Chunky and Lace
I just ordered and received Twinkle's Big City Knits by Wenlan Chia (and fellow Taiwanese) and A Gathering of Lace by Meg Swansen. They are a bit of a juxtaposition of one another, since Twinkle is based on Chunky yarns, and we all know that lace yarns are thin and delicate.
Both books are well-put together, feature fantastic photos, and some really nice projects. Of course, with every book, there are certain projects that shine, while there are those ones you know you would never ever make, much less wear if someone bought them for you. The latter is the problem with a lot of books for me, so I don't buy them. I mean, there are lots of gorgeous and wonderful knitting books, but as a frugal and discerning shopper, I try to buy books if they will increase my skill set and/or if I like or feel inspired by at least 50% of the patterns in the book.
In my opinion, these are one of the two most beautiful projects in A Gathering of Lace:
left: A Rose is a Rose Shawl. Isn't it amazing? The only thing I don't like is the "A Rose is a Rose" around the circumference of the shawl. It takes away from the beauty of the shawl and cheapens it a bit, in my opinion. I think that the shawl would be so much more elegant if some leafy (or anything else!) lace pattern replaced the lettering. right: Frost Flowers & Leaves Shawl. I think this is the prettiest shawl in the book and would consider making this for someone special, or for myself.
From Twinkle's Big City Knits:
left: Balthazar Vest. Once I turn some of my WIPs to FOs, I think I want to make is very cute, and most importantly, not boxy vest. I figure, by the time I square away my long list of UFOs and WIPs, it'll be fall/winter, and perfect time for me to work on this. right: Incredible Skirt. Now, this has a truly fitting name. I love the colors Wenlan chose for this, and the way the colors are worked in. The only thing is, I don't think I would every wear or make a knitted skirt. I envision a cape, shawl, sweater or purse using this as inspiration.
left: Balthazar Vest. Once I turn some of my WIPs to FOs, I think I want to make is very cute, and most importantly, not boxy vest. I figure, by the time I square away my long list of UFOs and WIPs, it'll be fall/winter, and perfect time for me to work on this. right: Incredible Skirt. Now, this has a truly fitting name. I love the colors Wenlan chose for this, and the way the colors are worked in. The only thing is, I don't think I would every wear or make a knitted skirt. I envision a cape, shawl, sweater or purse using this as inspiration.
Labels: books
posted by Anne at
12:42 PM
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2 Comments:
i'll be interested to flip through the lace book....i'm still pretty "beginner" when it comes to lace, but its good to dream. i just finished the balthazar vest - it was soooo fast!! (1.5 sts/inch!!). i love that skirt too...it looks pretty dainty and delicate despite the fact that its pretty big guage.
The Twinkle book really intrigues me. I plan to make something from a pattern she published in Vogue Knitting. I may buy the book later, too. Her stuff is so cute!
Having flipped through your lace book, I have to agree that is has some really pretty stuff. I haven't made much lace yet, but it really does look beautiful!
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