Customer Reviews

Exquisite Little Knits: Knitting with Luxurious Specialty Yarns

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Every once in a while even the most accomplished knitter must explore the world of newer novelty knits. Rather than pay dear prices for some of the wonderfully textured yarns out there without a clue to how they are going to work up, purchasing a book like this aids you in almost every way.

Authors Schreier and Kimmelstiel show you the basics in an illustrated introduction -- their instructions on double knitting is wonderful for those who want to make those professinal looking scarf projects where both sides are reversible-- and then move on to chapters focusing on today's latest textures, like cashmere, eyelash, fur,suede, lattice, ribbon, sequins, silk, and old favorites like wool, angora and mohair.

Because of the beauty of the texture created, a little goes a long way: all of the projects cited in the book are small ones: scarves, shawls, gauntlets, purses and caps. Each of the projects is worked in two types of yarn sets--one to show a more evening look and the other a daytime one. One only has to look once at the "Black Tie Wrap", the "Trellis Stole" or the "Ribbon Wrapped Scarf and Shawl", to know that texture alone rules the day.

Simple patterns show off these magnificient yarns to full effect -- with the right yarns sophisticated creations are only two sticks and a few hours away. Now that I own the book, does anyone out there know where to get such lovely yarn at even lovelier (lower than knit store) prices?

This stunningly photographed book takes knitting to the level of haute couture, and best of all, the most challenging thing about most of the projects is simply knitting with more than one strand of fiber! Many unique textures and fibers are used, including ribbon and moire. Knit a shawl suitable for a black-tie event, a beautiful lace stole, or even an evening bag!

I went to the library and got this book, expecting it to maybe have one pattern, maybe two, that were good. After looking at it, I immediately went out and bought it. I love that it shows the strands of yarn used, so it's easier to find substitutions -- with novelty yarns, it's difficult to see what the yarn really looks like if you only see it on the skein. I'm looking forward to digging in to this book on our next long distance trip -- will give me lots of projects as I sit in the passenger seat!

I really like the projects in this book. It contains lots of projects that are fairly quick to knit; most of the projects are scarves. Most of the yarns used are the novelty yarns that are currently popular, and many patterns offer alternate yarns to use. Although I've discovered one project calls for an elasticized ribbon yarn that is discontinued (good luck finding that!). Many great small projects made in a few hours, to fun larger projects that might take a couple of weeks. Great book for beginning to intermediate knitters.

Some of the patterns call for different types of Great Adirondack yarn which have proven for me to be quite difficult or impossible to find, and in several cases the various colors from differnt manufacturers haven't been true to the actual yarn I've purchased via the internet. These two snags have not prevented me from working up the items. The yarns indeed are exquisite, the patterns simple, and the stitches and needle sizes are chosen to highlight each yarn's beauty. This is a well-thought out approach to using novelty yarns as well as luxury fibers. A smidge of indecently expensive yarn will take you far: I plan to wear even the dressier items with jeans, and coddle each as an heirloom piece.

I've always had a hard time finding projects in which I could use novelty or expensive luxury yarns. This book solves that problem! There are tons of projects for various yarns, including cashmere, ribbon, eyelash, and silk. A lot of the projects are fairly dressy, more like something you would wear on a night on the town. But they're still beautiful and fairly easy!

I'm a 20-something knitter who likes creative projects and funky yarn. I would attempt to make most of the projects in this book. I initially purchased the book with plans to make one of the wraps, but found that it has a ton of other patterns that I can't wait to try. Great pictures, beautiful yarns, clear instructions. It is a nice addition to my collection and worth the purchase price!

I have been very happy with this little book and have enjoyed making several of the items shown. Unfortunately many of the yarns suggested are indeed hard to find, but I had very good luck purchasing directly from the manufacturer. The merchandise came almost immediately and I found the staff especially helpful. This was especially true when buying from Habu Textiles. If you will look on the page across from the table of contents you will find "Notes About Suppliers" this will tell you where supplies can be found and purchased. It directs you go to their website. [...]. click on "craft supply stores". It will give you a complete stockists list which is very helpful. I might add these are not inexpensive fibers if you do indeed purchase them for a project, but the finished product will turn out to be one you will love to make for yourself or give to someone very worthy!

I had a particular project in mind when I purchased this book, i.e., a special, dressy shawl to wear on a cruise. Normally I knit much more practical garments, socks, toasty wool sweaters, etc. But this little book was a good introduction to small, interesting, and really glitzy projects. Everything is very easy to make because the special effects come from the spectacular yarns used. My shawl is coming along nicely and is going to knock their nautical socks off on my cruise!

Beautiful little projects that really show off the uniqueness of novelty yarn without overpowering the yarn's structure by complexity of knitting patterns. You will find ideas for her and him and most of the projects don't take long to finish. Some of the yarns are a bit pricey but the overall projects are still affordable as they don't call for more than a couple of skeins.
The only little downside is that if you are looking for the original yarns (maybe you just want to change the colour but keep the look and feel exactly the same) they are sometimes not so easy to find.

I finihsed the Romantic Ruffled Scarf in my own colour scheme and the lacy stole (highly recommended as lace project that you can take along because of the stunningly easy pattern) and I have already started two more.
If you are interested in trying out specialty yarns and create wearable knits - this is certainly the book for you.