three reviews

A Stash of Own’s Own
by Clara Parkes (Editor)
ABRAMS Press
$22.99, hardcover

Within this collection, Parkes and 22 essayists help us to examine our own personal meaning for that often loaded word, Stash. In addition, beyond our own definitions, we can think about how we and our stash (or lack thereof) fit as part of the global fiber community. What are the stories we hear in our stash? Do we whisper its secrets? Where is its place in our homes and in our lives?

I believe strongly in the power of books to come along when we most need them. This essay anthology appeared in my e-reader as I was reexamining my own stash under not-quite-ideal circumstances. I appreciate the variety of voices and the pacing of the essays. While you could skip around and read each essay in any order you choose, I believe the full magic is found when curled up amid one’s stash, favorite comfort beverage in hand, and read through cover to cover.

No matter your views to yarn and fiber stash, you are not alone.

Please read the full review at knitty.com. I received an eARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for a review. The FTC wants you to know. 

Knit Mitts: Your Hand-y Guide to Knitting Mittens & Gloves
by Kate Atherley
Interweave
$23.99
Perhaps your hands are always cold. Perhaps the stated pattern size is not quite one that matches the hands you wish to keep warm. Perhaps you want to learn a little more about mittens and gloves and figure out how best to make ones that fit comfortably. Atherley’s newest book delivers.

At 144 pages, this book is jam packed with detail. Kate provided comprehensive research about foot sizes in her previous book, Custom Socks Knit to Fit Your Feet, and has done the same here for hands. This has allowed her to develop a solid basic pattern that is based on the sizes of real hands. This also helps her to offer rational ratios for when one needs to guess a size. It also helps her to provide helpful and straightforward tips and tricks.

My favourite mittens wore out at the end of last winter and I’ve put off knitting a new pair. Kate’s book provides this mostly-sock knitter confidence to keep my hands properly warm. I now have a better understanding of what yarns are best for my hands to wear well, prevent pilling, and most importantly keep my always-cold fingers warm.

I love that there are charts for everything from estimated yardage to stitch counts for a range of gauges and sizes. Think of this as an expanded, annotated, and thoroughly modern version of Ann Budd’s classic, The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns.

If you find yourself glassy eyed after reading through the first five chapters which cover sizing, yarn selection, standard construction, basic patterns, and ideas and tips for customization, the sixth chapter is for you. It provides ten delightful patterns that range from warm yet lacy fingerless mitts (remember, yarn choice matters) to gloves with texture or colourwork and more.

There’s something here for every knitter who wishes to keep a pair of hands warm. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go knit. Winter will soon be here.

This review also appeared at knitty.com.

I received an eARC of this title in exchange for a review. The FTC wants you to know. 

Bracelet Loom Kit
by Purl & Loop
$42

If you think you’re coming down with the weaving bug, but aren’t yet sure the severity of the affliction, the Purl & Loop Bracelet Loom might be for you.

It takes practical swatches and raises them to a new form as wearable art. This loom is perfect for both new and experienced weavers alike. Perhaps you’re curious what it’s like to weave at all. The length allows the weaver space to watch fabric develop or play with different weaves on the same warp.

The size is comfortable to hold in your hand and very portable (it fits nicely into a Tom Bihn Sidekick).

It’s great to explore with all the mini skeins available.

If you happen to have jewelry findings you can purchase the compact set that includes the necessities to begin weaving. If you’re new to jewelry making, there is a starter package that also includes two sets of the basic findings to finish two bracelets so you can just add yarn and go.

This review also appeared at knitty.com.