variety.
   
   But the busy-ness of knitting gives Lydon food for thought: "If the devil makes work for idle hands," she asks, "then could constantly busy hands entice angels to whisper in the knitter's ear? And is it possible that female spirituality through the ages may have been concealed in the minutiae of domestic life rather than expressed in the grandiosity and pomposity of churches and sermons?"
   
   If you can read just one book by a woman whose passionate attachment has led her deep into the soul, this is it. And if you're a knitter, you'll find an extra delight in this treasure.
   
   Susan Wittig Albert
   for Story Circle Book Reviews



5. More than the author's stories of her spiritual and knitting quests, it is her love for the craft that makes this book glow with a warmth that is soothing to soak in. It kept me glued to the book so I finished it in two days. I don't know whether a non-knitter would be equally carried away, for, being a passionate knitter myself, I know exactly what she's talking about.
   
   I do not agree with the reviewers that said this book was depressing; despite writing about several sad events in her life, the book did not reek of despair, rather, the author resorted to her craft for sustenance, and her passion for it shifted her attention away from the downward spiral of suffering and onto a journey of learning that bore her countless gifts.
   
   The author's words about middle age as an invisibility cloak for women are as funny as they are revealing. Instead of choosing the negative aspect of becoming invisible, she celebrates the positive one. Women "can become themselves again, unmolested". It takes guts to make such a choice.
   
   While the author takes us along through some of her quests into native American and Sufi mysticism, she does not indulge in the extremism that some New Agers adopt and proceed to club their readers with; instead, she just shares stories that speak of the philosophy or history of the people she encountered.
   
   The book is filled with beautiful insights that would resonate with any passionate craftsperson, woman or man:
   
   "I know how to pray with my hands"
   
   The "sacred manuscript of nature" as "the one holy book"
   (quotation from a sufi teacher)
   
   "forget therapy, just knit"
   (most knitters know it, non-knitters usually think it's nonsense, they don't know what they're missing...)
   
   "the shadow of the maker that remains behind in the objects that come from her or his hands"...
   
   "handknitting lends to a garment an almost totemic quality"...
   
   "there is an ecstasy in the act of creation that matches the intensity of religious rapture"...
   
   Her stories about the history of knitting, whether of native Americans or the British Isles are captivating. Again, it is the passion of craftspeople for their work, and the love of the author of that world, that shines through the lines and beckons the reader to reach for more. (My next order will be a book about the history of knitting !)
   
   The only problem I had with the author's journey is that part of it that was expressed mostly in Chapter ten, entitled "dreaming of dragons". In that chapter, she wrote of how she decided to tackle an incredibly difficult knitting project of a design of dragons in the technique of "intarsia", saying that it "looked as difficult as it's possible for knitting to get." She then goes on to describe what a torturous feat that was and how long it took to complete it "the work was excruciating; a full day's knitting would sometimes produce only one inch of sweater"... It is clear that there was no enjoyment whatsover in "practising the craft"; instead, the feat seemed more like a test that the author decided she had to pass. At first, she said she did it "in order to become a master knitter". (Later, she declared that, more than the technical skills, it would help her achieve "self-mastery". A short while later, she added, "the point was to open my mind to the presence of dragons in symbology...etc...etc...) and then went on to repeat what a gruelling project it was...
   
   She lost me in that chapter ... that seems to be the point she lost several other reviewers as well, who criticized her as being "whiney"...
   
   As a fellow-knitter who has experienced the blessings of knitting first-hand, I feel sorry for her that she set herself up that way and see it as a completely unnecessary feat, reminiscent of practices of "self-flagellation" that some seekers indulged in in the past in order to reach some higher state of being... maybe it is due to the belief that one must suffer in order to reach anything of value, so that, (as if what life offers were not enough) she had to create new ways of suffering for herself in order to "deserve" the prize in the end..? A fulfilment of the "no pain no gain" credo, that, despite the author's decades-long involvement with eastern mysticism, she was still wired into, letting it dictate to her how she ought to practice her craft? Alternately, it could be due to a very sad but compulsive habit of self-punishment (which might make sense with her profile as a long-time practitioner of substance abuse), yet calling this need a "quest" in order to justify trudging through such an experience..? I don't claim to know the answer, it could be any of these, all combined, or something else altogether...
   
