INTRODUCTION

Cool Stuff

by Claudia B. Manley, Julia Madill, Amy Sadler

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 We do not publish reviews of products that do not perform well in our testing.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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The Island and the Forest: A Knitted Correspondence
by Erika Äberg & Lotta H. Löthgren
Laine Publishing
36,99€/hardcover; 33,99€/digital download
US$32.95/softcover
SR: 31.5–69.5"

Buy now from Laine Publishing or your local yarn shop

The Island and the Forest is the manifestation of a friendship through letters and knitting. The book integrates the exchange of letters between Erika Äberg and Lotta H. Löthgren with their love of knitting and their appreciation of the natural world around them. The book is divided into four sections that correspond with the elements: Land, Water, Fire, Air. Each section starts with an introduction, often in the form of a meditation on the element in focus. Lotta H. Löthgren, of the forest, provides the introductions to the land and fire sections, while Erika Äberg connects readers to the water and air.

The book takes a multi-layered approach to create the atmosphere of the friendship. After each introduction, there is a selection of letters that the two sent to one another that weave together the element of that section, their connection to their environments, as well as also folklore and of course, knitting. Each section has three patterns. Earth offers a hat, sweater, and vest; Water features a sweater, shawl, and fingerless mitts; Fire provides warmth in the form of a cardigan, mittens, and a cowl; and finally, Air closes the book with a sweater, buttoned vest, and socks. Most of the patterns feature stranded colorwork with samples knitted in a muted palette.

The Island and the Forest employs a unique Swiss binding, which allows the book to lie flat when open. As someone who likes to work from physical books, this is a welcome change from traditionally bound books that required I keep the pages open with a weight of some sort (generally whatever is closest at hand).

The thoughtful combination of the letters, the patterns, and the overall design of the book make The Island and the Forest something you’ll reach for again and again like your favourite cup of tea.

CBM

My City, My Stitches: 15 Relaxed Knits
by Jenny Ansah
Laine Publishing
31,99€/hardcover; 28,99€/digital download
SR: 31.25–72.5"

Buy now from Laine Publishing or your local yarn shop

In Jenny Ansah’s forward to My City, My Stitches, her collection of knitwear inspired by East Helsinki, she speaks to the rich diversity and vibrancy of the area, countering popular narratives of a district marked only by challenges. The child of a Finnish mother and a Ghanaian father, she also addresses those who live between two or more cultures, offering words of support, appreciation, and love.

The designs in My City, My Stitches, which are all named after different neighborhoods in East Helsinki, feature fresh combinations of patternwork as well as straightforward uses of color accents. Vuokki, the first pattern in the book, brings together different textures to create a finished garment with unique visual interest while Rastila feels like the simple comforting turtleneck one could reach for daily. The collection features a bit of everything – sweaters, cardigans, vests, hats, socks, and even a scrunchie.

The patterns range in complexity, with something for both beginning knitters looking to add to their skillsets as well as advanced knitters interested in unique construction and imaginative pattern combinations. My City, My Stitches also employs the Swiss binding, which makes the patterns feel even more accessible – literally and figuratively. The designs in this collection are contemporary yet certain to be timeless.

CBM

Summer Knits: 20 Fresh, Fun and Light Patterns
by Ida Wirak Trettevik
Quadrille Publishing
£18.00/US$26.00
SR: 24–59"

Buy now from Bookshop.org or your local yarn shop

Some knitters put away their needles when the warmer weather arrives. Summer Knits hopes to inspire you to keep knitting even as the temperature rises. Ida Wirak Trettevik’s collection wants to keep you both cool and knitting.

Most of the patterns employ cotton yarn, and Trettevik offers some pointers for working with it in the introduction. Other fibres featured are alpaca/silk and mohair, which offer both a bit of warmth as well as elasticity, which can be useful. Almost all of the patterns use one color and are knit in stockinette stitch, making this accessible to beginning knitters. While Trettevik includes two maxi skirts and a simple A-line dress, most of the patterns are for sleeveless cropped tops giving Summer Knits a youthful feel. The QR codes provided for instructions on specific techniques like casting on, the 3-needle bind off, and German short rows add to that sense.

