Ohhhh...I've got so many fun books on the go at the moment that I couldn't resist putting them all in one post for you all! I love this time of year for publishing! It's like xmas for my bookshelf!!!
Here's some of my faves that I've been reading and enjoying the last little while! Have you picked up any of these titles yet? Are any on your wishlist? Read below and then share your thoughts in the comments!
// NEW LACE KNITTING: Designs for Wide Open Spaces by Rosemary (Romi) Hill
I'm a big fan of Romi Hill's and was so excited and happy for the release of her new book New Lace Knitting: Designs for Wide Open Spaces (Interweave/F+W; $24.99) I had the pleasure of meeting Romi this past spring and I have to say she just glows with a lovely, happy spirit that is as contagious as her beautiful designs are! And I'm happy to say the book is just as lovely!
New Lace Knitting "...will reawaken your love of traditional lace knitting by using classic stitch patterns in fresh ways - whether you're creating shawls, cardigans, pullovers, or wraps."
New Lace Knitting is a fresh, modern take on classic lace knitting! The book features 19 accessory and garment designs ranging from cardigans, pullovers, cowls, shawls and hats! I particularly loved Romi's introduction in the book! She talks a bit about her love of lace knitting and then covers the following points:
- Rule 1: Always Swatch & Dress (Wash and Pin Out) Your Swatch
- Rule 2: Invest in Good Materials
- Rule 3: Cast on & Bind Off More Loosely Than You Think You Should
- Rule 4: Knit Loosely
- Rule 5: Use Some Means to Keep Track of Repeats (It's Not Cheating)
- Rule 6: Learn to Read a Chart
- Rule 7: Learn to Read Your Knitting
- Rule 8: If You're Frustrated, Your Lace Needs a Time Out
- Rule 9: It Will Block Out
- Rule 10: Weave in the Loose Ends After Blocking
New Lace Knitting also features lovely and bright, clear photography. The patterns are well written and easy to follow and have charts and written instructions. I love how some of Romi's patterns in the book feature the stitch pattern throughout the whole project and others use it sparingly. She shows readers the versatility of lace and "how stitch patterns change in different weights of yarn". And true to Romi's style her patterns showcase how little details can "make a lace project truly elegant, whether it is for every day for a special occasion".
I think knitters of all generations and skill level would enjoy this lovely collection of lace patterns!
// CUSTOM SOCKS: Knit to Fit Your Feet by Kate Atherley
Sock knitting is fun. Plain and simple. I was a scaredy cat and even though I've bene knitting since a little girl I had never started sock knitting until a few years ago. Boy was I missing out! Now I find them enjoyable and great relaxation projects! Since I started learning how to knit socks I've slowly been building up my sock knitting library. And I have to say I was super thrilled to see Custom Socks: Knit to Fit Your Feet by Kate Atherley come out!
"In Custom Socks, Kate Atherley sets out to teach knitters of all levels the skills and tools they need to understand sock fit and to knit a pair of socks that fit properly."
This books is filled with a huge amount of wisdom, technique, inspiration, great patterns and more! If you're a sock knitter I really think this is one book that will be much loved. Custom Socks features chapters on...
- Chapter 1: On Sock Sizing
- Chapter 2: On Yarn, Needles, and Gauge
- Chapter 3: On the Basic Patterns
- Chapter 4: On Adding Stitch Patterns
- Chapter 5: On Adjustments for Non-Average Feet
And each chapter includes sub-topics and TONS of helpful information! I think my favourite part of the book is the section on Adjustments for Non-Average Feet. Kate covers things like leg circumference adjustments, foot circumference adjustments, gusset circumference adjustments and foot & toe length adjustments and more! On top of all that are 15+ patterns to make your own socks plus basic top-down and toe-up sock patterns! Can I just say awesome! Love it!
Custom Socks would be great for any knitter who loves to knit or is looking to knit socks. Kate's written a book that is designed to allow the knitter to learn how to make a stylish and great fitting sock without overwhelming or intimidating them! She breaks it all down in an approachable yet educational manner. A great gift for any sock knitter this holiday season!
// THE FARMER'S WIFE 1930's SAMPLER QUILT by Laurie Aaron Hird
In my wildest dreams I would be able to sit down and enjoyably sew this entire book. Following up to The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt: Letters from 1920's Farm Wives and the 111 Blocks They Inspired, Laurie Aaron Hird is back with a brand new title - The Farmer's Wife 1930's Sampler Quilt! The new title features 99 quilt blocks and an excerpt from a farmer's wife letter for each of the blocks!
"Nostalgic and beautiful, these blocks give you a unique glimpse into our country's history - and, in the quilt's themselves, a tangible way to bring sisterhood into your home."
Laurie provides instructions for each block and also includes an illustrated cutting list with numbers identifying the templates for making 6" x 6" finished blocks (or 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" unfinished). Also included with the book is a CD with easy to print, full-sized templates for all 99 blocks in the book. The CD provides rotary cutting measurements for the template pieces, diagrams, paper-piecing templates/instructions for the blocks and assembly diagrams for quilts in sizes lap, twin, queen and knit.
I can easily see both traditional and modern quilters enjoying The Farmer's Wife 1930's Sampler Quilt!
What have you been reading that's non-fiction? What books are on your bedside table this month? Coffee's on and I'd love to hear what you're reading!