Thursday, August 04, 2016

Learn How to Cable Left, Cable Right + #Giveaway + #FreePattern

Cables can take a handknit item from a little blah to ta-dah... yet when you get down to the knitty-gritty, they're still made up of just two kinds of stitches - knit and purl.

Sure, some of these three-dimensional twists and turns are more complicated than others, but with a little practice, they are all accomplishable. And now, thanks to Judith Durant's new book, Cable Left, Cable Right, it's even easier to learn how to get those zig-zagging stitches just right!

Cable Left Cable Right book

Disclosure: Storey Publishing LLC sent a copy of Cable Left, Cable Right to Lapdog Creations, free of charge, for review purposes, as well as a second copy for the giveaway. I only share information I feel is relevant to my readers, and all opinions expressed are my own. If you click through the Amazon link and place an order, I may receive a very small commission from the sale. This in no way affects your cost.

I love how I can create intricate details in my knitting with cables, but I know many knitters shy away from any pattern with a cable included. I've often wondered why and realized that many of these patterns don't include clear instructions for novice knitters to follow.

How is a new knitter supposed to know what 2/1/2LP means if the designer didn't take the time to include the charting information? I am an experienced knitter and I can't even tell you what that means.

Even when the designer includes that information, sometimes you just, um, forget to print out all of those extra pages with a pattern, only to dig it out years later to finally start knitting and have no idea what these crazy number and letter combinations stand for. Sure, you can go back to the original source if it's still available, but with a copy of Cable Left, Cable Right on your knitting book shelf, you'll have no worries!

You'll know that 2/1/2LP means to slip 2 stitches to cable needle 1 and hold in front, slip 1 stitch to cable needle 2 and hold in back; knit 2 from left needle, slip 1 from cable needle 2 to left needle and purl it, knit 2 from cable needle 1

Did I just make your head spin a little? Don't worry, please just keep reading... trust me, you can do it!

Cable Left, Cable Right is literally the knitter's bible to cabling, and one of the best resource books I've seen in a long time. Durant teaches us the fundamentals of cable technique, and shows us how to create some truly amazing braids, diamonds and pretzels.

Speaking of pretzels, I absolutely love this 6-rib style.

6-Rib Pretzel Cable Knitting Pattern

The book is laid out in the same style as Durant's previous gem, Increase, Decrease - with clearly written instructions accompanied by detailed photos. Everything from very basic cables to cables that will surely get you the ooh's and ahh's, including dual colors and beads.

Cable Left, Cable Right contents
  1. Cable Basics
  2. Simple Cables
  3. Angles and Curves
  4. Braids and Pretzels
  5. Fillers, Ribbings, and Allover Patterns
  6. Dressing Up Your Cables
  7. Design Considerations
Do you know that old saying, one can get lost in a good book? Well, consider this your fair warning: you will get lost in Cable Left, Cable Right.

With the flip of each page, you'll find something new and exciting and your brain will be running on over-drive thinking about how to incorporate these twisty details to your handknits. And yes, my copy is already filling up with little sticky arrows and notes.

One of the first pages I marked with a sticky note was the Double-Knot Cable. It reminds me of a Celtic knot, but with a little modern twist.

Double-Knot Cable knitting pattern

GIVEAWAY!
Thanks to our friends over at Storey Publishing, one (1) lucky winner will receive a copy of Cable Left, Cable Right.

To enter, use the Rafflecopter widget below. Open to US residents, 18+


Mandatory entry is to answer a question in the comments section on this post (hint: click on the Rafflecopter widget first to find out what that question is).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

20 comments:

SissySees said...

I like to knit hats and socks with cables!

Sue said...

I love the look of cables and have made sweaters and afghans with cables. I'm planning to make a toddler sweater and hat with cables soon for a special little boy.

Sue said...

PS. I love that 6rib pretzel and will print it out for later

Marjie said...

I'll bet you didn't need this book; your handknits are always beautiful. Happy Thorsday, Nic!

Three Chatty Cats said...

I have never tried knitting. I've tried crocheting, but that didn't last long. But I do have knitters in the family! I love handmade pieces.

M. K. Clinton said...

My daughter loves to crochet and she makes some lovely things for us. She tried teaching me but I wasn't very quick to learn!

Carleenp said...

Years ago I knitted. I no longer remember how!

Anonymous said...

I know how to knit, but I can't do cables! But my mom helps me with cable projects!! I'm more a crochet kinda-girl!

Jane ♡ Pawbellish said...

I've always wanted to learn to knit, tried a few times... This looks like a great book for the avid knitter. Will share, I'm sure a few of my knitting friends would love this ❤

Unknown said...

I love cables on anything, but hats and sweaters are my favorite.

Rosa Doodle said...

I love to knit, but I'm not good at cables. I love the look so much!

LaylasWoof said...

I used to knit all Baby's (RIP) sweaters and sold many, they were unique and it relaxed me but since she passed I just lost the will to knit. But if I win I might pick it up again. Layla does not like clothing although my Mom (85 years old) knitted a beautiful hoodie for her

craftsonthego said...

I have not knit cables before, as I just started knitting this year. I have crocheted cables and really liked it in a hat. - craftyone

Lola The Rescued Cat said...

Mommy's grandma used to knit beautiful things. Unfortunately Mommy didn't inherit her talent. Maybe she'll try again some day.

Dash Kitten Crew said...

I ALWAYS find cables hard work I can't concentrate enough I think. The end result is superb with they are well done though, breathtaking stuff.

Sadie said...

Those are some beautiful cables! I love knitting but haven't figured out crocheting yet.

FidoseofReality said...

One of my dear friends is a knitter. She finds it very relaxing. Many moons ago I used to crochet but have not in ages. I am sharing this post with her.

Robin said...

These lessons sound awesome! I've always envied people who can knit. I tried to learn to crochet and everything I made eventually turned into a circle. It was weird. Maybe I could learn something from one of these lessons!
-Purrs from your friends at www.PlayfulKitty.net

Ava at Savvy Pet Care said...

I used to crochet but never learned to knit. I so admire the work of those who do.

Unknown said...

I would love to knit a new scarf for the winter months.

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