Review: Knitting Knee-Highs: Sock Styles from Classic to Contemporary

In the world of sock knitting, there are many sock patterns, but few patterns for knee-high socks. If you like to knit knee socks, Knitting Knee-Highs: Sock Styles from Classic to Contemporary by Barb Brown probably has at least one pattern that will interest you.

At first glance, I wasn't very interested in the book. The first half of the book has patterns for socks with stranded color work. I'm not interested in learning stranded colorwork, especially for socks. Then I realized the second half of the book has lace and texture patterns suitable for solid, near solid or self-striping yarn.

I found the pattern for my next pair of knee socks! "Airy Mountain Knee-Highs" on page 65 looks great in the purple-y self-striping Berroco Sox that was aging in my stash. A couple more inches on the feet and they'll be done.

Knitting Knee-Highs: Sock Styles from Classic to Contemporary begins by presenting a formula for knitting knee socks based on the number of stitches in the foot of the sock. A page of information on custom fitting helps you customize the fit of any knee sock pattern.

Ironically, it appears that all the socks in the book were knit for an average leg, then modeled on extra tall, skinny-legged models. The socks all look like they'd fall down if the model walked in them!

Since many of us knit shorter socks as well as knee-highs, the information on converting a knee-high pattern to a short sock is an extra bonus. Additionally, every knee-high pattern is accompanied by instructions for making "regular" socks, anklets or leg warmers.

Knitting Knee-Highs: Sock Styles from Classic to Contemporary has 11 patterns with stranded colorwork, 8 lace and/or texture patterns and the cover socks, Dance Little Jean. Dance Little Jean has a bit of colorwork at the top of the leg and color accents the top of the heel flap and beginning of the toe. The leg features cables separated by columns of eyelets. All of the patterns feature intricate looking designs, that aren't necessarily hard to knit.

There are a lot of great knee-high sock patterns in this book. I may add it to my personal library instead of just using my public library's copy.

Review: Getting Started Knitting Socks

A real gem! A sock knitting book that covers the basics in detail for beginners, yet also has sock patterns that are not just the basic sock in a different weight yarn or made with self-patterning yarn. Getting Started Knitting Socks by Anne Budd even has a knee sock pattern, something you seldom see, and I love knee socks in the winter.

The book begins with discussion of suitable yarn types and how much you’ll need. An overview of needles and other tools is included.

The 34 page "Sock Basics" chapter discusses the parts of the sock and how to determine your gauge. An overview of the ways to knit in the round (4 double-pointed needles, 5 double-pointed needles, very short circular needle, 2 circular needles or 1 long circular) is followed by 25 pages of detailed instructions on knitting a sock.

The how-to-knit-a-sock instructions are very detailed with clear photographs and illustrations. There are tips on preventing and correcting problems. Alternative methods are described for joining the cast-on stitches, picking up stitches along the gussets, and knitting the heel flap stitches.

"Basic Sock Instructions" includes a complete pattern for gauges of 8, 7, 6, 5, and 4 stitches per inch. Each pattern includes 5 sizes from a child’s medium to an adult large sock. Any yarn from fingering weight to bulky can be used, just choose an appropriate gauge. Choosing a size and customizing the fit of your socks is discussed. The patterns are written for knitting with 4 double-point needles.

Color and texture are first added with self-patterning and boucle yarns knit in the basic sock pattern. Then patterns are given for making your own stripes from different colored yarns. Several stitch patterns for rib, cable, and lace are included, followed by 2 completes sock patterns in each of those 3 categories.

The last 3 patterns are picot edged anklets, similar to sport socks with a 2 inch cuff; ruffle cuff anklets with a fold-down flared cuff and knee socks with a zigzag lacy rib. The leg shaping on the knee socks is accomplished with a combination of stitch decreases and changing the needle size.

Getting Started Knitting Socks is truly a getting started book. It shows you how to make a basic ribbed or stockinette stitch sock and explains how to customize fit. Then it shows how to use a stitch pattern to create a new design, still based on the basic sock pattern. Published in 2007, it's still one of the best introductions to sock knitting available.

Whether you’ve never knitted a sock or want to better understand sock construction and how to customize a sock, this book will guide you through the process.

Another Way to Cut Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt Blocks

If you'd like to make your own quilt based on The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt and you are a rotary cutting enthusiast, you are probably disappointed that the book only provides paper templates for cutting the block pieces.

