INTRODUCTION

Cool Stuff

by Claudia B. Manley, Amy Singer

SR [Finished chest measurement for sweaters] = the smallest chest measurement to the largest chest measurement we could find in the book. There may be only one pattern with the smallest or largest size, but it's in there.

Books are softcover unless noted otherwise.

We are provided with samples to review for free. We do not publish reviews of products that do not perform well in our testing. We are not paid to review any product.

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Knit Modern Scandi Sweaters
by Marita Clementz
David & Charles
$24.99/softcover
SR: 34-53"

Buy now from Bookshop.org

The sweaters featured in Knit Modern Scandi Sweaters are exuberant in their bold colors and graphic patterns. Marita Clementz provides some basic guidance on choosing yarns and colour dominance before diving into the patterns, so some experience with colorwork is advised.

The patterns have a modern feel beyond their designs. Clementz features tunic-length and cropped sweaters among some more traditional or expected sweater shapes. One thing that is unique to this collection is that instructions for all the patterns are available in the 34-53" size range, and most are modeled on both men and women.

In addition to the standard information on tension, needle size, and yarn used, each pattern features a difficulty scale of 1 to 5, finished measurements, and a handy guide to how many stitches one should have between markers for each size. Of the 12 projects included, there are 6 patterns rated a 3 in difficulty, 4 rated a 4, and 2 rated a 5. All colorwork is charted and alternate colorways are included with both photography and written details on the specific yarns used.

Modeled by members of her family, there is a vibrancy and a sense of connection, not only to family but to a knitting tradition. Anyone looking to break out of expected Scandinavian motifs or to add a modern spin to their sweater wardrobe will find this collection inspiring.

CBM

Knitting Cowlettes
by Safiyyah Talley
Storey Publishing
$22.00/hardcover; $15.99/ebook

Buy now from Bookshop.org

Editor's note: I was confused by the title of this book. Adding "ette" to the end of a word usually means something smaller than the original, but the cover pattern is lovely and large. The author defines "Cowlette" as the lovechild of a cowl + a shawlette (a small shawl). Now I get it. Take it away, Claudia!
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I was immediately intrigued when Safiyyah Talley explained why cowlette s are great gifts: quick, gender-neutral, size inclusive, and very useful. It was when she explicated their usefulness that I was charmed. As she writes, “Need to show off a knitted item at a knitting convention, and it’s a very hot and crowded July day? Say it with me now: “Pop on a cowlette!” Talley makes a convincing argument for the cowlette, and her guidance along the way should allow any knitter to on this journey with her.

Chapter 1 is the jumping off point. Talley guides the reader through choosing the right yearn based on fiber content and weight, finding the right needles, swatching, and blocking, finishing with a discussion of common notions employed. Chapter 2 is where she walks the reader through the design process, elaborating on all the steps involved. She includes a handy Cowlette Knitter’s Worksheet to help with design decisions.

Her welcoming and encouraging approach is evident in Chapter 3 where she shares instructions for 23 different cowlette patterns. Beginning knitters need not be afraid; Talley suggests starting with the first two patterns – The Triangle and the Half-Pi – as a way to gain some confidence and experience. The patterns include opportunities to experiment with texture and color. There are even two cowlettes for toddlers.

If these patterns inspire you to design your own, Talley has included everything you need: the aforementioned worksheet, as well as a 5-step guide to designing a cowlette, and the Cowlette Shaping Cheat Sheet, which serves as a reference for working stitch increases. With the knowledge and guidance in this book, we may all be giving or getting cowlettes soon!

CBM

Entwined: Cables, Lace and Knitted Patterns
by Meiju Kallio
Laine Publishing
39,99€/hardcover; 36,99€/digital download
SR: 32.25 – 75"

Buy now from Laine

Even before I read the foreword, there was something about the patterns in Entwined that felt cozy and comforting. Meiju Kallio begins her forward explain that this book (her second) turned into a form of therapy that helped her heal from divorce. The names of the patterns frequently speak to this from The Decision, which combines cables and lace in the yoke, to Boundaries, a double-sided shawl, to Relief, an oversized scarf that’s meant to flow from the needles with minimal mental effort.

Entwined contains 20 patterns; 11 for sweaters (of which 4 are cardigans and 2 are sleeveless), 5 shawls or scarves, and 4 hats. Each pattern includes an introduction, which provides a brief narrative of the inspiration for the pattern. Reading these, one can follow Kallio’s journey from divorce to healing. There are multiple photos of each project from different angles allowing the knitter to see details more fully. There is both a tradition and modern sense contained in this collection. For example, Torn, one of the sleeveless sweaters, features a cowl neck and an overall texture. With its boxy shape, it presents a modern twist on classic design elements that invited creative layering.

