| Vogue Knitting Knitopedia The Ultimate A to Z for Knitters |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
 Title: Vogue Knitting Knitopedia The Ultimate A to Z for Knitters
Author: Carla Scott, Executive Editor Date Published: March 2001 Review Date: April 5, 2011
Who is this book for? Wikipedia may not have an entry on Bohus kitting, but Knitopedia does. Vogue Knitting’s new reference book is a comprehensive resource for knitters who want to absorb all they can about this fascinating subject. Knitting terms are listed alphabetically covering every topic imaginable from the arcane to the esoteric, practical and zany. Gorgeous photos sprinkled across the pages add zest to the concise entries. Marvel at the exquisite antique christening gown accompanying the entry on knitted lace or study the many forms of heel options for socks. Vogue’s superlative drawn illustrations demonstrate knitting techniques from casting on to casting off. Other entries give brief biographical sketches of designers and authors who have stoked our passion for knitting. As expected, there is a lengthy entry for Elizabeth Zimmermann, “the single most influential knitter of the twentieth century.” The story of Elizabeth’s daughter, Meg Swansen, describes how she continued the family business to include publishing and is now handing the reins over to her son, Cully. Lesser known personalities are included, too. Imagine the career of Carla Scott. Besides acting as executive editor on this book, she’s the longest serving staff member of Vogue Knitting. She’s held a remarkable behind-the-scenes view of knitting trends and shares that knowledge in this comprehensive collection of knitting lore. Knitopedia is an enthralling new book sure to keep readers occupied. It may even lead to trivia challenges at knit-outs or a new Jeopardy! category devoted to knitting. Imagine the questions like, “Slang term for unraveling or ripping our knitting.” Answer: “What is frogging?”
What Yarn Does it Feature? Yarn in all its marvelous incarnations is prominently featured throughout this book. Any and all questions about yarn are answered. There are mouthwatering photos of yarn, discussions of yarn types, an entry on how to read a yarn label, explanation of the standard yarn weight system, helpful hints on yarn substitution, and discussions of every fiber imaginable used in spinning yarn. The section on yarn companies and brands reveals the history of many distributors who provide knitters with beautiful yarns. Tucked in between the chapters are short essays written by luminaries in the knitting world like Alice Starmore, Debbie Bliss, and Norah Gaughan, to name just a few. Each reads like a personal letter. Mari Lynn Patrick’s notes “On Design” offer for insight into the design process. She encourages knitters to gain even more satisfaction by designing their own project. Brandon Mably’s essay on the power of color urges knitters to experiment with color.
What's Inside Just like an encyclopedia, Knitopedia entries are listed alphabetically. For readers who want to bone up on an entire topic, in index of categories provides a quick reference for all entries. Topics, including those already mentioned include companies/brands, embroidery stitches, knitting events and festivals, fibers and yarn, garments, knitting terms, magazines and journals, museums, online resources, people, stitches and pattern-work, techniques, tools and notions, traditions and movements. Many entries are cross-referenced to other topics for greater depth and explanation.
Using It Knitopedia is a little bit of many things. It is filled with facts and trivia but fun read and it is a comprehensive resource on technique, terms and stitches. It is the ultimate reference book/coffee table book for all topics related to knitting. Invite your family and friends to page through it to get a sense of why knitting engrosses you. It is a thoroughly documented book on knitting technique, too. Beginners to experts will find it a handy reference guide. Nearly any knitting question is answered here with detailed illustrations or drawings.
Even if you think you know all you want or need to know about knitting, Knitopedia proves there is always something to learn. If you enjoy knitting history and knitting traditions, you’ll find the descriptions and historic photos of knitting traditions and movements entrancing. Elsa Schiaparelli’s Bow Knot sweater or the traditional Norwegian “lice” patterned sweater may lure you into a love affair with color pattern knitting. You may become infatuated with the drop spindle after studying the serene Andean woman spinning with baby on her back. You may be inspired to plan a trip to London’s Victoria & Albert Museum to see the world-renowned collection of decorative arts including the amazing lace shawl knit by a blind person incorporating 27 lines from the Book of Common Prayer knit in purl stitch! Connect with other knitters through any of the online resources or organizations listed in the book. The listings link knitters who may have limited local contacts to others who share their passion. Learn about Yarndex, an invaluable resource for finding and substituting yarns. Take a lesson from the Mason-Dixon knitters who widened each other’s knitting world after meeting virtually.
Recommendation If you love knitting and can’t get enough it, this is the book for you. Every knitter will find loads of useful information on terms, stitches, technique, knitting events and organizations. Overall Recommendation This book rates #9. The only question left unanswered, “Is there an app for that?”
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