Simple Knits with a Twist: Unique Projects for Creative Knitters (Paperback)

by Erika Knight (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Knight’s brand of knitting and purling only vaguely resembles the art form practiced by millions of grandmothers. Although she uses needles, in her projects yarn is a variable; it’s often replaced by such diverse materials as ribbon, wire, strips of plastic and gauze. And the patterns that do use yarn go way beyond the usual patchwork scarves and lumpy sweaters. The 20 patterns here range from simple to truly byzantine. Beginners might try their hand at the Woven Woolen Rug, which employs remnants of yarn and calls for a basic stockinette stitch. The Aran Armchair Cover, on the other hand, will probably intimidate newcomers, as it requires knowledge of the reverse stockinette stitch, seed stitch, raspberry stitch, twisted stitch, diamond panel and fat cable. To her credit, Knight (Simple Crochet; Simple Knits for Little Cherubs; etc.) does explain techniques up front and uses color photographs to demonstrate steps. If nothing else, her book will encourage knitters to think beyond hats and mittens, and consider using knitting techniques to create wall hangings, dog coats, wire bowls, napkin rings or boudoir slippers.
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Product Description
Millions of thoroughly modern knitters, including a growing number under the age of thirty-five, will applaud the fresh interpretations featured in Simple Knits with a Twist, Erika Knight's latest collection of creative designs. By matching classic stitches with other craft techniques and incorporating innovative materials like fine wire, beads, and recycled plastic with conventional yarns, Knight takes knitting beyond its traditional boundaries into new, inspired realms. Easy yet inventive, her projects bring a hip, artsy edge to items once deemed homespun. The twenty projects-which include wire napkin rings, an Aran armchair cover, a patchwork throw, and a beaded silk scarf-teach knitters how to add such creative skills as felting, patchwork, and beading to their repertoires. Each project is featured in a full-page color photo and in close-up how-to shots. For beginners with contemporary tastes and accomplished knitters interested in expanding their range, Simple Knits with a Twist presents a world of possibilities.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (April 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584793619
• ISBN-13: 978-1584793618
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 9.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #497,195 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational rather than practical, May 7, 2005

By	Makiko Itoh "maki to all" (Earth) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Erika Knight's books for knitting and crocheting home accessories
Simple Knits, Simple Crochet) are beautiful, yet it's hard to recommend them if you are looking for practical how-tos. They should be regarded as inspiration and idea books really. I would even put them into the category of "Knitting (or crocheting) coffee table books". It's not that they don't have instructions - they do. The problem is, that the instructions are a bit too abbreviated or even a bit slapdash for true beginners, but the actual projects are too basic for the more experienced knitter. The projects in this book for example almost all use either simple stockinette or garter stitches. Shaping is very basic too. The sole exception is the chair cover

That being said, this book is just lovely to look at, and quite inspirational. And if you decide to tackle any of the projects they turn out beautifully. The caveat with simple designs such as these is that they really bring focus to the quality of the yarns you use - meaning, they rather shout out for the expensive (brand) yarns that are used.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great for creative knitters, June 19, 2004

By A Customer

I consult this book more than follow the patterns - and I have really enjoyed it. If you like to knit, and to use patterns as a departure rather than a construction manual, this is a fine book to look into. I should add that I'm neither novice nor really experienced but an accessory knitter who enjoys trying new things. And as far as knitting plastic bags goes, that's an old practice as well as a great way to recycle and the bags are surprisingly strong. Mine have lasted far longer than they took to knit!

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars not really worth the money, July 27, 2004

By	P. L. Plowman "craft_crazy" (Vancouver, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book doesn't come close to being true to it's title. Simple? I think not. The "patterns" are more on the confusing side of things, and as one reviewer mentioned, seemed to be more like guidelines rather than actual patterns. There were only two projects in the whole book that even appealed to me; the aran armchair cover and the flower trimmed evening bag. If you have a more ecclectic flair you might find this book to your liking. The pictures in the book also tend to show a close up view of the project without showing you what the whole project looks like completed. I would recommend checking it out from the library first and to leaf through to see if it is your kind of book, otherwise you might end up just as disappointed as me.