Knockdown Knits: 30 Projects from the Roller Derby Track [Paperback]

Toni Carr (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 4, 2008

Knit neat items inspired by sassy roller derby girls with the thirty hip knitting patterns that you will find in Knockdown Knits: 30 Projects from the Roller Derby Track. Roller derby, with its cheeky players, fast-paced jams, heart-stopping pileups, and rowdy, raucous atmosphere, is just as hot as the designs in this unconventional book. The Naptown Roller Girls of Indianapolis, Indiana, share the patterns they use when they’re knitting in the off-time. On skates, they're hell on wheels; in their spare time, they've discovered that knitting is a relaxing, creative outlet.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Knit knockout items with sassy, roller derby-inspired patterns

With its cheeky players, fast-paced jams, heart-stopping pileups, and rowdy, raucous atmosphere, roller derby is hot! This book is jam-packed with thirty hip knitting patterns designed by the Naptown Roller Girls of Indianapolis, Indiana, who are aggressive skaters and avid knitters. On skates, they're hell on wheels; in their spare time, they've discovered that knitting is a relaxing, creative outlet. Audacious and unconventional, Knockdown Knits features:

• Fun, devil-may-wear patterns for everything from fishnets to an I Love Derby sweater to a hangover kit
• Some patterns created out of sore necessity, such as ice pack covers, slings, and armpit cushions for crutches
• Step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow, detailed patterns
• 100 photos and 40 color drawings showing steps and techniques
• Photos of each design modeled by members of the Naptown Roller Girls

If you've been looking for something different to sink your needles into, you'll love these edgy designs that reflect the fun, brash roller derby bravado and your free spirit.

About the Author

Toni Carr, known as Joan of Dark #5 when she's skating with the Naptown Roller Girls, is a passionate knitter and crocheter. Toni has appeared on the DIY show Uncommon Threads. She and her team filmed Knitty Gritty, a show aired on the DIY network.

Product Details

• Paperback: 134 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (August 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470239549
• ISBN-13: 978-0470239544
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #299,104 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not your mother's knitting book, August 10, 2008

By 

Linda J. Dunn - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Knockdown Knits: 30 Projects from the Roller Derby Track (Paperback)

This is so different from the knitting books I remember from 30 years or so ago, when they were boring patterns that assumed everyone lived a Ken and Barbie life. They remind me a little of the Alice Starmore knitting books and especially the Celtic collection in that they explaini a little of the culture in addition to offering knitting patterns from that culture. With the Starmore books I own, they're all wearing apparrel and sylistic. With these, I've got some things to wear and a few things to knit for practical uses.

I'm no roller girl, but I am over 50 and I can see lots of practical uses for some of those injury-related knitting projects. I wish I'd had that pea bag pattern when I had knee surgery a couple of years ago.

To quote a friend of mine who doesn't knit or like roller derby but who read the book: What a fun book!

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I <3 Roller Derby & Knitting, August 6, 2008

By 

Cara Hoffar - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Knockdown Knits: 30 Projects from the Roller Derby Track (Paperback)

Roller Derby and knitting? What an awesome pair! This book is fun, witty and the pictures are great. The patterns are truly original and I can't wait to try them out.

P.S. Support your local roller derby league. The ladies of roller derby are truly some of the coolest people you will ever meet!

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Knockout Book, August 8, 2008

By 

Jenocide (Westfield, IN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Knockdown Knits: 30 Projects from the Roller Derby Track (Paperback)

How can you go wrong with a book like this? It has more action than any 'craft' book I have ever read before. It gives readers/knitters a great insight on the girls of the Tornado Sirens/Naptown Roller Girls league as well as some really awesome knitting crafts. I am a Fresh Meat knitter myself and it didn't leave me in the penalty box for finishing a project! There are projects for all levels of knitters.
Even my mother-in-law loved the vast variety of projects offered and the great insiders viewpoint on Roller Derby! It did however, concern her a bit about my safety when she saw all the slings, pillows and crutch pads! Knit & Skate on!