There are scant general instructions, no difficulty scale, and all patternwork is charted, which makes this book better suited to the more experienced knitter. Nonetheless, this is a collection full of wearable and beautiful patterns that can be appreciated by knitters of any skill level.

CBM

The Natural Dye Handbook
by Heidi Iverson
David & Charles
$26.99/hardcover

Buy now from Bookshop.org

The Natural Dye Handbook fulfills its cover description: a comprehensive guide to exploring plant-based dyeing techniques. Divided into three sections, Iverson spends time explaining many of the subtleties of natural dyeing. Chapter one covers the basics and includes a guide to foraging as well as growing dye plants, advice on storing your dye material, and wide-ranging instruction on preparing the fiber and working with both mordants and tannins.

Chapter two gives the reader a primer on color theory before providing guidance to creating a color library as well as a companion color journal. Chapter three, The Color Library, provides extensive information and samples of colors achieved with various natural dyes. The pinks, reds, and purples section goes beyond the well-known cochineal, logwood, and madder, including information and samples of 13 other plans that can achieve a variation of red, pink, or purple. In addition to the photos of fabric samples, there are helpful illustrations of the plant itself.

The Natural Dye Handbook is a tremendous resource for those with some knowledge and experience with natural dyes. The detailed narratives, instruction, and accompanying images and illustrations will help take one to the next level of natural dyeing.

CBM

Japan Blue: Indigo Dyeing Techniques
by Piggy Tsujioka, Hisako Rokkaku, SEIWA
Tuttle Publishing
$8.99/softcover

Buy now from Bookshop.org

Indigo dyeing has been a favourite activity among modern makers for years, and the rise in the availability of kits, classes, and books attests to that. Although it presents itself as a beginner’s guide, Japan Blue offers extensive information on not only working with indigo but also on a wide range of technique one can employ to achieve results beyond what we’ve come to expect.

Section 1 covers indigo dyeing basics. While the projects in the book were dyed using the Konya-I kit (developed by SEIWA), the book details how to build a traditional indigo vat and how to extend the life of it. This section also includes helpful troubleshooting guidance for uneven or mottled dyeing results.

The sections that follow give detailed instruction on different dyeing techniques from dip dyeing, to resist dyeing by sewing or twisting fabric, to wax resist. There are sample projects included in each chapter that provide examples of each technique. Going way beyond the t-shirt, one can find hats, dresses, sneakers, sweaters, and even baskets.

With photographs illustrating each step and a very friendly price point, Japan Blue will help even the most novice dyer achieve beautiful results.

CBM

Lumos Knitting Light
by LumosLumos
now available in 5 different colors: black, turquoise, lavender, pink and white
$54.95

Buy now from LumosLumos.com

Meet the holy grail of knitting lights, according to Jillian Moreno, who reviewed the Lumos Knitting Light when it came out in 2022. She loved it then, and with the release of 4 new colors, it was the perfect time to revisit it.

My sample came in and was instantly stolen by my husband. He reads sitting up in bed at night, and his cheap online megastore booklight (vaguely the same shape as the Lumos, but the comparison ends there) had just stopped holding a charge after just a few months of use. Though we have bedside lamps, he prefers the Lumos because he can aim the light where he needs it and reading is so much more enjoyable without glare. It's not ideal if you read lying down, as the portion at the back can be felt behind your neck.

Now that fall is coming on and the sun is setting earlier, I have stolen it back for my chance to test it out for late-afternoon and evening knitting. My aging eyes have always had trouble with detail, and even with my progressive lenses, extra light makes everything so much easier to see. Having a variety of color temperatures and brightnesses makes this the perfect lamp for my handwork.

Aforementioned husband is easily distracted while we're tv watching, but this light is so directed downwards towards whatever I need to see that it doesn't ever shine in his face, even when I turn to him to ask what the heck just happened on the show because I wasn't looking up.

Comparing the Lumos Knitting Light to his cheap online megastore booklight, there is no comparison. It's covered in a smooth, thick material that feels comfortable against the skin of my neck and chest. It's well balanced, completely adjustable, and stays whatever way I position it. It allows me to see details without turning up the light I have at my side, which never did much except wash a bit over what I'm working on.

Honestly, if you have never tried a well-made light that allows you to focus on your handwork without annoying anyone around you, you need to try the Lumos.

AS

Tsundoku

curated by CBM

Tsundoku is a Japanese word that describes the acquisition of books one may or may not read in the future. There are so many great crafting books coming out, and we hope by providing a snapshot of some of these titles, your curiosity will be piqued.