Classic Comfort

Some of this week's book reviews are stepping into the wayback machine a bit, for books that have been on my shelf way too long or classic books that were written long before I started working on this website but are still very much worth a read.


Today's book, Suss Design Essentials, may be a little difficult to find these days (I found resale copies on Amazon and you can also buy direct from the author) but it's well worth it for fans of this designer known for her ready-to-wear designs.


The book includes 30 of her favorite or most popular patterns and has sweaters, tops, skirts, dresses, coats, capes and accessories. The finished projects often look rather simple but include design details that elevate the patterns to the intermediate or advanced skill levels. Knitters are sure to enjoy working these patterns and wearing the classic designs for years to come.

Classic Comfort originally appeared on About.com Knitting on Monday, February 8th, 2010 at 10:46:29.

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Knitting, Japanese Style

There's something about Asian style that attracts a lot of people who live in the West. The style of Japan is particularly interesting to a lot of people, and when those people are knitters, the fiber arts of Japan are certainly alluring. From Noro to Hobu, there are some really great yarns from Japan; add in the natural, beautiful style of clothing traditionally found in the country and you've got an unbeatable combination.

That's what Tanya Alpert found when she got interested in Japanese design and Japanese yarns, and the results can be seen in her book Haiku Knits.

The designs in the book are mostly relatively easy, with simple stitch patterns and sleek silhouettes. But combined with lovely yarns -- from Japan and elsewhere -- these plain patterns sing and become something you'd really want to knit. Details like a row of buttons to close a slit in a tank top or structure provided by stainless steel yarn make these patterns familiar and yet unlike a lot of the patterns you see out there.

Knitting, Japanese Style originally appeared on About.com Knitting on Sunday, February 7th, 2010 at 10:02:52.

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Knitting the Rings

If you'd like to commemorate the Winter Olympics in knitting, check out this pattern for an Olympic Rings block. This is a basic Stockinette Stitch background with the Olympic rings worked in duplicate stitch.

You can use the design on a sweater or another project, or use the block in a sampler afghan to remember the games.

Knitting the Rings originally appeared on About.com Knitting on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 at 15:17:30.

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Classic Cables and Beyond

I have to say that I love Deborah Newton. I don't know how I haven't gotten around to reviewing her classic knitting book, Designing Knitwear, for you yet; maybe I can get to it this month.

That book has been in print for decades, but Newton is still cranking out the patterns using the design principles outlined in that book. Such is the case with Deborah Newton's Cable Collection, a set of 19 patterns, mostly for women, mostly tops, sweaters and jackets.

The patterns use cables in classic ways but also in some unexpected applications, such as combined with a Fair Isle panel on a long coat, or splitting into a V at a neckline that's not a V neck (it actually has a big collar worked in Seed Stitch, and the design also includes ribbing and Double Moss Stitch).

Lovers of sweaters and cables alike are sure to find a lot to enjoy in this book full of roomy sweaters and coats you'll want to live in during the cooler months.

Classic Cables and Beyond originally appeared on About.com Knitting on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 at 11:49:27.

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Special Olympics Knitting

Remember last year, when everyone was knitting blue and white scarves for the Special Olympics? This year, the Special Olympics competition in Idaho is hoping to be able to welcome participants with hand knit scarves, this time in red and gray (in particular, Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red and Gray Heather).

The state is expecting 650 athletes, and they're coming soon -- the Games open on March 12. If you'd like to help meet the goal, you can knit a scarf in any pattern you like using the two colors mentioned above. They'd like the scarves to be around 5 inches wide and 55 inches long, and they need to be received by March 9 in order to be ready for the opening ceremony.

Click on the link above for more information on how you can help and where to send your completed scarves. Let's help the Idaho Special Olympics meet this lofty goal!

Special Olympics Knitting originally appeared on About.com Knitting on Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 14:29:42.

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Easy Baby Knitting Patterns

Our free knitting patterns help you make fun, fashionable baby gear. Find easy knitting patterns to make baby clothes and accessories at HowStuffWorks.

Free Baby Bootie Knitting Patterns

Knitting the softest baby booties is fun and easy to do. Get free knitting patterns for baby's best booties and Mary Janes at HowStuffWorks.

Free Baby Sweaters Knitting Patterns

With a variety of looks and textures, you'll find a sweater pattern for every baby on your list. Learn more about these free knitting patterns.

Free Baby Toys Knitting Patterns

Learn to knit barnyard finger puppets, felted blocks, and a sweet teddy bear. Find free knitting patterns for beautiful baby toys at HowStuffWorks.

Free Hat Knitting Patterns

Knitting hats is quick and easy -- and fun! Find free knitting patterns for colorful, warm, and cozy hats for kids and adults at HowStuffWorks.