more on knitting books
This is the second part of my book reading. I begin this section by turning around. I am wearing my new design "Autumn Harvest". Embroidered on the back of the cardigan is Olavia's hand knitting patterns' logo. ...subtle?
Hi my name is Leanne Dyck and I am a knitwear designer. I have been designing hand knitting patterns for over five years.
Knitters from Canada, the USA, Australia, Japan and the UK have purchased my patterns. My designs have been featured in Knit Together - Canada's only knitting magazine. To view my designs, please log on to my web site: http://www.oknitting.com/
My goal is to encourage you the novice knitter to become excited about knitting. My goal is to offer you the more experienced knitter a break from knitting more complicated patterns.
My hand knitting patterns combine stylish design with basic knitting techniques.
Ah, learning knitting techniques the first challenge for novice knitters.
I would like to tell you a story. It's a story that appears on page one of my new book: Yarn Therapy an introduction to knitting
In natural beauty my home - Mayne Island - has it all. In terms of commercial goods and services we are happily lacking. When my husband and I go off-island we are armed with a long list of "must does" and "must gets". To accomplish all our tasks we must be well organized. There is no time to dilly-dally! So, here I am, rushing through one of those big box stores on my way to my personal paradise - the yarn department - when I encounter a "learn-to-knit" display. The table is carefully laid out to attract any and all would-be knitters. The kindly senior knitting instructor has a twinkle in her eye. You can tell she is delighted by her role. Carefully laid out on her table are the usual projects: scarf, blanket square, and dish-clothes. But the instructor and projects just do not match. She is excited, and interesting - but the projects are boring. I, knitwear designer, see a lack. I want to apologize to her. I want to pledge to her that I will design fun, interesting projects as teaching aids! But I am in a hurry. I find some luxurious yarn, we share a smile and away I run. As I hurry away, I promise: I will remember her. I will write a book that is full of exciting, interesting first projects.
And so here it is as promised!
I hope you find it useful and fun both for learning how to knit, and for passing on your knowledge.
Today - right now is Yarn Therapy 's book launch. This book was easier to complete than Novelty Yarn but still it had it's challenges.
This quote is from my blog: Designer's Notes. I posted the entry way back in February.
You see I have been very fortunate with the help I have received on the book. The first time I received the manuscript back from my editor I got into a conversation with the owner of my favourite yarn shop. She advised me to add instructions on finishing: how-to sew an invisible seam, how to weave in ends. So this I did.
With the second finished manuscript in hand, I got into a conversation with a friend that just happens to be a workshop instructor. She advised me to add information on the basics like casting on and off and the stitches knit and purl. My immediate reaction was to justify this omission. After all, it was a first knitting pattern book not a how to knit book. With a smile, she re-stated her advised and changed the subject.
Later I began to think just why I was recoiling at the very thought of adding this information. Usually I have a reason. I knew the reason I gave her was lam. So what was the real reason? Slowly it raised it's ugly head. You see knitting is such a part of my life that describing how to knit was like attempting to describe how I walk, talk or breathe. I would have to slow down and analysis each and every step. The idea overwhelmed me. I challenged myself to attempt to do so. I wanted to present a through, well-written description of each process. I am very pleased to say I reached my goal. I couldn't wait to show the final (underlined three times) manuscript to my editor. I can't wait to share the book with you.
The first few pages of Yarn Therapy is a knitting primer in words and pictures. You are taught how to cast on and off; the knit and purl stitches; how to decrease; and how to sew seams. Along with this tutorial is practical advice for the new knitter on how to choose yarn, the importance of a sample swatch and how to knit one, the importance of a yarn band, tips on casting on, advice on weaving in ends as well as how to avoid knitting errors. And even advice on how to meet up with other knitters. the final pages of the book contain patterns.
Would you like to see some of the projects offered in the book?
The first two projects I will show you are scarves. I know, I know I did say that scarves were boring. Most scarves are boring but let me assure you that these aren't.
I like the look of a long scarf folded in half with the ends pulled through but that scarf requires a lot of knitting. Well, that scarf may but this scarf gives you the same look with half the effort.
Okay, now imagine you are outside sitting in the stands watching your favourite outdoor sport. You are wearing this cute scarf when your hands begin to feel cold.
What to do?
Well, why not use the scarf like this...
Hats...there are hats...hats like this...
and
Hi my name is Leanne Dyck and I am a knitwear designer. I have been designing hand knitting patterns for over five years.
Knitters from Canada, the USA, Australia, Japan and the UK have purchased my patterns. My designs have been featured in Knit Together - Canada's only knitting magazine. To view my designs, please log on to my web site: http://www.oknitting.com/
My goal is to encourage you the novice knitter to become excited about knitting. My goal is to offer you the more experienced knitter a break from knitting more complicated patterns.
My hand knitting patterns combine stylish design with basic knitting techniques.
Ah, learning knitting techniques the first challenge for novice knitters.
