New Books!

New to me, at least. I have received a few books in the last couple of weeks and I thought I'd give them a mention.

First up is Domino Knitting by Vivian Hoxbro. Now this little book has been on my mind for a long time, but it was not until I saw Theresa's little Koigu domino squares that I knew I had to have it. And while I haven't had a chance to play with the technique yet (as I only received the book yesterday), I like what I see inside. There are lots of small projects so you can "Learn While You Knit" as chapter one is aptly named. But Vivian doesn't stop there. Once you have mastered her technique, you can try out one of the larger projects in the second half of the book. And I'm impressed with the variety. Everything from pillows and scarves to handbags and shawls. I'm sure you'll be seeing some domino's on my blog soon!

Next up is Color Works: The Crafter's Guide to Color by Deb Menz. Now this one was on my wishlist for a long time, but Amazon was selling it at full price -- $24.95! So, I patiently waited and they finally marked it down (30% -- or $17.46). Luckily this happened just as I was wanting the Hoxbro book. Now I purchased Color Magic for Quilters years ago (when I thought I was going to be a quilter -- ha!) and just loved it. Deb Menz's book takes the exploration of color a step further including a color wheel and punch out color harmony guides. Nifty! I also like the fact that she really gets into explaining color. I think I'll be reading this book from cover to cover. I imagine that it will be a huge help with my dyeing and spinning experiments.

Finally we have Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet. I *love* this book. Lately I've been wanting to experiment with crochet a little more, but I don't even really know the basics. This book is excellent at teaching the basics and SO much more. It has step by step illustrations for both right and left handers for all kinds of stitches. There are a bunch of patterns (a couple that I may even try out) and a pretty good selection of stitch patterns (164). I just keep picking it up an paging through it. If you are interested in learning more about crochet, I would recommend it!

So, there you have it. Three books and I am happy with all of them. Lest you think I like every knitting book that I pick up, believe me, I've seen some that I am not at all impressed with. However, my Mom always used to say -- If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. My best advice when purchasing knitting books (since there are now *so* many new ones coming out), try to check them out from your local library first. Or browse them at the local B&N and then hunt for deals online. It is very rare that I ever pay full price for a book!

Comments

[janet d]

i picked up the Domino Knitting book last year and for a little book it sure is packed with good stuff. I haven't done anything with it yet, but I sure like the idea of the Koigu --- I may have to check this out soon!

[Corinne]

Vivan Hoxbro also did a Domino book in Japanese--I have it, and for some reason picked up the technique much better out of it (must confess, though, it has English translation). Domino knitting is like potato chips--you won't want to stop. I am going to upsize her basket design into a felted pet bed, knit in Big Kureyon.

[Corinne]

Vivian Hoxbro also did a Domino book in Japanese--I have it, and for some reason picked up the technique much better out of it (must confess, though, it has English translation). Domino knitting is like potato chips--you won't want to stop. I am going to upsize her basket design into a felted pet bed, knit in Big Kureyon.

[Pubah]

The Deb Menz color book is excellent! I can "ape" other's color selections, but am a real ditz when left to my own devices - that includes home decor! Love those color swatches done in different fiber mediums. A lot of this is finally making sense to me b/c of this little book.

[Melissa]

Hi Julie! Hope all is well. Glad you seem to be feeling better. In regards to septembers order, go ahead and send it but wait to let me see for October. Also, hope about using those crochet skills for a crocheted felted bag. I have had many requests... (Hint) Happy Knitting Melissa