   Luckily for her, after a long journey of hardships, some of which were self-inflicted, she finally allows herself the reward, and, we sigh with relief as we read her last words,
   
   "sitting still, I had learned how to fly"
   
   For anyone who has experienced the mysterious and blissful effects of knitting, this book, beside being a beautiful read in and of itself, is a heartfelt message in a bottle from another member of the vast but unregistered "fellowship" of knitters across the globe and the ages.

5 comments about The Tap Dancing Lizard: 337 Fanciful Charts for the Adventurous Knitter.

1. I bought the book, not because I had much interested in knitting, but because the illustrations--a collie lamenting that the beaded border on her sweater made it longer every time she wore it--were so much fun.

   Then one day I needed a show quilt. So I took the "little dragon" intended to be knit three times around a watch cap and made it into a seven-foot long monster. It was accepted into a juried show.

   I sent a slide to the authors, Roy wrote back that that was the kind of thing they hoped would happen with their book.




2. I met Catherine and Roy at a dog show in Michigan during the early 90's. They were creating beautiful custom sweaters, scarves, etc. for the proud doggie owners. I spent more for my sweater with two views of my beautiful Champion Gordon Setter than I ever spent on a piece of clothing in my life! But it is also the most beautiful work of art I own.

   I do cross stitch, and needle point, and have used many of their charts in my work. While looking for more charts on the internet, I found out that somewhere along the line Catherine has become a Henna artist, and I am assuming, no longer designs for the needle work audience. PLEASE come back Catherine and Roy!! We (the less talented) need your assistance!!

   The book is WONDERFUL!! the charts are easy to follow, and are shown in color on scarves, sweaters, coats, and stockings.

   If you are a needle work lover, and can only have one book... BUY THIS ONE!!!!




3. There are some hints and tips in this book, particularly for machine knitting, but this is essentially a book of charts. There are 5 sections of patterns in the book. "Past times and distant cultures" includes African designs, dragons from both Asian and European traditions, and other mythological designs from a variety of cultures. "In the wild" has realistic animal patterns as well as more mythological creatures. "Not so wild" is a collection of domestic plants and animals with a few buildings and boats tucked in. "The heavens" has sun, moon, and star designs, plus a neat set of angel wings. "At home" has a hodge-podge including flowers, Christmas designs, a map of Africa, a hedgehog, and some musical instruments.
   I have used several of these designs (including the tap-dancing lizard) in hand-knitting, with complete success. The charts are clear, there is a good variety of designs, and it makes a nice change from traditional color-work.



4. My mom got this book to use for loom beading, since beads like stitches in knitting are not quite square so the designs can be used for either. In keeping with the whimsical title and pattern featured on the cover, this book is packed with really cool patterns. Many of the designs feature dragons etc and all are excellent. The quality is consistent and good and there are so many patterns. Interspersed are cartoons in which dogs knit and humorously give tips on aspects of knitting.
   
   I have no idea why this book is out of print. Now I have to steal my mom's copy. If you are at all interested in knitting you need to check this book out.



5. Many knitting pattern books are boring, because they repeat one another. Most of the drawings in this book are original. There are indeed a number of pictures of cats, dogs and horses, but many of them are not your ordinary animal patterns: a cycling cat, two happy cats, a smiling kitten, a dalmatian. What is even more interesting is the richness of inspiration: dragons, a lizard, a snake, the greek gods Pan and Dionysos (for some reason called Dyonisus in the book - in latin, he should have been Bacchus, but this is really nit-picking). And also, trees, a giraffe, an ancient maya gentleman, a moon and a sun, ibexes, griffins, a feathered serpent, some friezes and abstract designs, a football, a french horn, and more. And, of course, a tap dancing lizard.
   
   There are suggestions for garments, on which I basically disagree, but this is personal. The source of my disagreement is that the suggestions are for very, very wide garments. There is another option, which is to use thinner yarn.
   
   All the grids are in black and pale grey. If you want a result in more than two colors in a row, the authors suggest swiss darning a.k.a. duplicate stitch, and fabric painting, which is more original. They give interesting color plates to document this point of view. If you were looking for a double jacquard solution, then you have to select your own colors and if necessary produce your own computer grid. Even in this case, starting from the two colors design in the book is relevant.
   
   In conclusion, this is an inspired and original book of patterns.

2 comments about The United States Patchwork Pattern Book.

