Design your own hand knits. Start with one of the 12 basic patterns, choose almost any yarn and a stich pattern from the 85 in the stitch dictionary and you're on your way to your own unique knitted piece. Use any yarn that works to a given gauge and raid your stash!
* Machine Knitting Monthly *
I received a copy of the book Switch & Knit Stitch Directory from Search Press a few weeks ago and have spent quite a bit of time looking through it. The book, written by knitwear designer Tabetha Hedrick, contains 12 basic pattern recipes for: a cowl-neck pullover, simple scarf, sleeveless tunic, cuff-down socks, two-button cardigan, two-stitch stole, basic toque, fingerless mitts, toe-up socks, easy tee, drapey cowl and a crescent shawlette. Sounds amazing doesn't it? The patterns are all written out, with easy to refer to tables, for a variety of gauges from 3 to 8 stitches per inch. So, it means that you can use up yarn in your stash, provided that you have knitted a swatch first to check your gauge. As well as this, there are more than 80 different four-stitch multiple patterns to choose from, so you can create your very own unique garments using a combination of the pattern recipe and your favourite stitches.
The first chapter takes you through the steps involved. 'Step One - Pick the Perfect Yarn' talks about the way different yarns behave when knitted which might guide your choices for example if you were wanting to knit a garment with lots of drape.
'Step Two - Above all else, SWATCH' is probably the most important step. I'm guilty of not swatching for some things - socks, hats, scarfs, and shawls, but have learnt through bitter experience that it really is vital to swatch for things like jumpers and cardigans. I've carried on knitting jumpers that could have doubled as a marquee, despite that little voice telling me that I should stop and reknit in a smaller size. The guidance on swatching is really excellent and definitely worth following.
'Step Three - Choose a Recipe' takes you through the things to consider when picking what pattern to knit. Finally, 'Step Four - Select a Stitch' gives you more than 80 different stitch patterns to choose from including knit and purl patterns, lace stitches, cables, and texture. They are written for both knitting flat and, in the round, which is incredibly helpful. I think that the author has thought about everything!
I think that this is a really fabulous book and would be perfect for any knitter from a confident beginner to someone wanting to dip their toes into designing, but needing the support of a tried and tested pattern recipe.
-- Helen Kurtz * theknittingexploitsofjosiekitten.blogspot.com *
This is a really useful book for those wishing to extend their knitting skills and wanting to do some design work using their favourite yarn. I like the quirky fact that patterns are called recipes as I had never thought of them in that way but it makes perfect sense. There are a wealth of ideas for different stitch patterns such as lace, cables, ribs and textured designs and the instructions for them are done with charts as well as being written out so will
suit everyone.
At the end of the book there is a section on techniques which has well illustrated step-by-step instructions to guide you through each stage and support you with mastering a skill you may not have. I would happily add this book to my knitters reference section.
-- Monica Russel * theknitknacks.co.uk *
