Book Review – Weekend: Simple, Modern Knits

I recently picked up a copy of “Weekend: Simple, Modern Knits” and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The author has done an incredible job of curating a collection of 12 simple, modern knits that are perfect for the weekend. The patterns are designed for women, men and children and are made using bulky and super bulky yarns, making them exude comfort and ease.

I love the author’s mission to create casual, contemporary, wearable handknits that can serve as foundation pieces in anyone’s wardrobe. The patterns are approachable and not too complex, making them easy to follow and perfect for knitters of all skill levels. The author’s minimalist approach to design is evident in the patterns, and I appreciate how the author focuses on creating simple yet stylish knits that are easy to wear and enjoy.

As a knitter, I can relate to the author’s goal of creating go-to pieces that feel just right, like a favorite soft gray pullover from college. The author’s emphasis on creating knits that are easy to wear and love is something that resonates with me and I believe it will resonate with other knitters as well.

Overall, I highly recommend “Weekend: Simple, Modern Knits” to anyone who loves to knit and is looking for simple, modern and easy-to-wear knits. This collection is filled with patterns that are perfect for the weekend, and you will enjoy creating, and wearing them. The book is well-written, the patterns are easy to follow, and the final results are beautiful, stylish and comfortable, a perfect combination for knits.

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Blankets are a great blank slate project that you can change up in a million different ways. From color to stitch pattern to size, the possibilities are almost endless.

Jared Flood, the designer behind Brooklyn Tweed, was inspired by a log cabin quilt his mother made in 1995 to re-create that design in knitting, which led to more blankets and ultimate Brooklyn Tweed’s Knit and Crochet Blankets, which includes 25 patterns from an array of designers using different skills and techniques to make cozy, pretty blankets.

The patterns are divided into three aesthetic themes: traditions, minimalism and colorplay. The patterns are rated on a scale of one to five, with one being the easiest, and there aren’t any pieces rated five. Two blankets are rated one, 14 are two, eight are three and one is four.

In addition, three of the 25 patterns are crocheted, but they either use single crochet or granny stitch, so they are pretty easy even if you don’t do a lot of crochet. You can see all the patterns on Ravelry.

Some of my favorites include Rattan by Rastus Hsu, a chunky blanket worked in knits and purls with simple crossing stitches to make a raised woven look; Homewood by Seth Richardson, covers in dramatic, loopy cables; Ainur Berkimbayeva’s Tessellate, one of the beginner projects that doesn’t really look beginner but is totally worked in knit and purl stitches; Warp + Weft by Aist? Butkevi?ien?, which is mostly knits and purls but makes a fun woven look fabric that blew my mind a little bit; and the same designer’s Canyonland, a multicolored blanket with wavy stripes.

The patterns tell you how to resize them for different dimensions and include information on pattern repeats where it is possible to make a totally custom size.

Many different techniques are included here such as cables, lace, shadow knitting, intarsia and other colorwork techniques, as well as modular knitting and lots of sewing pieces together. The patterns are all presented with charts, but there are line by line written instructions available on the Brooklyn Tweed website if you need them.

The book ends with a deep dive into log cabin knitting, telling the story of the quilt Jared’s mom made and how he made it in knitting, as well as the multitude of variations you can make if you want your own log cabin style design.

The back of the book includes a little written information about some of the special techniques needed, but there are no photos.

This is a lovely book full of inspiration for knitting and crochet blankets for any skill level. If you like to make blankets as gifts or aspire to have a handmade blanket in every room of the house, these designs would be a great place to start.

About the book: 192 pages, paperback, 25 patterns. Published 2024 by Abrams Books, suggested retail price $24.99.

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