Again, blocking did its magic. The wrap is done and it turned out to be just the way I wanted it to be. Makes me happy – can you tell?
Even more important, I am ready to move on to the next level, that is to say: move on to a more complicated pattern (once I have finished all else …). Looks like the „lace bug“ finally bit me!
Very soon, I get to go to Illinois. Too late for the YarnCon 2014 but still: a good week southwest of Chicago and then 4 days in the Windy City!
Yes – I am excited and I have two questions for you:
(1) Would you know whether I am allowed to bring (circular) knitting needles on board when flying United Airlines?
(2) Where would I go in Chicago in terms of „yarn“ (cafés, stores, guild …)
What else is new? I have almost finished the lacy wrap for my host – maybe another inch or two – and will block it tonight. I wanted to give her something that’s nice to have in summer over a dress or a t-shirt and useful in winter (has any winter ever been that cold and long in IL before??), wrapped around neck and shoulders. This is it:
It looks like a bug’s parade to me on that picture, crawling north.
Oh yes, I am excited to go …
Sometimes, skimming through a book is like travelling the world, picking up new experiences every time you turn a page. Seriously, when getting my hands on a copy of (the German version of) Knitting Hats & Mittens from around the World (Voyageur Press) the photos made me long for the faraway.
The books 34 patterns cover an awesome variety of traditional knitting techniques from lace to braiding, from Scandinavia to Central Europe, Asia, South America, New Zealand … including knitting customs and history. You’ll find a French beret as well as a Peruvian Ch’ullo, the Greek fishermen’s hat next to a Finnish hat named after their sun goddess Päivätär, a Japanese Sashiko and an American Fenceline hat, just to mention a few. I particularly like the twisted rope cables, a pattern based on Maori tribal creation myths and pretty much all of the two-color designs. Most of the hats come with matching mittens or gloves.
Each pattern covers several pages with written instructions, charts, and extra notes that seem to be elaborate and according to custom.
However, when surfing the net I happened to read a rather critical review that should not be overread. So I gave the book a closer look. Unfortunately, most complaints are true for the translated (German) patterns as well: not all of them are correct, charts are missing, and mitten seizes are weird. However, there is an (English) errata list on the publisher’s homepage for the Min Ulla hat, the Greek Fisherman’s hat, and the Aran Islands hat. (Thank you!).
Nevertheless, some of the patterns look highly complicated to me, long-winded and awkward. To find out whether this is actually true I decided to knit the French lacy fingerless gloves („Französische fingerlose Handschuhe“ p.69). I had to start over once after rereading the pattern, but that is me: I tend to be confused if a pattern exceeds two pages. However, so far I am doing good with my 2nd attempt and I am perfectly happy with the outcome. The lacy part is an easy 6-row-repeat that looks spectacular und the medium size instructions work very well for me.
Summing up, I would still recommend the book, if only to experienced knitters or as a source of inspiration for any armchair tourist.
A little bit about my choice of yarn: „Wannsee by schoenstricken“ is a beautiful, luxuriously soft, 100% cashmere yarn, very nice to work with, while perfectly showing off the lacy pattern. Its color fuchsia isn’t even for sale (yet) – Jessica gave it to me for testing purposes. So far, I have used one ball (25gr., 115m) wth both fingerless gloves being done, except for the thumbs. Definitly a must buy :).
The book was not sent to me for review. I didn’t receive any financial compensation for what I wrote. Opinions stated are my own.
The Vogue Dictionary of Knitting Stitches was published first in 1984.
I remember looking at those 485 colored stitch patterns as a teenager, over and over again, admiring each and every one. Years later, I found a German copy at the fleamarket and since then it has become my favorite of all books about knitting, the foundation of my knitting library so to speak. No matter what I am looking for – whether it’d be colorwork or lace, knit-purl combinations or cable patterns – I am sure to find the perfect stitch or inspiration or both. Everything from very easy to very complicated, even fair-isle patterns.
I attached some pictures – have a look for yourself. Published in the 80s! Isn’t that crazy?! What is your favorite reference guide when it comes to knitting and why? I would love to know!
It took me a while, I know … However, it turned out to be exactly the poncho that I wanted it to be:
somewhere between a wrap and a jacket
comfortable but with „arm room“ when needed
loose-fit but pleasing
something to keep me warm.
Thank you Jessica for choosing yarn and color – (as so often) you were right 🙂