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Monday, February 20, 2017

Book Review and Giveaway - Garter Stitch Revival




*** We have a winner! It's handmadebysue @ravelry. Sue, please contact me to claim your prize! ***

This is a review of the book, Garter Stitch Revival (Interweave/F+W; $24.99 [CAN $30.99]; February, 2017). Focused on the first stitch that new knitters learn, Garter Stitch Revival presents 20 patterns that focus on the qualities of this versatile stitch. From accessories to garments, each pattern highlights garter stitch in a unique way. It’s a great book for the newer knitter looking to broaden their horizons.

This book celebrates the beauty and sophistication of this simple stitch. The book divides patterns into three categories, patterns that feature garter stitch as a detail, patterns where garter stitch is in a supporting role, and those with garter stitch all over.

It can be noted that most of these patterns use a solid or semi-solid yarn. I have found that a variegated yarn can look kind of muddy when garter stitch is used, as the different tones mix together and the beauty of each color is lost. Garter stitch has a characteristic of lying flat, which makes it perfect for hems, edgings, and cuffs of garments.

Here are some of the patterns that caught my eye.
1. Be TrueFingerless Mitts. These use DK weight yarn and are very attractive. Just note that this pattern uses a chart, not written instructions, although it is quite a simple straightforward pattern.



2. Seashell DolmanTee.  This also uses a DK weight yarn. I find that the dolman sleeve style creates too much bulk under the arms and can look a little awkward.

Having said that, it has a simple flat construction that is perfect for beginners. 

3. Argyle Diamond socks. These use garter stitch enclosed in diamond shapes, mimicking the classic argyle sock. This pattern is also charted only. 
 

4.  The Flapper Cloche.  Knit in worsted weight, it has an ingenious construction and really is cute. 



5. Just Peachy Cardigan. This one is in a bulky weight and uses garter stitch trim for the hem and the cuffs. 


6.  Boardwalk Brioche Cowl  This design uses garter stitch and brioche in a two color pattern. It has a very pretty rolled edge.

7. CottonCandy Mosaic Yoke Cardi.   This is a really pretty sweater. I hate to nitpick but the neckline is too wide – it looks like the sweater might slip off the shoulders. The pretty yoke colorwork makes this a really attractive sweater. It looks like maybe the sweater is simply too big for the skinny model. I'm sure it can be adjusted to fit properly or just worked in an appropriate size. 

8. Coney Island Shawl.   This pretty shawl uses mesh stripes and garter stripes in an asymmetrical shape and features a lace edge. 

9. Santa Monica Cardigan.  This sweater is done in fingering weight, and is a long comfy sweater. Be aware that the garter stitch does have a tendency to stretch and sag, so the sweater might get longer as you wear it! It is very flowing and graceful and uses a rolled edge collar.  


10. The Festival Halter Top.  This one uses short rows to create a really pretty curved him.  It is done in Aran weight cotton, and because it's garter stitch, again it might have a tendency to stretch out. However in the pictures it is nicely form fitting and very attractive.



In summary, I thought this book was a great compilation of garter stitch patterns. There were quite a few that I would love to make for myself, and I'm sure you will find some that you love as well. I would heartily recommend this book.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book to review.

Now for the giveaway information. If you post a comment on this blog entry stating which pattern is your favorite, and sign up for my newsletter, you will be entered into a giveaway to win your own copy of this book, plus I might just throw in a skein of beautiful yarn from my large stash
Be sure to give a Ravelry ID, or an email address -- or even your Instagram handle will do -- so that if you win I have a way to contact you! Don't forget
I will select a name in 2 weeks time, on March 6.

Pantone Color of the Year 2017


Jill Wolcott had a great post about the Color of the Year, Greenery.  She describes what is so great about this particular color (think spring leaves) and how to use it - alone or with other colors. She has provided some suggested color palettes as inspiration for your next project. It's a great read.

Tips for Knitting with Lace Weight Yarn

A while back I wrote some tips for working with lace weight yarn. Here they are, in case you need that info .... Learn from my experience!


That's all for today! See you all next time.

 P.S. Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to stay informed of future giveaways, knitting tips, test knits, and pattern news.




47 comments:

  1. I love the Boardwalk Brioche cowl! This is Catsandyarns Brenda! :)

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  2. OOOOH, I used to think garter stich was ugly but as I have grown as a knitter I have come to see its beauty. I would love a copy, I liked almost all the designs but probably would make the Santa Monica Cardigan first.....or the brioche cowl :)

    ummrania on rav

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  3. Seashell Dolman Tee!
    Ravelry : quotku

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  4. Santa Monica cardigan is the best
    Granale on rav

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  5. I'm in a shawl phase so I would choose the Coney Island shawl as my favorite! I am already a newsletter suscriber:) My ravelry name is mamagiff. Thanks!

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  6. The Santa Monica cardigan for me! I love the idea of it growing as I wear it :( it's big enough to slouch around in, but thin enough (being fingering weight) to go comfortably under my coat.
    I'm batorichka on Ravelry and instagram

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  7. My favorite pattern is the Coney Island Shawl.
    Lmecoll on Rav

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  8. Of all the patterns in the book, I like the Blackcomb Cowl best; of the ones that caught your eye and are mentioned in this blog post, the Coney Island shawl is my favorite. I signed up for your newsletter. I am gkgreen on Ravelry, and gkgreenknits on Instagram and Gmail. Thanks for holding such a generous giveaway!