Good News! Marti Michell, with permission from the book publisher, has figured out how to cut 101 of the 111 blocks using the Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork templates. The cutting instructions are being offered via email. You'll get a PDF file with instructions for 10 blocks every 2 weeks.

Read the January 17, 2012 email on this web page for more information and instructions on how to sign up. The first set of instructions went out last Friday, but they plan to repeat the offer in April.

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Marti Michell and have not used the Perfect Patchwork templates.

Review: The Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt

In 1922, The Farmer's Wife magazine asked readers, "If you had a daughter of marriageable age, would you, in light of your own experience, have her marry a farmer?" Inspired by the contest, author Laurie Aaron Hird created a 111 block queen-sized sampler quilt and then wrote/edited a book.

The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt: Letters from 1920s farm wives and the 111 blocks they inspired contains excerpts from over 50 of the 68 winning entries in the 1922 contest. Traditional quilt blocks are matched with each winning letter to illustrate the themes.

The 2nd half of the book has simple diagrams for the blocks and assembly instructions for your own Farmer's Wife Quilt in a Lap, Twin, Queen or King size. The included CD contains 106 Adobe PDF files; one file for each of the 106 piecing templates.

I found the letters from the farmers' wives charming. Each excerpt is brief, but the collection as a whole gives insight into life in rural America in 1922. Recurring themes are:

• Farm wives help their husband run the farm. They spend more time together than city couples with the husband gone to work all day.
• Farm wives have their own money from selling eggs, butter and garden produce, so they don't have to ask their husbands for money
• Farm life is wholesome without evil temptations that city dwellers have
• The country has more and more modern conveniences: running water, autos, telephones, electricity
• And yes, they wanted their daughters to marry a farmer.

As much as I wanted to read each and every letter in the book (and I did read every one), I found myself reading a few at a time over a two week period. Looking through the quilt block diagrams went much quicker.

The 111 quilt blocks finish at 6" square, though many would be easy to draw in a larger size. There are no detailed cutting and piecing directions. The block diagrams are clear enough that someone with a little quilting experience should be able to make most or all of the blocks.

Templates are provided on the included CD for all of the pieces. There are no rotary cutting instructions, but you could calculate piece sizes from the block diagrams or measure the templates to determine dimensions for rotary cutting.

Get this book for a glimpse of 1920s farm life and a selection of quilt blocks to create your own sampler quilt.

Review: Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks

Want to knit socks from the toe up? In Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks, Melissa Morgan-Oakes shows how to knit toe-up socks and how to knit both socks in the pair at the same time.

Full of detailed instructions, Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks has a variety of patterns for children, women and adults. The spiral bound hardback stays open to the page you’re viewing making it easy to view the instructions as you knit. If you are new to knitting toe-up socks, you will love the clear instructions.

The book is divided into 3 chapters covering basic information, detailed sock knitting instructions and sock patterns.

Chapter 1, Needles, Yarn and Other Basics, includes cast ons, bind offs and adapting toe-up 2-at-a-time socks to fit the recipient. The chapter begins with a discussion of the major brands of circular knitting needles, covering the pros and cons, to help you choose your needles. The book features Judy's Magic Cast-On, my personal favorite. You can also use the figure-eight or Turkish cast-on.

Chapter 2, Step-by-Step 2-at-a-Time, tells you everything you need to know to start knitting socks toe-up. The chapter begins with an overview of sock anatomy, followed by toe-up math. Don't be afraid of the math; it's simple and you only need 3 numbers:

• desired length of the the foot of the sock
• number of rows in gusset and heel cup (provided in each pattern)
• your row gauge (The foot of your sock is your swatch to determine your row gauge.)

A simple forumla guarantees your sock will be the right length, no matter what your row gauge.

Most of the second chapter is instructions for the sample socks, child sized socks knitted in worsted weight yarn. The detailed step by step instructions are accompanied by lots of color photos showing exactly what to do.

Chapter 3, Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Patterns, contains 15 patterns with detailed instructions that echo the steps in the sample socks. Each pattern is written in two sizes. Designs include lace, cables, twists, a bit of colorwork and some with just knits and purls.

Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks has nice assortment of patterns with varying levels of complexity. There is the simplicity of "Kid Stuff" and "Simplicity," the glitz of "On the Town," the elegance of "Ballet," and the warm textures of "Tuscany," "Twisted Baskets," and "Peppercorn," to name a few. You'll find something for almost everyone you know; child or adult; man or woman.

Review: Quilter's Academy Vol.1 – Freshman Year: A Skill-Building Course in Quiltmaking

Almost all the books I read are borrowed from the library, so it's been at least a few months since they were released / published. Now that I'm blogging again, I'll occasionally review a book that I think is worth sharing. Up first, a book by mother-daughter quilting authors Harriet Hargrave & Carrie Hargrave.

Quilter's Academy Vol.1 – Freshman Year: A Skill-Building Course in Quiltmaking is the first in a series of 6 books that will teach you all the skills needed to piece quilts. This first book in the series teaches how to sew accurate seams and stitch simple blocks made of squares and/or rectangles with precision. Eleven projects are included as part of the skill building exercises.

There is a wealth of great information in Quilter's Academy Vol.1 – Freshman Year. Whether you are new to quilting or want to improve your skills, you will find useful information. I found myself reading the entire book thoroughly, despite more than 20 years of quilting experience.

Instead of just providing basic instructions to make some quilt designs, detailed instructions teach the skills needed for precise piecing. The process of creating a quilt top is introduced so you can customize a design to suit yourself and calculate yardage based on your actual fabric width.

Quilter's Academy Vol.1 – Freshman Year covers basic skills and information for piecing quilt tops. There are 9 classes, each with 4 to 7 lessons.

Class 110

Setting up sewing area, sewing machines, rotary cutters and mats, ruler basics

Class 120

Fabric: choosing, to wash or not, straightening grain, cutting strips

Class 130

Accurate seams (¼" doesn't work): measure, sew and press. First sewing: a sampler block and a simple quilt top (borders added in Class 180).

Class 140

Sewing and cutting tables, ergonomics, lighting, irons, gadgets (scissors, pins, stiletto, seam ripper). Two more quilt projects: triple rail fence and log cabin.

Class 150

Introduction to drafting and quilt layout. Mock up your quilt using extra fabric or color copies. Quilt projects: 4 patch blocks for sampler quilt, Country Lanes table runner, and Town Square quilt

Class 160

Collecting and choosing fabrics, more precision piecing. Quilt projects: 9 patch blocks for sampler quilt, Interlacing Circles quilt, and Double Nine-patch Chain quilt.

Class 170

Calculating yardage: examining a quilt design and calculating yardage. Quilt Projects: Inlaid Tile table runner, Double Irish Chain baby quilt, and Irish Chain Variation quilt.

Class 180

Borders: squaring the quilt top, measuring for border lengths, sewing borders to the quilt top, and mitered borders.

Class 190

Quilt backing. Binding a quilt. Quilting design ideas for the project quilts.

Final Exam

Calculate yardage and determine construction instructions for a quilt design based on the Burgoyne Surrounded quilt block.

Visit Harriet & Carrie's Quilter's Academy Journal for news about the Quilter's Academy series including publication dates and corrections to the books.

The Quilter's Academy series does not cover the process of layering the top with batting and backing material and quilting the layers together. Instead, readers are referred to other books dedicated to quilting the quilt, such as Harriet Hargrave's Heirloom Machine Quilting: Comprehensive Guide to Hand-Quilting Effects Using Your Sewing Machine, now in it's 4th edition.

Review: Quilty as Charged: Undercover in a Material World

Writer Spike Gillespie humorously chronicles her introduction to the world of quilting in Quilty as Charged: Undercover in a Material World. If you hate puns, avoid this book.

Part One of the book takes you on Gillespie’s introduction to quilting. The first quilt show she attended was the International Quilt Festival (IQF) in Houston. Nothing like starting at the top. Her hilarious misadventures in learning to quilt will have you in stitches. Ever work with a problem fabric or not have enough fabric? Gillespie had both challenges on her first quilt.

For Part Two of the book, Gillespie interviewed 16 quilters and presents their stories. Included are Arlene Blackburn whose quilt Midnight in the Garden of Good and Elvis was deliberately destroyed by bleach at the 2002 IQF in Houston, caveman quilter Ricky Tims, mother and daughter quilters Marti and Stacy Michell, Hollis Chatelain, Inge Mardal and Steen Hougs, and Karey Bresenhan, head of Quilts, Inc. the company that holds the International Quilt Festivals.

