My First Knitting Book

I was pondering my growing collection of knitting books today and I found an old friend: my first ever knitting book. Armed with little knowledge but an urge to make something truly spectacular I'd hunted down a yarn shop and spent an hour choosing THE BOOK. This book was going to change my life. I would knit garments and wonderful things that would make people turn in the street and exclaim that they were the best hand knitted pieces that they had ever seen. I had plans. 

However, 3 or more years on I have yet to touch this book. There's no reason why not, I just lost my bottle, then lost the desire to knit the patterns I'd so wanted to indulge in. The book is called 'Knit So Fine: Designs for Skinny Yarns' and is co produced by Lisa R Myers, Laura Grutzeck and Carol Sulcoski. I wanted to share my thoughts on this book as I'm debating setting it free into the knitterverse for someone else who might love it and use it more than I ever did. 

The ladies define skinny yarn as anything lighter than a worsted weight and there's a compelling section at the front demonstrating what a better and more flattering fit you get with these yarns. I still agree, but these days my RSI isn't relishing the idea of a long sleeved pullover in laceweight despite how elegant and feminine I would hope to look. 

Image (C) Carol Sulcoski

The highlights of the book for me were found in the 'Shine Segment' where trickier techniques and interesting construction sat. I loved this Bohus Inspired Pullover by Carol Sulcoski and think the clever way the colours are changed to create a gradient at the yoke is brilliant. Like many of the designs there's also cute details at the cuff to add interest in both the knitting and the final piece. A big thumbs up for me. 

Image (c) CanelaSweet

Then there's these beauties: Travelling Stitch Legwarmers by Lisa R Meyer that make my brain explode. They're so delicate and intricate and so utterly ambitious. If I wasn't in so much pain, I would take that challenge I'm telling you. 

The book includes both written and charted instructions although the charts are small but I always photocopy mine anyway. The photography is stylish and helpful and I found the notes before each pattern really informative. It's a shame it just never came to fruition.