Books The Divine Drop Stitch: A Collection of 11 Easy Fashion-Forward Drop Stitch Knits
| The Divine Drop Stitch: A Collection of 11 Easy Fashion-Forward Drop Stitch Knits |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
 Title: The Divine Drop Stitch: A Collection of 11 Easy Fashion-Forward Drop Stitch KnitsAuthor: Kara Gott Warner Date Published: Fall 2010 Review Date: October 6, 2010
Who is this book for? If you’ve ever driven the hilly city streets of Pittsburgh, PA, you probably felt like you were driving one of those frightening wooden roller coaster rides named something like “The Beast” or “Cannonball”. I have a theory that anyone raised in Pittsburgh, PA takes naturally to roller coasters. Flatlanders tend to be more cautious by nature; thrill rides are an acquired taste for them. I’m not suggesting that knitters are a cautious lot, but dropping a stitch on purpose is not something most knitters readily cotton to. No, dropping a stitch on purpose is more like careening down a steep drop on one of those demon rides. Kara Gott Warner, however, must have been raised near the knitters’ equivalent of Pittsburgh, PA because she gravitates naturally to the drop stitch technique. In The Divine Drop Stitch, she tells us she found it liberating to drop stitches intentionally, so she sought more ways to use this visually interesting design technique. Her new book presents what she calls a “quirky collection of boutique-quality drop stitch designs that are both brilliantly simple to make and fashion forward”. Divine Drop Stitch includes 14 patterns; all rated easy and all using medium or bulky weight yarns. There are quick-to-knit patterns like the beaded candle cozy, quick skullcap, accent pillow and fingerless gloves. The other patterns aren’t much more complicated, giving you a wide selection of projects for testing out the drop stitch technique. Not quite lace, the drop stitch creates a captivating openwork pattern that will leave non-knitters asking, “How did you do that?”
What Yarn Does it Feature? Using a variety of yarns, Kara Gott Warner demonstrates the varied effects achieved simply by using a painted yarn versus plain, and how super bulky yarns make a really bold statement. Compare the exotic color and texture in the Serendipity Shawl knit in a space dyed wool/acrylic blend to the understated elegance of the Stuyvesant Shrug knit in neutral Alpaca Cotton. Reverse the yarn selections in these projects for stunningly different results.
What's Inside There are two scarves, a table runner, shawl, lap robe and wrap in The Divine Drop Stitch collection. All of these projects are basically rectangles. With the exception of the triangular table runner, these projects and don’t require any shaping. They’re excellent candidates for “portable knitting” projects to take along to interminable public meetings or on the commuter train. The patterns are quite simple to memorize and simple to execute. Start with the super simple Palladium scarf to experiment with this magical technique.
Using It
Two brief pages give you all the information you’ll need to execute the drop stitch technique. Long winded explanations from the author complicated maneuvers are not needed. The timids amongst us might want to hear reassuring tips or tricks from the author. Perhaps the soundest advice is to make sure of your count and double check before releasing that drop stitch – it’s much easier to count twice than to repair an improperly placed dropped stitch. You will be smitten by the feminine Stuyvessant shrug – it is simple, sophisticated and the fashion accessory for just about any occasion. The Union Square Market Bag is another simple, utilitarian and very fashionable accessory. Try the Waldorf Wrap for your next Prayer Shawl – it combines two drop stitch techniques to create waves and ladders. When knit in Noro Iro as depicted in the model, you’ll be rewarded with waves of color and texture.
Best Pattern If you thought dropping a stitch on purpose was thrilling, try knitting a candle cozy! Fire and demon drops – what could be more daring? This quick and simple project brings together lots of challenges and new knitters will learn a lot from it. You will learn to knit in the round on a short circular or double pointed needles, there’s some beading involved, and, of course, the drop stitch. It’s quite stunning in Knit One Crochet Too’ Paint Box shaded yarn highlighted by glass beads. It knits in a jiffy and would make a charming hostess gift. If your candle is not in a votive jar, err on the side of safety by selecting a non-drip variety to avoid the danger of real fire. Recommendation You won’t beat the price on this well documented book: 14 project ideas for only $9.95. Price aside, try out something totally new and rather thrilling by using the drop stitch technique. Who knew knitting could be such a thrill ride? Overall Recommendation The Divine Drop Stitch rates #10.
You can learn more about Kara Gott Warner in the Knitch Magazine interview with her.
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