Interspersed throughout the book are brief quotes from quilters like you and me. These stories vary from humorous to touching, revealing the reasons why we quilt.

Sit down, put your feet up and prepare to be entertained by Quilty as Charged: Undercover in a Material World.

Review: The Crochet Bible

Do you know the crochet basics and want to try something more complex? Want to learn how to finish your work? The Crochet Bible: The Complete Handbook for Creative Crochet by Sue Whiting is a great handbook for learning how to make your project look handcrafted instead of homemade. Whether you want to use more complex patterns or create your own design, The Crochet Bible is a good resource.

The Crochet Bible was first published in the United Kingdom and then "Americanized" and published in the US. I think the Americanization is slightly incomplete in a couple of spots. If you aren’t familiar with the differences in UK vs. US crochet terms, Crochet 'N' More has a Stitch Conversion Chart. The one glaring translation failure is the terms "relief front" and "relief back" stitches. In the US, we call these "front post" and "back post" stitches.

After a brief introduction to hooks, other equipment and yarn types, The Crochet Bible is split into 3 sections: Techniques, Stitch Library, and Projects. I found the 72 page technique section the most useful and informative. The stitch library has 36 stitch patterns in 18 pages, including 6 edging and 4 motif patterns. This is a basic sampling of the many, many possible stitch patterns. The projects (patterns) are a practical application of many of the techniques presented. The stitch library and the patterns describe the stitch pattern in words/abbreviations and illustrate it in symbols.

The techniques section begins with an overview of basic stitches (by the way, there are other acceptable ways to hold the yarn and hook). "Crochet craft" sidebars give added details and insight on the technique being discussed. Technique topics include:

• Placing the crochet stitches – both or one loop of previous stitch, between stitches, etc.
• Making crochet fabric – working in rows and rounds
• Gauge – why and how to make and measure a gauge swatch, including fancy stitch patterns, motifs, and circular patterns
• Combination stitches – shells, clusters, bobbles, puff stitches, popcorns
• Relief (a.k.a. post) stitches
• Picots, bullion stitches and clones knots
• Linked and crossed stitches, fur stitch, solomon’s knot
• Branched stitches – make an X, Y or upside down Y
• Joining new yarn and changing colors - I especially liked the discussion and illustrations explaining why you use the new color of yarn to complete the last stitch in the old color
• Multicolored designs
• Shaping – increases and decreases (4½ pages)
• Following a pattern
• Filet crochet
• Seams (3 pages)
• Making and joining motifs
• Borders and edgings (5 pages)
• Decorative details – extra crocheted embellishments, working with beads, embroidery
• Tartan effects – create plaid fabric
• Fringes, tassels and pompoms

The patterns in the Projects section give a generic description of the yarn used (number of balls, ball weight, fiber). Yarn details, including brand name and yardage, are given in an appendix immediately after the last pattern. The patterns include:

• A bunny in 4 sizes
• Striped, ruffled, and lacy baby clothes and accessories
• Child’s coat
• Corsage
• Scarves
• Multicolor bag
• Solomon’s knot wrap
• Hat and mittens featuring circular motifs
• Hat, bag, and belt set in mercerized cotton
• 2 tops, a cardigan and a jacket
• Pullover sweater in child and adult sizes
• A fluffy, heart shaped rug
• A baby blanket and a throw, both in multiple colors
• Textured pillow covers
• Heirloom bedspread, an exquisite challenging project

This is not a beginner book, but a crocheter with at least a little experience will find something of interest in the techniques and possibly the patterns. If you’re looking to expand your crochet skills, check it out. If you want a wide variety of crochet stitch patterns, look elsewhere.

Review: 101 Fun-to-Quilt Pot Holders

Do you want to make potholders or are you just looking for some interesting quilt blocks? 101 Fun-to-Quilt Pot Holders by Trice Boerens is full of clever blocks.

