INTRODUCTION

Cool Stuff

by Claudia B. Manley, Julia Madill, 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 We do not publish reviews of products that do not perform well in our testing.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.

Browse the whole list of books reviewed this issue at Bookshop which gives 10% of their profits to independent bookstores across the US, and a 10% commission to Knitty for every purchase. If you're not in the US, please consider purchasing at your local independent bookshop. Small businesses need our support especially in this increasingly complex economy.    

Knitty no longer uses Amazon links. Knitty supports small, independent businesses, and believes in truth in news media. Amazon is an active force in destroying both. We're done. These links were a source of revenue for Knitty, but we will take the loss.

If you would like to support Knitty, check out the Knittyguild – and get rewards too!

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Field Notes: 20 Textured Knits for Everyday Beauty
by Olga Putano
Laine Press
37,99€/hardcover; 34,99€/digital
SR: 31.25–81.25"

Buy now from Laine Publishing or your local yarn shop

In her introduction to Field Notes, Olga Putano writes that “[o]ne of the things I love so much about knitting is that I feel there is always something new to learn, and different ways to do an already mastered technique.” With Field Notes, Putano offers plenty of opportunities to learn and explore through her infinitely wearable and aesthetically pleasing patterns. The designs feature slip stitch colorwork, cables, tuck stitch, ribbed stitch, and more. All design work is charted.

Putano starts with a glossary of abbreviations as well as some general notes. She advises knitters to choose a size based on finished measurements and cautions that if one sizes down, they need to be aware that the sleeve circumference will also be smaller. This seems like a no-brainer, but it something one can easily forget until it’s too late.

While there are colorwork patterns, the bulk of the designs feature cables and other kinds of stitch work and have a cozy feel to them. She offers a swancho updated in brioche with a high/low hem as well as a long ribbed dickey with a turtleneck and side ties that speak of comfort and warmth (shown above). Cushion, one of the colorwork patterns, is a seemingly simple cropped vest with striking slip stitch colorwork. (Note: the chart for Midge is on the Errata page on the Laine website.)

The patterns in Field Notes provide ample opportunity and inspiration to craft something warm and pleasing for oneself or as a gift for someone else.

CBM

Crochet Modular Blankets: 18 mixed motif designs that play with shape and scale
by Rachele Carmona
David & Charles
$24.99

Buy now from Bookshop.org or your local yarn shop

In her introduction to Crochet Modular Blankets, Rachele Carmona speaks of her inspirations – including art, architecture, and fabric quilts – and her celebration of what she terms her “cozy maximalist” twist on traditional blanket motifs. After some brief instruction on how to get started, understand the patterns, and gear up, Carmona dives in the patterns themselves.

Each pattern begins with a brief introduction offering some information on the inspirations or techniques featured before going on to the general details of the patterns: finished measurements, yarn used, hook size, gauge, notions, and additional pattern notes. The instructions are clear and the charts are easy to read. Carmona has included patterns for a variety of blankets so one could choose something that might fly off the hook, like the Little Boat Blanket that features simple two-color blocks, or something a bit more challenging like the Geo Prisma Blanket that combines a variety of stitchwork with inventively combined half hexagons (shown below).

The designs in this book are sure to elevate one’s blanket game to a new level. With Crochet Modular Blankets, Rachele Carmona moves us out from under the classic afghan.

CBM

Seasons of Stitches
by Justyna Lorkowska
Laine Press
31,99€/softcover; 28,99€/digital
SR: 33–76.25"

Buy now from Laine Publishing or your local yarn shop

The patterns in Seasons of Stitches by Justyna Lorkowska are literally divided into different seasons, and what this does is allow us to conceptualize an entire year of future knits in one cohesive volume. In this exploration of the seasons of our lives, Lorkowska is “merging the artistry of knitting with the emotional evolution that accompanies our journeys.” Rarely does a pattern book acknowledge that how we live and what we experience is intertwined with our making (whether that is knitting, crocheting, or another craft).

The designs in this book often combine more than one technique or decorative element at a time and speak to an ease and excitement within each season that builds and spills over into the next. Each season features four different patterns that recognize the characteristics or needs of that season. For example, spring features knits that respond to a changing climate. There is cardigan, a shawl, a pullover, and a cowl. Summer provides two short-sleeved sweater patterns, a cardigan, and the shawl Crescendo, which is worked in a combination of garter stitch and brioche tuck stitch (shown below). The gradient stripes are perfect for using up mini skeins or scraps and is reversible.

There is also a sense of joy permeating this book. The designs in this book are not only seasonally appropriate, but they are also both interesting and wearable and worthy of space in our cupboards.

CBM

Math for Knitters
by Kate Atherley
Nine Ten Publications Inc.
$24.95CAD
SR:

Buy now from Nine Ten Publications Inc. or your local yarn shop

Editor's note: Kate Atherley is a huge part of Knitty and has worked with us for a very long time. However, Claudia and Kate are not acquainted more than in passing, and Claudia has endeavored to be impartial in her review below.

