Knitch Magazine

Author: Editors of Knit Simple Magazine

Date Published: 2011

Review Date: August 9, 2011

Who is this book for?

It’s hard to believe, but Knit Simple magazine has been published for five years now. This popular knitting magazine is a favorite among new knitters for its fresh and creative project ideas that illustrate and teach knitting techniques. Editors of Knit Simple are marking the first five years with Knitting Workshops, a retrospective look at the magazine’s first five years. They compiled 80 easy projects in one handy volume that covers everything from how-to’s to adding zippers. Chapters on crochet and felting make for a comprehensive survey of the fiber landscape. Like other publications from Sixth & Spring Books, it is rich in color, detail and style. The projects may be simple, but there’s no mistaking the characteristic Vogue flair that comes from sound technique, fine materials and confident use of color. Designed to appeal to a new generation of knitters, Knitting Workshops can also be downloaded to an iPad using the Vogue Knitting Magazine and Book App. Using trendy projects and the newest technology, Knitting Workshops introduces an ancient craft to young knitters.

What Yarn Does it Feature?

Over 80 projects from the Knit Simple archives were selected to highlight specific techniques all knitters need. This is not a collection of super easy beginner projects that can be completed in one or two hours. Although most projects are rated either for beginners or easy, many more require the acquisition of more skills and are rated intermediate. The goal of the book is to build skills through challenging projects that require more intricate stitches, shaping and finishing. From basic increasing and decreasing to more complicated stitches and detailing, the projects were selected to expand skills by knitting uncomplicated and appealing projects. There are designs for women, men, children and the home are included, and knitters of any age or experience level will enjoy knitting them. Each project is skill rated and introduced by a short description of the learning objective.

Using It

Knitting is revealed to beginners using a familiar outline starting with and introduction to the tools and supplies knitters use, then moving on to the argot of knitting and basic skills of cast on, knit and purl. Along the way, new knitters are enticed by “cool tools” like Kritter Cases, colorful animal-shaped zippered cases for stowing notions like stitch markers and cable needles. Each page is filled with the tools and materials that fill a knitter’s world. Needles, yarn and gadgets are displayed to show beginners how to use the tools and the pleasures of using fine materials.

Best Pattern (or Best Advice)

Tucked discreetly into the back few pages is a remarkable collection of inspirational reminiscences from notable designers. Discussing “What My Mother Taught Me” these fabled knitters/designers reveal how their mothers and grandmothers inspired them. Their stories will undoubtedly inspire other knitters. Pat Harte recalls “The most important lesson my mother taught me is that patience and practice always pay off. She encouraged me to persevere even when my knitting began with twenty stitches and ended with five.” Susan B. Anderson reflects on her mother’s lessons to pay attention to little details: “She passed on to me a deep sense of pride in my own handmade creations. Being proud of what you do or make will take you far in life.” Knitting Workshops is filled with tips and suggestions on how to knit well. All the knitter need add is perseverance and pride.

Recommendation

The appealing projects are designed to encourage beginners to expand their skill set beyond the basics. As beginners learn to knit near-perfect hats, mittens, socks, and sweaters, they build a broad foundation of technique. Moreover, they learn the art of discovery and self-teaching that is at the heart of the modern knitting movement.

Overall Recommendation

Knitting Workshops demystifies knitting technique, encouraging beginning knitters to learn new skills as they explore the wonders of knitting. It rates #9. Encourage a beginning knitter with the gift of this book; better yet add the gift of your knowledge and experience by working along with that knitter on a few of the projects in Knitting Workshops.