The Principles of #Knitting Book Review

This is a book review about The Principles of Knitting by June Hemmons Hiatt. I received a review copy of the book.

Since this wonderful resource came out in February, it could be said that this review is long overdue. However, the simple fact is that this volume is incredibly relevant and will remain so for years to come.

This is the kind of book you buy for your knitting library and refer back to over and over again. It's perfect for seasoned knitters and newbies who want to increase their knowledge and skills.

The instructions are very clear and easy to follow. Hiatt also devotes a chapter to yarn! I loved reading all about the carding and spinning process. She goes into a great level of detail, even explaining the different terminology for particular types of fiber. Do you know the difference between a noil and a filament? I do. They're quite different, actually...

While I would not recommend this as a beginning knitting how-to book, and it's certainly not a page turner, it is definitely an essential reference for serious knitters.

Vital stats:
  The Principles of Knitting

  June Hemmons Hiatt
Hardcover

Touchstone/Simon & Schuster
ISBN 13: 978-1-4165-3517-1

ISBN 10:  1-4165-3517-9
$45.00

P.S.  It's also available digitally.  A bit cheaper and saves space, too! And, oh yeah. Those links are affiliate links.

#Yarn Candy: Lion Brand Bonbons!

Could it get any cuter?

Last month I was asked by Lion Brand to do a review of their new product, Bonbons, or as I like to call it, crochet cuties.  The idea was that I would receive a package of their new product in each colorway, and fill out a survey about my thoughts on the product.  I completed that piece over a month ago, and my excitement for Bonbons has not died down.  I knew I had to blog about this!

I was not asked to blog about the product. I asked permission to blog about this experience because I am truly excited about it!  It's always exciting when new products come out, but not all of them are this interesting.

Art to Inspire from MoMA

I am lucky enough to live not too far from some world-class art and history museums.  I don't visit them as often as I should, but I do visit from time to time.  The Museo de Arte Moderno (MAM) is my absolute favorite in Mexico City, and that's because I really do love modern art.  I always have and always will.  I grew up with a Jackson Pollock print in the foyer, a Robert Maplethorpe coffee table book, and a poster of the Guggenheim right outside of my bedroom.  I finally visited there once and yep- it looked just like the poster!

One NYC Museum I've visited over and over is, of course, MoMA.  I love MoMA.  Looking at the works of art there have changed my life.  I never once took an art history class, but I've learned my art history in the museum itself.  

Van Gogh - Starry Night

So when Screen Dreams contacted me to review 50 Masterworks from the Collection as a holiday gift item, my interest was piqued.  I wasn't quite sure how a DVD of art would fit into my life, but I went ahead and gave it a shot.  I received two review samples, one DVD and one Blu-Ray disc, which I am allowed to keep.  I have to say that I honestly did enjoy viewing the DVD with my mother.  (My mom knows so much about art.  She identified many of the artists before the titles and descriptions appeared on the screen!)

Dali - Persistance of Time

The quality of the images on the DVD is very high- much higher than what can be viewed on a computer screen.  I think the DVD has great educational benefit because it cycles through a selection of works that show exemplary pieces showcasing the styles of artists whose works are housed in the permanent collection at MoMA.  It would be great for an art student who wanted to become familiar with different styles.

Rousseau - Sleeping Gypsy

And since my mother runs an adult day care, I gave her the DVD because she can have it on for the seniors to enjoy during their meals.  I kept the Blu Ray because sometimes I'll use it when I am grading papers or crafting and listening to music.  I think it would also be fun to enjoy this DVD during holiday celebrations.  I do wish the collection included more than 50 works, but maybe there's a volume two coming...?

Chagall - Birthday

To find out more about this digital art collection, please click on any of the paintings above or visit Screen Dreams online.

Nationwide #Yarn Crawl Loopy Yarns, #Chicago, IL

I'm happy to kick off this yarn party with a booming yarn palace- Loopy Yarns of Chicago, IL! 

Loopy Yarns is a store that makes an effort to welcome customers and make them feel at home.  Located in Chicago's famous downtown "Loop", the store is beautiful, quaint, and inviting.  

Loopy Yarns is located in a beautiful red brick building at historic Dearborn Station.

We're here!

 After hearing about Loopy Yarns from my online activities (and knowing they host celebrity classes!), I was really excited about visiting this famous yarn store that has everything!  

You know I immediately zeroed in on the crocheted samples.  Check out this wire dress form!

Pretty! (And check out the little duck to the right. Hi, Duckie!)

I thought this was a neat technique- a felted bowl with synthetic fiber worked in. Great effect.

Mom found a project in the corner. 

Every luxury fiber I've heard of was there.  In all the pretty colors.  Look at all those luscious colors!

Downstairs at Loopy Yarns

In addition to all of the beautiful yarn available upstairs, there is a spacious and comfortable space downstairs boasting a large sale section (yes!), a classroom, a spinning corner, and comfy chairs in which to sit, relax, crochet, knit, and spin.   This is pretty close to paradise.

I wonder when Mom will take up spinning.  It's so her.  She's a textile addict.

I found this Linda Permann sample on a comfy chair downstairs.
I love it when I can identify designs!

 So what was the damage?

 All told, I did pretty well at Loopy Yarns.  I often get overwhelmed in US yarn stores because there is so much to buy but I never have projects in mind, so... I just picked up these few little things.

Yes, those are Addis.  And yes, they do rule!

I got a Barbara Walker stitching DVD for free! (Because I bought so much!)

And it all came in this fabulous tote bag, which was free (because I bought so much).

They keep in touch, too!  I joined the mailing list and I got a sweet birthday greeting and coupon that I can use when I go back.

This post was part of the Nationwide Yarn Crawl with Cami on Art, Like Bread.  I'm just doing it for fun!

Do You Love DoubleStitch?

Who are DoubleStitch?

Are you serious?

They are only the coolest, sweetest, and most talented crocheting twins out there! Erika and Monika Simmons have an amazing book, titled Doublestitch: Designs for the Crochet Fashionista, which I picked up at a craft fair in Chicago. Oh, did I mention that THEY SIGNED IT? :o)

This is me and them! They're so nice!

If you are sick of frumpy crochet designs, or spending $18.00 a skein on yarn for a pattern that requires 9 skeins, then check their book out! They use the mesh design quite a lot, making the designs versatile, easy, and quick. They also use normal, affordable yarns. How refreshing! This is a case where the finished product really looks like a garment that would have cost much more if you'd bought it in a store. And you don't feel like these take forever to complete. You can be wearing your amazing new garment in a week or less.

There is so much to tell about DoubleStitch. I am sure I can not fit it all into one post. Therefore, I'll leave you now with my version of their "Versatile Spring Wrap," which I learned to crochet from one of their free videos on the Virtue Radio Network. I did one up for myself and one for Mom. Of course, you can make these up in any color to go with any season. There are many ways to wear it!!

Wrap skirt front^ and back.

Cover-up front^ and side.

Capelet front^ and back.