Clara Parkes has a new book out, Vanishing Fleece: Adventures in American Wool. While I was able to secure an advanced reader copy through Netgalley, it took a rainy Monday afternoon a week after the book's official publication date for me to curl up and enjoy her journey. In Vanishing Fleece, Clara Parkes' love song to American wool, follow the … [Read more...] about book review – Vanishing Fleece
review
book review – Big Yarn, Beautiful Lace Knits by Barbara Benson
Barbara Benson has a new book out, Big Yarn, Beautiful Lace Knits. I admit, I was skeptical about this book, I'm a knitter who loves tiny needles and fine yarns. Would I like a book on chunky lace knits? Yes. Why? Barbara Benson loves to ask, "What if?" Her newest book, Big Yarn, Beautiful Lace Knits is the result of experiments and exploration … [Read more...] about book review – Big Yarn, Beautiful Lace Knits by Barbara Benson
Crochet Collection Review – Pineapple Passion by Karen Whooley
The pineapple crochet stitch is the focus of Karen Whooley's newest pattern collection, Pineapple Passion. It includes five designs including a top, two shawls, a skirt, and a cardigan. What is the pineapple stitch? It is one that looks complex yet is a clever combination of double, single, and chain stitches. Traditionally this type of crochet is worked … [Read more...] about Crochet Collection Review – Pineapple Passion by Karen Whooley
beginner mindset & quick book review
Beginner mind (shoshin) is fascinating to me. I love to dive into something and just try things. Some of those things succeed and many fail. It's in the failures that I learn the most. I've found as I advance in a skill I'm less likely to take risks and ask *what if?* as perfectionism threatens to take over. The knitting machine I borrowed has been good … [Read more...] about beginner mindset & quick book review
two new titles for knitters
I recently reviewed two new titles for knitters that appeared in the newest issue of Knitty. They are reference books that I think are beneficial for knitters of all levels. The Knitter's Dictionary: Knitting Know-How from A to Z by Kate Atherley F+W Media/Interweave $19.99 Hardcover Kate Atherley has done it again. Her newest book, The Knitting … [Read more...] about two new titles for knitters
two new titles for embroidery & cross stitch
If you are looking to build your stitching skill set this autumn, two newly released books are here to help. It's not often that a book will strike the right balance between tutorial, step-by-step guide, and inspiration yet both titles I review today do. The first, A Year of Embroidery by Yumiko Higuichi provides inspiration throughout the seasons. Improper … [Read more...] about two new titles for embroidery & cross stitch