8/18/08: Kirsten won the giveaway.
I received an e-mail from Wiley Publishing last month asking if I would be interested in receiving promotional copies of craft books. Well, let me think about that, uh, yeah, sure, yes, OF COURSE I’D LIKE TO RECEIVE FREE CRAFT BOOKS IN THE MAIL! Do you think I’m crazy or something. Tee hee.
They didn’t specify that I had to do anything with them. No strings attached. I obviously received the offer because I have a blog and they’re assuming I’ll write about the book. I write about everyone’s books anyway without getting something for free so I don’t think I’m in jeopardy of conflict of interest.
What I do know is that I wouldn’t have a blog if you didn’t read it so it only seems fair that I give these books to you. I requested that they not send me knitting books because I don’t knit well enough to do them justice. So… this is the first book I received, a knitting book. It’s Knockdown Knits: 30 Projects from the Roller Derby Track.
I learned something new from the intro, roller derby is the fastest growing sport in the nation with 130 leagues in the US, 11 in Canada, and 7 leagues overseas (UK, Australia, Germany, and Mexico). I had no idea and I say that with all sincerity. I remember watching roller derby as a kid and even going to an exhibition match one time. I loved all that strong women power going around the track.
The projects in this book were designed by the Naptown Roller Girls of Indianapolis. It says a lot of gals on the roller derby circuit are avid crafters. That actually makes sense to me, think about all the knitting that could get accomplished riding on a bus across the US. The author is Toni Carr, known as Joan of Dark #5 (love that nickname!)
I’ll draw a name on Monday. Leave a comment with the name of an easy knitting pattern to get novice knitters back on track. I’m stuck on my Martha sweater. I want a project I can pick up and work on that doesn’t require a Churchmouse drop-in card.
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I bought that groovy patchwork pillow cover from Malka’s Etsy shop. It’s perched on a living room chair making the whole place sparkle. I’m the absolute worst about ‘feedback’. I never even told her how much I LOVE it. Of course, when I sell something I’m checking every 5 minutes and immediately assume the purchaser didn’t like it if they don’t leave feedback. A very belated thank you Malka!
I have been coveting this book for months since I heard it was coming out – given I really want to quit my job and become a roller derby star and I love knitting.
My fave pattern for quick and satisfactory knitting is the Yummy Baby Hat – I got it from ravelry.
Hi Kathy,
You might try the Chevron Scarf from Joelle Hoversons Last Minute Knitted Gifts. Super easy pattern made from two contrasting sock yarns. An easy to memorize pattern. Another easy pattern is the Ball Band dishcloth from Mason Dixon Knitting. Super easy and useful!
One of my favorite easy (and free!) patterns is the ubiquitous Clapotis by Kate Gilbert. It’s on http://www.knitty.com. It’s fun and easy to memorize and produces beautiful results that can be worn in many different ways. It can be knit in any yarn that isn’t super grippy. And it’s a low stress way to practice increasing and decreasing and knitting through the back loop and paying attention to stitch markers. Good stuff!
I am just getting back into knitting and I am going to attempt this one, http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/misti-chunky-ribs–ruffles-scarf. What a great giveaway!
I don’t knit, but I adore Roller Derby (and am going to a bout on Saturday) and combining crafting and derby is just awesome! Seattle has The Rat City Rollergirls and Kitsap has The Slaughter County Roller Vixens. Lots o fun.
I just started knitting again and this book looks right up my alley. Love it!
My favorite for babies is a Top Down Raglan Sweater that doesn’t need any seaming. Here is the free pattern: http://www.knittingonthenet.com/patterns/babysweragcard.htm
I knit one recently which can be seen here: http://oiyi.blogspot.com/2008/06/you-know-its-time-to-blog-when.html
I am working on a second one for one of my pregnant friends.
Oh My best friend is in the derby and I love this book! Thank you for running a contest for it!
I love this sweater from Lion Brand Yarn. I know Lion Brand doesn’t sound like a good source to some but it really is cute.
It’s called 3/4 Sleeve Classic Pullover
This looks like something that’ll get me right back into knitting. What fun to get books for free! I think I should start a blog…
I’m so glad you like the pillow!
