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Sunday, April 2, 2017

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.

44 comments:

  1. This book would be such a great resource! Short rows can definitely be intimidating! Thanks for the giveaway-I like the Buttonside Sweater! Mamagiff on Ravelry.

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  2. I like all the patterns but I would love to mae the curve wrap cardi Gracie57 on Ravelry
    Thanks for the chance

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  3. I have my eye on Trichotomy Shawl. I think that could be a lot of fun. I am Ozice on Ravelry.

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  4. I'd admit, I'm not savvy when it comes to short rows so this book will be perfect to learn more. I'd love to knit the ear lappe hat!

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  5. Oops! Hi Brenda! This is Catsandyarns!

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  6. I'd start with the Welter Hat. It looks like a quick-knit project to get used to short rows.
    Lmecoll on ravelry

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  7. I really love the Slices Shawl!!
    moclell on Ravelry

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  8. I especially like the Buttonside Cardigan. But really, all of the patterns look nice. TriLinda on Rav

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  9. While I usually go for shawls, the Hemisect Mitts are catching my eye.

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  10. What a great selection of designs. Picking a favourite was difficult, but I have to say I think Angel Wings Shawlette is so elegant.
    Rav ID - TimRachel

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  11. The Angelwings Shawlette is my favorite - such a unique shape! On Instagram: @jenaburges

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  12. I love the Trichotomony shawl.
    sparky136 on Ravelry

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  13. Hi!
    Welter hat is just ehat my head needs!
    Ig/Ravelry: onppuknits

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  14. Love the slices shawl, reminds me of a batwing ir dragon wing samcaekz on ravelry xxx

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  15. Angel wings shawlette
    rav ufochamp

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  16. The Angel Wings Shawlette is my favourite but what a great book!
    (I'm LesleyTaylor on Ravelry)

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  17. Oh, the Buttonside Sweater! I'm pluggomala on Ravelry :)

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  18. I love the Buttonside sweater also!
    dianelaces on Ravelry

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  19. So many lovely patterns! My special favorite is the Buttonside Sweater. I am bdgrammy on Ravelry.

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  20. I like the Angel Wings Shawlette.
    Rav id:knittingdancer

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  21. The Welter Hat and the Angel Wings Shawlette are both calling to me!
    lindarumsey on Ravelry

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  22. There are a lot of wonderful patterns in this book. I love the Radial Raglan, Welter Hat and Angel Wings. They look fun to knit and wear. Knitgen on Ravelry

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  23. I think Angel Wings would really be wonderful in these colors. Thanks for the chance.
    RAV ID: sherryglover1

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  24. I love the Angel Wings shawl will definitely be putting it on my to do ��

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  25. I love short rows! I like all the designs, but I think I 'd really like to do the Earlappe Hat

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  26. I love the Curve Wrap Cardi. It looks like fun to knit and oh so cozy.
    dcknitters in Ravelry

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  27. My first choice would be the Welter hat. I love the thought of learning all those ways to do short rows. I only know one way now. Thank you for an amazing giveaway. sisterrobinson on Ravelry.

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  28. The book looks just great. I like the angel wing shawlette best among several winners.

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  30. Thanks for the review! I've been wondering about this book, and you answered some questions for me ; ) I love the curved lines of the Angel Wings shawlette (but all the patterns are awesome!). FoxxyQ on Ravelry.

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  31. I would love to knit the angel wings shawlette

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  32. I like the Trichoyomy Shawl. It uses the right amount of yarn. I have wanted this book since it came out. rinebird on Ravelry & IG.

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  33. My favorite is the Angel Wings Shawlette. I love the look of the overlapping arcs. It also looks like it would stay on the shoulders very nicely. Tantebeth on Ravelry.

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  34. Love slices shawl. Definitely putting this book on my must read list. Rav id alikat2004

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  35. I like all the designs in the book but, Buttonside Sweater is my favorite! Would love to have this book as my own! My Ravelry id is lorief1.

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  36. What a wonderful book! I love the Buttonside sweater, but all the patterns are really pretty!
    knittylucia on Ravelry

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  37. I like a bunch of the short row designs. I particularly like the buttonside sweater on the cover, the broken lines pullover, and trichotmetery shawl. Thanks so much for the review and giveaway.
    Ravelry: j-I-m-I-n-I

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  38. I like the Earlappe Hat and the Radial Raglan. Not sure which I'd knit first!
    Kangath on Ravelry

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  39. I really like the Slices Shawl. karenina4777 on Ravelry

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  40. Thank you for reviewing Knitting Short Rows, Brenda! Good luck to everyone who enters the giveaway contest :-) -Jennifer

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  42. My favorite is the Trichotomy Shawl. It's just lovely 😍 and I love the blog also. Jgreen21217 on Ravelry / Joyofaknithooker on IG

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  43. Comment on behalf of CrazierThanMyCat:

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