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

~ (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: Stewart, Tabori and Chang (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: #532,946 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!

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and creative ideas, July 25, 2004

By	LizO (Colorado Springs, CO United States) - See all my reviews

Someone else mentioned that this book has a lot of impractical projects. I happen to think that this book inspires one to think about knitting for your environment instead of just your head, neck, torso and extremities. In addition, using materials that you normally would not think to use.

I haven't tried many of the projects in this book but have tried knitting with wire. It's a challenging media but makes for an interesting fabric. Again, the author helps inspire you to think of knitting in a different way.

The instructions for new knitters are kind of confusing and as a new knitter myself it is a little frustrating but I had never thought of using my knitting in such unique ways. When I get bored with the usual projects, I take this book out to get my creative juices flowing. This book is a keeper.