101 Fun-to-Quilt Pot Holders contains an assortment of pieced and appliquéd blocks, arranged by theme. Some blocks are embellished with embroidery. The themes include:

• Through the Window,
• Creative Cook,
• Town Square,
• Bright Ideas,
• All in a Row,
• Rays of Sunshine,
• Checkered Past,
• English Garden,
• Organic Garden,
• Falling Leaves,
• Dramatic Impact,
• American Pride,
• Fascinating Twirls,
• Down-Home Fun,
• Spinovation,
• Fresh Fruit,
• Butterfly Beauties,
• Spring Florals,
• French Countryside,
• Fruit Baskets,
• Make Mine Diamonds,
• Time Will Tell,
• A Little Fishy,
• Lazy Hazy Days, and
• Holiday Fun(i.e., Christmas & winter)

The book has templates for almost all block pieces, including squares, rectangles and triangles. If, like me, you prefer to rotary cut your pieces without templates, you’ll have to measure templates to determine cutting sizes.

Most blocks finish to 8 inches squares, but there are a few rectangular blocks that finish to 10" by 7" or 7½" x 9". WARNING! These are not blocks for a brand new quilter. Most of the blocks have at least 15 to 20 pieces in an 8 inch square. Many pieces finish to 1 inch wide or less. Know how to cut precisely and stitch an accurate ¼" seam before attempting most of the designs in this book.

Whether you want to make a few potholders for a gift or are looking for blocks for a quilt, you’re sure to find inspiration in 101 Fun-to-Quilt Pot Holders.

Review: Wendy Knits: My Never-Ending Adventures in Yarn

I was searching the shelves of knitting books at the library when I spied Wendy Knits on the spine of a book. Could that be Wendy of wendyknits.net whose toe-up sock pattern I’ve used? Examination of the front cover revealed the book was Wendy Knits: My Never-Ending Adventures in Yarn by Wendy D. Johnson, founder of WendyKnits.net.

Wendy Knits was an enjoyable and quick read. Sometimes I just didn’t want to stop. Wendy D. Johnson chronicles her knitting journey from the young girl taught by her mother to one of the best known knitting bloggers. If you enjoy her blog, you’ll enjoy the book.

A collection of patterns range in difficulty from dishcloths to a cabled sweater and a Swedish sweater worked in 2 colors of yarn. Some are similar to many other projects, but are good basic projects to learn or to customize to suit yourself. The patterns include:

• 3 dishcloths
• 4 scarves
• 1 hat
• 2 catnip mice
• 1 felted pet bed
• 1 pair of toe-up socks
• 1 lace shawl
• 1 cell phone cozy
• 1 pair of fingerless mitts
• 2 tank tops
• 6 sweaters

Black and white photos illustrate the projects. The sweater patterns have schematic diagrams with measurements. All stitch patterns are written out in words. When appropriate, they are also given in charted form.

If you’ve ever had a project go wrong, you’ll commiserate with Wendy’s stories and benefit from her tips on avoiding disaster. A good amount of knitting wisdom is wrapped in the wit of this book. But it is not a how to book; there are no basic how-to-knit instructions or illustrations.

Enjoy the book and be sure to check out WendyKnits.net.

Review: Crazy Shortcut Quilts: Quilt as You Go and Finish in Half the Time

Do you love an embroidered crazy quilt? Crazy Shortcut Quilts: Quilt as You Go and Finish in Half the Time by Marguerita McManus and Sarah Raffuse combines quick to piece blocks with quilt as you go to create a modern version of the crazy quilt.

The block patterns use the Stack ‘n Slash technique with slightly different cutting instructions. Four block designs plus instructions for creating your own designs are included. The instructions are clear, detailed and illustrated with lots of photographs.

The pieced blocks are layered with batting and backing material and quilted before the quilt top is assembled. The quilting is done with machine embroidery stitches, combining the embellishment and the quilting of the block. The quilted blocks are joined in rows using sashing strips and more machine embroidery. Then the rows are joined using more sashing strips. With this method you never have more than the width of one quilt block under the arm of your sewing machine.

The authors are a mother / daughter team that live in Alaska. They have created CrazyShortCuts.com, a website with photos of quilts from the book, teaching tips and the authors' blogs.

Review: Knitting Circles Around Socks: Knit Two at a Time on Circular Needles

Do you want to learn to knit 2 socks at a time on 2 circular needles? Knitting Circles Around Socks: Knit Two at a Time on Circular Needles by Antje Gillingham has detailed instructions with plenty of pictures.

All the steps needed to knit 2 socks at once on 2 circular needles are detailed using a basic stockinette stitch sock pattern in worsted weight yarn. The 14 well-illustrated pages of the basic sock pattern cover every detail of knitting with 2 circular needles to make 2 socks at once.

