Another Giveaway, Book Review, Balls and Skeins.

The winner of the drawing is KnittyLucia. Thanks for playing!
 

Today we’re reviewing the book “Knitting Short Rows - Techniques for Great Shapes and Angles”. 

The book starts off with defining short rows and it gives detailed instructions, diagrams, and helpful notes for each of 5 methods.

I thought I was pretty smart, knowing two methods of short rows, but the book showed me three new ones!  The methods are:  the Wrap and Turn method, the Yarnover method, German short rows, Japanese short rows, and the Twin Stitch method.

The book very helpfully describes what are short rows, and when to use them. 

Here is a short quote: “Short rows are exactly that: partial rows in the knitting that create curves, soft angles, and depth.”

When to use short rows: “Short Rows can make a sweater fit your three-dimensional shape or achieve a non-traditional shawl’s interesting form. In garments, short rows can be used instead of binding off stitches for shoulder or ham shaping, or to add volume and length to part of the sweater.”

There are excellent diagrams to illustrate each method, and there are special considerations and helpful notes, for example, what to do with the wraps for the wrap and turn method.

From there, we come to the patterns.  Yay – the fun part!

I liked the Earlappe Hat. 

It is knit sideways with a spiral look to it, and really pretty shaping. Although it is shown in a solid, I think it would be really striking in a color changing yarn such as Noro. 

 

The Angel Wings Shawlette has a unique shape with three expanding arcs in it. It looks like a very graceful and easy to wear shape that drapes nicely.

The Slices Shawl (below, in purple) has a series of triangle slices.  I like this shape very much – so original and interesting to work.   

 

 

The Welter Hat uses short rows to give it additional slouch. Very cute. 

The Curve Wrap Cardi looks warm and cozy with its shawl collar.  

Next we have the Hemisect Mitts. Short rows are used to handle striking 2-color sections – I think it's so appealing, young and fresh..   

The Trichotomy Shawl has gorgeous wedges of solid and Stripes. It's so pretty – another one I’d love to knit.   

 

 

My favorite sweater in the book - the one that's featured on the cover - is the Buttonside Sweater. Short rows are used to create a curved hem and are also used to shape the sleeve caps. It has interesting saddle shoulder detail as well. 

I really enjoyed this book. It was so interesting to see the different ways that short rows can be used. I have only used short rows a few times, and this book inspires me to use them in new and different ways, to create all kinds of effects that you could not get any other way.   

This book would make a great addition to your knitting Library.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from F+W Media.

Now for the giveaway information. If you post a comment on this blog entry stating which pattern is your favorite, you will be entered into a giveaway to win your own copy of this book, plus 2 skeins of beautiful Vanitas yarn from Outlaw Yarns. There’s a beautiful purple and a soft gray, perfect for your next 2-color project, such as the Perpendicular Scarf. 

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!  Drawing will be on April 7.

 

Interesting Information!

I came across this great article on the different ways that yarn is sold or “put up”. I learned something new! There are more than just balls and skeins. Who knew?

From Interweave.com

Project Bags!

I have to show my latest bag, for sale in my Etsy shop. It features a retro print called “Home Economics” with ladies in dresses and heels and aprons doing some cooking and baking. I think it’s just too cute.

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.