Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

While I absolutely LOVE the contents of this book, the Kindle version translates very poorly.
Photos are black and white, and after casting on Ysolda Teague's Orchid Thief Shawl, I realized the chart was so small I could barely make out any of the symbols. After wincing through Charts 1&2, I was relieved to find some errata with Charts 3 & 4 reprinted on Ysoda's blog. However, because everything is in B&W, I didn't realize there were color-coded pattern repeats and had to rip back several rows. :(
Other than that, I was an excellent read. Though I highly recommend purchasing the actual physical book if you plan on knitting any of the patterns.

A devoted blog-reader and visitor to sites like Ravelry, author Julie Turjoman has collected 26 projects from participants in the on-line knitting world, along with profiles of their creators, and presents them in the lovely "Brave New Knits." You will recognize some of the most famous bloggers -- Norah Gaughan of Berroco, Wendy of Knit & Tonic -- but you may also discover some new favorites, too. If you are fascinated with the world of knitting blogs, you'll enjoy reading the profiles describing how these bloggers got started, their knitting background, what they hope to achieve by blogging, and background about their designs. In addition to presenting profiles of her subjects, Turjoman asked each of them to design a project. It's fascinating to see this collection of 26 items, ranging from the small accessory (knitted pins) to full-size sweaters, with a range of styles and techniques presented.

The first section contains patterns for sweaters and other full-size garments; interestingly, many of the sweaters feature short- or 3/4-length sleeves, and most are constructed partially or wholly in the round rather than seamed pieces. The second section contains accessory patterns -- socks, hats, mittens, scarves and so on. The patterns are lovely, and beautifully photographed by Jared Flood. You'll find a variety of techniques, from lacework to cables to stranded knitting. The book is beautifully presented, and unlike another reviewer, my middle-aged eyes did not have any trouble reading the type throughout. (Some of the type -- which looks black to me -- appears on white background, while other portions appear on an off-white or beige background, but I found neither hard to read.)

In sum, I give "Brave New Knits" two thumbs up, one for fans of the knitting blogosphere and one for fans of lovely knitting patterns.

We hosted a book signing with Julie Turjoman at our LYS! Julie is such a wonderful, sweet lady! She brought all the knits in her new book as a trunk show!!! ABSOLUTLY WONDERFUL!!! I have knitted one or two of the items, and love them!!! I won't buy a knit pattern book unless there are at least 3 patterns in it that I wish to knit....there may only be 3 (if that) that I don't want to knit!

This is not your mothers knitting pattern book. If you are not currently a knitter, this book will not only give you the desire to learn this wonderful craft but it provides patterns that are written with you in mind. If you are a long time knitter, this book will make you want to grab the keys to go to the craft store for new yarn. This book takes the long time knitter or the new to the craft knitter to higher levels than has ever been available before. Now you can easily make beautiful projects that you will feel good about giving as gifts or wearing yourself. No more dull, old fashioned, knitting projects. The projects in this book are new, modern and updated fashions for the home or individual.

The directions are so easy to follow. Each project is rated for the knitters ability level and is described in easy to read ratings at the beginning of each pattern. Each pattern has a full page view of the completed project.

As a long time knitter, I was drawn to this book for its beautiful photos. It is packed with directions on knitting modern clothing, blankets and accessories. The photos are amazing!

The author has taken knitting out of the ordinary & comfortable setting of the home and moved it to the Internet. She has taken the best in directions from online bloggers and added them in a book that will become a permanent book on my bookshelf and used many times.

This book is not your normal "dull" patterns. It takes dull out of the world of knitting and replaces it with "bold" & "modern". Once you view the photos, you will want to pick up those long lost knitting needles and start knitting. If you are not currently a knitter, this book will give you the desire to learn this age old talent.

You will find patterns for sweater, coats, scarves, socks, blanket, hat and even a baby top. I loved each and every pattern.



I recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a meanful craft or a long time knitter. I give it a 5 star on all levels from the photos to the directions. I loved this book. It would make a great addition to anyones personal library or as a gift. This book will appeal to teens as well as adults.

I ordered this book as soon as I could based on the designs of Ann Weaver and Hilary Smith Callis; however, I quickly fell in love with several other designs. The in-depth interviews with each designer lets the reader/knitter know what to expect from the following pattern. Johnny Rotten jacket is on needles - need I say more.

When Julie asked if I would participate in a blog tour of her book, Brave New Knits, I was extemely flattered--it's not like Nake-id Knits is the most popular girl at the party, if you know what I mean.

But the cats and I have been at it for a while--goodness me, since 2003!--and have surfed a blog or two in our time.

Which is what makes Brave New Knits such a revelation. Though it features the designs of some knitblogging stars--Jared Flood (who also did BNK's gorgeous knit friendly photography), Wendy Bernard of Knit-and-Tonic fame, Norah Gaughan (who blogs for Berroco), lace queen Anne Hanson, Shannon Okey (the mind boggles at the energy exhibited by this knitgrrl) and Stefanie Japel (author of FittedKnits and GlamKnits), it also makes a point of showcasing the talents of several emerging designer/bloggers.

Here are profiles and designs by people whose names might ring a bell, but whose blogs may or may not. Like Teresa Gregorio of CanaryKnits. Her contribution, the Milk Maiden Pullover, stopped me cold. Inspired by a 16th century Dutch engraving by Lucas Van Leyden, the top evokes the square necklines of the period but without the bust-squishing stays and corseting that made fashionistas like Anne Boleyn look so uncomfortable. (Gregorio's bodice ribbing--sheer genius.)

What that poor woman wouldn't have given for some alpaca and circular needles.

I'll also be keeping my eye on Anne Weaver, designer of the Johnny Rotten Jacket. While some knitted blazers have that awkward, self-conscious look of a poor pairing (like topping a petite fillet with ice cream because you can), Weaver got it exactly right. She's created a relaxed, cropped jacket (complete with lapels and slip-stitch pin-striping) that works as a sweater.

There is much to like about this well thought-out book, including scarves, socks, and a most adorable toddler tunic by Julie Weisenberger. I was pleased to see that the patterns feature photos, schematics, charts and written instructions. Plus there are lots of garment options (anthologies of this sort can rely heavily on quick-knit accessories), a knitter's guide to blog lingo, and 26 designer/blogger profiles written by Turjoman, which offer a window into each knitter's creative process and blog.

A good knitting book should do one of two things: It should offer easily followed patterns that compel users to knit, or it should inspire knitters with design flourishes and informative bits that set fingers ablaze. Whether you choose to knit BNK's patterns, find a fresh blog read or discover a new design muse, Brave New Knits proves that knitblogs are so not over and that the talent in our small corner of the blogosphere is absolutely breathtaking.

Good on you, Julie, for taking the vibrant digital confab that is knitblogging into print.

I read all these reviews about all the mistakes in this book prior to buying. I also went on the author's website and copied the errata which does not include all the mistakes in this book. Unfortunately when I got to the cable chart on the Silke Jacket, I knew as an experienced knitter something was wrong. I went on ravelry and saw others mentioned the incorrect instructions. So now I have to place alot of markers and figure it out by looking at the picture since there is no errata. I don't understand how this book got published with so many mistakes. They can knit but they can't write instructions. It is aggravating that I have to write the pattern by looking at the picture. No wonder the book has decreased in price. Lovely patterns and designs but buyer beware , lots of mistakes.