Once you've learned the basics, there are 8 sock patterns using different types of yarn and featuring your choice of beads, cables, ruffles or lace. These patterns have instructions for a women's small, medium and large sock size. Most of them accomplish this by varying the stitch count for the different sizes. A couple of the patterns vary the needle size to get the different sock sizes. I am not a fan of using larger needles to get larger socks. The feel of the knitted fabric on the bottom of the foot is different and may not be comfortable.

Two of these patterns are basic stockinette stitch socks made in fingering or sport weight yarn instead of worsted weight. These patterns are useful, if you are not experienced in varying the number of stitches to adjust a sock for a different yarn or don't want to bother figuring it out yourself.

The books covers basic sock terminology and measurements and has a table of typical measurements by shoe size. A Knitting Basics section has illustrated instructions for casting on, various decreases, make a stitch, and kitchner stitch or grafting. Adjusting sock size by changing the number of stitches is mentioned, but no details are given. Two pages near the end of the book are devoted to converting patterns from double-pointed to circular needles, which gives you an endless selection of sock patterns to work on circular needles.

This is a excellent book for learning to knit 2 socks on 2 circular needles. All of the basics are covered in detail and once you know the basics, you can knit any sock pattern on 2 circular needles.

6/22/2008 - Addendum: There is a page of corrections for the book at http://www.theknittingnest.com/antjesbook/patterncorrections.html

Review: The About.com Guide to Quilting

Don’t be misled by the title. Janet Wickell’s The About.com Guide to Quilting: From Pattern to Patchwork--Creative Projects You Can Finish in Under a Week is more than book of projects. Only 6 of 15 chapters are devoted to specific projects.

The first 9 chapters are dedicated to quilting basics, covering fabric selection, block settings, sashing and borders, applique methods, rotary cutting methods, machine and hand piecing, foundation piecing and finishing the quilt. The projects in the last 6 chapters are:

• Miniature Paisley Stars Quilt
• String-Pieced Table Runner
• Quick and Easy Rag Quilt
• Rag-Edged Denim Purse
• Basket Wall Hanging and Throw Pillow
• Shades of the Past: A Vintage-Look Quilt (made with 9 patch and snowball blocks)

The book left me feeling it is too little about too much. At 288 pages, including 8 glossy color pages of the finished projects, it is much more text than many quilting books. It is impossible to cover such a wide variety of quilting topics in detail in a single volume.

The ratio of illustrations to text feels low for a quilting book. Most quilting books have many photos or illustrations and The About.com Guide to Quilting does not. In a few places, even after rereading, it seemed that an instruction was not quite correct. I’ve been unable to find any other reviews of this book to see if others feel the same. I searched the Internet for corrections to the book and did not find any.

The book has many web page addresses to find more information. It can be used as a guide to finding information on the about.com quilting website. It also has addresses for many other websites, all presented in the context of the topic being discussed. You can spend many hours browsing a fraction of the web pages mentioned in this book.

Review: Speed Knitting: 24 Quick and Easy Projects

Looking for projects that are quick to knit? Speed Knitting: 24 Quick and Easy Projects by Kris Percival features simple designs knitted in bulky yarn. The book begins with an overview of yarns and knitting tools and ends with an overview of knitting techniques and resources with 3 chapters of patterns in between.

The patterns are divided into accessories, apparel, and gifts. Accessory patterns include a scarf, scarf and hat set, a scarf-hat (i.e. a hat with connected scarf), belt, messenger bag, wrist warmers, and mittens. Apparel includes a poncho, capelet, shrug, shawl, vest, ballet sweater, summer shift, men’s sweater, and halter. Gifts include a couch throw, pillow cover, baby shower set, dog sweater, cat mat, toddler tank top, baby blanket, and toddler tank dress.

The techniques section covers the techniques needed for the projects in the book. The instructions and illustrations remind experienced knitters how to do a technique. Novices will find too little detail in the written steps and too few illustrations to understand how to perform many of the techniques. If you are new to knitting, make sure you have a good knitting reference.

The title “Speed Knitting” intrigued me. There is a definite appeal to finishing things more quickly. However, most of the patterns are not designs I will ever make. Bulky yarn is great for making hats and an occasional afghan. But in my opinion, bulky yarn is too thick for the other types of accessories and garments I might make. Consider your own tastes before you buy this book. Better yet, borrow it from your library and take a detailed look before you decide.