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  9. The Santa Monica cardigan would be great on chilly summer days.
    lindarumsey on Ravelry

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  10. I love the flapper cloche! Remily on Rav.

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  11. I'm a sucker for fingerless mittens, so the Be True pattern is right up my alley! Thank you for the GA:)
    Ravelry @songbirdz.

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  12. Heads have it. The Flapper Cloche is definitely my favorite. Hope to be the lucky winner. Thanks for the opportunity.
    handmadebysue @ravelry

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  13. The Be True Fingerless Mittens are my favorite, such a unique look! I also already subscribe to the newsletter, thanks for this giveaway chance!
    knittylucia on Ravelry

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  14. I had such a hard time picking a pattern, but after doing a rather long Danish version of Eeny Meeny Miny Moe, I ended up picking the Autumn Evening Shrug - too darn cute for words... (Cassiopia on Ravelry)

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  15. Oh my goodness how to choose a favorite!! I adore the flapper cloche! Wagrmom on ravelry

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  16. I like the Flapper Cloche.
    rav id: knittingdancer

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  17. The flapper hat is such an interesting construction!
    Gigi (Ravelry)

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  18. The flapper hat is such an interesting construction!
    Gigi (Ravelry)

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  19. I have 2 favorites because I couldn't decide between the two. They are the Coney Island Shawl and the Seashell Dolman Tee. Love your blog and reviews! I am desertmom99 on ravelry.

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  20. I love the Santa Monica Cardio, I would knit this in a soft shade of blue (my favorite). You can contact me via IG @moniquelomax

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  21. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  22. I love this long and comfy cardigans, so my favorite is definitiv the Santa Monica Cardigan.
    Ravelry: Elli123

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  23. I adore the Flapper Cloche. I'm SuBethJimBob on Rav.

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  24. I really like the Autumn Evening Shrug. The added plus is that it's out of a bulky weight yarn, so it seems like it would be as super quick knit! I'm Tonia2000 on Rav.

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  25. What a great review, Brenda! I agree the Flapper Cloche is a very interesting construction. If I were to pick just one pattern that I'd make for myself, however, I think it would be the Boardwalk Brioche Cowl. I knitted brioche many years ago and have been wanting to try it again. Thanks for the chance to win!! I am WideAngleMind on both Ravelry and Instagram.

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  26. OOh, my very favorite is the cloche. I love the styling of it, I even like the color. My second favorite, even though no one asked are the Be True Gloves. My daughter has always wanted me to make her a pair of fingerless mitts and those would be perfect in their beautiful blue color. Thank you for bringing this book to our attention. Sincerely, mchristian48@yahoo.com aka Margaret

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  27. Sea Glass Lace Scarf
    sparky136 on Ravelry

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  28. I like the Be True Fingerless Mitts. rinebird on Ravelry

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  29. The Coney Island Shawl looks really nice. I'm pluggomala on Ravelry

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  30. CottonCandy Mosaic yoke cardi. Could be my first sweater. Thanks! mscozycouch

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  31. I'm a sucker for fingerless gloves, so that is my favorite pattern. Thanks for the review.

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  32. I would say my favourite is the cloche...... Miverscorner on Ravelry and Instagram 😊

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  33. I think I would start with the Santa Monica Cardigan first and then the fingerless mitts or the cloche if I wanted something small. Thanks for the review.
    Ravelry: Sunnydayknits.

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  34. I love the Flapper Cloche! It would be a great alternative to a beanie on a cold day!

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  35. That Santa Monica cardigan is calling my name! Perfect for Oregon spring...well summer too depending on the weather haha. I'm KelliMartin on Ravelry.

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  36. I love the Seashell Dolman Tee. I'm gilliana82 on ravelry. Thanks Brenda!

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  37. I love the cover pattern (bolsen on Ravelry)

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  38. I like several but the Santa Monica Cardigan is my favorite. I'm hvnscent22 on Ravelry.

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  39. I, too, like the Boardwalk Brioche Cowl. Thank you for reviewing this book. I am a big fan of garter stitch. YarnMoll on Ravelry

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  40. I want to make the High Society Caplet Poncho and ditch the vest I started. I think it will be much more fun to knit from one of your well-written patterns.
    (tiaandcat on Ravelry and Instagram)

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  41. I would like to do Be TrueFingerless Mitts to my friend who has pain in her wrists.

    onppupuuro in Instagram and I think omenapuuro in Ravelry

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  42. Love that Coney Island Shawl!!! @shannonknitsalot on IG and TeoMae on Ravelry.

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  43. My favorites are a tie between the santa monica cardigan and the cotton candy cardigan. I love cardigans. Knitgen on Ravelry and instagram

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  44. The Festival Halter Top,
    ~Jessica (doulaknitter on Instagram)

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  45. My favourite would have to be the Boardwalk Brioche Cowl,have never tried brioche but it on my "must learn" list for this year.
    I am archey on Ravelry

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  46. Brioche is on my wish list to learn this year so I like the Boardwalk Brioche Cowl (asimplehomestd on Ravelry)

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