knit n bitch

Books, Books and More Books!

Whilst in the UK (Liberty's to be precise) I picked up a few little books that I would like to share with you.

Fuelling my slightly worrying obsession with knitted food (get over it Eaton!!) is the Rachael Matthews book, Knitorama.  It's incredibly kitsch and I love it I do!  Download a free .pdf pattern for Ham Sandwiches or Bakewell Tarts from the website.  I am particularly fond of the cake, bakewell tarts and the crocheted pint of Guiness (although that could be the sexy fella that is modelling said pint glass!?)....ah yes, she does indeed have a wee problem!

Book #2 is Handknit Holidays, by Melanie Falick.  I always find that you can't go wrong with books edited by Ms Falick.  This one even has it's own knitalong blogspot!  My only gripe is the nightmare I had with the Kidsilk Haze spiral scarf, but don't get me started on that one, Miss Nicole would never forgive you (she's heard the whinging tooooo many times!).  I think the Nutcraker Slippers will be my next project from this book.

 

Last, but not least, is the new crochet book from Erika Knight, called Essential Crochet, which is nice (oooo what a crappy word) but not as inspiring as her original Simple Crochet.  I'm not really a crocheter (been promising to get better for aggggesss) but I do like owning nice crochet books in the vain hope that one day I shall tackle my fear of hooks!  Maybe the bears and bunnies would be a good place to start?

Japanese Books

Miss Nicole is my best buddy, but she also has A LOT to answer for.  Example?  She has got me a tad hooked on these Japanese craft books!  I bought two felt books, and a book for LARGE soft toys (as opposed to the teeny tiny ones) from one ebay seller.  Then I bought denim bag book and a GORGEOUS book for making toys from socks and gloves, all from another ebay seller.  PLUS (yes there's more!) I got two cuddly toy books from I have already spotted several millions on Amazon Japan that I am salivating over!

     

Knitted Babes & Embroidered Treasures

Well, I am not by nature a sewer (although I can), but this little gem by Claire Garland, of Dot Pebbles fame has fired me up to get out my needle and thread!  Emroidered Treasures is yummy yummy yummy.  I wannado the whale, pirate finger puppets, vintage ladies, lion & monkey and the soft slippers:-

        

I also got Knitted Babes which The Wool Shack will soon have in stock!!  I don't really need to tell you how fabulous this book is, coz I bought a Pinky kit from the UK and am IN LOVE with them.  The book helps you to dress these babes in the manner to which they have become accustomed!

My advice to you is......go out and buy them (or wait till the Wool Shack have copies at least!!)

Cute Animals!

Knitting for Kids, by Lucinda Guy just landed, and although I am not overly impressed with the kids clothing, I nearly wet my pants over the cute-as-cute-can-be toy animals that she designed.  Will be stopping absolutely ALL other knitting to rattle out a few of these.  You want to knit them too, don't you??!!!

         

Books, Books and More Books....

New arrivals landed on my doorstep from Amazon, and I would like to give them a mini-review!

• + cute cards with kids sweater, hat, poncho and wrap patterns on
• + cute box
• - forgot that there aren't that many of my friends who have small people and would appreciate the patterns
• + nice idea though!!

• + pattern on the cover is quite nice
• + separated into colour schemes, which I have never seen before
• - same old, same old and nothing that really inspires
• - disappointing after 'vintage knits'

• + pleasantly surprised with this one
• + 20 ponchos to choose from, so suits all tastes
• + nice size book....great for knitting basket
• + summer and winter styles

• mmmmm not quite sure why I went for this one
• + interesting look at different designers
• + great profiles
• - a little old fashioned

• + cute and compact
• + funny (or should I say 'witty')
• + must remember to use some of the sayings at The Wool Shack

knitting - Anne Bartlett

This book was brought to my attention by Miss Nicole, and then I saw it in my local book store and HAD to have it, despite it being a fictional novel and an unknown quantity.  I'm up to page 12 of Knitting and already enjoying it.  It's an Australian author, and I'll give you my rating out of 10 when I finish it!