strongbookthoughts

[strongbookthoughts]

Thoughts on Dimensional Tuck Knitting by Tracy Purtscher

So it's not cabling, but if you can cable, you'll probably get this pretty fast.

So there are one or two special stitches for this technique. Once you get that, the rest of the book is how placing those stitches create different overall textures. There's about 100 pages of textures, and about 40 pages that show the... I think it was 10 patterns that really show off those textures well.

For all that I actually haaaaate the cover of this book, the approach of showing the swatches in pale colors on darker backgrounds in the book makes them really easy to see. The textures themselves are mostly charts.

The patterns are mostly rectangular shapes, so nothing complicated beyond the textures being added to them.

So overall? I don't hate it, but it's not my jam. I think I'd rather go create this sort of effect on fabric, and use cabling on my knitting.

[strongbookthoughts]

Notes on Chunky Knits by Alyssarhaye Graciano

Yeah, so I checked this one out because I was curious just how many patterns they had with that absurdly chonky yarn shown in the bottom pic. And then the book ended up being actually useful.

No, seriously, like the day after I checked this book out, I won some size 6 yarn as a door prize. And there are a ton of scarf patterns in this book, so I was able to look at those to figure out my cast on.

Beyond that, this book is just not my jam. More of the patterns lean towards size 6 yarns than the huuuuge stuff that you have to arm-knit. Some of the designs are pretty fun looking, but I live in a very warm part of the world. So, yeah, cute book. Nearly everything is a quick knit because big yarn.

[strongbookthoughts]

Notes on Add One Stitch Knitting by Alina Schneider

The concept of this book is pretty cute, though I may have a tiny quibble with how it's done. Overall this is going to be a positive review tho.

This book is arranged in a way that just makes knitting as unintimidating as possible. After the short introduction that covers materials and how to get cast on, the book is broken up into 15 lessons. Each lesson is a different stitch pattern, with guidance on making a test swatch, and then a project that uses that stitch pattern.

Project 1 is a garter stitch scarf. Pretty classic for knitters first project, really. Project 2 is a stockingette pillow. Most of the rest of the lessons are stitch textures tho. So you do some different ribs, moss stitch, seed stitch, that kind of stuff. I think the only other time you do an actual new stitch is the slip stitch.

Nearly all the projects are accessories made out of rectangles. The one top doesn't really have any shaping, just some casting off to shape the arm holes and neck. (top size is a 44in bust)

So I love how this is arranged. And I love that the swatches all have pics of both front and back so that you can more quickly learn what they look like.

What I really wish is that there were some projects that had increases and decreases. Like, I'm pretty sure that's probably the next things someone who wants to keep learning is going to need. A few of the projects are large enough that the knitter is going to figure out how to start a new skein mid-projects. So that sets them up for also being able to do basic colorwork....

I also like that there are tips and notes on the projects that explain choices in the directions, or put a little design freedom in the hands of the knitter. Like, the very first scarf project doesn't have a set number of rows. It just says to knit until you like the length. I feel like it's a good idea to start knitters with the idea that you can always adjust the pattern to your taste.

Oh, and finally, I actually used the cast on directions in this book. I'd been crocheting so much that I kind of couldn't remember how to do a long tailed cast on. So I can personally vouch for the book having GREAT illlustrations in the tutorial sections.

[strongbookthoughts]

Notes on The Beaded Edge 2 by Midori Nishida

The author saw an exhibit on traditonal Turkish oya edgings (beaded trim for head scarves) and got really into it.

So the first thing I wanna say is that I was not at all bothered by this being book 2. The key techniques are presented clearly in this book, so you absolutely do not have to have book 1 to understand what's going on.

Some of the designs presented seem to be traditional designs, while others are ones created by the author with motifs that have much more Japanese influence.

The book is lovely. I'm happy to flip through it.

Will I ever want to try any of these designs? Um. Well. It's thread crochet, which is... not my fave. And you have to thread all the beads on the thread before you start. So.... this is probably going to remain a dream for me. Or perhaps I'll have a fit of madness and decide to do things I dislike in order to have The Pretty.

I'm def hoping to get book 1 from the library tho. I wanna see more pretty pictures!

[strongbookthoughts]

Notes on Crochet: Learn it. Love it. by Tracey Todhunter

I don't know why but the title feels kinda pushy to me. I think I got into a bit of a fighty mood because of it, but honestly, I'm fairly pleased with the book.

