45 of 46 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great on the go reference, June 11, 2005
This review is from: Stitch 'N Bitch: A Knitter's Design Journal (Paperback)
This is a cute, compact knitting journal and reference guide. This is not only a design notebook, it's also a super, travel-friendly knitting reference, with yarn yardage estimates for different garments and sizes, yarn weight chart, standard body measurements and sizes, knitter's "cheat sheets" with instructions on specialty techniques and stitches. Nice graph paper to sketch garments and intarsia. Well-designed project logs that have space to note all the key information for each project: who you made it for, gauge, source of pattern, needle size, comments. It also has a removable laminated cardstock needle and gauge ruler - the coolest thing about this journal. It's not metal so it can go on planes.
The only complaint I have is with the binding of this journal. It really does not feel like it will hold up to frequent reference. Also, it is sewn, so when you tape your yarn swatches the journal does not close properly. I think a covered spiral notebook (so it doesn't catch yarn in your bag) would have been the best binding for this book.
While it's probably not going to be your main knitting notebook (no place to put patterns) it's great for on the go design, note-taking and reference. I believe that's what it's designed for and it fills that need well. I will definitely use this when I travel and will keep it in my knitting bag with me - the reference tools are excellent. This would make a thoughtful gift for a knitter friend or family member.
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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great for getting organized, and planning new projects!, February 8, 2006
This review is from: Stitch 'N Bitch: A Knitter's Design Journal (Paperback)
A Knitter's Design Journal really is a terrific aid to those knitters who want to go beyond following patterns, to also designing their own patterns. It also helps you keep track of your stash, and patterns you'd like to make.
Oh, there is also this handy stich gauge and ruler in a nifty pocket in the front of the book.
Basically, this lovely little journal is divided into several parts, which I love. The first, has lightly-drawn little pictures of several women of various body types, from super thin, flat-chested, to average build, to rounded and buxomy (my shape!). These are provided over a two-page spread so that you can sketch pattern designs of sweaters you've always longed to make. Very hand, if like me, you have trouble drawing sweaters to proportion. On the downside, there are no lightly-drawn sketches of children, or men. Maybe in the next book? (Hint, hint, Ms. Stoller!)
There is also a section with design hints - basic knitting techniques are laid out, as well as the "magic decreasing formula", which I never knew before, and well, really is magic. Stoller presents ideas for sweater shaping, as well as such things as ease - all important for sweater design.
The next section of this handy little book is one where you can record all your needles. This is where I discovered I had 4 sets of 8's and no 9's. Maybe you will make your own revelation.
Another section allows you to snip from your stash and either glue or tape swatches into the book, along with details such as yarn weight, gauge, content, maker, etc., as well as how much you have in your stash. (a little note here - you may prefer to glue your swatches in, as tape is not acid-free). I do worry, though, that as I add swatches, the book's spine may grow weaker, but it is bound with a linen-type material.
The next two sections are projects you want to do, and then projects you already have done. I like the projects you want to do, as it's helped me keep on track. In the past, shamefully, I've bought plenty of yarn, only to let it falter in the closet for years while I skip giddily onto another project. It's nice to be reminded that, oh, yeah, I really DiD want to make that Hat with the Bobbles and Matching Scarf with the size 17 needles! Likewise, the finished projects section is just wonderful as a record, especially, if like me, you tend to give away all your finished projects.
I love this little notebook. I've always been planning on making such a little notebook for myself, but laziness, and indeed, lack of knowledge prevented me from doing it.
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19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not quite perfect, October 11, 2005
This review is from: Stitch 'N Bitch: A Knitter's Design Journal (Paperback)
I bought two of these, one for me and one as a gift, but it's not what I'd hoped for. First of all, the book comes wrapped in plastic, so you can't check it out first - a real downside, I think.
It's a neat idea, and I'd hoped the book would be a real aid for knitting brainstorming and planning. Unfortunately, it's heavily weighted towards the figure-outline design pages, which are only good for designing sweaters. I'd like to have something to prompt accessory ideas, and more of the knitting-journal features. There are only 12 spaces for "things I've made" entries, and a handful of "projects I want to knit" require a full page each.
The yarn inventory page is a neat idea, but, as previous reviewers have said, I don't know how well the book would handle having bits of yarn taped inside it.
The journal would be made much better with more project pages, and maybe some pages for a wish list without pictures. But it's still fun to use, and I'm beginning to keep track of projects - I'm just very disappointed that I'd run out of space quickly if I tried to enter every gift-project I've made in the past year.
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