Review: One-Skein Wonders

Do you have orphaned skeins of yarn in your stash that you want to use? Yarn left after finishing a project or single skeins that you just had to buy? One-Skein Wonders: 101 Yarn-Shop Favorites edited by Judith Durant has a variety of knitting patterns and a few crochet patterns that can be made from a single skein of yarn.

The patterns are organized by type of yarn: bulky-weight, heavy worsted, worsted mohair, worsted-weight, fingering-weight and novelty yarn. Hats, scarves, bags, socks, shawls, and more. With 101 patterns, there is guaranteed to be something you’ll like. The patterns were submitted by yarn shops across the United States.

The monochromatic pictures on the pattern pages obscure project details. The color photo gallery in the center of the book has much better pictures. The photo gallery is not organized by yarn type, making it harder to find a pattern for a specific yarn type. Grouping the glossy color pages and using non-glossy paper and 2 ink colors reduces printing costs, allowing many more patterns for the same price, a nice benefit for the inconvenience.

There is a website for the book, oneskeinwonders.com. The project gallery has color pictures of all the projects in the same order as the patterns in the book. A few sample patterns on the site.

Be sure to visit the One-Skein Wonders page on the publishers website and get the pattern corrections.

Review: 200 Stitch Patterns for Baby Blankets

200 Stitch Patterns for Baby Blankets by Jan Eaton contains a variety of knit and crochet designs for afghans and shawls. Promoted as designs for babies, the stitch patterns are equally appropriate for older children and adults.

The 200 stitch patterns are divided almost equally between knit and crochet designs. There are instructions for blocks, edgings and all-over stitch patterns. The designs are clearly labeled as knit or crochet and are rated as easy, some experience needed and challenging. The method of working the design, e.g., rows, rounds, diagonal rows, is also shown.

Many of the all-over designs can be knit or crocheted as a block and combined with other blocks. Some block patterns, worked in rows, could be used to create a one piece afghan. For example, filet crochet block patterns could be combined and crocheted as a one piece afghan. You are limited only by your imagination.

A 14 page Techniques section provides a short overview of the basic stitches, then gives more detail on slightly advanced techniques. Several methods are shown for joining blocks.

I had 2 disappointments with this book. One - at least 3 knit patterns were made in different color combinations, with each color combination named and numbered as a unique stitch pattern. I don't think color should count as part of what makes a stitch pattern unique. The stitches are still the same.

My second disappointment is the edging patterns are intended to be knit or crocheted separately from the blanket and then attached. The techniques section shows working a single crochet edging directly into the edge of the blanket, but says to make any of the edging patterns in the book separately and then attach to the blanket.

If you're ready to design your own afghans and need some inspiration to get started, "200 Stitch Patterns for Baby Blankets" may be a book for you.

Review: Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles

Do you dislike knitting with double-pointed needles? Maybe you're curious about how to knit in a circle with 2 needles. Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles: a Manual of Elegant Knitting Techniques and Patterns by Cat Bordhi clearly explains how to knit socks on 2 circular needles. It really is a simple technique. Photos reinforce the written instructions.

There are 11 sock patterns in the book: 4 rated easy, 6 intermediate and 1 advanced. Some patterns feature designs knitted in a contrasting color. Others have textured stitch patterns or lace designs. The "Simple Sock" instructions are given in 3 sizes. The remaining socks are designed for a woman's medium foot.

Two socks in the book are knit from the toe up using the author's unique "Turned Toe" technique. This clever technique uses no increases, only decreases. I really want to try this technique.

The book explains how to translate any sock pattern knitted on double pointed needles to 2 circular needles. Once you understand how to knit a sock on 2 circular needles, you can knit any sock pattern on 2 circular needles.

You need basic knitting skills to make any of the patterns in this book. The author also recommends that you have a good knitting reference book.

Review: Knitting for Peace

There is joy in making a handcrafted item for someone in need. It doesn't have to difficult or time consuming to make and it is almost guaranteed to be appreciated and loved.

Knitting for Peace: Make the World a Better Place One Stitch at a Time delves into why people knit for charity. The book has inspiring stories of why and how charitable efforts started. If you ever need inspiration to knit, crochet or quilt for charity, one of the stories is certain to touch your soul. Part of the proceeds from the book will be donated to charity.

