Brave New Knits: 26 Projects and Personalities from the Knitting Blogosphere [Paperback]

Julie Turjoman (Author), Jared Flood (Photographer), Jessica Marshall Forbes (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 31, 2010

Brave New Knits is the first book to celebrate the convergence of traditional hand-knitting and modern technology. The Internet has made it possible for the knitting community to connect through photos, pattern-sharing, and blogs that document the knitting projects and passions of dozens of designers and enthusiasts. With a Foreword written by Jessica Marshall Forbes, co-founder of Ravelry.com, Brave New Knits includes 26 must-have garment and accessory patterns, all gorgeously photographed by knitting celebrity Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed. Contributors range from established designers like Norah Gaughan, Wendy Bernard, Anne Hanson, and knitgrrl Shannon Okey, to rising stars such as Melissa Wehrle, Connie Chang Chinchio, and Hilary Smith Callis. In-depth interviews with the designers reveal their design philosophy and passions. From shapely sweaters and delicate shawls to fingerless gloves and stylish hats, each of the knitted designs features detailed directions and charts to inspire both the beginner and experienced knitter.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

An accomplished knitter for more than 20 years, Julie Turjoman’s original hand-knit designs have been published in Interweave Knits and Twist Collective magazines, as well as the book Vampire Knits (Potter Craft, 2010). She writes, designs, and blogs at www.julieturjoman.com in the San Francisco Bay area, in a room filled with yarn.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books (August 31, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1605295906
• ISBN-13: 978-1605295909
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #158,725 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Julie Turjoman writes and designs knitwear in the San Francisco Bay area, where she works in a yarn-filled studio overlooking her garden. Following a long career in interior design, her trained eye for color, texture, proportion and style serves her well in the creation of knitted garments and accessories that are fashionable, comfortable, and well-fitting.

Her designs have appeared in Interweave Knits and Twist Collective. She blogs about knitting (though her garden makes frequent appearances and even the family cat shows up from time to time) at www.julieturjoman.com, and her Ravelry ID is: juliebean.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous projects but flawed patterns, January 22, 2011

By 

Jennifer Adrien (Tacoma, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Brave New Knits: 26 Projects and Personalities from the Knitting Blogosphere (Paperback)

This is a beautiful book. I bought it because there are so many inspiring projects to knit and not one looks like something my grandmother would have made. As I leafed through it the first time, every page turn revealed another project that I wanted to make. This book doesn't contain just 1 thing you'll want to make; it easily contains at least a dozen you'll want to try. Picking the first one will be the hardest choice.

The colors are gorgeous, the patterns are unique, and the pictures will make your hands itch to cast on as soon as possible. From the interesting accessories to the contemporary sweaters, there's a lot to keep a knitter busy.

Unfortunately, there's also a lot to make a knitter go crazy.

In the first pattern I knitted, the Orchid Thief Shawlette, there were significant errors ("errata") in the pattern charts. Had it not been for the gifted knitters on Ravelry who posted about the errata I would not have been able to finish. Even Ysolda Teague's corrections on her own website were not well written. Again, I turned to Ravelry to fix the problems printed in the book.

I've checked other patterns from the book and chatted with people who have done or are working on projects. What I've learned from them is that a number of the other patterns contain mistakes, omissions, or lack of clarity.

This book seems rushed to publication. Great care was given to the formatting, the photo shoots, and the knitter profiles. The publishers & editors missed the boat on the most imporatant part: the patterns.

With so many significant mistakes in the patterns, knitters would be better served waiting for a second edition (if there is one). If you do buy this book, be forewarned that you will need to check for errata before starting any of the projects or you'll risk pulling out your hair from frustration.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "THE MINGLING OF KNITTERS AND THE INTERNET", September 8, 2010

By 

Bonnie Brody "Book Lover and Knitter" (Port St. Lucie, FL) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Brave New Knits: 26 Projects and Personalities from the Knitting Blogosphere (Paperback)

Brave New Knits by Julie Turjoman is divided up into two sections: Garments and Accessories. The forward is written by the founders of Ravelry and if you're anything like me, you love this site. This book explores "the mingling of knitters and the Internet". Ravelry is a community of thousands of knitters around the world who share ideas, patterns, yarn swaps, etc. The patterns in this book are chosen from designers who are also bloggers. For that reason alone, this book is unique and a new genre of knitting book.

The garment section has a bio of each designer included. The patterns are varied and many are quite beautiful. I especially like the Tulip Peasant Blouse designed by Conie Chang Chinchio of Physicknits; Silke Jacket designed by Shannon Okey of Knitgrrl; Delysia Camisole designed by Jordana Paige; Koukla Cardigan designed by Hilary Smith Callis of The Yarniad; The Origami Shrug designed by Melissa Wehrle of Newknits. I am excited to know that I can access each of the designers on their blog or website. This way I'm able to see a lot more of the work they are doing.

In the Accessory section I fell in love with the Lace Flower Pin designed by Kate Coyle. The woodsmoke Scarf is perfect for my Alaskan winters and is designed by Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed. I can't wait to knit the Hydrangea Neckwarmer designed by Ann Hanson, Knitspot. The old hippie in me loves the Sockstravaganza designed by Kirsten Kapur, Through the Loops. The socks are perfect to wear with Birkenstocks or sandals. Ruth P. of Wormhead has designed a grat hat that is cabled and covers the ears. The Lubov Scarf by designer Kathy Veeza, Grumperina knocked my socks off (no pun intended. I am a lace fanatic and this is a project I'll love knitting.

All in all, this is a wonderful book. If you haven't yet checked out Ravelry, go to [...] and see what an amazing community of knitters awaits you from around the world. This is a book designed to connect knitters on the web. It is also a book with beautiful projects.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Indie Knit Designers: Talents and Stories, October 23, 2010

By 

goodfruit "Rebecca" (Oregon City, Oregon) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Brave New Knits: 26 Projects and Personalities from the Knitting Blogosphere (Paperback)

Lovely book, love the stories that accompany each designer, interesting knitwear, several things I'd like to make. Only wish they would increase the size range, XL is not a 37" bust, just saying.