I have frequently used the phrase, “I was not a math major” when explaining why I can’t (or won’t) work out some figures although I have done plenty of math for knitting. Kate Atherley actually was a math major, and in Math for Knitters, she helps us all work out the calculations often required to achieve the right fit.

The book is divided into two main sections. In the first section, she begins with the general skills required to read a pattern. From there she addresses such areas as gauge (and what to do if you can’t get it to match) and yarn substitutions, as well as how to translate instructions if you’re working with a different gauge or stitch count.

In the second section of the book, she gets to sweater fit, the bane of many knitters existence (or is it just mine?). Starting with determining whether a garment will actually fit you, she then helps you to determine what adjustments and alterations to make so the sweater fits your body, not just the size model’s.

Atherley summarizes the purpose of Math for Knitters thusly, “{t}his book doesn’t just teach you how to do the calculations, it also addresses how to make good garment pattern (and size) choices up front so that fewer alterations are required and the ones you need are simpler and less risky.” I don’t think I know a knitter who wouldn’t benefit from Atherley’s capable and straightforward guidance.

CBM

Tukubook: Nordic Knits. Silent Strength
Tiina Huhtaniemi and Erika Appelström, editors
Laine Press
38,99€/hardcover; 35,99€ digital download
SR: 31.2–73"

Buy now from Laine Publishing or your local yarn shop

In the introduction to Tukubook, Huhtaniemi states that it is “a tribute to knitting and Finnish craft heritage,” especially as manifest through Tukuwool specifically and Finnish wool in general. One doesn’t need to be a Finn in order to appreciate the ethics and philosophy behind Tukuwool, and the wide range of designs and shapes celebrating this fibre certainly are not bound by geography.

To look at the cover, one might expect a rather somber experience within, but the various designers who’ve created patterns for this collection have let the yarn guide them to create designs that are at times playful (the Jon ’90s Jovi sweater, pictured below), striking (the Margo shawl), sophisticated (the Train cardigan) or cozy (the Still Life sweater). The designs feature a variety of colorwork and cables.

This collection starts with the story of Tukuwool itself, outlining one woman’s campaign to celebrate Finnish wool. We’re seeing these kinds of heritage yarns developing all over the world, and the variety they add to our crafting is exciting. There are 16 patterns here, predominantly featuring pullovers and cardigans, but there are also shawls, mittens, vests, and a pair of socks. While most of the patterns seem designed for women, Weichien Chan’s sweater Kaamos is a designed to be a relax unisex sweater featuring a colorwork yoke.

There is much to commend in this volume, from the passion for Finnish fiber to the thoughtful designs highlighting the qualities of it.

CBM

Crochet Now: A Beginner’s Guide to Essential Stitches and Techniques
by Salena Baca
Stackpole Books
$12.95

Buy now from Bookshop.org or your local yarn shop

This slim book provides a gentle entry to the world of crochet. Designed specifically for beginners, Crochet Now features clear instructions and plenty of photos and illustrations to bring the lessons home.

In addition to teaching one the basic stitches, Baca has a section on how to read and follow a standard crochet pattern, which is something I don’t always see. She provides information on the what the different parts of the instructions mean, giving examples along the way.

Before moving on from the basics, there’s a pattern for a bobble stitch washcloth to practice one’s newly acquired skills. Once that’s been accomplished, Baca deepens the learning with an exploration of techniques such as managing yarn ends and changing colors. Three patterns follow this section – two different washcloths and a headband. Baca then provides instruction for crocheting a tube, which is accompanied by a pattern for an infinity scarf that uses that technique. The final skill Baca teaches is how to increase in the round, an essential skill for anyone eyeing a project like a blanket. The last pattern features granny squares combined into a chunky motif blanket.

Crochet Now is an excellent introduction to crochet that is encouraging and supportive.

CBM

52 Weeks of Scrap Yarn: Projects for Crafters
by various designers
Laine Press
39,99€/hardcover; 36,99€/digital
Available in English or Finnish
SR: 32.75–75"

Buy now from Laine Publishing or your local yarn shop

You would be hard-pressed to find a knitter who doesn’t have scrap yarn in their stash, those remnants of well-loved yarns that we just can’t seem to let go or find a new home for. 52 Weeks of Scrap Yarn might be an answer to that dilemma. Featuring both knitting and crochet patterns, you could set yourself up for an entire year of working through your scrap stash.

The book is divided into sections based on item category. In addition to sweaters, cardigans, vests and slipovers, there are sections for specific accessories (e.g., shawls, socks, mittens) as well as a section featuring bags and home décor items. Some of the patterns utilize the scrap yarn in the actual construction of the item, while others employ it for embroidery, duplicate stitch details, or elements like woven patches integrated into larger projects. Regardless of the amount of scrap yarn you have, there is a pattern here that will allow you to exhaust it.

