Knit, Purl, Save the World - Book Review

Knit, Purl, Save the World   by Vickie Howell & Adrienne Armstrong

 

When I first browsed through this book I was disappointed that there were not more patterns using home-made recycled yarns.

Now what is that pertinent idiom? -  ‘never judge a book by its cover’!

On second, and further in depth perusals, it occurred to me that I want to knit more than bags using plastic bag yarn, or rugs made using t-shirt yarn. Therefore it would be nice to have an idea of what yarn there is available: from plants, from animals that is cruelty free and yes from handmade recycling.

But then again it is fine to have a book that recommends lots of eco-friendly yarns, but it is the patterns that are important for knitters and crocheters.  Luckily there are a broad range of lovely patterns in this book. I really like the pretty cardigans, and the socks and I was very happy when I saw the jute rug (I so want to crochet that rug). There are things for the body from top to toe, and for the home as well.

The authors are American, and so this book has USA terms for crochet, and the reader will have to check whether the yarns are available to other countries. There is a useful list of resources in the back, so it is worth looking there.

I like books that also have interesting bits to read. As this book is full of tips and facts, I am happy. 

 Knit, Purl, Save the World   by Vickie Howell & Adrienne Armstrong 

Published by David & Charles

Keep Calm and Cast On - Book Review

I have just received Keep Calm and Carry On by Erika Knight, published by Quadrille.

I worked in a bookshop for 8 years and did get a bit tired of all the little gift books that had to be fitted on the counter, to grab the customers' attention. Some of them were dire.

And I am also a bit tired of seeing  'Keep Calm and Carry On' everywhere.

So I was unsure of this book. BUT I was very pleasantly surprised.  It is a lovely little book.

It is full of funny, witty and interesting little quotes from people and from books about knitting. It also has really handy little tips from Erika Knight who knows a thing or two about knitting.

There were a few quotes from members of Stitchlinks whose aims include 'To promote the use of therapeutic knitting and stitching through our research'. And reading through the book, I had to agree that knitting is therapeutic and this is not something I had thought about before.  There are many times when I yearn to knit and happily sit clicking away. And now I know more about why that is.

This is a great book to pop into when you are unable to knit and also a wonderful present. I was visited my mum and showed it to her. She loved it too.

So this Christmas, if you want a little present for a knitting friend, or something for yourself,  then do think about Keep Calm and Cast On.
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Keep Calm and Cast On by Erika Knight
Quadrille Publishing
ISBN 9781849490955