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

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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?

Knit a Garter Stitch Blanket with a Twist

When I first started knitting again after a long absence from the craft (which has now been almost 25 years ago!) I really didn’t like garter stitch that much. I found it super boring, somehow even more boring than knitting stockinette stitch in the round, even though it’s exactly the same thing.

Over the years I’ve softened my opinion, and even grown to like garter stitch. There’s nothing wrong with being plain, and actually the texture of garter stitch is more interesting than stockinette.

Also there are fun things you can do with garter stitch to make it more interesting if you want to, such as adding stripes, working on the bias, or doing fun effects to change the look.

That’s the way with the Bernat Twist My Way Garter Knit Blanket. Using combinations of casting on and binding off creates what they call a Swiss cheese effect along two sides of the blanket. This is a lot of fun in the self-striping ombre yarn they chose for the pattern, but it would also be fun in a solid color or making your own stripes.

Despite the dramatic effect, this pattern is rated easy. It’s worked from side to side (if you consider the “cheesy” edges the top and bottom) and has an eight-row repeat that involves binding off and then casting on again to make the holes. They’re kind of like giant buttonholes.

Once you get the hang of it it’s a pretty easy repeat to remember, and it will be smooth knitting as big as you want to make it.

You can download this pattern from the Yarnspirations website for free, or you can buy a kit direct from them that includes the yarn you need (and knitting needles if you need those, too). Bernat Sport Ombre Twist, which is what is used in the pattern, comes in 12 self patterning colors and is a DK weight acrylic yarn.

[Photo: Yarnspirations]