The beauty of having a collection of patterns from a variety of designers is that you get a glimpse into the different ways one can approach the use of scraps. For example, Sam Lamb offers us Bloomfield Bunting, an understated project that uses scraps for the decorative element reminiscent of bunting along the edge of a single-color shawl (shown above). And the playful Bobble Pop hand-warmers from Jen Yard speak of experimentation with its bold color choices and combination of knitting and crochet.

52 Weeks of Scrap Yarn has me taking an inventory of my scraps and mini skeins in anticipation of giving them a forever home in one of these patterns.

CBM

Maker's Mesh Tote in Vivid Rose
by della Q
$98.00
15" long, 10" high, 6" wide

Buy now from dellaQ.com or your local yarn shop

As you may know, from time to time, the folks at della Q collab with some of our favorite creators (full disclosure: we did a collab with them to celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2022). This time, the new release was so pretty, I couldn't wait till spring to write about it. I think a grey winter would be made so much more delightful if one's knitting is carried around in a very deep pink knitting bag. Toni Lipsey (of TL Yarn Crafts), you picked a gorgeous color!

Included in the bag are two treats: the scissors in their perfect-fit snap pouch, which clips to one side of the bag. The other is a half canvas/half mesh Oh Snap pouch, great for notions, or for holding your yarn so it doesn't get tangled up on itself in the bigger section of the bag. The "leather" accents on the bag are vegan.

The Maker's Mesh Tote uses della Q's signature structured mesh as the main fabric for the bag, reinforced at the top and sides with their other signature material: waxed canvas. The bag is big enough for most sweaters in progress along with the yarn. It snaps closed (no zippers! yay!) at the top and has comfy shoulder straps for carrying. It comes with a removable shoulder strap too, so you can wear it crossbody on transit or walking about. And the front of the bag is a full-width zippered pouch where you can stow phone/keys/wallet or the pattern you're using.

I haven't used a bag made of mesh like this before, and I liked the lightness of it right away, but the fact that it's structured makes it a very enjoyable and functional bag to use as well. It ships flat, so I immediately opened it up and out and filled it with my current WIP. Even better than a light-colored lining, the mesh fabric allows light to hit the contents of the bag from the sides as well as the top, and that makes it easier to find whatever you're looking for in there.

The snaps as closures on the bag and the Oh Snap accessory pouch are super functional, hold tight, and let your yarn strand slide out as you need. If it's too tight, just open one more snap and the opening is larger. Love that.

I like this bag a lot. It's bright and cheerful and exceptionally functional. A perfect winter companion for my knitting.

AS

Sterling silver stitch markers
by Laura Teague
$24 and up
Available in 4 sizes:

• Extra small - used to mark stitch - not designed to fit over needles; length about 3/4 - 1"
• Small - designed to fit over knitting needles up to size 4; length about 3/4 - 1"
• Medium - designed to fit over knitting needles up to size 10; length about 3/4 - 1"
• Large - designed to fit over knitting needles up to size 15; length about 1 1/8"

Buy now from Laura Teague

Look at these lovely things. Laura Teague makes each one by hand of sterling silver. They come in 4 sizes and make your work in progress feel bejeweled.

The smallest size is meant to slip onto a stitch rather than the needle, in the manner of crochet stitch markers. The smooth ball at each end won't damage the work as you clip it on, and it's light enough to hang off a single stitch without causing any pulling or damage.

The next three sizes fit on your knitting needles and again are light and delightful to use.

They're made of sterling silver, which is a beautifully light material. The arms of the markers cross as you'll see below, but they're not attached to each other. That means you can gently slide one arm into a stitch or several, and it will then stay put. I am knitting another Musselburgh hat, and needed a beginning of round marker. There is a lot of flailing about when you're knitting just a few stitches, increasing every other round, and trying to keep things tidy. The marker I placed a few rounds after starting in a stitch to show the beginning of round has not budged. Awesome.

These markers are a little splurge that can make the most endless section of stockinette feel and look special as you work it. You might be tempted to wear these as jewelry when they're not working hard for you in your WIP, and if you have a neck chain long enough, I absolutely would!

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.

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.

Browse the whole list of books reviewed this issue at Bookshop which gives 10% of their profits to independent bookstores across the US, and a 10% commission to Knitty for every purchase. If you're not in the US, please consider purchasing at your local independent bookshop. Small businesses need our support especially in this increasingly complex economy.    

Knitty no longer uses Amazon links. Knitty supports small, independent businesses, and believes in truth in news media. Amazon is an active force in destroying both. We're done. These links were a source of revenue for Knitty, but we will take the loss.

If you would like to support Knitty, check out our Patreon – and get rewards too!

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!
---
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.