This book is loaded with techniques and pretty light on patterns. There are 7 beginner-level patterns and 4 intermediate patterns. There are WAY more techniques than that in the book.

The technique pages are dense, but pretty easy to follow. It's pretty clear that the author is setting up the reader to be able to hack and create patterns.

The only garments are accessories, so I'm not bothered by there only being one size on those.

Like, if the world were ending, and I had to pick a small book to preserve all knowledge of how to crochet, this one would for sure be in the running.

[strongbookthoughts]

Notes on The North African Cookbook by Jeff Koehler

I'm pretty sure that if the Joy of Cooking was about North African cooking instead of American cooking, it would be this book. I've renewed it twice, and I'm still not done looking through it. It is dense.

And just to be clear, dense is not a complaint. It's like being shown a buffet, and then constantly being told, "but wait, there's more!" and being shown a whole 'nother room.

Also, this book is thiccc. That's right, thiccc. Three Cs.

Wait, wait, back to the basics. This book is a survey of the food in the Maghreb -- that is, the Northwestern edge of the continent, consisting of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. Every recipe has a note for what country(s) makes the dish, and the notes might indicate an ingredient change between regions. The notes also often include a bit of context, like that something is commonly served for breakfast, or at parties.

There are pictures approximately every 4 recipes, and normally I would complain about that. In this case, I'm grateful because I'd rather have all the recipes in one volume. And this could so easily be more than one volume.

The cuisines of this region have been shaped by multiple religions, and there are plenty of dishes that are already made for Jewish or Muslim dietary requirements. That's not labeled on the recipes specifically, though, so read those ingredient lists carefully to be sure. There's also an assortment of vegetarian recipes.

Every recipe looks delicious. Every recipe that I read in depth looks well-explained. The author did a good job balancing detail with brevity as far as I can tell.

I'm getting hungry again. Which happens every time I've flipped through this book. And that's really a sign of a good cookbook!

[strongbookthoughts]

Notes on The Ultimate Sock Book by Vogue Knitting

If, for some reason, you were determined to only own one book on how to knit socks, this book might be a pretty good choice. But why would you choose to only own one?

Somehow this book gives you 50 pages of basic sock information without being overwhelming. It's cheerful and upbeat about how making socks is really quite simple, and they've already done all the math for you with a pile of handy charts. Then they give you another 20 or so pages of patterns you can use to make your socks pretty.

While some of the patterns are absolutely lovely, they are almost an afterthought or a set of examples of how to apply all the previous information to customizing whatever it is that you really want to do. As with any fiber craft that Vogue decides to talk about, some of the patterns are pretty extreme.

That's not a knock against Vogue, because they have never hesitated to present advanced work right next to things for newbies. The editors at Vogue believe in all of us, that we can get to the level of some of these socks that transcend from craft to art. If you don't believe in you, it's clear that Vogue believes enough for everyone.

Also? The photography is beautifully lit and making sure you can see all the lovely sock details. Socks are the stars of every picture.

[strongbookthoughts]

Revisiting at 9 volumes in!

Volume 1 was definitely all about setting up several long term plot threads. Mile does settle down into a particular persona rather than identity hopping, but her personality stays pretty consistent.

The narrative of the book occasionally gets a little infodumptastic, and I can't always decide if the tone is friendly and helpful, or kind of condescending.

There is an odd flavor of sexism running through the background as well, due to the all-girl adventuring party constantly being both underestimated and pursued by male characters. The trope plays out like it's expected in this sort of setting, so maybe I just haven't read enough Japanese isekai?

Anyway, off to request volume 10 from the library!

Notes on Didn't I Say to Make My Abilities Average in the Next Life?! Vol. 1 by FUNA

and illustrated by Itsuki Akata

That's right! I managed to read more fiction in less than a week! Go me! Also there's 19 volumes in the series, so, uh, I'm not going to be super careful about spoilers. Especially because this volume very much felt like it's the set up/prelude for the rest of the series.

Okay, I could be wrong in that the main character will have just as many twists and turns in the direction of her life for the whole time? But what do I know? Maybe she'll go through 3 aliases every volume?

So. Girl who was regarded a prodigy in the modern world (and miserable because of it), meets Truck-kun.* She's offered reincarnation into a magic world, with her memories intact, and rather than asking for any special powers, she asks to be average. She does not think to define what scale should be used, or what definition of average should be used. (Math nerds rejoice, because that will get discussed!)

