Knit 2 Together: Patterns and Stories for Serious Knitting Fun [Hardcover]

Tracey Ullman (Author), Mel Clark (Author), Eric Axene (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2006

Tracey Ullman has been known for almost 20 years as an award-winning comedian, actress, writer, and producer, well-loved for her eccentric and iconoclastic humor. She is also an avid knitter, and she brings the same freewheeling spirit to her most recent production, a book she created with knitwear designer and yarn-shop owner Mel Clark. Although she has been knitting since the age of four, Ullman was, she says “helpless to make anything other than long, holey scarves” until she met Clark, who taught her how to follow a pattern and knit for real.

Passionate and funny, serious and spirited, Knit 2 Together features lively lessons for beginners and more than 30 original designs for knitters of all abilities and stripes—from witches britches and house slippers to a saucy apron and a table skirt. Complete with sidebars and vibrant color photographs, the book also relates Ullman’s personal stories and reflections on her life in knitting. This one-of-a-kind brainchild of two perfectly matched creators—one a master of knitting, the other a master of wit—is sure to delight veteran and novice alike.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The multitalented Ullman now graces audiences with another gift: a funny and accessible book on knitting, co-written with the owner of her local Santa Monica, Calif., yarn store. Ullman's been knitting for three years, and Clark, a New Zealander, is her knitting mentor. The duo shares more than 30 original designs, accompanied by Ullman's witticisms and Clark's trustworthy advice. The patterns are for chic, sometimes quirky items, such as a Lacy Hug-Me-Tight, a hybrid shrug/shawl with a pretty lace trim; and a Gym Slip Dress reminiscent of a high school uniform but with a panel of ruching at the hem, a lace panel at the waist and ribbing at the bodice. Although beginners may be skeptical of some of the more detailed creations, Ullman and Clark are nothing if not reassuring; says Clark, "There's no mystery to it. No one need feel intimidated." The patterns go beyond clothing for adults and kids; there's also a bath mat, photo frames, a table runner and other home accents. An addendum teaches special techniques, but novices will need the additional help of a primer to take on most of these patterns. Still, knitters sick of scarves and potholders will relish this refreshing and fun guide. Photos. (Oct.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Actress and producer TRACEY ULLMAN has won numerous awards for her work in television and film. Her Fox comedy/variety series The Tracey Ullman Show (1987–90) earned three Emmys and a Golden Globe; Tracey Takes On . . .(1996–99) for HBO also won a number of Emmys. Her feature film work includes Plenty, Bullets over Broadway, and Small Time Crooks. A longtime fan and follower of style, she is now a serious, skilled, and adventurous knitter.

Born and raised in New Zealand, MEL CLARK has been knitting since she was eight. Before opening her yarn shop in Santa Monica, California, she designed handknits for L.L. Bean, for boutiques around the country, and for Hollywood films.

Photographer ERIC AXENE specializes in still lifes, portraits, and interiors. His award-winning work has appeared in Fortune, Country Home, This Old House, and . He currently lives in Los Angeles.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 168 pages
• Publisher: Stewart, Tabori and Chang (October 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584795344
• ISBN-13: 978-1584795346
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 8.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (60 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #116,203 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun patterns for any level of knitter, September 1, 2006

By 

Courtney Keeler "Courtney Sue" (Central Iowa, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Knit 2 Together: Patterns and Stories for Serious Knitting Fun (Hardcover)

"Knit 2 Together" is not another celebrity knitting book. Tracey Ullman is there not only as a celebrity name, but to encourage the shy wanna-be knitter to give it a try. The fabulous and fun patterns are the creations of co-author Mel Clark, who has designed and created knitwear for films such as "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas".

The book features the usual hats and sweaters, but also offers some fun patterns for sock-like legwarmers, shrugs, pants, and toy mice with personalized outfits. The patters range from classic to a moderately avant-garde, with something for every age group.

Even though this book seems to be aimed at convincing those who are knitting-phobic to pick up some needles, the patterns range from simple to advanced. To someone who is an extremely novice knitter, I'd suggest first reading Debbie Stoller's Stitch and Bitch, which has become my knitting how-to bible. Once you conquer a few of those patterns, you'll be ready to conquer "Knit 2 Together". Enjoy!

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent addition to your knitting library!!, September 30, 2006

By 

Hayley (Santa Monica, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Knit 2 Together: Patterns and Stories for Serious Knitting Fun (Hardcover)

I love "Knit 2 Together". It's a wonderful combination of Mel Clark's beautiful patterns and advice and Tracey Ullman's sense of humor.
The photography is also gorgeous and will make you want to run out and get yarn right away to get started.

This is NOT a "celebrity" knitting book. Tracey is a passionate knitter and wanted to help spread the joy of knitting by encouraging Mel to come up with patterns for a book. Mel is an accomplished designer, with decades of experience and I applaud her for coming up with a selection of patterns much different than the usual scarf and iPod cozies you see in every other new book.

I was lucky enough to meet Tracey at a book signing and by speaking with her, it's obvious how much she loves to knit.

I'm starting off with the doctor bag and then the felted slippers.
Go get this book! You will love it!

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fun, Not Practical, August 12, 2007

By 

Rebecca Haden (Fayetteville, AR) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Knit 2 Together: Patterns and Stories for Serious Knitting Fun (Hardcover)

This is a fun book, with lovely photos and lots of neat little stories. The "Knitting Basics" section has plenty of clear photos and handy tips (including pointers for left-handed people), but doesn't leave you feeling that you wasted half the book if you are already a skillful knitter. There are 32 knitting patterns, with written directions and schematic diagrams.
The designs include clothing, accessories, toys, and household goods. There are pretty cardigans, a classic suit, and a very snazzy handbag.
But the book also includes a ruffled tea cozy, knitted shorts, a sweater for two (shown on the cover), slippers that will look great on the floor but not be practical for walking in, and an apron which they freely admit cannot actually be worn in the kitchen.
The handbag -- and I do like it, I am even making it, though with modifications -- is the size of a suitcase. Some patterns are in only one size (though most with sizing range from about 32" to 40" bust -- the usual range). Knitted picture frames and a messenger bag with multi-hued spines may not be the most lasting designs.
There are also problems with the patterns. For example, the Dcotor's Bag has a handsome herringbone stitch pattern. There are 16 rows in the pattern, but it includes things like "Row 16: Repeat Row 12" where Row 12 is "Repeat Row 4." It is not sensible to have people refer to multiple lines in a pattern. There is also no indication in the pattern of where you are starting any pieces (that is, at the side or the top of the piece), which makes it difficult to connect the schematics with the written pattern.
I'm glad I bought this book, and I look forward to using my Doctor's Bag (much smaller) once I complete the rather irritating process of following the pattern. But this ought to be a fun addition to an already sufficient knitting library, not a basic go-to book.