New Lovely Books for your Wish List

book-review-emma-varnam

I really enjoy bringing you new books to look at and perhaps add to your wish list. So this weekend I thought it might be lovely to give you a sneaky peek of three that I have been particularly enjoying. I’m afraid all three will be staying firmly in my yarny library.

Celebrating Rowan

First up, an absolute future classic; Rowan 40 Years – 40 Iconic Hand-knit Designs. For me this book is more than just a pattern book. It is more a ‘moment in time’. A coffee table book to inspire and remember great hand-knits. For many years I have eagerly anticipated the publishing of every new  Rowan Design Magazine. This book, celebrating Rowan’s 40th anniversary and has 40 projects taken from throughout their 40 year archive. There are some designs that I have never seen before and some that have been re-coloured, re-made and re-photographed for today.

Top of my list would be this stunning Bressay Hap Shawl by Sharon Miller. The colours are stunning and so wearable. I would also make Martha by Kim Hargreaves, such a classic elegant cardigan.

I have also seen many many versions of Soumak Wrap by Lisa Richardson, this design always draws me across the room to look at it closely. At £25.00 this is not a cheap and cheerful purchase, but for me a staple for my collection of patterns. Excellent value when you think of how many beautiful designs you can have in one book. Pop it on your Christmas list!

Crocheted Birds

Next up is the delightful, Crocheted Birds by Vanessa Mooncie. Vanessa is such a talented designer and I see her almost like my crochet sister. We both work with GMC publications and when I see her designs they bring me so much joy. You might be aware that in the past few years there has been a trend for knitted or crocheted taxidermy. A lot less brutal than the Victorian version of bird collecting.

Vanessa’s new book has ten gorgeous projects. I was astounded at the brilliance of the Swan, and B has already asked if I could make the Owl. Vanessa not only provides written instruction but also has a number of detailed hand-drawn charts. If you like using schematic drawings to help you crochet, you will find these really helpful.  I think the Robin would be wonderful to make in the run up to Christmas.

Finally I have just got to tell you about the wonderful new book by my friend Christine, Winwick Mum. In my last blog post I told you that it was Christine who had encouraged me to knit socks. I found her book Super Socks so useful in my tentative first steps.

Now she has taken the techniques up to a new level and added in detailed tutorials on colourwork, cabling and lace patterns. The gorgeous rainbow socks on the front cover are a project I saw being designed. They are so so clever and mesmerizing. If you enjoy improving your techniques and want to have your hand held brilliantly through the process, then this is the book for you. You can buy this book here.

If you would like to see me talking about this book and my must-have sock making equipment then pop over to my Instagram account and look at my Stories Highlights.

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As a special treat I would love to give some of my stash of sock-yarn as a celebratory give-away. I will pick at random 4 subscribers who leave a comment in this blog post about why they love  knitting socks or want to learn. Each of the four will receive one ball of Stylecraft Boho Head over Heels yarn and one ball of the All Star Head over Heels. The colours will be picked at random too – this is just a fun give-away which shares the joy of sock making. Give-away closes on Friday Nov 16th at 6am. Good Luck and happy book shopping!

 

 

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24 thoughts on “New Lovely Books for your Wish List”

  1. I am just learning to knit because I want to make my own socks! Eek!! I have ventured into socks on straight needles but have yet to try DPNs. I need all the help I can get but blog posts like this one encourage me to keep going

  2. Loretta Newnam

    I love making my own socks because they are so much warmer than socks you can buy in stores.

  3. I love working on projects but have so many few seem to get finished. I’d love to learn to make socks as they seem like a fun and finishable project

  4. I love seeing how the pattern just seems to appear with sock yarn but would love to be better at them

  5. Several ladies in my Thursday night knitting group are doing socks and I want to give it a try in 2019.

  6. Helen Craddock

    Sock making is incredibly rewarding, fast growing, versatile patterns, the most yummiest of yarns to choose from and the most snug your feet will ever be…just the most satisfying hobby.

  7. Thanks to winwick mum I have mastered the art of sock knitting, i am 68yrs old proof you can teach an old dog new tricks after all

  8. While I’ve never knit socks, I do enjoy making crochet socks! The colors of the Stylecraft yarns are so pretty and I’d love to win some.

  9. Hi, I met you at the Arne and Carlos knit a sock day and Christine was so encouraging and you were so patient…. from not being able to hold dpns to knitting my 12th pair this year has been a huge achievement for me and a testament to you ladies who share your expertise and knowledge.
    Thank you
    Chris

  10. Love this as a car project also whilst waiting to pick up the kids from school, the only problem is I’m stuck at the heel, so a fab book should help get me moving on my socks, thanks for a fun giveaway x

  11. Debi Schuhow

    I crochet. But if Winwick Mum can teach me to knit that’d be a miracle!
    Anyway, I’d like to win the yarn and crochet baby bonnets out of the yarn. They’re so adorable!

  12. I am working on my first pair of socks. I am determined to become a sock knitter!

  13. i live in Brasil,south Brasil
    i had once classes to learn to knit socks, but i never did it
    maybe it’s a good time to star with some fancy yarn

  14. Kirsten Brown

    I love sock knitting and Christine’s new book is most definitely on my wish list!

  15. CharlotteParfitt

    I started with Winwick Mum too! I love knitting socks because it’s a project you can take anywhere with you, just put it in your bag and off you go. You can choose from basic to complex patterns depending on how you feel that day and they’re always a great gift for a friend or family member.

  16. I enjoy knitting socks, small and portable and easy in car knitting for odd moments. I’ve even got others interested in sock knitting in my local knit and natter group. I love the colour striping in the photo

  17. Moira Bellingham

    I have never knitted socks before but your designs are beautiful to look at with such vibrant colours you have inspired me too want to give it a try. I do enjoy reading your blog very much.

    1. Thank you very much. I am going to try dpn’s and then magic loop with the others.

      Thank you

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