Customer Reviews

Punk Knits: 26 Hot New Designs for Anarchistic Souls and Independent Spirits

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I ordered this book from amazon without seeing it, figuring I'd find something I'd like, and it was cheap enough to take the risk. Well, I ended up returning it, because I didn't see anything really new or innovative in the book. There's a lot of dropping stitches and holes made on purpose, but the basic designs are just that--basic.

There are three pairs of armwarmers, and all are knit flat and seamed with a hole left for the thumb.

There are a few scarves as well--one is knit lengthwise in garter stitch, and the other is a basic drop stitch. Versions of most of the patterns can be found for free on the internet.

The sweaters are pretty basic with little to no shaping. And I don't think many of us would find use for the micro mini skirts, as cute as they are on the models.

I did like the felted hat that was inspired by Alice Cooper, and the kilt was kind of cute, but neither led me to keep the book.

For some reason, I didn't like this book. The instructions lacked clarity, especially with finishing the garments. Most of the designs feature dropped stitches or weirdly placed holes. A lot of the designs are simple rectangles sewn together. However, one pattern makes the book worthwhile: the pixie shoulderette, featuring a crisscrossed back. The book does a good job of explaining this technique. Throughout the book I just felt like they were overdoing the whole "punk thing, especially when including the myspace pages to all of the models.

If anyone had any doubts about knitting, Share Ross is ready to shatter them: Knitting isn't just for grannies anymore. The punk rock guitarist and singer of Bubbles "is addicted to the needle--the knitting needle. What is more rock 'n' roll than making your own fashion statement and snubbing the corporate entities that tell us how to look."

When she started knitting, Ross discovered there were almost no patterns for edgy, underground rocker types like her, and out of necessity began creating her own. The result is Punk Knits: 26 hot new designs for anarchistic souls and independent spirits, with the designs modeled by her friends--independent punk rock musicians from Hollywood. Ross' inspiration comes from famous (or infamous) rockers like Sid Vicious, the New York Dolls and Frank Zappa, and each pattern includes her comments on the artist.

All the designs are suitable for beginning to intermediate knitters, with a few advanced patterns for those who like a challenge. Ross' designs are unisex (although I wish she had included photos of guys in the mini skirts) and the measurements for the finished sweaters reflect that, with chest measurements ranging from 27" to 47". If you are looking for basic knitting instruction, you'll need to find that elsewhere; however, if you need instructions for including deliberate holes in your knitting, then this is the guide for you.

So what about the patterns themselves? I have to admit to being a bit disappointed since I was expecting something rawer, more cutting edge. That may not be possible as, by its very nature, punk isn't about being conformist and a book of knitting patterns could be construed as conformist since the patterns are available to the masses. Unfortunately there isn't much here which can't be found elsewhere, although the Skull Kilt is fabulous.

My sister got this book for me from a book fair for a whopping $.50 and THAT was more than I would have paid had I been there to look at it.

There is nothing remotely punk about any of these patterns, unless the definition of punk has recently been changed to trashy and unwearable.

The patterns are so simple that even a beginner would be bored by this. The armwarmers, for which there are serveral patterns, are all flat knit with holes left for thumbs. The only real differences between them are the yarns and gauge.

The tops and skirts are all full of intentional holes and show more than everything. Please do not dress like this in public!

I also get the feeling that the author of this book not only may not know anything about knitting, but may not know anything about the punk music scene... especially when her inspirations for projects include the likes of Lennon and Hendrix. She probably would've been better off pretending this was just 'rock and roll' as opposed to pretending they were "punk"

I order four knitting books. I got this one because the pillow on the cover looked cool so I thought why not? Well, now I know why not; the design on the cover is the ONLY thing worth casting on for. This was a huge waste of money. The models(?) were scary and I hang out with Death Metal bands. I'm all for free enterprise, but at least make a product worth selling. The only thing punk about this junk was the title. Dropping stitches is not punk, it's bad knitting. I spend most of my time trying to keep that from happening, I don't want a book full of patterns that rely on it to elevate the projects from big rectangles. I think I'll send it back. One pattern that isn't puketastic does not a book of patterns make.

The great thing about this book is the projects that are all inspired by different musical artists, and famous punk role models. The projects are pretty original, but not for the beginning knitter. Also, it must be noted, that if you do not have an open mind, you may not appreciate all this book has to offer.

I like the book alot, for its creativity and its spunk, but I don't think I would make any of the projects in it. But that's just me.

This book is exactly what the knitting community needs more of... something different, funky and colorful. Did I mention fun? Because this book is definitly fun! I love how Share lists the "influences" for each garment. Plus, the projects are totally wearable [although I'll skip the dredlocks ;) ]

There is a variety of different suggested yarns, ranging from crystal palace to Lucy Neatby Merino. There are also loads of pictures, both of the garments and instructional pics of the funky stitches that are used in the book.

I think one of my favorite parts of the book is that the people modeling the clothing are actual people involved in the rock n roll/punk world - not some yahoo model. This is a book with serious attitude and fun projects!

I bought this over the internet without having seen it first and am a little disapointed. It's too simple for an intermediate knitter like me and the designs are slightly edgy, but pretty basic. The theme is cool though, and the items are photographed on LA punk scenesters. The designs I like the most are the Anarchy pillow on the cover and the Pixie Shoulderette. If you are a beginning knitter and/or want fast Punk Style / Ideas, I think you'll like this book.

Just recieved this the other day, and I LOVE IT!!!

The book not only shows imagination and flair with the fun and funky patterns but it reeks of attitude! I have been familiar with Share Ross from her Vixen days, and I was looking forward to catching a glimpse of her other interests. This book fabulously illustrates yet another branch of the "Knitting Subculture" proving that what was once deemed a mere domestic task is actually a vibrant expression in creativity that can conform to a wide variety of lifestyles. Ross also uses actual rockers for her models which not only lends it believablity and street cred, but helps to adhere its social statement.

Definately an instant favorite and highly recomended.

I wondered what about this book bothered me and seemed so inauthentic... The projects, the photography, the layout, all seem sort of lame, like the book is trying to be something it's not. Then I noticed that the author used to be in Vixen! I don't see the connection between Vixen and punk at all, but at least this explains why the book seems so fake. If you're a punk crafter, you've been warned!