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

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?

Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults: A Sweet Handmade Dress-Up Idea

There’s something wonderfully charming about a knitted crown. It’s playful, useful for the dress-up basket, and just the sort of small project that gives a leftover ball of yarn a proper purpose. Much better than letting it roll around the cupboard for another three years.

This free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults combines a simple garter-stitch band with shaped triangular points. The mustard-gold colour gives it that storybook crown look, although pink, purple or woodland green would be equally lovely.

A Manageable Next Step for Beginner Knitters

The construction is the appealing part of this design. Everything is knitted flat, so you won’t need double-pointed needles or experience joining stitches in the round.

You knit the band first, then work each crown point separately over a group of 12 stitches. Paired decreases gradually narrow each triangle, giving you a small, repeatable section to concentrate on.

I’d describe this as a confident beginner knitting project. You’ll need to know how to knit, work two types of decreases, hold unused stitches and sew a simple seam. There are several yarn tails to weave in, so a little patience with finishing will help.

Three Sizes With Room to Personalise

The pattern includes three sizes, with seven, eight or nine crown points. Choose by the wearer’s head measurement rather than age, and check your gauge carefully. Yarn stretch will make a noticeable difference to the fit.

For birthdays, an embroidered initial would be a sweet finishing touch. Contrasting yarn diamonds could suggest little jewels without adding hard embellishments.

What to Know Before Casting On

This is a soft knitted crown, so expect gentle points rather than a rigid costume accessory. A springy wool or wool-blend yarn should give the shaping more support than a very drapey yarn.

The stitch calculations have been checked, but the design has not yet been sample-knitted. The accompanying image is an illustrative mockup, so the finished texture and proportions may vary with your yarn and tension.

For a small handmade birthday accessory or a cheerful addition to the dress-up box, this is an appealing idea. And if an adult needs a matching crown for supervising the royal household, the larger size has that covered too.