Knitting for Peace describes a variety of charitable knitting efforts. Many of the organizations mentioned also accept crocheted, quilted and sewn items. The book is divided into 5 chapters.

• Peace and War - wartime knitting past and present
• Peace on Earth - building relationships with needy people in other countries. Cooperative efforts to help people earn an income through knitting.
• Peace at Home - providing comfort in the USA.
• Peace for Kids - helping children
• Knit for Peace - covers getting started and lists charity knitting resources

This book includes easy knitting patterns for blankets, hats, socks, mittens, children's clothing, a shawl and a teddy bear. These basic patterns knit up quickly. Similar patterns, and some of the same patterns, are readily available on the internet.

Don't buy "Knitting for Peace" for the patterns. Buy it for the stories. The stories make the book special.

Review: the knitter's handy book of Patterns

Can't find knitting patterns for the size you need? Love a stitch pattern and want to use it to knit something? the knitter's handy book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges, by Ann Budd, is the book you need. This hardcover book has spiral-bound pages so it opens flat for easy reading.

There are 8 basic patterns with sizes ranging from a small child to a large man. For each size it provides the number of stitches needed for a variety of gauges, allowing you to knit with the yarn, needles and stitch pattern of your choice.

The introduction explains how to use the charts and how to knit and measure a swatch to determine your gauge. I recommend following the suggestion to copy the pattern and highlight the numbers for your size and gauge.

Each pattern includes a schematic diagram with all the important finished measurements for each size. Quick tips provide helpful hints for knitting the pattern and personal touches suggest things like different ribbings or edge treatments to vary the pattern. I especially like the 6 different hat toppers, because I don’t like pompoms.

The book concludes with a discussion of adding stitch and color patterns to the basic garment patterns, modifying the patterns for other gauges and an illustrated glossary of knitting techniques.

The patterns provided are:

• mittens,
• gloves,
• hats,
• tams,
• scarves,
• socks,
• vests with a V-neck, and
• sweaters

The sweater pattern has set-in sleeves and a crew neck. The neck shaping for the vest can be used to create a V-neck sweater. Both the vest and sweater can be made as a pullover or cardigan. For more sweater styles, see the knitter’s handy book of sweater patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges, also by Ann Budd.

To make the patterns in this book, you need basic knitting skills including knitting with double pointed needles and / or sewing seams, depending on which patterns you make. the knitter's handy book of Patterns is a very useful book for anyone who can never find a pattern in the size they need and the yarn they want to use.

Review: The Crochet Answer Book

The Crochet Answer Book, by Edie Eckman, uses a question and answer format to present a lot of information in a compact size. Subtitled "Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask", the book includes many of the crochet questions you are likely to have. A beginning or intermediate crocheter will find much helpful information.

The book is divided into 11 chapters including: hooks and other tools, a good yarn, strong foundations, in stitches, tense about gauge, going in circles, a whole cloth, pattern language, on the edge, the finish line and something different. A resources section in the back of the book gives suggestions on finding other crocheters and crocheting resources and has a few useful, informative websites.

"The Crochet Answer Book" is 4½ by 6½ by 1 inch thick, a nice size to carry with your crochet. If you have no crochet experience, you may want to get or borrow a book or video with basic how-to-crochet instructions. The stitch diagrams and instructions in "The Crochet Answer Book" are as good as those in most pattern books, so if you learn easily from books they may be all you need. Once you've made that first scarf or dishcloth, this book can answer your questions and help you learn the finer points of crochet.

This book has good information on marking stitches, finishing your work, how many increases you need to make a flat circle or square, and more. There is detailed information on reading patterns, covering both abbreviations and stitch diagrams.

There is such a variety of crochet stitches and stitch patterns, it is impossible to give detailed information on all aspects of crochet in a book this size. A few of the answers were disappointing. For example, in discussion Tunisian crochet (afghan stitch), the question: "Can I work stitch patterns in Tunisian crochet?" is asked. The answer: "Absolutely!" plus two high level sentences summarizing some of the things you can do. No specific instructions, illustrations or even a suggestion to get a book on Tunisian crochet. If you're going to present the question "Can I ABC?", the answer should say a bit more than "yes" and give some useful details on how to do ABC.