Gwen SteegeCritiques

I get the idea - setting milestones for yourself - but I don't see the value in using someone else's knitting bucket list. Why not just make your own list? This is especially true with regard to the author's personal taste in patterns and yarns - why follow her design preferences instead of making your own list?

to do to know to explore to make.

So let us begin, shall we?

Now, I want to start off by saying... I've never knit a Christmas stocking before. I know, I know.... though I've knit plenty of socks, I've never knit stockings, and I don't hang any up by the chimney with care, either... I have a store bought stocking for hubby, my parents & I and that's it. But maybe with this book... just maybe... that will change?

We start with the usual how to section, including how to knit, purl, increases and decreases, turn a heel (short rows) and the importance of a gauge swatch. I've complained before about how knitting & crocheting books always include a how to section & it bugs the heck out of me, I find it a complete waste of space. If you are buying a book of knitting patterns then you already know how to knit... if you want to learn how to knit, you are going to buy a how to book, or take a class, or ask a friend, or go onto youtube

The patterns are laid out very clearly, and each part of the stocking is spelled out for you, casting on, knit the leg, turning the heel, finishing, etc and the photos are what you'd expect: clear, pretty, well lit. Patterns are all charted.

So, the patterns! Some of my favorites from the book include:

Winter Wonderland - a cute fair isle stocking, space to customize a (short) name, with little 3 dimensional snowmen to add on

Mix and Match Stockings - just what the title says, it's a great mix of fair isle patterns, you can also add a name to it.

Stars Brocade - if I were to knit my MIL a stocking, this would be it, though instead of the photographed white I'd use a Victorian burgandy

Mini Socks - great for an advent calendar

there's also an assortment of ornaments/package tags as well.



I received a copy of this book free through netgalley.

This book had a lot of great patterns. Even better, some of the patterns have options within the style. For example, the pattern I completed had several different designs that you could use for each of the bands. Additionally, most of the techniques that you will need to complete the projects (color work, completing the heels) are explained in detail throughout the book. My only complaint is that the stockin that I did is a bit too big and there really isn't a good way to decrease the size.½

I get the idea - setting milestones for yourself - but I don't see the value in using someone else's knitting bucket list. Why not just make your own list? This is especially true with regard to the author's personal taste in patterns and yarns - why follow her design preferences instead of making your own list?

What a wonderful book of stocking and ornament patterns. I can hardly wait to try one, but first I have to choose a pattern out of the variety! The book reads well, has good illustrations with its instructions and the patterns are written in a simple, direct way. The variety is amazing, there are simple patterns to much more advanced. I don't feel intimidated by the more difficult patterns due to the layout. The variety of texture and colour is wonderful as well!! Thank you for a wonderful new edition

This is a sampler platter of the knitting world. Each chapter focuses on an aspect of knitting, starting with yarn and general know-how, moving through different kinds of projects (sweaters, socks, hats, etc.), and concluding with a chapter on other fiber crafts such as weaving, spinning, and crocheting. Each chapter is loaded with suggestions on activities to try, brief articles on well-known (and not so well-known) personalities in the knitting world, and all sorts of lists: books to read, movies to watch, places to travel, retreats, fiber festivals, and so on. This is a book designed to rev up your enthusiasm for knitting, whether you're new to knitting and need an introduction to all these things, or are a seasoned knitter and are looking for a change. There are no patterns in this book nor much in the way of detailed instructions for techniques, but the last pages of the book are loaded with references to other books for further help. I generally enjoyed reading the book, but there's a fine line between "encouragement" and "pressure," and sometimes the book slid into the latter, giving me an impression of "You will be creative and original, darn it!" Still, I'm glad I read it—I'm just not going to keep it.

Knit Christmas Stockings, 2nd Edition
19 Patterns for Stockings and Ornaments by Gwen W. Steege
Love the different samples shown before the books chapters. Gives you an idea of what the book has to offer.
Ornaments are the cutest ever and I love the other patterns, fair isle, Irish fisherman I have a hard time deciding which I'd want to make first.
Starts with what you need for materials, abbreviations and other helpful information.
Instructions are given row by row style with some chart instructions for the color work involved.
Wide rows make it easier to follow the pattern. This is not basic things but if you take your time even a beginner can make these items. And for the experience knitters there are challenges to be met.
Reindeer and bells for a long term project-a stocking would be my choice. And for a short term project I'd want to select the heart ornament because it could be used for many other holidays.
I received this book from Storey Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion

I didn't try any of the knitting patterns, so I can't comment on how reliable they are. Some of the patterns did look interesting, though.

The author/editors seem to be trying for a crossover of some kind with this book. Rather than just a knitting pattern book, it also has features highlighting various things--unusual yarns, people who knit, etc. Some of the features were just not interesting to me, particularly the pages that just talked about a specific person who knits. I mean, I'm sure they're great people and everything, but why are they in this book?

Also, this author shouldn't try to be funny. It came off kind of...strange.

Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com/2012/01/knitters-life-list.html

The Knitter's Life List, as the quote above suggests, is designed to help readers discover different aspects of the world of knitting. It is not a how-to book in that it does not have specific patterns. It is more a who's who and a what's what in the world of knitting. Individuals who have had and continue to influence the craft of knitting. Types of projects - sweaters, socks, scarves/shawls, hats, gloves/mittens, bags, kids knits, and home decor. Yarns. Techniques. References to classic patterns. Places. Traditions.

For a non-knitter, this book may hold cultural interest. Perhaps, not to be read end to end. But to be skimmed through, looking at the illustrations. The individuals and the history of knitting and the traditions from around the world are interesting in and of themselves. Even if you never intend to knit a stitch.

For an avid knitter, the book is a gold mine of information. Perhaps, to be read end to end. Perhaps, to be used as a reference. The information is probably all available elsewhere. This book pulls it together in a nice, neat package. It's probably not all inclusive either because no book can truly be. But it's a lot to keep a knitter busy for a long time just trying some of the things referenced. Take what you enjoy, and leave the rest for another knitter.

An irresistable title - this books is the result of a competition for the perfect cookie recipe run by The Orchards Inn in Massachusetts in 1987. Of 2,600 entrants, the grand prize wiiner was a double chocolate chip cookie from a Junior League of Las Vegas cookbook. Great fun.

This cook book even has a recipe for mocha pinto bean chocolate chip cookies with oatmeal and dried apricots. Yummy!!! Think of an Ingredient for a cookie and you might find it in one of the recipes in this book. These recipes came from a contest in 1987 sponsored by the Orchards.

Lots of different chocolate chip cookie recipes. Do you like them thick? Or crunchy? or made with butter? Nuts? Cakelike or chewy? Milk chocolate or dark? Whatever you're craving or whatever ingredients you have on hand, there's a recipe in here. The book also discusses how various ingredients and their quantities affect the final product. Yum.

I like this book even though most of the hats, I could have come up on my own. I really like the series it is a part of. They all give lots of options for sizes. That is appealing

Cute patterns, haven't tried any yet so can't express an opinion on difficulty.