Knitting

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Knitting Out Loud Book Review

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Knitting Out Loud is an audio book company publishing audio recordings of the best of knitting literature. It is the only audiobook company to specialize in knitting including, histories of knitting, essays on knitting and studies of ethnic styles of knitting and other fiber arts.

The best thing about Knitting Out Loud Audio books is that you can listen to them, yes you got it WHILE YOU KNIT.

I was sent two copies to review and I must say they were both quite delightful (mentioned below) but they currently have 6 Audio Books to choose from. I did not get a chance to listen to my review copies while actually knitting though, Instead in my car on my way to and from work. I always found knitting to be relaxing, but now I know listening to people talk about knitting is also relaxing.

A history of hand knitting RRP $29.95- I found this book to be intriguing and very educational, there is no doubt the research has been done to provide you with an in-depth account, both formal and personal of the history of Hand knitting.

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The Art Of Fair Isle Knitting – RRP $14.95 – This Audio book discusses the foundations of Fair isle knitting from it’s heritage to it’s modern day transition. It covers the social and political history behind Fair Isle Knitting and almost takes you back to the cold blistery nights spent knitting by the women of the Shetland island, where it all began.

—-COMPETITION GIVEAWAY—-

To Celebrate the debut of Knitting Out Loud Audio books we are giving you the chance to win the the review copies above.

For your chance to win tell me which copy you would like to win by leaving a “comment”on this post.

(make sure you use a valid e-mail ID so I can contact you if you are a winner, otherwise I will re-draw)

2 winners (1 of each copy) will be selected as the winners.

Competition Details.

Prize – 1 of 2 Knitting Audio Books

Close Date – 2nd March 2008

Entry – Worldwide, Entry- Once Only

Next Pattern:

Comments

  3. The Art of Fair Isle Knitting book would be a great addition to my knitting reference book collection. Thank you for the info and for holding the drawing.

  6. As a mom to a DD who has benefitted greatly from audio books, I’m excited that these books are now available. The price is right, actually a bargain. This is just so wonderful. I went to the actual site and DD is thinking about which book she wants me to get her first. If an audio book on knitting can intrigue a sci-fi and mystery fan, then I’ll buy it.

  7. Hello, Thanks for a fun contest! I would like any of the three, but the historical one I would enjoy the most. Thanks,Cindi

  9. What a great way to “read” a book while knitting. I’d love to have a copy of The History of Hand Knitting.

  11. Audio books and knitting — a terrific pair! I’d love to listen to A History of Hand Knitting.

  13. Hi! I just found your site while searching for some Berroco pattern information. I definitely check it out further. My choice would be the History of Knitting, because I find antique pattern books and needlework tools fascinating. Thanks.

  14. I like the sound of both of the Knitting Out Loud audio books, but I would love to win a copy of “The Art of Fair Isle Knitting” because it is a technique I have yet to master completely. Maybe hearing some of the history will make me work at it a bit harder.

  15. as “aDaneInItaly” (on Ravelry) I should be happy to win the “The Art Of Fair Isle Knitting”…. the Fair Isles are a part of Denmark and many patterns were and are still used in Denmark.
    This book would remember me my Grandma (mum’s mum) who taught me to knit more than half a century ago… and who knitted several things to me when I was a child just using some Fair Isle patterns (hats, jumpers, jackes, mittens) – which I don’t have any more but should like to try….
    winning this book it might be the way of trying!

    best knittingwishes
    mette – Italy
    knittingmette.etsy.com

  18. “The Art of Fair Isle Knitting” book would be the one I would choose. I am fascinated by this method, but don’t have the courage to try it yet.

  21. I’d love to win ‘The Art Of Fair Isle Knitting’. It’s very interesting that they are now in audio books. My grandma would enjoy this.

  23. What a great idea! I love to read, I love to knit, I love to read about knitting. Now I can do both at once. I’d love either – but my first choice is the History of Hand Knitting.

  24. I’ve never tried listening to a book while knitting…great idea tho! I would like to win a copy of the Art of Fair Isle Knitting. Thanks!

  27. I would choose The Art of Fair Isle Knitting although both audiobooks sound interesting–great to listen to on those long commutes.

  28. I would love to win either of the books! They both look wonderful! I love listening to audio books esecially while I’m knitting! A knitting audio book is just too perfect!

  29. What a novel idea! I would love to have The History of Knitting – it must be full of interesting facts!

Have you read?

Book Review: Brooklyn Tweed’s Knit & Crochet Blankets

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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