Book Reviews

In this issue we asked members of a local knitting group to give us their opinions of some of the latest book releases.

Going Straight - A New Generation of Knitted Hats

by Woolly Wormhead

Published in 2007 by Lulu.com

The winner of our 'no knitter should be without this book award' goes to this publication from Woolly Wormhead, who in addition to producing a great book, has also taken on the task of self publishing and done a great job.

Within the pages of the book you will find a collection of modern, wearable hats that are knitted on straight needles only, but without seams. The hats are joined together using various grafting techniques. Now, don't be scared. What is particularly fantastic about this book are the instruction pages on provisional cast on and all the different variations on grafting you might come across making any of the hats in it. Complete with photographic illustrations, Woolly Wormhead provides you with clear and concise instructions on how to do them all. Even without the 24 hat patterns it is such an incredibly useful reference book.

The hats are all multi sized and guidance on how to measure before choosing your size is also given. It would be hard to pick a favourite but after a group vote there are two hats which proved particularly popular amongst everyone were Enroule, pictured far right and Strudel.

An excellent book for patterns, techniques and inspiration.

See our exclusive Ziggy pattern from Woolly Wormhead, and also find out more in our interview.

Knitwear

by Sasha Kagan

Published in 2008 by Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd
ISBN -13 978-1-86108-519-1

This book is a retrospective of Sasha's knitwear designing career, showcasing 22 of her personal favourite knitting works.

The patterns have all been re-knitted in yarns and colourways available to the knitter today, bringing new life to the designs, adding a modern twist to them.

The book is beautifully photographed with a very contemporary feel reflecting today's life styles.

A full technique section is available for those who haven't tried such complicated colour work before and even for those who are more familiar with Sasha's work it provides new inspirations on how these garments can look and be worn today.

Get Your Crochet On! - Fly Tops & Funky Flava

by Afya Ibomu

Published in 2007 by The Taunton Press
ISBN -13 978-1-56158-941-8

Afya's crocheted hats have sold to many famous people in the US, and this is your chance to crochet some of Afya's trademark garments. She has taken inspiration from rock music, 80's hip hop and African crafts. The designs are photographed in vibrant colours and offer something for every skill level.

There are some great technique photos on crochet basics for anyone wanting to get started - UK readers bear in mind that the techniques all feature the US terminology - but there are some really informative pages covering increasing and decreasing, turning corners and how to sew up your crochet.

This book is packed full of the author's personality and even for those in the northern hemisphere who doubt that a completely backless top knitted in wool for the colder months would ever quite do the job, it is an inspiring and informative book and was a firm favourite of the knitting group.

Sensual Crochet
Luxurious Yarns/Alluring Designs

by Amy Swenson

Published in 2008 by sterling/Hollan
ISBN -13 978-1-4027-4919-3

Continuing the crochet theme, this book is in the same series as Sensual Knits, and is a beautifully photographed and produced selection of crochet designs from Amy Swenson, the author of Not your Mama's Crochet. The garments have all been crocheted in beautiful yarns - silk, cashmere, angora - and are mouth wateringly, appealing as a result.

The patterns are well written in both text and chart format, with clear and extremely useful schematics for each design. A book with designs that will stand the test of time.

Show Me How - Knitting

by Susan Levin and Gloria Tracy
(illustrated by Cathi Mingus)

Published in 2007 by Sixth & Spring Books
ISBN -13 978-1-933027-27-2

Reviewed by Charlie Moon, aged 15 & three quarters

As a beginner, and a "young person", knitonthenet asked me to review the new "show me how - knitting" book by Susan Levin and Gloria Tracy. The book comes together with an encouraging knitting storybook and a set of how to knit instructions. Before starting to knit, I read the story, "knitting to the rescue!" The story tells us about a young girl, and also eventually her 'techno-brother', being taught how to knit by their grandmother. I thought the book was charming, and the tale was extremely encouraging! The main characters, being young will really give children and teenagers the confidence to learn how to knit. The illustrations by Cathy Mingus are gorgeous, bright and eye catching, and the language used is simple, yet entertaining for the younger target audience.

Feeling motivated and ready to knit, I took out my children's learning needles, and started reading the instructions. Again, the pictures and language used were really clear and helpful, and the cute little poems to help me remember what to do really worked! After reading the detailed instructions and following the diagrams, I managed to master the slipknot really easily, and after a couple of tries, and a little help from my mum, I'd learnt the E-wrap cast on!

I found the rest of the techniques in the book easy and fun to follow, and my friends and I loved reading the book. I think it's a really enjoyable read for children, and they will also learn a lot!