I really love the Fairly Easy Fair Isle Cardigan from Stitch n Bitch nation. If you knit it without the colorwork and dress it up with some great buttons, it’s *super* easy, cozy, and knits up quickly!
Love your blog! I’m just getting into quilting, though I’ve been sewing for awhile, and all your posts are so inspiring.
My daughter would love some of the projects in this book. They are right up her alley. Thanks for the generous giveaway.
Wow, who knew? I’ll bet the book has some cool things to knit, so I’d love to win it. I’m currently working on a very easy project, a toddler sundress . Its simple, cute, and knits up quickly.
That’s hilarious! The title and cover and premise of the book, and also the fact that you said “no knitting,” but the first thing they sent you was a knitting book… :0)
Me, me, me!!! I love knitting and I love me some good Roller Derby (actually I’ve never seen roller derby, but the girls who do it always look so cool).
If you can take on a sweater I recommend knitting up a Green Gable by the gals at Zephyrstyle, http://www.zephyrstyle.com/patterns.html . If you can’t stomach the commitment of a sweater then knit a super quick hat like the H20 hat from Chicknits.com there’s nothing like a quick and simple hat to get you back on the wagon.
I’m a wannabe Roller Derby star that is temporarily sidelined due to being pregnant, which is unfortunate since I’ve been in contact with my local derby league pre-pregnancy and was looking forward to trying out for a team. Now that I have plenty of time on my hands until the baby is due, I’ve picked up my knitting needles again and am currently trying to teach myself how to crochet. I’m nowhere near an experience knitter, so I can’t make up my own patterns yet, and I’m running out of cool and useful things (and easy!) projects to knit (sweaters are still out of my league). How perfect this book would be!!
Whenever I pick up my knitting needles again after a knitting drought, I ALWAYS knit up a few basic dishcloths. I found the pattern on the back of a label for Bernat Handicrafter Cotton, http://www.bernat.com/pattern.php?PID=2411 . I love this pattern cause it’s all knitting, requires VERY little attention, and I can whip one up within an hour. Not only is it very instant gratification, but I love using these dishcloths compared to the standard fabric dishcloths. I can also knit up a set within a few days to give away as a housewarming or hostess gift! I think you can never have too many dishcloths!
One of my favorite patterns is for knit slippers. I got the pattern back in the 70′s in 4-H. I’ve played with it & adapted it for larger & smaller feet. Have a great day!
I second the Clapotis. It’s a good one if you question your stamina for a larger project (but you’re a quilter – why would you question your stamina for a larger project?) and the reward (wearing it) is great. If you have babies to knit for, Haiku (from Knitty) is about as straightforward as you can get (and _your_ gauge is the one that matters).
I would be such a hit if I showed up with that book. We’re the only ones among our friends WITHOUT tickets to the Tucson roller derby. Go figure.
Nothing like a contest to get lurkers out, eh? ; )
The knitpicks podcast (http://community.knitpicks.com/profiles/blog/show?id=1984936%3ABlogPost%3A29915) features an interview with Toni Carr. It sounded like there were some cute/funny patterns in it – like the frozen pea cover for icing down. (And I’m guilty of keeping peas in the freezer just for that purpose.)
I love knitting easy patterns, but if they’re boring, I can’t take it. I really enjoyed Fetching by Cheryl Niamath (http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTfetching.html). When I sat down and focused on it, it took maybe two weekends to do.
If you’re looking for something for instant gratification, one of my favorites is the tribble pattern by Abigail at http://1870pearl.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/02/rubadubdub.html. I think I whipped one of these out in a couple hours.
I always am knitting something small while a big project is “in progress”, else I’d get completely discouraged.
Knitting is not my best craft, but I’m drawn to it. I’m trying this pattern
http://www.knittingonthenet.com/patterns/babyafruffle.htm
Thank you, for sharing the bounty! Love your site!
What an offer! Lucky you. Have a nice weekend.
Well, I’m not a great knitter either, but I keep on with it. I generally choose patterns at the level of, “If a Monkey Could Do It…” My favorite easy pattern is the ‘slouchy cardigan’ from Knit Cafe’s book. Simply stockinette stitch and the pieces are sewn together. There is a link to a picture of it on my site: http://twokitties.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/10/greetings-from-.html
We go to roller derby when we’re at our house in Bend, Oregon. Believe it or not, it’s family friendly – most of the gals are moms and their kids are in the audience.
