New Knitting Books at the Library

We have a couple of new books at the library - one for knitters and one for loom knitters.



Knitting Know-How: Techniques, Lessons and Projects for Every Knitter's Library by Dorothy T. Ratigan and Judith Durant explains the basics about knitting. It includes tools, materials, reading patterns and charts, stiches, shaping, edging, decorative knitting and special stitches, and how to make garments.



Loom Knitting for Babies and Toddlers: 30 Easy No-Needle Designs by Isela Phelps contains some perfectly wonderful projects. You would swear they were knitted on needles by the look of them. Isela Phelps is one of the go-to authors for loom knitting.

And here's an extra book for you crafters just for fun.



Return of the Stupid Sock Creatures: Evolutions, Mutations, and Other Creations by John Murphy explains the basics of creating creatures out of socks and gives 19 wild and wonderful projects including a push-me-pull-you/cat-dog kind of creature. If you feel like taking a short break from your yarn projects, this might be just the book for you.

Happy crafting,

Kathi

Something a Little Different

I'm poking around for some knit and crochet ideas that are a little different.

Lion Brand Yarn has a pretty Tunisian crochet afghan that can be done with a regular crochet hook since you only hold a few stitches on the hook at a time. Here's the link to the pattern: http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20319.html



I think it looks bright, cheerful, and warm. It would be wonderful if I aimed towards doing one for next fall.

On the other end of the scale, here's a light, out-on-the-town crocheted shawl. (A little more advanced skill might be required for this one.)

   

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L32001.html


This looks like an airy crocheted summer top. http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20500.html




This is called a knit pattern. It's a pom-pom pillow, all soft and nice.



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L0082B.html

Maybe you would like to try making a purse?



One for crocheters - http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20627.html?noImages=



One for knitters - http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/60399B.html?noImages=



One for loom knitters - http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20267.html?noImages=

And a spare for the knitters. This was just too interesting to pass up.



http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20288.html?noImages=

Whatever you pick,

Happy crafting,

Kathi

End of the Season

'Tis the time of year when MY thoughts run to gardening. My seeds are ordered and yarn is beginning to take a lower priority.
But there are a couple of projects still in the works.

I'm working on a couple of spool knitting projects to show at the program we're giving this summer. If all goes according to plan, it will be given on June 25th. So far, I've spool knit and braided a scarf and a small baby doll. Next will be a pair of slippers and a shawl. I'm going to experiment with different stitches to see how they come out.

Loom knitting is a good break for your hands and arms if you have carpal tunnel or your joints are giving you fits from the weight of the yarn on your knitting needles or the motion of crocheting.

In the meantime, if spool or loom knitting appeals to you, you might check out:
Loom Knitting Pattern Book by Isela Phelps
Loom Knitting Primer by Isela Phelps
Learn to Knit Cables on Looms by Isela Phelps
Learn to Knit on Long Looms by Anne Bipes
Corking by Judy Ann Sadler

You might also try going to http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/ and put "loom knitting" in the search box.

Happy crafting

Kathi Linz