Brave New Knits: 26 Projects and Personalities from the Knitting Blogosphere
by Julie Turjoman
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Rodale Books (August 31, 2010)
Brave New Knits: 26 Projects and Personalities from the Knitting Blogosphere is like a Who's Who Book of popular personalities from the sizzling online fiber world. Julie Turjoman has brought together these 26 talents in the first ever collection of original patterns from blogland, each complete with an indepth interview.
In this technology age, most knitters look to the internet first for knitting information, inspiration and patterns. I am certainly no exception and will be the first to admit I have a long list of favorite designer-bloggers who I stalk on a regular basis. I also spend hours perusing Ravelry for new projects, as well as pattern and yarn information - especially for feedback from those who've already tried them. Ravelry is such a big part of the knitting community that it's cofounder, Jessica Marshall Forbes, was asked to write the foreword of Brave New Knits.
Brave New Knits is comprised of 26 must-have patterns organized into 2 categories, Garments and Accessories. The patterns really come to life and shine through the detailed photographs by knitting celebrity Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed. Contributors range from established designers like Norah Gaughan, Wendy Bernard, Jordana Paige and knitgrrl Shannon Okey, to rising stars such as Melissa Wehrle, Connie Chang Chinchio, and Hilary Smith Callis. I was happy to see Ysolda Teague, one of my personal new favorites, included.
Brave New Knits isn't just about the patterns however, each one is preceded by an interview with the designer. These 3 - 4 page biographies are one of my favorite parts of the book, as they reveal a lot about their design philosophy and passions. Thought you already knew everything there was to know your favorite knitting personality? Think again!
As for the patterns, Brave New Knits spans the spectrum from shapely sweaters, delicate shawls and fun jackets to fingerless gloves, stylish hats and must-knit socks. Detailed directions and charts inspire both beginners and experienced knitters alike. Some of my favorites:
- Milk Madien Pullover by Teresa Gregorio (aka CanaryKnits) ~ a sexy little sweater inspired by 16th Century Dutch artist
- Button Tunic by Julie Weisenberger ~ designed to fit 1 - 6 year olds, this top-down tunic is knit in the round and showcases some fabulous buttons that you may've collected over the years
- Woodsmoke Scarf by Jared Floods ~ when I first flipped thru the book, this was the first pattern to catch my eye, it looks great dressed up or down and is on my short-term "to knit" list
- Sockstravaganza by Kirsten Kapur ~ the cover photo socks... need I say more?
- Lubov Scarf by Kathy Veeza (aka Grumperina) ~ Lubov means "love" in Russian and I Lubov this scarf! Great for your single skeins of luxury fiber, the scarf features a gorgeous diamond motif.
The internet has truly added a whole new deminsion to the knitting world and Brave New Knits is an extension of this. Our circle of knitting friends used to be made up of those from our hometowns and surrounding communities, but now our friends span all across the globe. We can connect through blogs, forums, KALs, photos, FO reports and more.... all with a quick click of the mouse! Join in the fun and get yourself a copy of Brave New Knits today! My only gripe? The thin glossy paper it was printed on... it quickly shows wear from lots of touching, something we all do with pretty knitting books.
About the Author: Julie Turjoman was in search of a new hobby when she wandered into a yarn shop 20 years ago. Hundreds of skeins later, her original hand-knit designs have been published in Interweave Knits and Twist Collective magazines, as well as the book Vampire Knits. She writes, designs, and blogs from a room filled with yarn in her home in the San Francisco Bay area.
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