Do you have (opinions on) these knitting books?

[firecat]

punkmom cleverly suggested that I ask my knitting friends if y'all have any of the books I was ranting about not being able to see online. Here is my current list and if you have opinions on any of these, or if you are local and have a copy that I could look at, please let me know:

Wrap Style: Innovative to Traditional, 24 Inspirational Shawls, Ponchos,

Comments

[karenkay]

I don't know the Vogue Knitting book, but in general, I really like the Barbara Walker books (but I am a huge BW fan). Also, I dislike the neologism "Stitchionary".

I looked at "Wrap Style" over a year ago and didn't buy it because I couldn't see me wearing anything in it. The patterns, however, were interesting.

As for the books on your wishlist, the Arctic lace book is interesting to look at, but there was nothing compelling in it.

Ann Budd's book has been well reviewed on the knitting community.

Nicky Epstein's books are good--they are well reviewed by Really Good Knitters I know. I don't own any because they are relatively expensive per page. I may get over that.

[firecat]

Thanks!

[submarine_bells]

I've got the Vogue Stitchionary Vol 1 (knit and purl). I really really like it. It's nothing like a complete list of stitches - it doesn't include some basics like feather-and-fan. But to be honest, those basics I can find anywhere. What it does have is very clear, detailed photos of a heap of stitches, all done in the same yarn for clear and easy comparison, and the patterns (written out, not charted) for knitting each stitch. And most of the stitches it includes are really interesting. If you're after a book that is a reasonably complete description of stitches you're likely to use, it's probably not the first choice. But if, like me, you're after a book you can browse through when you're thinking "I need a stitch that looks kinda like this for this bit of a pattern I'm making up", it's ideal!

I heartily recommend it, based on the first volume.

[firecat]

Thanks!

[tedesson]

Aran knitting, Alice Starmore is a classic, and extremely expensive to buy.

I don't know about the other ones.

[firecat]

Wow, so it is. I hope the library really has it!

[sevoo]

I think I've mentioned in my journal that the patterns in the Yarn Stash Workbook are mostly very ... square. I find this something of a drawback; I get bored fairly quickly with garter stitch rectangles. That said, the concepts were inspiring (as you can probably tell, given how often I mention it!).

[firecat]

Thanks! Do you like any other "stash busting" or "one-skein" type books more?

[sevoo]

'fraid not.

I have One Skein but I was frustrated with how rarely the yarn I actually had fit any of the projects. I don't really need the general ideas -- I have enough of an idea that things like hats, scarves, gloves, and purses take less yarn than sweaters. :)

Books that claim to be quick knits sometimes help with stash-busting, because sometimes "fast" and "doesn't require 8 skeins of yarn" coincide. I liked Last Minute Knitted Gifts but again, heavy on the scarves and hats and gloves. (I liked the stuffed animals, except I'm stuck on "I can't get the arms to seam right!".)

[firecat]

Thanks!

I have to try another stuffed animal now that I have learned mattress stitch. The first one ended up as a cat toy because the seams are so messed up. The second one worked better but that's 'cos I felted it.

[aquaeri]

If you're interested in cables and knotwork, you should add Elsebeth Lavold's book to your "check out" list. I don't know if the sweater styles would be to your taste (I think some of them are stunning, some of them are WTF), and they don't go up to your size if I understand correctly. But the knotwork patterns themselves are lovely and might make the book worthwhile for you.

(I have the Swedish version).

[firecat]

Thank you! I'm primarily interested in the patterns.