The thing is, 18 year olds aren't very wise in the ways of the modern world if they are pampered bookworms, and living (or reliving) a childhood doesn't much help with that either. So at 10 years old... her decision making skills are.... unique. She causes a lot of her own problems. It's delightful. So yes, I am going to see if the library has book 2.

I also have trust issues, because I read way too many manga where the vibes from vol.1 vs vol.4 were pretty hecking different. I know this is a light novel instead, but.... anyway.

Not sure if I will review every volume or just check in about the series every so often. Any preferences out there?

*Why is death by truck so popular in this genre anyway? I guess it's quick and easy.

[strongbookthoughts]

Notes on Color Knitting with Confidence by Nguyen Le

I found the book I want to use for learning knitting colorwork! Will this also be a book for you? Well, let me tell you what it's got!

So this is definitely a book that could be handed to a beginning knitter. The first set of color work projects are just striped, so the only "color technique" is changing yarns at the end of a row and carrying yarn up one side. The basic how-to-knit section is pretty clear, too. I'm not totally sure it could be Knitter's First Book, but it could for sure be their second.

The techniques in the book are, in order, Striped Knitting, Slip-Stitch Knitting, Intarsia Knitting, Stranded Knitting and Double Knitting. Oh, and it's also got a bit about duplicate stitching in the context of correcting mistakes or adding little accents.

Every technique has both small and large projects. I think the small projects are important, because then I can do a technique long enough to get the feel of it, but not be stuck with a large WIP I don't like. If I use the colors shown in the samples, I'll also be using some nice high contrast combos that will make things easier to see.

And as a final note, I'm not entirely sure that this book is still in print. The price on the back of it is around $20USD, and I got it for $10, new. So it's available for now, but with clearancing out type vibes.

[strongbookthoughts]

They also have photocopiers, in case you fall in love with a pattern in an out-of-print book.

I'm really surprised how many young fiber art people don't know that they can get pattern books from their local library. So as a PSA:

Your local public library has pattern books! They have crochet, knitting, weaving, and quilting pattern books! If they don't have the book you want, or the craft you want, you can ask for us to get it for you! It's free!

[strongbookthoughts]

Notes on Custom Socks to Fit Your Feet by Kate Atherley

Heads up, this a book for people who want to do knitting math and gauge swatches. If that's you, keep reading!

While there is a good chunk of the book dedicated to all the different techniques that are specific to sock making, I would not pick this up as knitters first book. You'll want to learn your basic skills somewhere else.

HOWEVER, if you want to make your own sock patterns, or just make adjustments to make other people's sock patterns fit you? Oh, wow, you are in the right place with this book. There are formulas! There are charts! The included sock patterns range from basic to multi-technique, and include notes on the best places to alter the stitch patterns to get your fit.

Those are the Secrets and Lies socks. Why are they named that? I don't know. LOOK AT THE DETAILING ON THE TOES. OMG. I AM IN LOVE. I need to learn to knit lace. (I almost had it once, but decided I didnt want the item after all.) Anyway, LOVE.

None of the other patterns are that involved. why do I always want the hard ones? Anyway.

Lovely book. Definitely made of math.

[strongbookthoughts]

I was just down at my local Joann. The crafting books and magazines were all 20% off. Not a huge amount, but more than usual.

[strongbookthoughts]

Notes on Crochet to Calm by the editors at Interweave

I figured it was 50/50 odds between it being a book of patterns you could zen out while making or things to just make your space more cozy when you're done making them. Honestly, I think it's mostly patterns that are both.

So the patterns look mostly easy. I think the most complicated colorwork is shown on the cover. There's one pattern with a special stitch that I feel like is described really badly as just a text box. The other special stitches, I could get from the text boxes tho? So maybe some of the patterns shouldn't be your first project?

The photos kind of look like the crafter is desperately trying to get color into a beige rental unit? I suppose it makes the samples really pop, but I can't help thinking this fictional crafter is just trying to create enough visual interest to keep from gnawing off her arm or something.

[strongbookthoughts]

Notes on Eat, Habibi, Eat! by Shahir Massoud

So I seem to have started my exploration of African cuisines at the North end of the continent. This book promises over 100 recipes, with a mix of "classic mainstays" and "modern plates."

The photography in this book is art that inspires the feeling of hunger. I went through this book right after dinner, and still felt starving by the time I was done drooling over the pictures.