1. THIS QUILT BOOK IS SIMPLE BUT INTERESTING BOOK. NORTH CAROLINA HAS A REAL PRETTY QUILT PATTERN AND TEXAS HAS THE STAR OF TEXAS OF COURSE, COLORADO HAS A PATTERN CALLED THE RISING SUN. WITH A LITTLE IMAGINATION USING YOUR OWN COLORS YOU CAN SEE SOME AWESOME QUILTING POTENTIAL!



2. I purchased this book to assist me in making better quilt blocks. However, I was very disappointed that block measurements were NOT given. Block patterns were supposed to be transferred to fabric, but did not include the measurements of each section. This was frustrating if you are a careful piecer and want to make sure each block is the correct size and don't like to trace. Instead, the piecer is forced to trace every section, which isn't practical for larger-sized quilts.

   The lack of block dimensions made this book frustrating for me. I would recommend it only for people who like to trace, and don't mind the extra chore of photocopying the patterns, adding seam allowances etcetera before getting started.

3 comments about Color-and-weave II.

1. Good patterns. Easy to read and well organized format.



2. The book provides an amazing number of weaving patterns. The diagrams and photos of each one help the reader visualize what the final product will look like. It's a shame that none of the pictures are in color--then the reader would have had a more complete idea of each design. Nevertheless, all of my weaving buddies ordered their own copies after seeing mine.



3. Even for such a total novice like me, this book is so useable, non-intimidating, clear, to the point and it makes my fingers itch with weavers' lust, so to speak. Simply leafing through the book I noticed several clicking noises in my brain when I suddenly understood things, and concepts were falling into place that for me were so over my head before that I wasn't even interested in them.
   
   I can't wait to try out some of the tempting patterns in this book!

1 comments about The Machine Knitter's Handbook.

1. I wish I had purchased this book months ago. This is the perfect beginners book with its clear instructions, descriptions, and samples. The author clearly explains her own mistakes while learning, and gives the reader a real confidence to tackle new projects.

3 comments about Tatting: Technique and History.

1. Originally published in 1962, this is still the most readable history of tatting. Because the book is not actually a pattern book, inexperienced tatters may be somewhat frustrated at the gloriously beautiful photos with few instructions, although the photos are clear enough for an experienced tatter to use as the primary reference. The text is clearly written, sometimes with low-key humor, and rather entertaining to read. Anyone with an interest in tatting history and technique should have this book.



2. Elgiva Nichols was this century's best writer on the art of tatting. Sadly, this is the only book of hers in print. She was a major exponent of what is known as freeform tatting (a fine example is given in this book), and was probably the most technically accomplished tatter of her day. The book traces tatting's refinement as an art to Mlle. Riego (a needlework supplier in mid-ninteenth-century London), and analyzes the various techniques she introduced. Riego's skill was astonishing, for she nearly brought tatting to the state it is today -- although I have difficulty believing she did this all by herself, as she must have been in contact with many women who practiced the art as well. Anyway, Nichols' book also contains the usual misinformation regarding the antiquity of tatting (it's only about 160 years old), and incorrectly identifies Queen Marie of Roumania as Lady Katherine Hoare's co-author (it was actually Queen Elisabeth), but these are minor gripes. This book has much information that is good, as well as much brilliant speculation. Nichols had a critical mind, and infused her writing with a sharp wit and sometimes humorous viewpoint. All-in-all, an enjoyable and satisfying read.



3. Since I learned to tat, I've heard Elgiva Nicholls' name mentioned enough to know that she figures prominently into the world of contemporary tatting book authors. Nicholls has written several books on tatting, including this one published in 1976. The book is divided into three parts; the first section, Basic Principles, is directed toward beginning tatters but is full of information that I think tatters of any skill level would find interesting. She writes an excellent explanation of how the basic tatting knot, the lark's head knot, is formed. I found this intriguing because I had never really stopped to think of how tatting is composed. After reading this section I have a better understanding of what I'm actually forming with the threads, rather than just going along and not knowing what I'm doing.

   Nicholls also includes detailed directions on winding and holding a shuttle, great instruction for any beginner but especially for those trying to teach themselves without the help of an experienced tatter. She starts off by explaining how to make a chain rather than a ring because by using two colors for the chain, a beginner can easily see if they're doing the stitch incorrectly. Nicholls instructions are good, but there are few drawings, and as tatting is such a visual art, it's hard to make out exactly what she's saying without illustration. The instructions would be wonderful, however, if used as an accompaniment to another set of directions featuring visual aids.

