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Book Review: Garter Stitch Revival

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Garter Stitch RevivalI go through periods of liking and not liking Garter Stitch. It’s the simplest knitting stitch out there, but that doesn’t mean it has to be basic. Garter Stitch can be combined with other techniques and stitch patterns to make projects more interesting, or it can be worked in different ways to create something that’s both fun to knit and to wear.

Garter Stitch Revival aims to get even more experienced knitters interested in this rustic and versatile stitch, with 20 projects ranging from sweaters to shawls, scarves to a halter top fit for a music festival.

The book is divided into three sections: one where Garter Stitch plays a minimal role as a detail in a larger design, one where it’s found in a supporting role and one where Garter Stitch dominates.

There are pretty projects in each of these sections. Some of my favorites include the Be True Fingerless Mitts by Jennie Santopietro, which use Garter Stitch and eyelets to make cute arrow designs on the hands; the Flapper Cloche by Megan Elyse Nodecker, using Garter Stitch and short rows to make a scalloped, almost floral brim for the hat; Kristen Tendyke’s Just Peach Saddle Shoulder Cardigan, a classic one-piece top-down design worked in bulky yarn; the Beachcomber Braided Poncho by Heather Zoppetti, which involves dropping stitches and picking them back up to form braids on the body of a basic poncho;and Courtney Kelley’s Ocean Waves Shawl, a Garter Stitch triangle with a multicolored wave embellishment at the edge. Check out all the projects on Ravelry.

Instructions in the back cover techniques you might not know, but I wouldn’t say this is a book for beginners. There are some easy patterns, but many of them include details like short rows, shaping and multiple pattern stitches that might be intimidating to newer knitters. Whatever your skill level, though, you’ll be rewarded with some lovely, classic, wear-with-everything garments and accessories when you stitch the projects from this book.

About the book: 144 pages, paperback, 20 patterns (no skill level given, but patterns range from advanced beginner to experienced). Published January 2017 by Interweave/F+W, retail price $24.99.

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Looking for Yarn online? Check out Lionbrand our preferred source for purchasing yarn online.

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Comments

  3. There are many beautiful and complicated knitting patterns but Garter Stitch is probably the most simple. Its in the simplicity that each stitch can be clearly seen, sometimes in the thousands and each stitch can represent the love and patience knitted into what is made. A way to say “I love you” thousands of times.

Have you read?

Stitch Your Favorite Fruit on a Sweater

The other day I saw a post from Pinterest about trends for summer and it said one of them was “cultivating whimsy.” 

Well, I don’t know where Pinterest has been all this time, but we’ve been cultivating whimsy here at Craft Gossip for a long time. I love sharing projects that are a little different, things that make you smile when you see them, and will make you smile when you knit them and wear them or use them. 

Such it is with the Tutti Frutti tee knitting pattern from Bea Creative Knits. 

This cute little baby tee is worked top down in the round with contiguous shoulder construction to shape the sleeve caps. There are short rows for the neckline and folded hems with picot edging at the hemline, neckline and edges of the sleeves. 

All of this would be great on its own, but then there’s the addition of a super cute fruit icon, which is added with duplicate stitch. There are a lot of options, including strawberry, banana, orange, cherries, watermelon, lemon, blueberries, kiwi, peach, dragon fruit, apple and pear, so it’s likely you can add on your favorite fruit. 

It is offered in eight sizes, to fit a bust measurement ranging from 28-30 inches (71-76 cm) to 56-58 inches (142-147 cm). The design is meant to be worn with around 6.3 inches/16 cm of negative ease, but you can choose the fit you prefer. There’s also optional bust and waist shaping included in the pattern if you want to make it even curvier.

This is considered an advanced beginner or intermediate project because of all the skills involved, but it’s sure to be a lot of fun even if some of these techniques are new to you.

Grab a copy of the pattern for yourself form Bea Creative Knits on Etsy. 

[Photo: Bea Creative Knits]