Friday, August 24, 2007

Expanding my Craft Book Collection


I was feeling a little down so I thought... what would perk me up? I went shopping for books so I could get ideas for knit/crochet projects. (I'm such a nerd.)



Since I'm learning to crochet, I bought this beginner book, Getting Started Crochet. It has this great pattern for crocheting hats that I'm going to try as soon as I finish the Twist & Shout socks(Oh by the way I'm not liking how the short row heel looks on the sock. I've already ripped it out twice. I'm going to try it one more time. If I don't like it, I'm going to do a heel flap.) I bought the Knitting Loves Crochet book because the Shaped Cardigan with Shell Sleeves pattern. I don't know how to knit cardigans but I want learn so I can do that pattern. Learning to knit cardigans is on my to do list. There's also a cute baby washcloth that has crochet edging, pillow covers and placemats and napkin rings that I like.



I added Favorite Socks to my sock book collection. (I want to add Ann Budd's Getting Started Knitting Socks so I can read her tips on sock knitting.) The patterns that stand out and make me want to knit them:
1. Retro Rib Socks for my uncle
2. Embossed Leaves Socks for my friend, N- they're pretty like her
3. Mock Wave Cable Socks for myself
4. Cable Rib Socks for myself
5. Diagonal Cross Rib Socks for my Dad
6. Undulating Rib Socks for my Dad - I've decided that for the next few Father's Days I'll knit my Dad a pair of socks.
7. Go With the Flow Socks for my friend, S - they fit her personality
8. Waving Lace Socks for my cousin, T - they're pretty like her

The only criticism that I (and others) have for the Favorite Socks book is the note, " To make the socks larger or smaller, use needles one or two sizes larger or smaller and lengthen or shorten the foot as necessary." To make a knit a sock smaller or larger using that note will only work if you're adjusting the size a little bit. Charlene Schurch's books have taught me to look at the stitch pattern and make adjustments based foot measurements and yarn gauge.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

So sorry you don't like the short row heel - I love them. Can't stand the slip stitch heel, it's just something about picking the stitches back up that drives me buggy. Now I want to go get new books! ;)