Hmm…I hate the idea that scarfs are the only thing for new knitters. I would suggest any hats, baby items – booties or sweaters(nice quick projects with huge appeal), or lacey scarves.
I don’t know if I can help with a pattern, as typically the only things I’m able to knit are scarves (sad, eh?!) I have gotten into knitting smaller (miniature) hats and scarves for use as Christmas ornaments. It’s great because there’s not a ton of knitting required to get to the end result!
I love bags as easy projects, the Everlasting Bagstopper from Knitty.com is good or any felted bag since felting is a great way to hide mistakes!
I love the umbilical cord baby hat pattern from Stitch and Bitch (#1). It’s so easy with very little counting or thought involved and it always turns out super cute! I just discovered your shop and blog and I’m loving it, thanks!
I can’t seem to stop knitting the “Kim’s Hat” pattern from “Last Minute Knitted Gifts” by Joelle Hoverson. I’m fairly new to knitting and this hat is so easy! I’ve made 4 so far. I think I’ll try the earflap one next. I love knitting in the round–no purling!!
You inspired me to re-dedicate myself to learn the continental style of knitting. So now I knit pretty fast and I don’t mind purling as much. It definitely helped with my tension issues.
Love you, love your blog!!!
Megan
Hmmm….any babies on the horizon? I make these all the time (because I actually have babies that will wear them)
http://www.invisionpower.eu/index.php?autocom=downloads&showfile=16
A totally easy pattern to put down and come back to. No babies? Hmmm….I made this for my sister last summer
http://www.knitty.com/issuesummer07/PATTcoachella.html
It was pretty easy, I managed to knit it with a toddler around!
I love Kristi Porter’s designs—-she has such an interesting point of view and comes up with interesting (not boring) things for the beginner.
Try this sweet cardigan for little ones:
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall02/PATThaiku.html
Wow, I would LOVE to see this book! I’m a fairly new knitter, but I’m getting pretty good at baby hats! Right now I’m making a dress shawl for Marine Corps Ball since I had to retire my dressy wrap.
Yes, I need a knitting book. I like to knit, and I’m a regular. pick me. pick me.
I have a friend who’s into roller derby — I’ve been meaning to make her some knee pad covers! As for patterns — the first thing to pop into my head was the Fetching pattern for fingerless mittens from Knitty.
Wow, what great suggestions in these comments. I like Yarn Harlot’s Daisy sweater pattern (on her blog) as my go-to baby sweater.
i wish someone would ask me to review free books!!! i’m not picky. anything free is always a good thing! its when you buy them and they suck that sucks!! i bought “The Big Ass Book of Crafts” (online grrr) the other day and was mad when i got done looking through it!
Two patterns come to mind – one is the Noro striped scarf from Jared over at Brooklyn Tweed – I’ve had people offer to buy it while I’ve been wearing it – it’s easy bit looks oh so fancy. For a sweater, I would recommend any top down sweater from Knitting Pure and Simple – they’re my go to sweaters when I need mindless St stitch and NO SEAMS!!!!
I love the idea of roller derby! And knitting to go with it?! Delicious! My favorite easy project to get back into the swing of knitting (it always surges in late summer and early fall) is washcloths. I knit or crochet them out of cotton, plain squares. It gets my fingers working again and my brain on the path of knitting and purling. After one or two (my MIL absolutely LOVES them for Christmas!), then I can think about tackling an actual pattern. And if the washcloth comes out a little bit too small, it gives me a chance to add a fancy little border all the way around.
Well I am a novice knitter and I haven’t strayed much farther past a knitted scarf. But I still would love a knitting book. Cool gig about the free books.
You have probably already drawn a name, but I had to add an easy knitting pattern. It’s the knit cap in Erika Knight’s book, Simple Knits for Cherished Babies. It was my first time knitting and was pretty easy to figure out.
Calorimetry from knitty is a pretty easy project. Small, fast knit, good for practicing short rows and a great accessory.