The Knitter's Life List: To Do, To Know, To Explore, To Make [Paperback]

Gwen W. Steege (Author)

Book Description

Release date: October 21, 2011

The Knitter’s Life List is a richly illustrated road map to more than 1,000 must-have experiences guaranteed to get any knitter’s needles clicking faster. Veteran knitter Gwen W. Steege has canvassed the knitting community to create this inspiring compilation, which includes amazing yarns to try; classic techniques to master; ground-breaking designers to know about; most-loved patterns to knit; knitting-related museums, movies, and books to enjoy; and much more. These are the experiences and events no knitter will want to miss.

Novices and masters alike can read about qiviut from the musk ox — and then check it off their list once they’ve made something with that luxury fiber. They'll explore classic sweater designs and visit the yarn-friendliest cities. They’ll discover brave folks who delight in yarn-bombing; master intarsia; and even try spinning, weaving, dyeing, embroidery, and crochet. 

With all of this irresistible content to devour, knitters will keep coming back for more challenges to take on — and check off from The Knitter’s Life List!

Editorial Reviews

Review

This book strives to be a comprehensive guide to all things fiber for chicks with sticks, and guys, too. Steege, a fiberista for more than 50 years who raises her own sheep, gives a tour of how yarn makes it from a sheep's back to the sweater in the closet. Along the way are fascinating and informative side trips through the history of knitting, knitting techniques, and interviews with major knitting designers and teachers. The pictures and illustrations are both beautiful and informative and will inspire many projects. The novice knitter will find everything she needs to know--and more--about the basics, and the experienced knitter will discover new twists to the hobby. The appendix alone is worth the price of the book as it lists every major fiber festival, knitting guru, yarn manufacturer and pattern source mentioned in the book, complete with web addresses and contact information. This is a book the knitter will return to again and again. One can only pity the poor crocheters who must wait for their version. (Publisher's Weekly, starred review )

If you need a knowing friend to help guide you on the who, what, and where of knitting, this is your book. At its core, The Knitter's Life List is a book of possibilities…Steege surveys all the nooks and crannies of the knitting world and presents them in an easy, comprehensive overview—a Frommer's guide to the imaginary land of knitting. It points out all the most important people, places, and things of interest, still leaving lots of back streets for you to explore on your own. (Clara Parkes Knitter's Review )

Are you in a knitting rut or just want to try something new? The Knitter’s Life List could be just the spark to send the knitting part of your brain into overdrive. This book is full of fun and interesting information. I loved to pick it up at the end of my knitting day, when my hands were tired of knitting, but my brain still in knitting mode. (Jillian Moreno Knitty.com )

Take a few of these suggestions every week and before you know it, you’ll have an impressive arsenal under your belt. And that belt will be knitted! (CraftGossip.com )

“Knitters looking to explore their favorite craft will enjoy Steege’s adventurous approach.” (Library Journal )

“The Knitter's Life List will entertain and occupy every level of knitter.” (Chicago Tribune )

Need knitting inspiration? This compendium of ideas will whet your yarnivorous appetite. (Your Knitting Life )

Review

Now we have a book that proves something I often say: the horizons of knitting are astonishingly infinite. No matter how long you live, you may never have time to try everything in this alluring compendium of possibilities. (Cat Bordhi, knitting designer, publisher, teacher, speaker, author )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC (October 21, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1603429964
• ISBN-13: 978-1603429962
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 1 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #292,322 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

79 of 79 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely book for those that love knitting. September 25, 2011

By liat2768 TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback

This is not a collection of patterns so if that is what you are looking for, look elsewhere. The idea of the book is that it provides checklists for all the varied and fascinating things that there are to explore in the world fo knitting.

There are lists for yarns to experiment with, cables to learn, color knitting to conquer, socks, hats, scarves and so much more. Each list includes techniques and designs that the average knitter may not have tried yet. There are suggestions for designers whose patterns may add a real kick to your knitting and yarns that can make all the difference.

I've been knitting for over two decades and this is the kind of book that can make knitting an exciting challenge all over again. The first section devoted to yarns drew me in hook, line and sinker! Who knew that the different breed of goats and sheep would make a difference in whether the yarn is better for hats or sweaters or even rugs!?

I love that the first chapter also includes a clear list and information on yarn mills and spinners based in the United States. There is also a section on knitting for charity, recycling yarn, visiting fiber festivals and so much more. There are gems scattered throughout this book and it will keep you coming back for more.

Be warned though. there are no patterns to be had in this book. This is not what it is about. The whole idea is to immerse yourself in the world of knitting, the love of yarn and the challenge of learning something new about a craft you may already be practicing for years or might have just picked up yesterday.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Be Inspired October 14, 2011

By Linda Lanese

Format:Paperback

Are you one of those knitters that knit for a time and then put your yarns and needles aside for a while until something new or vintage sparks your interest? Is one of your pass times searching the internet for new ideas, fibers and new techniques.
Whatever it is that makes you pick your needles up again this book will be that inspiration. If you watch old movies before people had TV's you may see someone peacefully sitting by the fire knitting something to wear or to give as a gift. The allure is most likely a combination of some or all of these. We as knitters are always looking for the new and stunning knits that we see on the run ways during fashion week. Gwen interviews many well-known knitters and you will come away knowing each and their unique designs.
Some reviewers are calling this book the "Knitters Bucket List" everything in this book is related in some way to knitting. There are eleven chapters in this book and each chapter is dedicated to a certain knit item. This book has a resource list of books, magazines, and websites to help you along your way. These resources will allow you to dream of projects you have never thought of trying. There are lists that you can highlight what you would like to try and an area where you can add to the list. This book offers up a little history of fibers and garments made from these fibers. There is a little on "which came first, the sock or the shoe?" You will learn about famous people in history that were knitters and knitting for causes, like the soldiers that needed socks.
Gwen introduces you to fiber experts and fiber artists who have contributed their talents to this book. Find out the Who's Who in This Community of Knitting Experts. For information about their books and Internet activities' listed in the resource areas. This book is not a pattern book it is a book filled with stunning pictures and timely information on every area of knitting. There is a list of patterns for designs shown in the book, see pages 309-311. Gwen covers all things fiber and how to use each.
"From the book" HOW TO USE THE LIFE LISTS
At the beginning of each chapter, you'll find a "life list" suggested by the topics covered in that chapter. They are roughly organized by the themes, such as Meet, Discover, Do/Try, Learn, Go, Experience -- plus sometimes some for Extra Credit (just to keep you on your toes). Gwen hopes these lists will inspire you to jot down more ideas for things you want to learn and explore, as well as places to go, books to read, and patterns to try, so that this book truly becomes your own Knitter's Life List.
Gwen W. Steege has been a fiber fanatic for nearly 50 years, and she hasn't tired yet of spending late nights with her knitting needles and a good ball of yarn, sometimes spun from the fleece of her own sheep. By day, she is an editor who has worked on dozens of books about knitting and other fiber crafts. She lives in western Massachusetts.

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful concept that I have been enjoying immensely! September 25, 2011

By Deborah

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am always looking for something different in a knitting book because I have so many. This one is different and I love it. The lists are a blast. I have learned quite a few things from the book. It is fun and it gives me new things to explore. I am not a new knitter so I think this book would be appreciated by new and seasoned knitters alike.