Monday, December 7, 2015

Knockout Knits by Laura Nelkin (part 1)









Knockout Knits: New Tricks for Scarves, Hats, Jewelry, and Other Accessories 
Author: Laura Nelkin
Pages: 144
Publisher: Potter Craft
Source: Blogging for Books
Rating: ☆☆☆

An abundance of knitted luxuries--summery lace shawls, warm and wooly hats, a trio of cool knitted bracelets, and stunning beaded gloves--designed to grow your skills.

Who doesn't love to knit accessories? They're fast, often require only a skein or two of yarn, and make amazingly versatile gifts for friends and family. Small knits are also the perfect way to try something new--an unusual stitch pattern, wild multi-colored yarn, or even a touch of sparkle. Laura Nelkin is well-known for designing these fun-to-knit little projects introducing her students and fans to advanced techniques with her signature "You can do it!" enthusiasm. In her first book, she shares her 3 favorite types of knitting using wrapped stitches, lacework, and beads. Each chapter begins with a quick knitted cuff to lay the foundations, then gradually ramps up to more complicated designs. The result is an all-new collection of wearable, feminine knits with a slightly rustic aesthetic. Give them as gifts, stockpile for a chilly day, or dress up a casual outfit--these are knockout projects to enjoy knitting again and again.

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Purchase
Amazon  -  Barnes and Noble  -  Kobo  -  iBooks

My Review
I got this book a couple of years ago. I looked through it but I have yet to knit anything from it. It is time to remedy that. So I have my circs at the ready and going to cast on for another lace shawl. Even though I haven't knitted anything yet I rated this book 3 stars. I think that the patterns are written well. There are patterns for everyone. The book claims that all the patterns only take a skein or two to knit up. I like that cost effectiveness. I didn't give it 4 stars because there are a few items that I am not interested in knitting ever. Anyway, this is just a kickoff post. I will update as I knit.




About the Author
Laura Nelkin, a prolific independent knitwear designer, graduated from Cornell with a degree in Apparel Design. A former design director, Laura sells her knit pattern and kit line to yarn stores worldwide and teaches workshops around the country and online with Craftsy.com. Her patterns have been published through Nelkin Designs, and in The Rhinebeck Sweater, Scarf Style 2, Knitscene, and Knitty. Laura lives near Ithaca, New York. Visit her at www.nelkindesigns.com


Author Links
Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Website  -  Goodreads  -  Craftsy  -  Ravelry



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Sunday, December 6, 2015

Going Back To Basics



I have decided to go back to the basics. That means that I am going to start this blog of with a series of how-to's and other things like that. This blog crosses my mind all the time. I know that my nonexistent posts would contradict that but it's true. So I will start off the new year with a new attitude and new plan for this blog. Videos will also be posted. So yay! I'm excited to have finally come to some kind of plan for this blog.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

#WIP - Work In Progress Wednesday 4




WIP Wednesday Sept 8,2015

I am finally back with a project. This is actually a shawlette that I tried to knit up a few years ago. I was having a hard time with it because I was completely new to charts. I didn't understand how to read them. Thanks to a friendly Ravelry member who helped me out. She explained some of the things I was having issues with. 

Then I tried to knit it up and I just could not get it right. So I dropped it. I have picked it up a couple more time since but kept having problems. Now I'm trying once again. Only this time I get it! Um, I think. What' s the pattern that was giving me such a hard time? The Gingko Shouldette Shawl. Now that I can read the pattern though it seems to be an easy piece. We shall see if I can finish it this time.




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Saturday, April 11, 2015

Know what you are good at

In the last post we talked about knowing you don't want to do. In this one we are going to talk about knowing what we are good at. I am good at learning many things creative things. A lot of times that means I get overwhelmed and end up doing nothing because I have so much I want to do. So one of the things that I am good at is making list. A thing I am not good at is sticking to them. So that is something I have to make sure to be diligent about as the success of this blog and my business depends on it. I working on  a series of lists even a list of lists I need to make. LOL.

Some of the lists include:
A list of lists I need to make (which this is)
A list of things that need to go in a business plan
A list of office supplies
A list of tools
A list of products needed
A list of how to price
A list of online shops I would like to sell from

I think you get the point. For me, the more lists I have to work with the better. I can always consolidate the lists. For now, these lists are being used not organize myself and to motivate me to get going. This is my step number one. So I am off to start on my list. Til next time...may the stitch be with you..

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Knowing What You Don't Want To Do

STUCK IN A RUT


Some times you get stuck in a rut. You don't know what you want to do so you end up not doing anything. How to get things in motion? Since this is a needle work blog my list is specific to that topic. Knowing what type of rut you are in helps speed up the process of getting out of it. You can always alter the list.

My list of what I don't want to do for now:
I don't want to make bookmarks or any items small like that.
I under price myself.
I don't want to my miniatures.
I don't want to make toys for the exception of a particular bear.

As you can see my list is fairly short right now. I may add to it at some point. What is important to remember is that today doesn't have to be the same as yesterday. It is never to late to start over. You don't have to keep going in circles. You may just need to point yourself in a new direction. Easier said that done I know. Try the list maybe it'll help. Til next time...may the stitch be with you.

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Sunday, April 5, 2015

Don't Call It A Comeback!

Like LL Cool J said "Don't call it a comeback, I've been here for years". Yeah for years but not so many posts. Okay so here's the thing. Crochet started off as a hobby for me many years ago. Then people started requesting that I make things for them. I thought 'hey, I can make some extra cash with this.' And that's what I did for awhile. Then I wanted to start to crochet as a full time business. I had a few online web stores. But I did not have the confidence. I have learned that preparation is great but if you don't believe in yourselves you will not succeed. That is what happened. I would just lose steam. What is different now is that I have been through a lot in my life. I am not at a point where I feel it's either now or never. So that is what I am going to do. I hope to document my journey via blog & maybe in vlog. So many of many posts for a bit will be business preparation posts. Till next time...may the stitch be with you.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Wow...long time

It has been so long since I've done a post. Shame, shame, shame on me since I really don't have a good reason why. Well, I haven't actually finished a project in a long time but still. But I'm back. lol I say that as if anyone is following this blog anymore. Even if it's just me here I will once again go on a crafting challenge.
There is a couple of sweaters and shawls I want to make. I am starting my crafting challenge by making a weekender bag for a summer vacatin trip with some of my family. The details of making the bag will be here. The details of the trip will be on my new blog. I know what you are saying, 'you have a new blog when you can't even post to this one'. Yes I do. Anyway my next post will be about the weekender.