   Also included in this first section are instructions on how to begin a piece of tatting with a chain (something I couldn't figure out how to do for a long while); a examination of the importance of thread tension; and an in-depth explanation of how Nicholls likes patterns to be presented (preliminary description, construction, and a diagram). She continues with six edging patterns for beginners and a discussion of her names for certain groupings. For example, she refers to three rings together as a `clover'; a ring-chain-ring-chain pattern as a `scroll'; and so on. Nicholls also explains her system of defining medallion patterns by classifying them according to how their center is formed, and gives examples of each kind. This beginning section of the book concludes with directions on how to join new thread, how to undo your work, and how to finish a piece. She gives suggestions on what to do with tatting, such as using it for trimming, church items, and around the house.

   The second part of the book, Enlarging the Scope, is full of information for the more advanced tatter. It includes instruction on pearl tatting, using two shuttles, node stitch, Josephine knot, and the locking stitch. One application of tatting that I found interesting was the use of rings as buttonhole loops. This section also discusses false picots, mock rings, and making consistent picots. Nicholls gives some creative variations on the regular picot, including twisted picots, frayed picots, using picots for a feather effect, and the rose picot. She goes on to demonstrate the mock picot (also known as climbing out of a ring, very effective for many doilies, snowflakes, medallions, etc.) and the mignonette stitch. She briefly mentions using tatting for lettering and using jewels and beads for tatting, although there are no instructions for either technique.

   The book's third section is devoted entirely to the node stitch. I found this strange, since this stitch isn't widely used even today (or at least I haven't seen it featured in many patterns). Nicholls does write that she is hoping to spark some interest in the node stitch, and gives instructions on how to write patterns and diagrams and how to use picots, joins and rings with this stitch. I admire her stepping up to try and popularize this underused technique.

   I wouldn't recommend this book to someone for the purpose of learning how to tat, but for tatters who've mastered the basic rings and chains, and for experienced tatters who would like a more in-depth look at tatting, this would be a good read.

1 comments about Vanessa-Ann's Plain & Fancy Crochet (The Crochet Treasury Series).

1. Out of all of the crochet pattern books and pamphlets I've bought over the years this one has the most high-end (not tacky or outdated) patterns I have seen. It has beautiful full color pictures of every single project and clearly written, easy to follow instructions. It is a bit pricey (more managable with the amazon discount) but there are many projects for beginner and pro alike.

4 comments about Beaded Tassels, Braids & Fringes.

1. Borrowed this book from a friend and had to buy my own! Many wonderful beading techniques and ideas. Beautiful for tassel making, but also many stitches which can be applied to other types of beadwork. Great fringe ideas, lots of different elements. Well laid out with lots of pictures for inspiration.



2. Beaders wanting to expand their talents can reach for this book for both inspiration and instruction. There are hundreds of ideas here, for every level. Not everyone will understand all the instructions and some of the components could have been written with more detail, but with a little effort and perseverence these projects are within reach of a dedicated beader. Serious beaders and tassel makers will revel in a book that provides challenges, solutions and professional results.



3. Want to dress up drapery tiebacks with tassels or hang your beads from the ceiling fan switch? Valerie's book gives you lots of ideas to serve as a springboard.

   Not only does she give good instructions for traditional bead weaving, including brick, peyote, and netting stitches, to make your tassels, but also she shows how to make braids and cords. She suggests the combination of beads and cords in projects, including buried or berried bugle cords, crazy and flower chains, and branched fringe.

   If you don't want to make tassels, but need ideas for fringes on medicine bag necklaces and amulet purses, this is the book for you.




4. Want to dress up drapery tiebacks with tassels or hang your beads from the ceiling fan switch? Valerie's book gives you lots of ideas to serve as a springboard.

   Not only does she give good instructions for traditional bead weaving, including brick, peyote, and netting stitches, to make your tassels, but also she shows how to make braids and cords. She suggests the combination of beads and cords in projects, including buried or berried bugle cords, crazy and flower chains, and branched fringe.

   If you don't want to make tassels, but need ideas for fringes on medicine bag necklaces and amulet purses, this is the book for you.

No comments about Merry Christmas ABC (Christmas Remembered ; Bk. 6).