I would like to tell you a story. It's a story that appears on page one of my new book: Yarn Therapy an introduction to knitting
In natural beauty my home - Mayne Island - has it all. In terms of commercial goods and services we are happily lacking. When my husband and I go off-island we are armed with a long list of "must does" and "must gets". To accomplish all our tasks we must be well organized. There is no time to dilly-dally! So, here I am, rushing through one of those big box stores on my way to my personal paradise - the yarn department - when I encounter a "learn-to-knit" display. The table is carefully laid out to attract any and all would-be knitters. The kindly senior knitting instructor has a twinkle in her eye. You can tell she is delighted by her role. Carefully laid out on her table are the usual projects: scarf, blanket square, and dish-clothes. But the instructor and projects just do not match. She is excited, and interesting - but the projects are boring. I, knitwear designer, see a lack. I want to apologize to her. I want to pledge to her that I will design fun, interesting projects as teaching aids! But I am in a hurry. I find some luxurious yarn, we share a smile and away I run. As I hurry away, I promise: I will remember her. I will write a book that is full of exciting, interesting first projects.
And so here it is as promised!
I hope you find it useful and fun both for learning how to knit, and for passing on your knowledge.
Today - right now is Yarn Therapy 's book launch. This book was easier to complete than Novelty Yarn but still it had it's challenges.
This quote is from my blog: Designer's Notes. I posted the entry way back in February.
You see I have been very fortunate with the help I have received on the book. The first time I received the manuscript back from my editor I got into a conversation with the owner of my favourite yarn shop. She advised me to add instructions on finishing: how-to sew an invisible seam, how to weave in ends. So this I did.
With the second finished manuscript in hand, I got into a conversation with a friend that just happens to be a workshop instructor. She advised me to add information on the basics like casting on and off and the stitches knit and purl. My immediate reaction was to justify this omission. After all, it was a first knitting pattern book not a how to knit book. With a smile, she re-stated her advised and changed the subject.
Later I began to think just why I was recoiling at the very thought of adding this information. Usually I have a reason. I knew the reason I gave her was lam. So what was the real reason? Slowly it raised it's ugly head. You see knitting is such a part of my life that describing how to knit was like attempting to describe how I walk, talk or breathe. I would have to slow down and analysis each and every step. The idea overwhelmed me. I challenged myself to attempt to do so. I wanted to present a through, well-written description of each process. I am very pleased to say I reached my goal. I couldn't wait to show the final (underlined three times) manuscript to my editor. I can't wait to share the book with you.
The first few pages of Yarn Therapy is a knitting primer in words and pictures. You are taught how to cast on and off; the knit and purl stitches; how to decrease; and how to sew seams. Along with this tutorial is practical advice for the new knitter on how to choose yarn, the importance of a sample swatch and how to knit one, the importance of a yarn band, tips on casting on, advice on weaving in ends as well as how to avoid knitting errors. And even advice on how to meet up with other knitters. the final pages of the book contain patterns.
Would you like to see some of the projects offered in the book?
The first two projects I will show you are scarves. I know, I know I did say that scarves were boring. Most scarves are boring but let me assure you that these aren't.
I like the look of a long scarf folded in half with the ends pulled through but that scarf requires a lot of knitting. Well, that scarf may but this scarf gives you the same look with half the effort.
Okay, now imagine you are outside sitting in the stands watching your favourite outdoor sport. You are wearing this cute scarf when your hands begin to feel cold.
What to do?Well, why not use the scarf like this...
Hats...there are hats...hats like this...
and
hats like this...
Socks...oh, yes...fast and easy socks.
Then we have Wristers to keep your wrists warm
and fingerless gloves to keep your hands warm.
All the projects I have shown you so far are knit from one ball of yarn. Most of the projects in the book are knit from one ball of yarn...All but one...All but this one "Pulse"...
Socks...oh, yes...fast and easy socks.
Then we have Wristers to keep your wrists warm
and fingerless gloves to keep your hands warm.
All the projects I have shown you so far are knit from one ball of yarn. Most of the projects in the book are knit from one ball of yarn...All but one...All but this one "Pulse"...
The theory behind "Pulse" is that if you keep the pulse in your wrists and neck covered than you will stay warm. The theory is correct.
You have only seen a sample of the projects included in the book. There are more.
I really enjoyed giving this book reading. It was very successful at the end of the weekend I realized I had to phone Alea Design and Print to order another printing.
Where can you purchase Yarn Therapy?
Print editions are available from...
Fun Knits http://www.funknits.com/
Wintercraft (December 7th to 22nd) in ArtCraft on Salt Spring Island
Farmer's Market Christmas Craft Show (December 8th) in the Agricultural Society Hall on Mayne Island
Olavia's hand knitting patterns http://www.oknitting.com/
Ebook editions are available from...
posted by Author Leanne Dyck at 11:56 AM
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