Summer Knits is perfect for someone looking to whip up some speedy and simple knits to get them through the hot weather.

CBM

Listen to the Wool: A Why-to Guide for Joyful Spinning
by Josefin Waltin
Stackpole Books
US$32.95

Buy now from Bookshop.org or your local yarn shop

Many knitters make the transition from working exclusively with yarn purchased from their LYS to experimenting with spinning their own. Listen to the Wool is an invitation to go beyond the act of spinning and understand and experience wool in a new and deeper way. Waltin shares her love of the connection that wool gives us to the natural world and invites readers to embrace the satisfaction that the slow act of spinning provides.

The book is divided into five parts: Explore, Play, Create, Expand, and Listen. Each part starts with a brief essay setting the stage for the chapters to follow. For example, Explore starts with the moment Waltin and a friend decided to learn to spin when they discovered Swedish fleeces were being discarded because of a perceived lack of use. The chapters that follow in this section explore different sheep breeds, kinds of wool, methods of cleaning, and how to pick your fleece. Each chapter also has an exercise at the end that deepens the reader’s engagement with the material they just read.

The care and respect demonstrated by Waltin throughout Listen to the Wool feels like an invitation to give oneself over to joyful spinning.

CBM

Thread Snips (at top, reviewed below)
Scissors (shown above)
by LDH
Midnight Edition Fabric Shears (shown at top in 8" rubber handle – right handed)
Available in sizes from 8" to 12"
$50CAD

Buy now from LDHscissors.ca or your local yarn or fabric shop

It's hard to explain the visceral experience I had when using these scissors for the first time. It was delicious.

I spotted the LDH Scissors booth at the Knit City show in Toronto earlier this year, and approached them to request a sample for review. They were happy to provide a pair of 8" fabric shears (shown above) and a matching pair of thread snips as well (see below). I had planned some sewing, and I had time to give them a proper test.

I didn't know what to expect, but I have had enough bad experiences with more expensive shears I've purchased from fabric shops in the past. A pair of gorgeous rainbow shears branded with the name of a famous fabric designer are just, frankly, horrible. Pretty as anything, but functionally useless unless you get the 1" of actual cutting area (over an 8" long blade) located where you mean to cut the first time. I'm going to frame them or something. They're not good for anything else.

These LDH shears, as I held my breath, sliced through the thick fleece fabric with ease and the most ASMR-inducing crisp cutting sound. I actually got a physical tingle (not uncommon for neurodiverse folk like myself when hearing something deeply pleasant) listening to it snick-snick through the fleece. A crisp cut, no snagging or trouble of any sort. For $50CAD? Honestly, I was completely gobsmacked that these cut as well as I've seen famous-name high-priced scissors do on all the how-to videos I watch, and so happy to have these beauties on my cutting table.

Most of their products are right handed, but they do offer two different fabric shears designed for lefties.

The handle is covered in black rubber and comfortable to use. As you can see above, the handle gets a subtle size adjustment as the blade gets longer, so that it's ergnomically balanced at every size. It's forged from carbon steel and enhanced with manganese. It has a pleasing weight in the hand, and feels solid and well constructed. From their website: "The blades are slightly concave and perfectly aligned to allow them to cut through thick layers effortlessly. " They offer a limited lifetime warranty on defects in materials and craftsmanship for the original purchaser. Something tells me they don't often have to deal with warranty claims.

I did a quick search and found a video review from someone who's used these shears for a year and a half (lots of lovely cutting sounds). She's also a huge fan. And she's reminded me it's time to give these babies a light oiling as the manufacturer recommends.

A superior product from a family-owned Canadian company.

