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The teapot cozy with salsa was inspired by my friend
Lindsay, who hosts a welcoming knitting salon, with comfy chairs, multiple teas and homebaked goodies. She regales us with
her wonderful wit as she recounts her knitting adventures. Lindsay informs me that I blocked a little too much of the "Carmen
Miranda" out of the sample before the photo was taken, but she has since livened up the ruffles.
The
Elegant Knitter offers finishing details that make their own statement, ranging from a dramatic shibori-felted
scarf to a stunning evening clutch in a ribbon yarn. The shibori scarf, shown in a soft turquoise on the cover, with "resists"
that escaped the felting process, is spectacularly easy. The small scale of many of the projects, including
flip-top mittens, means you'll never have an excuse for leaving your knitting at home.
This book is a natural as a year-round gift-giving guide, starting with a warm headband
that can be ready in a matter of a few hours. In addition to felting,scarves turn to lace, cables, and modular knitting,
and a two-color brioche rib for their effect, and there are warmers for legs and for hands of all sizes. Nor do we leave out
the barking members of the family. I've had fun knitting out of this book for friends, family and myself.
I recently finished a raspberry version of the
modular scarf pictured on the cover, above, in a soft melon color. Worked on 12 to 17 stitches, depending on the pattern
row, this is a perfect take-along project. My
rasberry scarf lived in my handbag, waiting for those moments when I was out and about and could add a few stitches here and
there. Because gauge is not important, virtually any yarn, or a combination of yarns; will work with this pattern. Look
through your yarn stash and select two or three compatible colors and textures. Try a few pattern repeats in one yarn and
weave in a new color as you finish with the first one.
If you're no stranger to knitting in the round, gloves need not be an ordeal. The key is a set of lighweight, short double-pointed needles
that obey your orders. I wore the flip-top mitten with half-fingers all winter long. The mitten top grows out of
stitches picked up from the back of the hand after the half-glove is complete. Added to these are additional stitches
cast on for the palm.
Start to Knit
takes you from casting on to binding off in a clearly-written guide liberally
sprinkled with many of the tips and tricks that come from experience. The introduction presents basic tools and techniques
- including ways to hold needles and yarn to get evenly-formed stitches - and discusses materials and other topics, like how
to get the proper fit. Once you have learned to knit and purl, try out the mini-stitch dictionary.
You'll also learn the importance of finishing details, beginning with a handy in-and-out "invisible" seam. Enjoy
making hats, scarves, a handsome cabled sweater, a timeless cardigan, and more
There's
a simple but elegant cardigan that can go virtually everywhere. It has become a three season workhorse in my wardrobe.
The deep v-neck with a rolled edge and the long line of the ribbing flatter any figure type. Readers say they love this
sweater. The
soft rolled collar is worked as an extension to each side of the front and joined in the back. There are no separate
button bands to wrestle with and the easy directions for the single buttonhole.
The kimono-style baby wrap is knit
all in one piece looks great in a solid color or in self-striping or striated yarn in a dk weight. It is an eminently practical
garment for the wee ones – and for mothers as well, since it’s much easier to wrap baby than to wrestle with buttons. Knotted
ties make interesting details. And the sleeves roll up or down, making impromptu hand warmers on a cool day.
There's
an earflap hat that the outdoor guys will love, as long as its done in the right color. It's thick and virtually
wind-proof; good headgear for cross-country skiing or any other winter expedition. (Alex, left, is angling for one.) The
hat is knit in the round, with care to eliminate the holes that sometime occur where the eaerflaps join the brim in patterns
of this type. Moreover, there are directions for a achieving a "jogless" stripe.
© Copyright 2007-2008 Gina Macris
All Rights Reserved
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