Thursday 31 January 2013

Book ~ A Stitch in Time: Heirloom Knitting Skills (2013) Rita Taylor

From Goodreads ~ Knitting expert Rita Taylor gives you clear, easy-to-follow instructions for making 150 easy-to-follow heirloom stitch patterns that today's dedicated knitters are rediscovering and including in their repertories. 

Many of these classic stitches date back more than a century but because of their beauty and usefulness, they remain favorites among knitting enthusiasts. This book presents an extended gallery of heirloom patterns, showing swatches in color illustrations accompanied by directions for knitting them. 

You'll find textured stitch patterns, twist stitch patterns, raised stitch patterns, cable stitch patterns, lace stitch patterns, and colorwork patterns. Within each heirloom stitch pattern category, Rita Taylor gives you complete directions for completing several rewarding projects. Among them are
  • A basket-weave blanket
  • A lace-ladder-and-twist scarf
  • Herringbone socks
  • A cozy cable sweater
  • Norwegian-style mittens 

A Stitch in Time takes many of the best and most popular traditional knitting projects and gives them a distinctly modern touch. The text is enhanced with more than 350 brilliant color photos, illustrations, and diagrams in color and black and white.

I've been knitting for over thirty years ... I've made many sweaters, mittens, slippers and dishcloths in my day.

This is a fabulous book for any knitter!  Regardless of whether you are a beginner or experienced, it provides ideas and inspiration in a colourful way.

The sections are:
  • Textured stitches
  • Twisted stitches
  • Raised stitches
  • Cable stitches
  • Lace stitches
  • Colourwork

Each section starts with a history of techniques along with old old pictures from back in the day.  Did you know that before the 17th century, all knitting was done in the round and that the purl stitch came into use early in that century?

There are instructions and pictures of how do to different stitches with cool names like Eriksay Hearts, Married Fishermen, Robin Hood's Bay and Cat's Face Rib.  Along with the stitches are projects like mittens, blankets, hats, socks, sweaters, etc. that incorporate these stitches.  In the back of the book are step-by-step pictures of how to knit, purl, increase, decrease and sewing up.

I received a copy of this book at no charge in exchange for my honest review. 

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