Customer Reviews

Skein for Skein: 16 Knitted Projects

5 star:		(3)
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3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

16 knit projects to keep your hands busy this winter from shawls, scarves, sweaters, vests, socks and afghans. There is even a tote bag!

Author bios are found in the first pages of SKEIN FOR SKEIN. Abbreviations and glossary section is located in the back of the book along with a techniques section which is the how-to do a chain stitch or cast-on, etc. Of course, there is a yarn weight chart, explanation of skill levels, metric conversion and a resource page.

The projects themselves contain a couple of paragraphs about the project followed by a skill level, size, materials list, gauge and an explanation of any special stitch used in the project. The instructions themselves are clear and easy to follow. The color photo of the finished project will help you be sure you are on the right path as you work the project.

Finally, each project has what is called "Alternate Picks and Pans". This shows two choices of yarns --- one good and one NOT good. This is nice if a particular yarn calls to you. You will know BEFORE you put all that hard work into it that the yarn is best suited for another project.

Needles at the ready, set and go for it!

There are some nice patterns in this book, but yarn substitution is a very subjective thing. That's one reason you need to do sample swatches when you use a different yarn than is called for in the pattern to see if you like the effect a particular yarn has on a pattern.

Some of the examples of yarns not to use were obvious given the type of pattern/garment, others much less so. Equally-sized close-up pictures of the "wrong" type yarn right next to the "correct" type on the same page instead of following pages might have helped make the authors' cases. When the authors stuck strictly to wearability concerns, the information was quite helpful, on color and texture of the pattern in a different yarn, not so much.

One noticeable bias was not to use mohair-type yarns for lace patterns, which is interesting because there are lots of patterns out there that use mohair because that fuzzy fluffy effect is precisely what the designer wants.

3.5 stars. I actually preferred several of their patterns with the yarns they said were unsuitable--go figure.

Cheryl Potter, et. al.'s SKEIN FOR SKEIN: 16 KNITTED PROJECTS provides a powerful set of sixteen knitted projects teaching yarn substitution and how style, texture and fiber content affect results. From double-knitting and using bulky-weight yarns to considering how yarn substitution works, SKEIN FOR SKEIN is a pick for any collection appealing to knitters.

Love this book.In addition to the sweater on the cover, there is a cap sleeve, lacy sweater that is so cute. A vest and a long coat that I'd also like to make. What makes this book different than other pattern books is that it not only tells what yarn should be used - but yarns that should NOT be used - and why. Very helpful for knitters who want to or have to make substitutions.