The recipes mostly come across as accessible to me, and I consider myself an average cook. The little blurbs with each recipe explain when and how a recipe departs from the classic version. Things are mostly fancy from the plating? But there are a few unusual techniques here and there that are presented as... not too hard looking? I feel like I could get them right within a few tries.

While there are an assortment of vegetarian and vegan recipes in the book, they aren't labeled or listed in any kind of index. Most of them weren't in the main dish section, either.

Also, depending on where you live, you might have a bit of trouble finding a few of the spices and cuts of meat. My local grocery store has very little lamb, as an example. YMMV on substituting meats, but my understanding of Egyptian flavors is that you really need to hunt down those region-specific spices if you want the dishes to turn out, well, Egyptian. (On the other hand, if you are familiar with mediterranian and middle eastern foods, you might have an advantage in ingredient hunting?)

Anyway, I could say more, but I really need to go find something to eat.

[strongbookthoughts]

Notes on Start Stitching published by Design Originals

I wasn't paying super close attention at the library and I thought this was a sewing book. It's an embroidery book, but still cute!

So this book looks pretty good for beginners, but also pretty inspiring for folks who have been embroidering for a while.

To keep the basic section from becoming overwhelming, most of the specific stitching directions or less common materials info are with the project that they apply to. So you get basic info about thread right away, but something like fusible web is back with the projects that call for it.

The book also hops through lots of different styles. There's stuff like what's on the cover, but there's also sashiko, needlepoint and cross stitch. It's a nice little sampler of techniques for someone who thinks they want to make things pretty with thread, but isn't sure about what ways there are. Oh, and nothing really complex or expensive, so while there's a bit with beads, there isn't, like, goldwork or tambour.

[strongbookthoughts]

Notes on Knitting California by Nancy Bates

Hhhnnnnng. Just. Look at that cover. Is that not absolutely gorgeous???

Yeah, so I saw this book at a yarn show last fall, and it's the reason that I wanted to learn stranded color work in the first place. At the time, I had a pretty limited budget, so I bought yarn and trusted that the book would be waiting for me later.

And I found out last week that my library system had several copies of the book, so needless to say, I smashed that hold button like it was bubble wrap. And then the only reason I didn't speed on my way to pick it up today was 'cuz my neighbor drove. (We are errand buddies. I highly recommend having an errand buddy!)

Right, so while I do madly adore California poppies, that's not the pattern that made me lose my mind. It's this one.

So.... yah, I need to make that. But I gotta learn a new skill first. Also, my mom wants to make it (tho maybe by converting the chart to crochet??) so I need a copy for her.

So, anyway, I'm clearly mad for the colorwork patterns in this book, but there are a few patterns that are cabled instead. There are also a few colorwork patterns that have a smidge of cabling to create a texture that supports the vibe of each hat.

I also like how each pattern has a 2-3 page introduction about the significance of each landmark or natural phenomenon that inspired a pattern. I know a decent amount of the trivia in the book, but there were still a few bits here and there that were new to me.

So is the book going to be good for people who aren't California dreamin'? Yeah, I think so. Maybe not every single pattern, but some of the patterns inspired by nature are just lovely out of context.

On the other hand, the author also created beanie patterns for every single national park. You can get those separately or all in one book as well. Check out the website here!

[strongbookthoughts]

Notes on Epic Cosplay Costumes by Kristie "Karmada" Good

At 140 pages, this is not going to to cover every costume ever by a long shot, however....

Gonna be honest, if your approach to new crafts is to yeet yourself into the deep end, this is not a bad book to start with.

The information about how to sew is solid, tho not super in depth. The information about materials is enough to give a beginner some guidance in a fabric store. The info on how to sew is enough to.... probably enough to send someone searching for more detailed tutorials, but they'll know what words to look for.

Patterns are somewhat biased towards femme fashion, because, well, it's got a lot more garments that are beginner friendly.

On the other hand, it's got some stuff about painting fabric and a larger section on making foam armor. The stuff on the armor looks more detailed to me than the sewing directions, but I don't know enough to know if it's more in depth or equally superficial.

Also, I genuinely like that there are no patterns in the book, but instead every item has directions on how to draft the pattern yourself. If you've got a body that tends not to get along with commercial sizing, that's a great skill to learn.

Oh, and published 2016. It might be tricky to find new now?