Thread Snips
by LDH
Midnight Edition Thread Snips
$30CAD

Buy now from LDHscissors.ca or your local yarn or fabric shop

While sewing, I always need thread snips to sharpen up my cut thread to slip it into the machine needle hole, or to trim long threads. I've had some crappy-cute scissors near my machine, but with these new LDH snips to test, I swapped them out. They are as enjoyable to use as the shears above. Solid industrial stainless steel, finished with their signature Midnight (black) coating, they are super sharp and fit nicely in my smallish palm. They come with a rubber protective cap that keeps the snips closed and protects hands and other things from inadvertent pokes. These would be just as at home in your knitting, crochet, or embroidery bag as in your sewing kit. Their precise cuts are exactly what we yarncrafters need.

As with the shears, they are solidly made, have enough heft to feel like they will last my lifetime and beyond, but aren't heavy. They work in either the right or left hand. They're a joy to use, and I'm so glad I stopped by their booth to investigate. I can recommend these snips and the scissors above wholeheartedly.

PS: If you're on a budget, check out their Seconds page for blemished but fully functional items at reduced prices.

AS

Crochet Shapes: 15 Projects, 6 Motifs, Endless Crochet Combinations!
by Katie Jones
Quadrille, Penguin Randomhouse UK
UK £18.99 / US $26.99
SR: 28–62.25"

Buy now from Bookshop.org or your local yarn shop

Katie Jones has been inspiring the crochet world with her bold, colourful designs for years. In this beginner-friendly book, she takes you through the construction of six crochet shapes, then shows you how to assemble them to create garments, bags and home decor items. All based on the classic granny square, the geometric shapes used in each design have extensive how-to instructions, including step-by-step photos, charts and accompanying tutorial videos accessible by QR code.

The projects are accessible from all standpoints: size inclusivity, price point, and skill level. Garments are written from size XS to 5XL, and yarn choices are listed generically by weight and fibre, allowing the reader to choose any yarn suited to their budget. While the projects are easy, more seasoned crocheters can use the framework provided as a jumping-off point to create custom creations.

This collection is fun and informative, walking crocheters through projects using small, achievable steps. This book is a gateway to crochet for those who love bold design!

JM

A Crochet Year: 20 Striking and Seasonal Projects
by Zoe Curtis
Quadrille, Penguin Randomhouse UK
UK £18.99 / US $26.99
SR: one size (see review)

Buy now from Bookshop.org or your local yarn shop

Zoe Curtis’s A Crochet Year is a collection of crochet patterns linked to the changing seasons. Organized into Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, the patterns are primarily small, practical projects ranging from accessories to home decor. Inspired by the desire to connect craft with the changing seasons, the projects and yarn choices reflect those seasonal shifts.

Zoe’s designs are wonderfully varied, thoughtful and approachable. Classic stitches and styles make this collection accessible for all skill levels and aesthetic tastes. The wide range of practical projects makes this book a great resource for gift-making.

It’s disappointing to see that the book’s two garments, a wrap and a vest, are only written in one size. Though the garment styles are unfitted and will fit a wide range of sizes, it’s an oversight that may be a dealbreaker for some.

Overall, a Crochet Year is a great collection, with simple, timeless projects that can keep a crocheter inspired year-round.

JM

Tunisian Crochet Wardrobe: 15 Modern Projects to Stitch and Wear
by Lindsey Muscarella
Quadrille, Penguin Randomhouse UK
UK £18.99 / US $26.99
SR: 28.5–63"

Buy now from Bookshop.org or your local yarn shop

Lindsey Muscarella’s Tunisian Crochet Wardrobe is an impressive collection of 15 projects with extensive pattern support material. While not expressly a “learn Tunisian crochet” book, it includes a thorough introduction to the technique, supplemented by a video tutorial (linked via QR code).

The projects include accessories, but it is the garments that truly shine. The collection of sweaters and tees is classic and timeless, utilizing simple shapes and detailed finishing. Even better, each project pattern includes a link to a full video tutorial. A must-have book for anyone interested in making garments in Tunisian crochet.

JM