Review: Knit to Be Square

Back in high school, I had a geometry teacher who, as an assignment, made us all build 3-dimensional models out of little pieces of cardstock cut into spheres … like a geodesic dome. As much as I hated struggling with the glue and paper, the concept of the construction intrigued me.

Who knew you could do the same kind of thing with yarn?

Report Card

It’s time for Knitting Scholar’s report card … come tell me how I’m doing in the new poll!

Year End Already?

Is it really the end of the year, already?

It’s hard to believe it went so fast!
Let’s review what we’ve accomplished since this blog launched in August, shall we?

Review: Never Not Knitting!

If you’re looking for a 365-page calendar of knitting stitches and patterns, this is not the one you want. But if you want one with clever quips and entertaining observations, you’ll enjoy this one.

Review: Knitted Lace of Estonia

How can you not love a book like this? It’s got everything. History. Beautiful patterns. Great stitches. Lovely pictures. Good writing.

But, you probably want details.

Review: Elements of Style

Did you see those stunning Bijouterie earrings in the latest issue of Knitty? Weren’t they gorgeous?

Now, picture an entire book filled with equally beautiful knitted jewelry, all from the same, talented mind.

Yes. Exactly. Beautiful stuff. Do I need to say more?

Oh, really? Seriously? You want more?

Okay. This book is all about jewelry–knitted and crocheted jewelry. And almost without exception, I love just about everything in here. (And the couple of patterns I don’t love, I still like.) There’s nothing in here that’s ugly or ill-thought out. Nothing bulky or trite. It’s creative, and lovely.

Review: Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn

There are two things I really need to tell you about this book.

The first is that the explanation of the different kinds of hand-dyeing, and how to deal with them when knitting with them is, all by itself, worth the book. The second is that there are some lovely patterns in here.

Review: Sweater 101

When you can’t find what you need, you make it yourself, right? As knitters, we all understand that impulse–a chance to get exactly what we want in the color, size, shape, fiber that we want. Sometimes, you just have to do it yourself.

Well, that’s more or less what happened to Cheryl Brunette.

New and Upcoming Books, December 2008

It seems like a good time to look back at some (just some!) of the great books that have come out this year, but also to look ahead at some of the ones that are coming!

Just Realized

I just realized I haven’t posted a new book review since last week. Eep! And I’ve got four sitting next to me right this second, waiting for reviews. There is no excuse!